How to shoot high birds, and how to estimate their range and the required forward allowance, is a topic of perennial interest to shooting sportsmen. Reaching out at range with a shotgun is a fascinating business. Let’s start with the 10 basic tenets that enable you to shoot high birds and judge range accordingly.
1 A GUN THAT FITS WELL
A low comb is a particular disaster for high work. As you raise a low-combed gun above 45 degrees with normal cheek pressure, you may lose sight of the bead, causing the wrong eye to take over and leading to inexplicable misses to one side. Too long a stock may impede your swing too (as will clothing that is too tight or bulky).
2 ENOUGH GUN TO DO THE JOB
I prefer 30in barrels, regardless of barrel configuration or bore. Some manage with 28in or shorter, others favour 32in on over-and-unders or even 34in. Long barrels are fine provided the whole gun does not become too heavy and cause you to slow or stop mid-swing. Whether 12-bore or 20-bore, 30in is a good compromise in a modern game gun. Many seem to see less perceived lead with long barrels than with short
