Another thing have ran into is the worse I shoot the “safer” I try to play things which leads me to checking the barrel or checking my lead.

Gil and Vikki Ash wrote about “having to be out of your mind” I.E not trying to control the lead but extreme focus on the target which reinforces confidence in lack of the need for barrel awareness in the sight picture.

I use the 3 bullet drill often to train myself to focus on the target whether it be clay, fur, or feathered. I use orange peel and stick dots on my garage door instead of shells starting close at 12” or so seperation working out to several feet of seperation. It has really helped on the longer lead targets or just to reinforce that the barrel can go where you want it in the periferal while focusing on the target

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-BCLskPpxqs

This thread has exceeded expectations, thanks to all who have responded so far.
Almost time for question #2

I have one front ball bead on my shot gun, have used it for years and years fairly heavily for duck hunting and don't even use the sight. Maybe take your sights right off and try some wing shots?


I try to look at the bird. One thing I have found is between shooting game loads and target loads it takes me a while to get used to the slower speed of the target shells if I'm shooting clays
I also almost always shoot full choke I rarely use modified

Bingo!

This may not be the answer you’re looking for or help. But it’s easy to do and worth trying. Cleaning it really well. Use something that will cut the plastic out of the barrel. Even get the choke really well. Once you’re done, take really find steel wool, wrap it around a brush. Put in your drill, slow to med speed. All the way through the barrel. I know it will make a big difference when working with turkey loads. I have seen guns that would not pattern well come to life after a good cleaning.