3 Wingshooting Methods Explained
Learn the swing through, pull away, and maintained lead wingshooting methods to hit more moving targets with your shotgun. Wingshooting expert Marty Fischer explains how.
Understanding the most effective wingshooting methods is essential for consistently hitting fast-moving birds. While many shooters rely on instinct, successful wingshooting always comes down to sound fundamentals, proper timing, and smooth gun movement.
Below, we break down the three most widely used shotgun shooting techniques. Each method has its strengths and works best in specific shooting scenarios.
The Swing Through Method
The swing through method, also known as pass through or pull through, is one of the most popular wingshooting methods among instinctive shooters. This technique works especially well for hunters who prefer a fluid, natural shooting style.
With this method, the gun is always inserted behind the target. The shooter allows the bird to pass the muzzle line before initiating the swing. As the gun accelerates, it passes through the bird and the trigger is pulled as the muzzle overtakes the target.
In swing through shooting, speed control and timing are far more important than seeing a specific lead picture. In fact, many experienced shooters report seeing little or no lead at all. Instead, they rely on rhythm and muscle memory.
Wingshooting pull away method
The Pull Away Method
The pull away method is the official shooting technique taught by the CPSA and many professional instructors. This method takes advantage of the shooter’s natural pointing ability.
With pull away, the gun is mounted directly on the target. Once the stock meets the shooter’s face, the muzzle smoothly moves ahead of the bird until the correct lead is established. At that moment, the shot is taken.
This wingshooting method allows shooters to judge speed, distance, and line more precisely. As a result, it is particularly effective for longer shots and can greatly improve consistency when practiced regularly.
The Maintained Lead Method
The maintained lead method involves inserting the gun ahead of the bird and matching the target’s speed while maintaining a constant lead picture. Once the correct lead is recognized, the shooter fires without changing muzzle speed.
Because the gun and target move at the same pace, follow-through is critical. Any hesitation or slowing of the gun can immediately ruin the lead picture and result in a miss.
This method works best on strong crossing shots. The more a bird crosses in front of the shooter, the more effective maintained lead becomes.
Choosing the Right Wingshooting Method
No single technique works best for every shooter or every situation. Most experienced wingshooters naturally blend these methods depending on distance, angle, and target speed.
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Source: By Marty Fischer – Gun Digest