Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

I want to buy a new shotgun, and have no idea, can you help me.

A.

Yes I can..........a new gun, your first gun, or the gun of your lifetime, I can help. That new firearm is not about going to a store and seeing what looks pretty and paying for it. There is much more to it than that, to get the correct one. Recoil considerations, barrel length, semi-auto or over-under, length of stock, weight, budget.........and much much more. Guns are like cars.....the corvette is pretty and costs plenty, but the Kia will get you from point A to point B, just as well..........and a lot cheaper. I can help get you through the sea of confusion, and put the perfect gun for YOU, in your hands. And yes.............I can fit that gun of a lifetime to you also.

Q.

Do you work with Youth Shooters

A.

ABSOLUTELY..........I was a Physical Educator and Coach for over 34 years. I have been working with kids all of my life. At present, one of my students, Anthony Regelski, Jr. has been named a two time NSCA All-American, and All NYS Sporting Clay's Open team as well as the 2018 NYS Sporting Clay;s Champion. Brooke Wakefoose was the 2016 & 17 Penn. SCTP Ladies Sporting Champion, and 2020 & 2021 Samantha McInteer from Va. was the Va. State SCTP Ladies Trap Champion. Very few instructors out there have the experience or passion to help your child become a quality adult, AND an accomplished shooter. If you want the best out there for your budding CHAMPION..........look no further. You have come to the right instructor.

Q.

Do I have to have a lot of experience to try Sporting Clay shooting?

A.

No, from dead novice thru Master Class not a problem. Tom teaches all levels from Novice to Competitive shooters. We love to making converts out of New Shooters.

Q.

Do I have to own my own shotgun, or bring ammo?

A.

Yes, you should, but should a special situation arrise, rental shotguns as wlll as ammo is available at the courses I teach at. If a problem arises, such as a Jr. shooter needing a lighter gauge, let us know and we will try to assit you.

Q.

Do I need a special shotgun?

A.

No, but Over/unders or semi-automatics are preferred.

Q.

What if I don't have hearing or eye protection?

A.

No problem, let us know and we will provide them. These safety items are required at every course I teach at, and are also available at the courses.

Q.

Do you teach only Sporting Clays?

A.

No, I teach, Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, and F.I.T.A.S.C., and Wingshooting

Q.

Where do you teach?

A.

As of now, Tom teaches at Mid-Hudson Sporting Grounds in New Paltz, NY, and St. Hubert's Club in Marlboro, N.Y. Tom will also come to your club or range for an additional charge.

Q.

I have been shooting for some time now, and certain targets give me fits, can you help?

A.

Sure can. Every course I teach at has diverse automatic trap presentations. I am sure we can duplicate your tough bird, and get you to ink them quickly... no problem! At Mid Hudson Sporting Clay's in New Paltz.......any target that gives you trouble can be duplicated and worked on. If it is not on the course, their Trap Robot can be moved anywhere to duplicate your troublesome nemesis. We can tailor any presentation to the ones that are driving you crazy.

Q.

I am a competitive shooter, and I practice great, but get in a match, and tank... WHY?

A.

Easy, you are missing targets by 6"... the 6" between your ears. 80% of the Clay Target sports is mental training. Once the mechanics of shooting is mastered, the real work begins. You know how to shoot, you don't know how to SCORE. I can help take you to that next level, no problem. Now the real work will begin.

Q.

I don't see your name in any big shoots... how can you teach me if you are not a great shooter?

A.

Ask Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, or Arnold Palmer.....who helped them with their games. Not one of those teachers was on the PGA tour, they were not great golfers.....THEY WERE GREAT TEACHERS. I shoot regularly, and competitively, BUT, my passion is to be a great teacher, not a great shooter. Check out the testimonials, from every level of shooter. They will attest....they are being taught by a Great Teacher, I have refined my craft over 35 years in the classroom, gym, athletic fields, and shooting courses. Master Class thru Novice. You will not be disappointed. Great Teacher or Great Shooter... I know which one I would rather learn from.

Q.

Do you only teach one method.............I shoot pull away now?

A.

Our bread and butter method is ....Ease Away, or pull away as you call it, but that being said, many targets demand a different method, and we match method to target presentation. We don't try to remake the wheel, or hog tie you to one system or another. We will tweak what you do to the best method for the target presentations you are facing. One thing we do guarantee, after your lesson, whatever method you use, will be slower, more precise, and 100% repeatable, shot after shot, break after break. AND, if you do miss, you will be able to see your mistake, and correct it on the next trigger pull. You need a lot of tools to build a house correctly. Just a hammer will not do it. We will give you the tools to further your game and have more fun doing it along the way.