Both have lighter recoil and enough of a shot payload to build confidence and provide enjoyment hitting clay birds. Many times I have had beginners try my semi-auto 20-gauge Remington Special Field Model 1100 after a negative experience with a 12-gauge, and it got them back into shooting. Another cause of shooting frustration frequently stems from a new shooter using an uncomfortable stance that impedes the ability to shoot well. This typically is caused by a beginner facing the clay bird, pointing the gun perpendicular to his shoulder and leaning his head over the stock. Bad form is a proven recipe for a neck-ache, missing the bird, getting pushed off balance and feeling more recoil than you should. In taking a stance, the magic word for shooting well is "comfort." It's usually accomplished by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart - if not a little more, facing and pointing your shoulder and gun muzzle in the direction from which the target comes, keeping the shotgun almost parallel with your chest, and leaning forward while swinging at the waist. Try this and you'll be surprised how much quicker it is to acquire a flying target. Finding a Fit The third reason for shooter frustration is a bit more complicated. It centers on how a shotgun fits the shooter. Most butt-stock shotgun dimensions are made for shooters who are 68 to 70 inches tall. Shorter people often find A com fortab le stance b egins w ith the feet shoulder- w idth ap art or w ider, and the shotgun alm ost p arallel w ith the chest. 5 4