What is the correct way to shoulder a shotgun?

1. Stance:
   
   
   • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly staggered (dominant foot back for right-handed shooters, left foot back for left-handed shooters).
   • Lean slightly forward into the shotgun to absorb recoil.
2. Grip:
   
   
   • Hold the shotgun’s grip with your dominant hand, ensuring a firm but not overly tight grip.
   • Place your non-dominant hand on the forend (the front part of the shotgun) to support and control the firearm.
3. Mounting the Shotgun:
   
   
   • Bring the shotgun to your shoulder, not your shoulder to the shotgun. This ensures consistency and proper alignment.
   • Position the butt of the stock firmly into the pocket of your shoulder, where your collarbone meets the shoulder muscle. This area provides stability and helps absorb recoil.
4. Cheek Placement:
   
   
   • Rest your cheek firmly against the stock’s comb (the top part of the stock). This ensures your eye aligns with the sights or bead for proper aim.
   • Maintain consistent cheek placement for every shot to improve accuracy.
5. Alignment:
   
   
   • Ensure the shotgun is level and aligned with your target. Your dominant eye should be looking directly down the barrel or sights.
   • Keep your head upright and avoid tilting it, as this can affect your aim.
6. Follow-Through:
   
   
   • After firing, maintain your stance and cheek weld (contact with the stock) to ensure proper follow-through and accuracy.

That's a fantastic, super detailed guide! I especially appreciate the point about bringing the shotgun *to* your shoulder, not the other way around. That's a common mistake I see new shooters make, and it makes such a difference in consistency and recoil management. One thing I'd add, which ties into "Cheek Placement," is experimenting a bit with *where* exactly on the comb your cheek rests. Everyone's face and preferred sight picture are a little different, so finding that sweet spot for *your* alignment can really lock in accuracy. Sometimes a slightly higher or lower cheek weld can make all the difference for a consistent shot! What are your thoughts on using a low-recoil load for practice, especially when focusing on getting the shoulder mount just right? It can really help build muscle memory without the distraction of heavy recoil.