Target Arc, Lead and Follow through

Arc Of Target Flight

A profile view of a normal target path shows the distances at which targets are shot in singles, doubles, and handicap. In singles, targets are usually broken about 20 yards from the house, or 36 yards from the shooter.

The first doubles target is broken at shorter range, the second about 25 yards out. At handicap, you're a long way from your work.

Lead Angles

A 12 gauge gun muzzle is approximately one inch in diameter, and when your gun is mounted, is about 36 inches from your eye. When you are standing on the 16 yard line, and therefore 35 or 36 yards from the average target breaking point, the gun muzzle covers a space of about 12 inches at that distance.

Sight Picture When a 24 inch lead is called for, your sight picture would be two gun muzzles ahead of the target.

Follow Through A stopped gun is probably lost target. Remember, your shot pattern is flying in a 3 dimensional column, not a 2 dimensional circle. Keep your swing smooth and follow through after the trigger is pulled on every target.