One favorite feature I like about the score sheets is the fact that they are printed on a better quality of paper (a dozen different sheets were tested for pencil and pen use to make the score sheets “smear-proof”) — much better than just plain white 20# cheap copy paper.  “Aim High, Shoot Straight!™” score sheets are printed in four-color by professional printers. Therefore, when a new or young shooter in a program like the SCTP shoots his first perfect score of 25 he can have a nice score sheet framed fairly inexpensively and display it. 

There are four score sheets designed specifically for practicing. The McGuire Post-Angle Lost Bird Review form is one that can be used for both ATA Singles and Handicap targets. I used it for several years and still refer back to it when I have an “off” day. By using the system, you will shortly learn which targets will require additional attention, training and practice to shoot that perfect score of 25. A second practice sheet handles ATA Doubles and again is based on recording your missed birds. The third trap practice sheet is for International Trap which allows one to record the angles and elevations of the targets along with notes in regards to the second shot.  A second sheet for recording the results while practicing for International Doubles Trap is in the works and will be available in the near future. Finally, there is a practice sheet for American Skeet which again will help one determine which target(s) one needs to work on more for that perfect round.

At present there are 17 total score and practice sheets available in pads of 50 sheets each. They include the three ATA trap sports, International Trap, American & International Skeet, Sporting Clays, 5-Stand, FITASC, Wobble Trap and two fun games of “SCRAP” and Wobble Trap-SLIDE. I call it R&D and will continue to add more score sheets as the demand requires.

I am continuing design work on a unique pattern sheet which will include the “Shotgun Weather Bar ™” along with providing more information for the shooter than any other pattern sheet on the market today. The final plans are in the prototype stage for a shooting stand to hold the pattern sheets which will measure 35 inches by 45 inches.  A handy “Pattern Gauge” was recently developed to help the shooter better evaluate their shot shell performance with 20-inch and 30-inch circles when reading their pattern sheet. These pattern sheets will be printed on white paper and not on brown paper or be like the “meat wrapping” paper shooters use today.

It amazes me how one can spend several thousands of dollars on a shotgun and not know where it shoots. The pattern board should be the first place one shoots his or hers new shotgun. It should also be the place where one shoots patterns whenever they change chokes, ammunition or make adjustments to the comb, stock or rib. To shoot better scores, you have to know your Point of Impact (POI) so you are not just making holes in the air with your shot string.
Because of our high volume of printing (last order was over 150,000 score sheets) and with a 30-year-plus relationship with my printer, I am able to pass along savings on our retail score sheets and keep the cost less than that of one single shotgun shell or even one clay target.

Look for and ask for the brand “Aim High, Shoot Straight!™” score sheets and practice sheets from Shooting Shotgun Sports, LLC the next time you are at your favorite gun store, gun club or using the internet to purchase on-line.

Mike McGuire is an NRA, USA Shooting Team and NSCA certified shotgun instructor. He is a Life Member in the ATA, NSCA and the Arizona Sporting Clays Association. Other current and past affiliations include the Ohio State Trapshooting Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation Member, the Ohio State University Trap Club and the Arizona State University Clay Target Program. He is a Contributing Writer to Trapshooting USA and Sporting Clays magazines. The web site for “Aim High, Shoot Straight©” Shotgun Clay Target Sports Score Sheets is under construction but you can contact Mike at 480-488-3500 or mmcguire@shootingshotgunsports.com.

Mike McGuire

Mike McGuire is an NRA, USA Shooting Team and NSCA certified shotgun instructor. He is a Life Member in the ATA, NSCA and the Arizona Sporting Clays Association. Other current and past affiliations include the Ohio State Trapshooting Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation Member, the Ohio State University Trap Club and the Arizona State University Clay Target Program. He is a Contributing Writer to Trapshooting USA and Sporting Clays magazines. The web site for “Aim High, Shoot Straight©” Shotgun Clay Target Sports Score Sheets is under construction but you can contact Mike at 480-488-3500 or mmcguire@shootingshotgunsports.com.