{"id":1125,"date":"2019-02-01T19:11:45","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T19:11:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/?p=1125"},"modified":"2023-06-16T10:59:49","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T10:59:49","slug":"shooting-a-cowboy-action-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/shooting-a-cowboy-action-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"Shooting A Cowboy Action Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Guest Writer: Kenzie Fitzpatrick<\/a><\/p>\n

Cowboy Action Shooting Stages<\/b><\/h3>\n

Cowboy Action stages are fun to shoot because you rarely ever see the same stage twice. The biggest learning curve is understanding what each of the <\/span>sweep patterns<\/span><\/a> is and how to best shoot them. Sweep patterns are the shooting sequence you are given for a set of targets. The stages are given out via email, social media, or published on the club\u2019s website that is hosting the match, be sure to always look them over before attending. If you want to become good at shooting sweep patterns, be sure to head to the range and practice, practice, practice. <\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find that some stages are written for shooting specific guns in a certain order, but when given the option, it\u2019s good advice to always shoot your shotgun<\/a> last, it takes longer to reload than your other weapons. Another time-eater is transitioning from one gun to the next. Learning how to holster a pistol while grabbing your shotgun with the other hand, then grabbing your ammo with your non-dominant hand and loading it properly takes a lot of practice. This article will guide you through some of the lessons I\u2019ve learned and will help you to analytically think through shooting a stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reloading Your Shotgun For Competition<\/b><\/h4>\n

You can win or lose a competition with your shotgun, and that’s not just in cowboy action shooting. Loading a shotgun<\/a> is a lost art. My specialty is loading a side-by-side shotgun. <\/span><\/p>\n

The first place to start is getting a double loop shotgun belt so your rounds are already next to each other. When you grab your shotgun ammo, always use your non-dominant hand, which for me is my left. Put your pointer finger on top of both rounds so they are even with each other. Wrap your middle and ring finger on the outside of the rounds and your thumb on the inside of the rounds, keeping them straight and the rounds together. Leave your pinky out if possible. Keep your rounds in this position when you pull them out. <\/span><\/p>\n

Your shotgun should already be on your shoulder, with the action open, with your dominant hand holding it ready to shoot with your finger off the trigger. Your eyes should be looking at your open action, on the left barrel side. When you bring your ammo up, keep the rounds vertical, perpendicular to the shotgun. Focus on placing your left round under the lip of the left barrel and the right round should align as well. Using your pointer finger, push down on the rounds to load them into the shotgun. Close the barrel with your non-dominant hand and shoot away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shotgun Reloading Reminders:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n