Batha - Instinctive Shot: the Practical Guide to Modern Game Shooting

T he contents of The Instinctive Shot are not only my thoughts and ideas but are a distillation of all that I have learned from a variety of sources from every instructor that I have worked with, every client I have coached, every article and book I have read and every video I have watched. I would like nothing better than to list and credit each and every one of you, but it would take another book in its own right to do so!

Just let me offer a big Thank you to you all and recognize that if it were not for your willingness to share your knowledge, in person or on paper, I could have not have written this book. I hope you recognize a little of your input in my interpretation of how to shoot straight.

My grateful thanks go to the many editors, writers and authors (living and deceased) whose works have helped build the knowledge to write this book and to my fellow coaches and associates who have helped create the experience to know what works:

Cyril Adams, Dolph Adams, Bob Allen, Gil and Vicki Ash, Lionel Atwill, Lanny Bassam, Fred Baughan, Paul Bentley, John Batley, John Bidwell, Guy Bignell, Bryan Bilinski, Chris Bird, Stephen A. Blumenthal, Bruce Bowlen, Robert Braden, John Brindel, Bob Brister, Bruce Buck, Nash Buckingham, Louise Burke, Pat Burridge, Major Sir Gerald Burrard, Adam Calvert, Chris Cantrell, Dan Carlisle, G.L. Carlisle, Ed Carroll, Andy Castle, Robert Churchill, Charles Conger, George Conrad, Chris Cradock, Fred Neal David, Ken Davies, Bob Decot, Steve Denny, Chuck DeVinne, George Digweed, Andy Duffy, George Evans, Julian Murray-Evans, Richard Faulds, Alister Ferguson, Marty Fischer, Rex Gage, Chuck Gaskin, John Goesslin, Rob Gray, Les Greevy, John Gregson, B.C., Peter Harris, Robert R. Hartman, Macdonald Hastings, John Hawley, Arthur Hearn, Gene Hill, Roger Hill, Charles Hillman, Tony Hoare, Michael Kayes, Bill Kempffer, John King, Mike King, Richard Alden Knight, Frank Kodl, Charles Lancaster, David Leathart, Ernie Lind, John R. Linn, Frank Little, David Lloyd, Tom Mack, Dennis Macnab, Robin Marshall-Ball, Dr. Wayne F. Martin, E.S. McCawley, Jr., Michael McIntosh, Jerry Meyer, E. Migdalski, Tom Migdalski, Chris Miles, Brian Miller, Fred Missildene, Jack Mitchell, Peter Munday, Andrew A. Montague, Bob Nichols, Tony Norman, Steve Nutbeam, Jack OConnor, George G. Oberfell, Tom Payne, Michael Pearce, Tom Penman, Neal Phillips, Richard Rawlingson, Mike Reynolds, Alan Rose, Michael Rose, Mickey Rouse, Bob Rotella, Major J.E.M. Ruffer, Ed Scherer, Charles Schneible, Dan Schindler, Bruce Scott, Robin Scott, Roger Silcox, A. J. Smith, Ronald W. Stadt, Percy Stanbury, Jackie Stewart, Ralph Stuart, Dale Tate, Douglas Tate, John Taylor, Mark H. Taylor, Charles E. Thompson, John Topliss, David Trevallion, Vic Venters, Doug Vine, Billy Walker, Roland Watson, Sam Wilkinson, Mike Williams, John Wooley, Mike Yardley, Claire Zamboni and Don Zutz.

I am grateful for the help given to me by a number of people and companies in the writing of this book:

For their permission to use original artwork illustrations, tables and reference materials from their publications: Blacks Wing and Clay, Eley Hawk Ltd., Remington Arms Company and Winchester Firearms (Olin Corporation).

For their assistance and providing their original photographs: Terry Allen, Arrow Laser Shots, Barbour Ltd, Beretta USA, The Dallas Divas Judy Rhodes, Bettws Hall Sporting Gwynn and Anne Evans and Will Criddle, Luciano Bosis, Charles Boswell Gunmaker, E.J. Churchill Shooting Grounds, Jeff Coates, Electronic Shooters Protection (ESP), FAMARS di Abbiatico & Salvinelli, Paul Fievez, Forest City Gun Club, David Grant, Griffin and Howe Shooting Grounds at Hudson Farm, GripSwell Gloves, G.R.I.T.S. Elizabeth Lanier, Grulla Srl., Holland & Holland Robert Pearson, Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds, Krieghoff International, Le Chameaux Boots, The Orvis Company, Inc., Orvis Sandanona Brian and Peggy Long, James Purdey & Sons, Randolph Ranger Shooting Glasses, Rizzini USA, Russell Boots, Charles, Margaret and Gavin Schneible, Schoffel, Shot Spots, Sporting Targets, John C. Sullivan, Jr., John Taylor, Teague Chokes, West London Shooting Grounds, Kim and Niles Wheeler.

Trudie Abadie for her excellent work in transforming ordinary photographs into handsome photo illustrations.

Jason Fox for his exceptional graphic illustrations.

Jeff Love for his outstanding cover design.

Sara Gump of Redfield & Associates for original photography, editing and never flagging help and support without her this book would never have been written.

And finally, my thanks go to Andrew Johnston of Quiller Publishing for his foresight and confidence in making the decision to publish The Instinctive Shot.

New Charles Boswell .410 Over and Under. (D AVID G RANT )

Foreword

Mike Barnes Editor, Fieldsports Magazine

H aving known Chris for more years than I care to remember, and handled a variety of his work during that time, when he called to ask if I would write this foreword, saying yes was a given.

Chriss knowledge and dexterity never cease to surprise me. He can talk about practically any given subject, which, regardless of its previous mileage he will give a new and added twist. Which for a shooting instructor and columnist is a rare gift.

Chris has been a regular writer for Fieldsports Magazine since it was launched. Each quarter we discuss his proposed subject for the forthcoming issue. Never a problem, and we agree a date for delivery.

An editors joy! It arrives on time (or early), word perfect and while it covers the agreed topic, there is always a different and unexpected slant.

It helps that he knows what he is talking about. Great knowledge of guns too. A vastly experienced instructor, he can also shoot a bit, as Im sure those who have stood next to him in the shooting line will have discovered. He has shot game on at least three continents, and yet his heart remains in the English countryside. This is the place where he is probably most at home, certainly in the autumn and winter. His love of great sport and the heritage that goes with it fuels his imagination to the point that he never, ever tires of it.

So, as a truly first-rate coach and highly experienced and widely travelled game shot, and a good writer, there could be no one better to deliver a book such as this. Im sure you will enjoy it.

(T EEEY A LLEN )

Foreword

Ralph Stuart Editor in Chief, Shooting Sportsman

W e all wish that we could shoot better. Whether we are new to the sport, have become competent with a shotgun, or are consistently on the leader board at clays tournaments, none of us are completely satisfied with our performances every time.

The fact that you have cracked the cover of this book shows that you dont feel that you know everything about shotgunning. And thats a good thing. A willingness to learn and an openness to new ideas are big first steps in improving your abilities.

Another big step is finding the right teacher and youve found him in Chris Batha. I have known Chris for going on 15 years, and he never ceases to impress. He is one of the most knowledgeable, skilled, enthusiastic shotgunners I have ever met. He pretty much lives to pull the trigger. Youve heard people say, Been there, done that, well when it comes to Chris and shooting, truer words were never spoken. Chris is an international clays shooter, a globetrotting game shooter, an award-winning instructor, a host of television shows and videos, a writer, a trip host, a gunfitter, a gun salesman and even the owner of two gunmaking companies. He knows shooting inside out.