33 



WING SHOOTING. 



The following suggestions are designed especially for 

 the beginner, or young sportsman, although not altogether 

 inappropriate to many old and experienced ones. As to 

 the selection of a gun, that has become simply a matter of 

 taste; very good guns are so cheap there is no excuse for 

 getting a poor one. 



The best for all-round shooting is a twelve bore; select 

 the straightest stock you can handle with ease. The length 

 of the stock, from the front trigger to the center of the heel 

 plate, should be from 13^ to 14^ inches. Short, straight 

 stocks are really easier to handle, and will prove more suc- 

 cessful in the field. 



The beginner will find it very important to learn to 

 handle his gun before entering the field. The important 

 points to observe are ease, grace and precision. 



It is almost an invariable rule that the man who handles 

 his gun gracefully is a good shot. To learn to handle a 

 gun in this manner will require careful and persistent prac- 

 tice. An hour each day, spent in your room, practicing the 

 art of throwing your gun to your shoulder gracefully, and in 

 the right position, will be of gfeat service in the field; you 

 will also find it of great benefit as an athletic exercise, 

 much better than club swinging to develop the muscles 

 of the arms. The best position in trap shooting, to 

 resist the recoil of the gun, is to stand firmly on the 

 right foot, the left well advanced, with knee slightly bent, 

 and the body well forward. This position, backed with a 

 little moral resistance, will successfully resist the recoil of 

 heavy charges without injury to the shoulder. 



Now that you have the proper position of feet and 

 body, grasp the gun with the right hand at the grip, with 

 your finger lightly on the trigger; with the left hand, grasp 



