INSTRUCTION

[2D1C]

One thing I have not saw offered in this sport is "Instruction" When I shot competition trap, guys like Daro Handy and others around the country would gladly take up to $1500.00 a day to help you improve your skills in trap.
My friends Gil and Vicky Ash will do the same for sporting clay shooters.
Some of these "lessons" become clinics, they go for 3-5 days and a $1000.00 a day for an individual plus.
Sporting clays is NOT a cheap sport. BIG money guns, Big money entry fees, low pay out.(it's about the reputation, they don't need the money)
The top shooters in these sports are sponsored to some extent. All the top/new ammo and gear are provided, Not unlike Nike, Nascar, or whatever.
Point is I have never saw an offer from a past top 5 EBR offering instruction.
Just a thought.

 

[JimNM]

Look harder. Ted won it last year and then posted a series of videos....for FREE.. IFyou must throw 1000 dollars at a problem, I suggest you find Ted and throw money at him (or me).

 

[Alan]

The bottom line isn't so much the teachings you'd garner from a pro, but yourself! In other words, practice has to become almost a magnificent obsession. I average three or so tins a month (≈1,000 rounds), and I'm not into any competitive shooting (anymore).

If memory serves, Ted got away from this site citing reasons which included spending more time with his (young) family. And one has to think about his/her employment too. If those aren't issues for you personally, then you're over the first hurtle. 

The second hurtle is the hardware. One thing for sure, Ted isn't a cheap skate when it comes to decent hardware. I'm sure you know, that a hand pump and stock Marauder won't cut the mustard! Neither will a cheap Chinese scope! And you will certainly need a decent compressor and tank. And lets not forget a nearby range. Of course you'll need a windmeister, and other expensive goodies to boot.

And the third hurtle is the necessary funds and time off (out) to get to and from the major contests. When I was shooting competitively (firearms), travel was the biggest expense. No doubt a lot more these days. 

I suppose there are folks who manage to win while operating on a tiny budget. But it is the exception, not the rule!

 

[2D1C]

Agreed Alan! I wasn't being critical. It's just a difference in shooting cultures.
I ran into the same issue you pointed out on travel. I could usually win enough to pay my entry fees but not travel!

 

[Keyman62421]

money runs the world. whether a trade or a hobby if there's a dollar to be made. some entrepreneur will figure out how to do it.