Direct answer: The correct way to shoulder a shotgun involves bringing the stock to your cheek first so your dominant eye aligns with the rib and bead, then settling the butt firmly into a comfortable shoulder pocket, while maintaining a solid stance and relaxed grip. This creates a consistent sight picture and helps control recoil. Guided steps:
- Seated or standing, adopt a stable stance with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. This gives balance and posture for mounting.
- Bring the stock up to your cheek first, creating a clean cheek weld. The comb should sit under your cheekbone so your eye lines up with the barrel and bead.
- As you maintain the cheek weld, rotate the gun toward your shoulder so the butt rests in the shoulder pocket (the soft area just above the armpit). The stock should feel snug but not painfully tight.
- Ensure the butt sits slightly off-center in the shoulder pocket to manage recoil and avoid jabbing the collarbone.
- Keep the head upright and eyes level with the target, not craning the neck toward the gun. Your aim should come from the alignment of your dominant eye with the barrel.
- Maintain light, controlled grip on the forend with the non-trigger hand to stabilize the muzzle without constraining movement.
- Pointer finger should be off the trigger until you’re aligned and ready to fire; the trigger hand should have a relaxed grip on the stock and wrist.
Tips for better mounts:
- A proper cheek weld is more critical than how hard the gun sutures into the shoulder; the cheek position ensures consistent sight alignment.
- Adjust your mount to fit the gun to your body; a proper fit reduces recoil impulse and improves accuracy.
- Practice mounting slowly at first, then gradually increase speed as your muscle memory develops.
- When shooting moving targets, maintain the same cheek weld and shoulder pocket placement; the mount is the anchor for speed and accuracy.
Safety reminder:
- Always treat every firearm as if loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and follow all local laws and range rules when practicing.
