English Skeet

Introduction

Skeet shooting originated in the USA, but the English version has its own unique rulings. Targets are fired horizontally over the range from two houses of differing heights, one high and one low. Two firing positions are situated by each house with five others linking the two together at an equal distance through a semi- circular curve. A typical round would normally have 25 targets.

What is English Skeet

English Skeet is another discipline that is a good for beginners and experienced shots alike. English Skeet is good for teaching the concept of "lead" (how far you must get the gun ahead of the target, so that when you pull the trigger the shot intercepts the clay). This means it is good practice for many disciplines that require lead, such as many of the "Sporting" disciplines. It also teaches good gun mounting and concentration is required if you want to become a member of the "25 straight club".

Shooting English Skeet

A group of 5 shooters would shoot each in turn from each firing position. The start would normally be the left position under the high house. The first targets to be fired would be two singles (high then low house), followed by a simultaneous pair. These are shot from each peg except for 3 and 5 as only singles are shot on these pegs. The 25th and final target can be either a repetition of the first target to be missed or a final single from the last shooting position. This is only used if the shooter is currently on a perfect score. Preceding the centre shooting position the high target must always be shot first on the pairs. At the centre position the shooter must inform the referee about which of the two from the pair they are going to shoot first. The remaining pegs would see the low target shot first. The shooter has the option to call for the target with their gun pre-mounted but usually the shooter would find it beneficial to call with their gun partially our of their shoulder. Stand 8 in the diagram is NOT shot in English Skeet.
The score is simply formed from how many targets are broken by a shooter.

Equipment

In the past, Skeet guns have been very lightweight, short in length (around a 28" barrel or less), and were usually very openly choked. Modern thinking incorporates a 30" barrel with substantially less choke with an improved cylinder or quarter in both barrels. If you are using a multi choked gun put in your two most open chokes or alternatively purchase a pair of your gun manufacturers skeet tubes so the two barrels will match pattern.
You would usually use a size 9 shot but 8 shot can be used, with loads up to 28 gr. Plastic wads can again be beneficial if rules permit (note MSG encourages the use of fibre wads and only supplies this type of cartridge). Use cartridges that allow a manageable recoil, as this is usually more comfortable for the shooter and allows a faster acquisition of the second target in the pairs.

Variations

In addition to English Skeet there is also :-

• Olympic Skeet - This can be shot at MSG. To shoot Olympic Skeet correctly the traps are sped up (the clays travel much faster), and there can be a 0-3 second delay of the clay being released after you shout "PULL". The gun must be held out of the shoulder with the butt touching the hip, and the gun must not be moved until the target is released. The sequence, and stands that you shoot on are also different, but this will be explained at the ground. Stand 8 is shot in Olympic Skeet.

Mendip Shooting Ground's Main Skeet Layout