Hints on shooting clays

[TARNATION !!!]

Whenever I have pulled the trigger, there has been game in range or I have been pistol or rifle target shooting. I have never shot at clay birds but am going to give that a go next month after an invite to a Pheasants Forever shoot. I will be taking along recently (since joining this forum) accumulated Parkers.

I admit up front that when dropping roosters, I'm not sure what I do. I cannot say if both eyes are open or not and how I lead or whether I shoot over or under on a straight away. What I do know is there is a reasonable chance of a dead rooster after the shot. I also know if I try to analyze in the field and not fire instinctively, there is a real good chance the bird keeps flying.

I don't want to over-think the clays and it may or may not come along like game birds but any instructions from those who have been there with their double guns will be appreciated. (I shoot the 870 better than a SxS. I wonder why that is.)

Cheers,
Jack