Shooting the Shotgun from the hip.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

I am considering giving this a try.  If the host club allows it, and just to see what it's like to do so.  I'll be honest, part of the reason for this is to burn off some shoulder thumper rounds 20 gauge rounds that are too unpleasant to shoot the normal way.   I have done this before with some 12 gauge stuff, just dumping them into the dirt, so I know I can control the shotgun.  (A Parker SxS if you wanna know.)

I was just wondering if anyone had any practical "tips" on how to point the gun at the targets.   I plan on taking my time, but if there is any kind of "technique" to doing this, I'd appreciate the advice.  I have no desire at this time to try it with the rifle or pistols.  (Bisley's and an original Lightning tomorrow.  I guess I'm in a Colt frame of mind.)

 

[Blackwater 53393]

Think of the shotgun as a broom handle. You don’t aim it anyway, so learning to point it properly is the ticket.

 

Imagine that the shotgun is a long broom handle and you’re using it to poke your target. Think of the buttstock as the brush end of the broom and hold it beside your hip in a way that lets you point your handle end at the target. Now! Visualize pushing the broom handle STRAIGHT at your target without having to move either end in any direction. When you’re satisfied that you would hit the target with a perfectly straight stroke, pull the trigger!

 

It’ll take a couple boxes of shells to get comfortable with the idea and to develop the specific skills needed to shoot “from the hip” reliably.  Then, with many more repetitions, you’ll get to where you’re fast and accurate doing it.

[Beartrap SASS#57175]

And it's alotta fun to do!

[Rip Snorter]

It is really fun with a '97 and a full magazine.  Pretty impressive / effective with a bit of practice.

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

It's all about muscle memory.  Since I never practice it, I can't hit the first shot from the hip with any gun, but can "walk it in" and then all subsequent shots will be on target.  But if you practice it you will be able to retain that muscle memory.

[Eyesa Horg]

Props could be an issue.

[MizPete]

I've always wondered why women don't do this.  I'm told it's because you can't hit nothin'

 

[Nostrum Damus SASS #110702]

The "technique" is called LOTS OF PRACTICE, I think.

[Burt Blade, #25657]

Raise the buttstock up under the arm, instead of on the shoulder. Pinch the stock firmly between arm and torso. Center the head above the barrel. Look with both eyes. Point with the target base above the muzzle, or a bit higher. Watch the splash of shot. Adjust and repeat. Memorize that view that works.

 

Works better than hip fire. Reduces impact on trigger hand.

[Waimea]

50 minutes ago, Burt Blade, #25657 said:

Raise the buttstock up under the arm, instead of on the shoulder. Pinch the stock firmly between arm and torso. Center the head above the barrel. Look with both eyes. Point with the target base above the muzzle, or a bit higher. Watch the splash of shot. Adjust and repeat. Memorize that view that works.

 

Works better than hip fire. Reduces impact on trigger hand.

 

If you center your head above the barrel and line it up with the target, you won't miss left or right. Then elevation is all you will need to worry about. And in that regard the target is almost always shorter than it looks. Aim low.

[Mister Badly]

 

[Blackwater 53393]

It’s important to understand that “shooting from the hip” doesn’t mean that you put the gun on your hip or even necessarily near your hip.

 

What it means is that you are shooting without using the sights and you’re not placing the gun in your direct line of sight.

 

 

[Dusty Devil Dale]

Keep in mind that at usual CAS ranges, under ten yards, you are essentially shooting a rifle.  The pattern at that range is smaller than your hand.  So general pointing probably won't get it done, at least until you burn a few boxes of shells practicing.

[Kid Rich]

Watch a few "Outlaws" and you will figure it out pretty quickly.

kR

[Matthew Duncan]

If I point at the target my shot goes over the top of the target.  I have to point about 12” inches lower then what looks right to hit he target.

[Mister Badly]

Elevated shooting positions make it a bit worse. At our match today I didn't miss any rifle or shotgun targets both from the hip. Let's not talk about the pistols or procedurals. 

[Tn Tombstone]

You are going to shoot high to start with, look at the hinge of the knockdown. It does take a little time and when it goes south it can really go south. Good luck, you will be half way to being an Outlaw.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

Well, I tried it.  After 6 misses, I sighed and went back to the shoulder. 

 

[Blackwater 53393]

22 minutes ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

Well, I tried it.  After 6 misses, I sighed and went back to the shoulder. 

 

Eight ain’t enough!!

 

Like I said in my first response, shoot up a couple of boxes just to get started!  It’s NOT something you can just decide you’re going to do and instantly shoot clean…