This tip goes along closely with Tip #2, cleaning between each shot. So the purpose of running either a dry patch or a slightly damp patch between shots it to keep the buildup of burnt powder on the walls of the barrel the same for each shot. The very first shot of the day should be out of a clean barrel. This means that there is no burnt powder coating the barrel walls. This ball will have the least resistance as it exits the barrel thus typically causing it to shoot slightly different than future shots.
Our club has a 50/50 game at every match. Each participant picks a number and then shoots at the pair of cards placed on a board at the number. At the end of the match, you find out who has the best hand to see who gets 50% of the money raised by the game. I have been playing for years now, but haven’t won a single time. I use this game though as my fowling shot before I start the match, plus the money raised is for the club, so it’s a good cause.
However you choose to do it, I would recommend shooting a fowling shot before you begin shooting a match.
As a side note: I have heard from some shooters that they have to shoot about 3 or 4 shots before their gun shoots consistently. This is probably due to warming up the barrel so that the barrel is at a consistent temperature during the match.
