The concept of cast-off (or cast-on for left-handed shooters) receives unusually short editorial shrift in this country, perhaps because it was N.I.H. -- Not Invented Here. Or, perhaps because the concept is not understood and/or fully appreciated. But with the influx of foreign-made shotguns to our shores -- most of which have some cast-off built in at the factory -- more upland bird hunters are saying . . .

"I shoot this shotgun better than I've shot ANY gun in my life!" Small wonder. ADVANTAGE RIGHT (cast-off's other name) is what usually spells the difference between being a "so-so" and a great shooter. For the bird hunter, that's the difference between taking a occasional bird out of a covey and automatically taking a pair out of a rise. Here's a rear view of what ADVANTAGE RIGHT looks like:

Since bird hunters are, almost by definition, "instinctive" shooters, ADVANTAGE RIGHT fits right into their plan. They get to hunt with head erect, both eyes focused on the flush. Their eyes never leave the target. The bird is taken when the butt touches the shoulder because the gun is pointing where the shooter is looking. Good dog work does the rest. Except for the dog work, ADVANTAGE RIGHT is the difference between "okay" and "great." In your mind's eye, what do you suppose would happen if you were to substitute a cast-neutral gun in the accompanying illustration? To, in effect, give up your ADVANTAGE?

For starters, when you bring the gun up to your shoulder: (1) you'd have to take your eyes off the target in order to locate the sight plane; so (2) you'd have to cant your head; which (3) pushes the comb of the stock down and to the right. And, like the rudder of a boat; (4) causes you to shoot high and to the left. The final indignity -- if you are a chubby-cheeked little rascal -- you will push the comb down even further and shoot even higher and still more to the left.

Add a disgusted look from the dog and it is easy to conclude there is no justice and the world is indeed a cruel place. Been there? Done that? Got the T-shirt?

ADVANTAGE RIGHT is the enabling feature that makes "instinctive" shotgun usage possible. It's a key feature to look for in buying a new gun, of course, but it can be added relatively easily to an existing, cast-neutral shotgun by an experienced stock bender. On the other hand, if you are left-handed and you try to use an ADVANTAGE RIGHT gun, you will probably end up shooting four feet to the right. It will rank highly among the worst shooting experiences of your life. But it need not be so.

ADVANTAGE LEFT (cast-on's other name) brings left-handed (and left dominant eyed) bird hunters the blessings of effective instinctive shooting. There are a few high-end makers who offer ADVANTAGE LEFT (cast-on) or adjustable butt stocks; but for most left-handed hunters getting an ADVANTAGE LEFT gun is an aftermarket process. The rule of thumb among stock-benders is that they can generally get as much cast-on as there is cast-off on a gun. So they can usually turn a cast-neutral or ADVANTAGE RIGHT stock to an ADVANTAGE LEFT gun when called upon to do so. The benefits far outweigh the cost.

How to guard against potential personality changes -- it's been reported that some bird hunters who've put this ADVANTAGE (left or right) to use in the field have become braggarts or "game hogs." Others have been described as "obnoxious" or "hard-to-live-with" just because their shotgun has become an extension of their will. Not everyone can handle the responsibility of being the "800-pound gorilla" when they're pushing through the weeds or the woods. However, in most instances, the life changes in having the ADVANTAGE appear to have worked out well.

Retrievers work better when gainfully employed, game bird recipes get dusted off and used more often -- and the world generally becomes a better place in which to live and hunt birds when you have an ADVANTAGE.

Yes, it's that simple.

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