If you’re just starting with clay pigeon shooting, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This quick guide will give you all the basics you need to know before you get started, including all necessary equipment and a few tips for hitting your first target.
Assuming you will be starting out at an established shooting ground, you’ll usually be able to arrange your first sessions with an instructor, so you don’t need to worry about acquiring a firearms license or a shotgun. These will be provided for you by the range.
What you’ll need to bring:
- Non-restrictive clothing that allows you to move freely
- Appropriate footwear for wet or muddy conditions
- A peaked cap or hat to shield your eyes from the sun
Your instructor should provide you with target shooting glasses and ear protection, but as you progress, you may wish to bring your own.
Top tips for hitting your first clay
Don’t be scared of the recoil
Lots of beginners worry about the jolt from the gun when they are starting out. You can start by taking a shot without the gun pressed to your body to get a sense of the force.
Swing while you shoot
Pull the trigger mid-swing. If you shoot with the gun still, you’ll likely miss. You stay still, but the clay keeps moving. Try to swing in the direction the clay is moving, and shoot mid-swing.
Aiming and timing
Aim for the front edge of the clay or slightly in front. You’ll want to look at where the clay is being released from, but this means chasing it from its first appearance.
Instead, find where your eye first sees the clay and shoot slightly ahead of it, allowing time for the cartridge to leave the barrel and reach your target.
