Hitting the "running rabbit" clay

[animal79thecat]

Dear Sir/madam,

Can anyone advise on hitting the above?

At my local shoot,it comes out at a hell of a speed,but at the moment,doesnt bounce.I think one of the rabbit traps did,but this doesnt,just a straight roll,but very fast.

Judging by youtube videos,you have to shoot low,just in front where the "paws" of the rabbit would be?

Many thanks if you can assist,

Yours forever,

Animal.

 

[Hamster]

It really all depends on so many variables, distance, speed, angle, terrain (long grass can dramatically reduce speed within a few paces). Not sure I understand what you mean when you say at the moment doesn't bounce ? 

Some very experienced shots recommend shooting rabbits that bounce in mid air and this can be very effective but ultimately will cost you the odd unforced error. I tend to let the rabbit calm down because even on quartering rabbits which can put a bit of distance between themselves and the gun, coming from behind and shooting an inch or so below its front feet will almost always result in a crushed kill.

It sounds like yours is a speedy crossing runner in which case I would try and hold just over midway between trap and last point of vision/killability, call with the gun held much lower than the flight path and eyes a few yards in front of trap, do not move when you first see the rabbit, raise the gun when the thing has settled (this can be half way round or a little further) and with a speeding gun and eyes on its nose, again shoot an inch or two below at the ground, a really long rabbit will need visible lead, up to around 30 yards will need no more than the speed of your chase will impart.

The easiest way to miss this sort of rabbit is to point towards the trap whilst facing as though you mean to kill it there, your feet must be facing the likely kill zone with your upper body wound back if need be.

 

[Gavin]

The only thing I'd add to what hamster said is stare the rabbit clay to death, and if your coming from behind the rabbit shoot at him just slow everything down, as hamster said only on a distant rabbit will you see lead, iv seen lots of rabbits missed way in front from to much gun speed

 

[Stan]

The only thing I'd add to what hamster said is stare the rabbit clay to death

Totally agree with this. I've been having a total nightmare trying to hit the little blighters recently but today managed to smash the vast majority and the key for me was as above. Just stare at it like you're going to burn a hole in it with your eyes! I've found it very easy to get distracted and therefore confused by the background.

 

[sibaldib]

As per Hamster. The three most important things for me are

a) force your gun way below the path of the rabbit and get fully on your front foot

B) don't hold your gun too far back towards the trap, but make sure your eyes are there

c) pick up the rabbit with your eyes and then move the gun (still keeping it low) and shoot the front edge

Rabbits are one of the few targets I no longer have a problem with and when I shoot them I see no lead at all. Most are missed in front, despite the puff of dust seemingly behind.

 

[Mike L]

Practice on real ones?!!!

 

[westley]

I just bought a Ferret !

 

[chippy]

I see a good 3 ft lead on most rabbit clays when most people shoot straight at them so its up to the individual.

 

[Mark Jones]

All depends on the method you use, no good shooting straight at them if you shoot maintained lead!!

 

[Santa2512]

If you ever get the chance, watch Sian's hubby Tony shoot rabbits.

I had the pleasure of shooting with him at the SCC 2014,

On the sim pair of following rabbits, he was taking both with one shot, he made it look easy :bow:

Me, if i recall i managed about 2

As the other have said,  maintained lead, and shoot the front paws off

:santa:

 

[bisondan]

If you ever get the chance, watch Sian's hubby Tony shoot rabbits.

I had the pleasure of shooting with him at the SCC 2014,

On the sim pair of following rabbits, he was taking both with one shot, he made it look easy :bow:

Me, if i recall i managed about 2

As the other have said,  maintained lead, and shoot the front paws off

:santa:

I surprised myself by shooting 7/8 of thos rabbits, missed the very first one.

I never see too much lead on rabbits unless it's a way out, I find it easiest shooting pull through making sure not to stop the gun.

Most important thing is as someone said before, shoot it's feet off.

 

[Finners]

Agree with the comments above. If I may add this piece of advice I was given by Carl Bloxham.

It was aimed at helping me slow down a bit. If the rabbit is coming from behind you, either straight or quartering, just let let it run on a bit. The clay can NEVER out run your shot. So, don't try to hit it too soon, give the shot pattern a chance to open up a little and that will naturally slow you down too (obvious when you think about it) This, plus the "stare at the clay" and "Shoot it's front feet out" seems to work for me. 

 

[Gavin]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YuUBjUekK6Q&list=PL0A93E4B653DB4532. Won't go far wrong with this advice