The clay target shooting sports are generally very linear games.  Targets leave the machine and, for the most part, follow a set trajectory to the ground.  There are variations of course, trap introduces an oscillator or wobble, skeet has the shooter move to vary the angle and necessary lead, a chandel target in a round of sporting clays changes speed as it falls from the peak of its arc, and the occasional rabbit surprises with a bounce.  Generally, though, targets follow a known and reliable path. Trap, skeet, sporting clays, and their varieties are civilized and academic… hel ..read more

Here are two things you might not know about the legendary shotgun and rifle maker John Rigby and Co.  The company is actually older than the United States of America and originally hailed Dublin, Ireland.   My guest today is Marc Newton.  Marc has been the managing director for John Rigby since 2013.  He graciously accepted an invitation to discuss the company’s enduring legacy since its founding in the 18th century! Our Sponsors:B&P ShotshellsNegrini CasesDubarry of IrelandCole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Support the project:Patreon Support the show ..read more

Getting away to hunt can be as easy as hitting the other side of your state, maybe a road trip or, flying to the other side of our country or beyond it’s borders. We are going to spend some time on this last version today.  Experienced travelers develop special skills when they are frequently in and out of airports.  I fly several times a year and have developed, or copied, some time saving practices and habits that significantly lower the stresses that can come along with air travel.  One nuance of air travel that I am completely unfamiliar with is traveling with my shotgun.&nb ..read more

'What friends I have, what days I treasure most, what places I think about and smile…  they are because shotguns are.  Without them I would have been empty.  They have made my life full.' -Gene Hill Shotguns are woven into almost every aspect of my life.  They have connected me with some of my dearest friends, they offer a shared pastime of shooting and hunting with my wife and daughters and have looked on during many successful and unsuccessful days in the field with my dad.  The dogs I have owned snap to attention when I so much as handle one and become fully electr ..read more

There is one question that I get asked more often than any other.  Listeners want help or advice on buying used shotguns…   Is it smart to buy a shotgun online?  Is it safe to buy from an individual?  What should I look for in determining a used shotgun's condition and what red flags should I be aware of?  These are just a few of the general questions that are worth considering buying a new bird gun for next season or upgrading your sporting clays shotgun.  Gregg Elliott and Phil Bourjaily join the show to discuss a few points important points to consider.  B ..read more

In this episode, I lay out what gear I take for a day shooting.  Two bags and a case filled with everything I need for a day shooting sporting clays, skeet, or maybe some new adventures trying out FITSC or helice.   Making sure that I have everything I need ensures I have a good time and can stay out as long as I am able. As is usually the case, seeing and not just hearing about these items will be helpful so I encourage you to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages. Here is a full list (with links) of everything mentioned in this episode. Filson Heritage Sportsman Bag Heavy Fe ..read more

Part 2 of our full review of the annual Christmas Grand Battue shoot at Green Acres Sportsman's Club in Roberts, Illinois.  Join us as Shoot Captain, Keith Coyle walks us through the full 'Christmas Grand Battue' experience - from breakfast and high pheasant shooting to flighted mallard and the 5-course gala dinner.    As we take part in this epic shoot day, we will also be reviewing and shooting two premium English-style game guns... the Beretta SL3 and the Christian Hunter O/U from Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing. Mentioned in this episode: Green Acres Sportsman's Club Ch ..read more

Do you dream of one day shooting high, driven pheasants in England or someday experiencing a European-flighted mallard shoot?  While these experiences wait on your bucket list I want to tell you about an amazing shoot that you participate in right here in the States.  Green Acres Sportsman's Club in Roberts, Illinois offers a full menu of authentic British-style shooting events throughout the year.  Join us as Shoot Captain, Keith Coyle walks us through the full 'Christmas Grand Battue' experience - from breakfast and high pheasant shooting to flighted mallard and the 5-course g ..read more

Do you dream of one day shooting high, driven pheasants in England or someday experiencing a European-flighted mallard shoot?  While these experiences wait on your bucket list I want to tell you about an amazing shoot that you participate in right here in the States.  Green Acres Sportsman's Club in Roberts, Illinois offers a full menu of authentic British-style shooting events throughout the year.  Join us as Shoot Captain, Keith Coyle walks us through the full 'Christmas Grand Battue' experience - from breakfast and high pheasant shooting to flighted mallard and the 5-course g ..read more

Many argue that there are Scottish shotguns that bested the London guns in innovation, matched them in quality and were produced in far fewer numbers - making them, in my mind truly special.  In this episode my guest, J-P Daeschler discusses the legendary John Dickson and Son Round Action shotgun along with other noteworthy models from MacNaughton and Alex Martin.    John Dickson and Son If you are enjoying the podcast and would like support what we are doing - consider becoming a member of our Patreon.  Members will be entered to win quarterly gear giveaways!  Find ou ..read more