In the Beginning

Before we dive into the exciting journey from a D class to a Master class shooter, let me provide you with some background information about myself.

The primary aim of this platform is to share my personal journey and insights as I progress from my current standing in B class. I've gained valuable knowledge along the way, which I am eager to pass on to fellow clay shooters. My intention is for this blog to become a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their skills and understanding of the sport.

Approximately two years ago, my introduction to sporting clays began with a memorable experience during my bachelor party. Prior to that, my exposure to clay shooting had been limited to a handful of of backyard sessions. Those previous attempts were somewhat hit or miss, lacking the consistency and expertise that would later define my journey. It was during this event at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC, where I found myself surrounded by friends, equipped with high-quality over-under shotguns, and guided by a competent instructor, that the realization struck me – this was genuinely fun. With a stable income from my job, I decided it was time to invest in one of these remarkable firearms.

From that moment forward, I embarked on a journey of research, exploring online forums, YouTube channels, and websites. Like many others, I faced the classic conundrum of selecting the perfect shotgun. In a subsequent post, I'll delve into the reasons behind my choice of the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I. Remarkably, without ever stepping foot into a physical store (this was the middle of COVID times), my selected firearm was soon shipped to a local FFL, and within a couple of weeks, I proudly became the owner of the Silver Pigeon.

With this beautiful firearm in my possession, the next step was clear – I needed to put it to use. Surprisingly, at that point, I hadn't even decided which discipline I would pursue. The options were indeed evident: Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays.

Simultaneously, my wife expressed an interest in joining me in this newfound hobby. Having learned from past experiences (such as teaching her skiing), I sought a different approach. A bit of research led me to discover that my local club offered sporting clays lessons. I promptly arranged our first lesson, and from that point onward, there was no turning back. I had found my calling in Sporting Clays, despite the looming depletion of my wallet after that initial lesson.

Growing up, I participated in a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, and even golf. I had a natural inclination for competitiveness, a sharp hand-eye coordination, and an appreciation for skill development through drills and practice. Sporting clays and shotgun shooting fell perfectly in line with these attributes. You can expect to find numerous analogies to golf throughout this blog and I might even do a post on a comparison of the two. Sporting clays offers a similar allure – it challenges hand-eye coordination, demands a strong mental game, proves addictive, and provides immense satisfaction as one's scores and confidence steadily rise.

Returning to the world of sporting clays, I discovered that valuable information was scattered across various platforms, particularly in online forums like Shotgun World, Reddit, and Facebook. The hunger for knowledge in this sport is evident, but the problem lies in the abundance of opinions, information that may not apply universally, and the need to sift through it all to find relevant answers. The quest for knowledge requires a thorough excavation. However, I should mention that there are some excellent podcasts and YouTube channels, as well as professional clay shooters who offer videos, subscription programs, and personalized lessons. Each of these resources is invaluable, and this blog does not aim to replicate what they provide.

Let me take a moment for my first endorsement – I highly recommend Anthony Matarese's book, "Straight Shooting" (https://clayshootinginstruction.com/straight-shooting-sporting-clays-book). Consider this your bible, a reference to revisit time and again. Again, I am not here to suggest that this webpage, or my journey-sharing, should replace the guidance of a skilled coach.

So, my goal is to take you through my path to master class and to share the valuable lessons I learn along the way. It is my hope that you, the reader, will glean insightful nuggets and information from my journey to master class.