SUCCESSFUL SHOTGUNNING: HOW TO BUILD SKILL IN THE FIELD AND TAKE MORE BIRDS IN COMPETITION. By Peter F. Blakeley.

2003 1st edition. 8vo (160 x 235mm). Ppxiv,305. B/w photographs and illustrations. Two-tone brown and blue paper-covered boards, spine titled in gilt.

"Successful Shotgunning covers the full gamut of shotgun shooting situations... everything from competitive skeet and sporting clays to hunting the driven red grouse of Scotland, whitewing doves in Texas, and the bobwhite quail of Georgia. The author has a keenly analytical eye and is able to explain with logical, well-thought-out reasons why we often miss even the 'easy' shots. This book will be a benefit also to the upland bird hunter in the tangled haunts of grouse and woodcock, where there never seems to be enough time to bring the gun up to properly swing and shoot. Blakeley explains how to stop 'poking and hoping' and start applying the 'imaginary moving spot technique.' Successful Shotgunning will be a powerful influence on the shotgunning sports for decades to come." (Dennis Walrod). "...a worthy addition to the field of books on shotgun shooting. It's a thorough useful volume written in a cheery, conversational tone, and it imparts a wealth of practical knowledge." (Charles Fergus). Chapters include:- The shotgun: a brief history; Gun safety and shotgun etiquette; Which gun?; Recoil and how to tame it; Eye dominance: diagnosis and some eye problems; Gun fit; Stance, mount, and swing; Application of lead and various shooting methods; The modern shotshell; Internal dynamics, chokes, barrels, and forcing cones; Proof of guns; The pathway to pointability; That shot-string thing; Pattern versus penetration; The logic of lead; Evaluating range; Cleaning and maintenance; Sporting clays; Skeet shooting; Addicted to dove.