Phil Bourjaily

Shotguns Editor

Bourjaily is Field & Stream's shotguns expert. He's a big fan of sleeping in and shooting turkeys between 9 a.m. and noon.

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Shoot Better
3 Ways to Improve Your Shotgun Skills at Home
Can’t make it to the range? Get to your living room. These drills will help you hit more birds—and all you need is a flashlight.
By Phil BourjailyJuly 1, 2019
Gear Up
Low Recoil Shotgun Ammo: Better Shooting, Fewer Bad Habits
Downsized loads can be better for new shooters and more ideal for home defense.
By Phil BourjailyJune 25, 2019
Gun Reviews
The 20 Best Sporting Clays Shotguns
Want a gun specifically made for the trap, skeet, or sporting clays range? Check out this list of the 20 best clays busters out there, from budget to break-the-bank options.
By Phil BourjailyMarch 18, 2019
Hunt
Hunting With Dogs: Etiquette and Safety
For your first time hunting with gun dogs, you'll have to learn some rules and get used to some new gun handling techniques, but it's all worth it.
By Phil BourjailyFebruary 28, 2019
Shoot Better
Should You Use the Same Shotgun Choke in Both Barrels of a Double Gun?
The author weighs on a reader question concerning the most effective choke combos
By Phil BourjailyJanuary 16, 2019
Clone2 of Hunting With Dogs: Etiquette and Safety
For your first time hunting with gun dogs, you'll have to learn some rules and get used to some new gun handling techniques, but it's all worth it.
By Phil BourjailyOctober 1, 2018
Shoot Better
How to Shoot a Perfect Round of Skeet
Breaking 25 straight clays takes skill and mental toughness, but it can be done.
By Phil BourjailyOctober 1, 2018
How To Make a DIY Gun Cart
Here's a simple way to turn a thrift shop stroller into a durable and useful gun cart for the course or the range.
By Phil BourjailySeptember 10, 2018
Guns 101
Good Wood on Premium Shotguns
What blank would you choose for the stock on your dream shotgun?
By Phil BourjailyAugust 23, 2018
Shoot Better
How Tightly Should You Hold a Gun?
Our shooting expert discusses proper grip and stance at the range
By Phil BourjailyAugust 17, 2018
Range Life
Gen. George S. Patton's Winchester M1 Garand
This presentation rifle was made for one of the U.S. Army’s most famous generals, but he never received it.
By Phil BourjailyAugust 9, 2018
Shoot Better
Shooting with Both Eyes Open
Learning to shoot two-eyed could save your life in a home defense situation.
By Phil BourjailyJuly 23, 2018
Guns 101
Resting Your Gun on Your Foot
It was once common practice for trap shooters to rest the muzzle of their break action shotgun, though the practice is dying out if not outright prohibited.
By Phil BourjailyJuly 9, 2018
Range Life
Three Olympic Hopefuls Share Their Top Shooting Tips
Some of the best shooters in the country and a legendary coach share their insights for hitting more clays on the range and birds in the field.
By Phil BourjailyJune 12, 2018
Hunt
Lead vs. Steel Shot
To switch back and forth successfully between the two, you need understand the differences between them.
By Phil BourjailyJune 5, 2018
Hunt
5 Ways to Protect Your Hearing While Hunting
Hearing loss can’t be reversed, but it can be prevented. Here are five different options for protecting your ears in the field.
By Phil BourjailyJune 5, 2018
Range Life
The Pedersen Device: Turning a WWI Bolt Gun Into a Semi-Auto
This add-on for the '03 Springfield was intended to give soldiers the option of a fast-firing carbine on-demand...and it worked.
By Phil BourjailyMay 16, 2018
Range Life
Range Bag Loadouts: Skeet Shooting and Sporting Clays
There are specific aspects to shooting skeet and trap that require a few pieces of specialized gear. Here's what you need.
By Phil BourjailyMay 4, 2018
Range Life
Guns from Grandpa
Listen up grandfathers: It’s up to you to get the right shotgun, because some day, it will have to be right for your granddaughter or grandson.
By Phil BourjailyMay 1, 2018
Range Life
The 17 Most Innovative Military Firearms Ever
A quick history of the greatest rifles, handguns, tanks, cannons, and, yes, flamethrowers ever to hit the battlefield
By Phil BourjailyApril 30, 2018