How to Catch Ejected Shotgun Shells (and Also Have Perfect Pitch)

Watch as Remington Pro Shooter Julia Stallings demonstrates the steps for a great catch that will make you the life of the shotgun party.

posted on September 20, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Trick shooting used to be how sharpshooters dazzled the audience during the traveling Wild West Shows (think Annie Oakley and “Buffalo Bill” Cody). While that genre of entertainment has largely faded into the history books, tricks with firearms still command an audience. For instance, besides busting 25 clays, you can also impress friends both on and off the field by effortlessly catching your spent shotshell hulls as they are ejected. Although it looks a bit tricky, there is a sequence of steps with which, after some practice, will have your friends begging for a lesson. Watch this video as Remington Pro Shooter Julia Stallings demonstrates the steps for a perfect catch that will keep you the life of the shotgun party.

But don’t stop there. Keep watching for a great tip on a more serious topic—preventing your cheek from getting bit by your shotgun stock—as Stallings shows you how to fix the pitch on your buttstock by adding a shim (whether a quarter or piece of cardboard) to make sure you have better contact with your gun on your shoulder. This will prevent it from riding up and hitting you in the cheek. While getting bit by your stock is no party, this is one great trick to help save the shoulders of your fellow shooters.

Latest

Yackley Heat Start The Day With A Good Attitude
Yackley Heat Start The Day With A Good Attitude

Tips to Beat the Heat on the Range

No matter how experienced you are with your shooting sport or spending time outdoors, the heat can be a real danger. Here are some tips to build into those hot days.

What’s a Cup-and-Core Bullet?

Cup-and-core is a popular construction for hunting bullets. But what do these bullets do, and what are they good for?

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 11, 2025

A naked prowler, a carjacking in broad daylight, and an attack in the middle of the night are recalled in these Armed Citizen archives.

Precision Shooting Reminder: BRASS

The Marine Corps has a simple acronym for good precision shooting: BRASS.

New Guns 2025: Performance Center S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp

The redesigned Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 didn't really need any improvements, but these modifications make it an even sweeter everyday concealed-carry pistol.

Speed Tip: Learn to Use Your Off-Hand

The more gun manipulation you can do with your off-hand, the better off you’ll be.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.