Video: How to Properly Shoulder and Shoot a Shotgun

Transcript for Shotgun Shouldering

Derrick Mein, Olympian and 2020 NSCA National Champion: Today, we're going to talk about some common mistakes that new and beginning shooters make when it comes to form—when mounting the shotgun and approaching targets.

The biggest mistake I see as an instructor, with new and beginning shooters is, they tend to want to lean back because it feels like it helps them support the gun. And what that creates is a situation where you don't have the control over your firearm that you think you do.

Derrick shoots a shotgun in profile view several times.

So, a proper stance, you want to keep your weight forward on your toes, I would call it a slightly athletic stance, as well as a little flex in your knees, and bend forward at the waist just a little bit. A proper gun stance—it looks something like this.

Now, if you'll notice, I got everything perfectly in line, and that spot where I mounted the gun to, we're going to pretend that was my breakpoint for a target.

Camera looks over Derrick's shoulder as he fires a shot into the sky. Camera then changes to a front-facing view of Derrick taking shots into the sky.

You want to have everything in a neutral body position when you get to your breakpoint. It allows for a more natural movement to the target. It's okay to start twisted up and unwind to your breakpoint.