[JImbothefiveth]

Just what are "pointability" and "pointing"? I've heard stuff like "this shotgun has great pointability" and "shotguns are pointed not aimed". Does it mean the sights don't have to be exactly aligned? I can't actually hit anything without using the sights, but I don't have to carefully align them and slowly press the trigger to hit stuff either.

[oneounceload]

If your shotgun fits you just right, those beads will align just right as you shoulder the gun - the secret is to not focus on the sights, focus on your target....pointability, IMO, is the ability to pick up a gun, put it to your shoulder without thought and it is pointing right where you want it to be wothout a lot of conscious thought...others may have differing views

[JImbothefiveth]

Let me see if I understood that right,
it means that I can pick up a gun, and without using the sights, at least have it almost on target?

[Oldnamvet]

If the gun fits you, you won't need the bead on the barrel. It is just a distraction. Your focus will be on the target, not the gun.

[Loomis]

It means little effort required to line up the bore with a fast moving target. You don't have to concentrate or think about aiming or anything else. It just goes to your shoulder and points to a target almost as if it's doing it by itself.

[oneounceload]

find a point on the wall, close your eyes, and point to it with your hand, then open your eyes....usually, your finger will be pointing where you looked before you closed your eyes.....the same analogy applies with a well-fitting gun that "just feels right"

[chas08]

I agree with oneounceload. A good fitting shotgun is like pointing your finger, almost requires no thought whatsoever. I somewhat disagree with Oldnamvet on sights, or as I refer to them, beads. In that, for me they are not a distraction, but rather, an out of focus point of reference. Especially when using the "sustained lead" style of shooting. Also in reference to your comment about "squeezing" the trigger. While wingshooting, you should "snap" the trigger sharply. Squeezing will put you behind the bird more often than not.:)

[PJR]

It depends on what kind of shotgun we are talking about. An HD gun with a bead, ghost ring or rifled sights is aimed just like a rifle. Focus on the front sight.

A clay target or bird hunting shotgun is pointed and swung and your focus is on the target and the gun is pointed in the right direction.

Pointability isn't a term that I use often. Handling and balance are the qualities that I look for.

[Hollywood Marine]

If the shotgun fits you properly, and you are looking at the target as you swing the gun, the gun will "shoot where you look" without concious thought of pulling the trigger. This is what pointability is, and is also the definition of the perfect shot on a moving target.

[MCgunner]

I have one shotgun with the bead missing from the barrel. I've taken many ducks and geese with it when I was a kid used without a bead, much less any "sights". Shotguns don't have "sights", don't need "sights", unless you're shooting slugs and out to 50 yards I don't need "sights" for that! Sights just get in the way and slow you down. Your shotgun is an extension of your body and you swing it as you would be pointing your finger. Things like follow through and smoothness of swing are more important than "aim".

Yes, fit is very important to wing shooting. The gun must fit you as if a part of you. Wing shooting is what shotguns are all about, not shooting paper targets OR humans. This is why clay games evolved from live pigeon shooting.