WHAT'S THAT THEN?
(Besides a complete b*****d at times?)  FITASC is an International Sporting discipline, FITASC is an Acronym for a French term that means the International Federation for Sporting Shooting (Federation Internationale de Tir Aux Sportives de Chasse). Competitions consist of 100+ targets shot over sections or parcours of 25 birds. International competitions can be as large as 200 targets over 8 sections shot through a time period of two to four days. The layout uses the more familiar speeds and angles of the uncomplicated English version. The targets can be launched as singles or pairs. The pair may consist of one target, followed by the second launched on report (the instant a shot is fired), a following pair (rafael) or both targets launched at the same time (simultaneous pair). 

HOW DO YOU SHOOT IT?
Whereas in English sporting we shoot three to five duplicate pairs of targets per stand, in FITASC things are a little different.  We have "Old System" and "New System" FITASC.  In old style, each parcours has five traps throwing targets whose angle, speed and direction are limited only by safety, the surrounding terrain and the course designers imagination (or cruelty ?)

Each layout also has three shooting pegs, which can be placed virtually anywhere and is approached by a squad of 6, i.e only six shooters on the layout at a time.   In 'New Style' FITASC, each of three or four pegs are  served by three to five traps and a squad can be on each peg, allowing a greater number of shooters to take part.  The result is an immense variety of target presentations.  For example, a three peg layout would have thirteen separate trap machines!

Lets stick to Old Style.  At each layout, shooters get thirteen single targets and six pairs, mostly thrown on report.  Full use of the gun is allowed for single targets.  The gun must be "down" i.e. not mounted in the shoulder from calling for the bird until the target is clearly visible.

WHAT ABOUT THE BEST GUN FOR THE JOB?
Basically you can use the same set-up as for English Sporting, most opting for a 30" or 32" barrel, though some 34" guns are out there!  A multi-choked gun is recommended, as it can be advantageous to change chokes on a section. But look at the guys using fixed choke guns, some use guns choked full & full, they like clean and clear kills and to see where they are shooting the clay (taking the front or back off the clay for example).

CARTRIDGE CHOICE?
The best loads to use would be 28g, in recent years rules allowed 36g and then 32g shells but as of 2005 the heavier loads were prohibited.  Plastic wads and sizes from 6½ down to 9. Rules are not too formal in this event and it is best to take a large selection of shells for varying circumstances as you are allowed two shots at the singles (you may be lucky enough to get a pair with a single shot though this would appear to be pretty doubtful!)

ADVICE?
Use any waiting time you have to study where the targets are coming from and their flight paths. This observation will be very helpful when it's your time to shoot. However if you are number one in the squad you don't have this luxury (try worrying instead).  The key ingredient is the ability to adjust from target to target, you cannot get used to a target's flight path and build a score by repetitive kills, as you are seeing single targets and moving from peg to peg and the angles are changing how the target looks and how it is shot, so try to adapt.

FURTHER ADVICE?
Referees are there to help you, if you are new to FITASC procedures, ask.  Also be aware that mounting the gun, calling for the bird and shooting is very naughty!  Remember, the gun stays down and doesn't move until you see the bird, referees can and will penalise you!

BEGINNERS RATING
A complete novice is unlikely to be drawn into FITASC, but if you are a sporting shooter trying FITASC, 50% is ok, it's probably going to take a bit of time to adapt your mindset and not mount or move the gun, plus it can be tempting to rush your shot in the belief that you have a narrow window of opportunity, but don't worry about your score in your first competition. This discipline does take time to adjust to.

DIGWEED RATING
80% + is good, 90% is obviously better!  If you're in the 90's you don't need my advice!