A Beginner’s Guide to Clay Pigeon Shooting
Clay pigeon shooting is one of the UK’s most exciting and rewarding countryside sports. It’s a test of skill, timing, and concentration, offering a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re thinking ‘what is clay pigeon shooting’, looking for a new hobby, or aiming to improve your marksmanship, this guide will take you through the basics, from understanding the sport to knowing the right gear and techniques.
With the growing popularity of clay shooting across the country, there’s never been a better time to get involved. And with the right knowledge, equipment, and safety measures in place, you’ll soon be confidently breaking clays and enjoying every pull of the trigger.
What is Clay Pigeon Shooting?
The sport involves shooting flying clay discs, known as clay pigeons, with a shotgun. These discs are launched into the air at varying speeds and angles to mimic the flight of game birds. Originally created as off-season practice for hunters, it has grown into a popular competitive sport enjoyed by thousands across the UK.
Modern clay shooting caters to all experience levels. Success isn’t just about hitting the target, it’s about reading the flight path, reacting quickly, and keeping a steady hand. Different disciplines, such as skeet shooting, trap shooting, and sporting clays, each offer their own unique challenge.
Types of Clay Pigeon Shooting
Below are three of the best types of clay pigeon shooting for beginners:
Trap Shooting
Trap shooting sends targets away in a straight or angled path, simulating the flight of fast-moving game birds. The clays are launched out of a single house, often at varying heights.
Skeet Shooting
In skeet shooting, targets are fired out of two houses, one high and one low, crossing in front of the shooter. This demands quick reactions and coordination to hit clays travelling at high speeds across your view.
Sporting Clays
Often called “golf with a shotgun,” sporting clays take place across a course with multiple stands, each designed to mimic real hunting scenarios. Targets may represent ducks in flight or rabbits running along the ground.
Essential Equipment & Safety Gear
To enjoy clay pigeon shooting safely and effectively, the right kit is important:
Shotgun
A well-fitted shotgun is crucial. Beginners often start with a 12 or 20 bore, but it’s important to seek advice before buying, as fit and weight make a big difference.
Ammunition
Cartridges come in different shot sizes and loads. For beginners, lighter loads tend to be more comfortable yet still have enough power to break clays.
Eyewear
Safety glasses protect your eyes against debris and improve visibility in changing light.
Ear Protection
Hearing protection is vital. Repeated exposure to gunfire can cause permanent hearing damage, so invest in quality ear defenders or in-ear plugs designed for shooting. Check out our guide on ear defenders to find the best fit for you.
Shooting Clothing
A shooting jacket or shooting gilet keeps you comfortable and free to move while absorbing some of the shotgun’s recoil. Shooting gilets for men are popular in warmer months, while a tweed shooting waistcoat gives a traditional countryside appearance and practical storage for cartridges. At John Norris we have an extensive range of exceptional shooting gear for both ladies and gents, featuring iconic names like Barbour, Hoggs of Fife, Seeland, Deerhunter and more!
Top Tips: Basic Techniques
1) Use Your Dominant Eye
Your dominant eye guides your aim and affects which side you should shoot from. Remember, it might not match your dominant hand. To find it, point at an object nearby so it appears at the tip of your finger. Close your left eye and if the object stays lined up, your right eye is dominant. If it shifts, your left eye leads the way.
2) Stance & Posture
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, weight slightly forward, and your body balanced. Your leading foot should point towards the area that you're shooting. Your leading foot is always the opposite to your shooting hand (left foot for right hand shooters and right foot for left hand shooters). A good stance keeps you steady as you swing through the target.
3) Holding & Mounting Your Shotgun
Hold the shotgun firmly but not rigidly. When mounting, bring it smoothly to your shoulder and cheek in one motion, and remember consistency is key.
4) Practise Lead
To hit a moving clay, aim just ahead so your shot meets it in mid-flight. Even a slight shift in aim can make a big difference. For high traps, aiming “ahead” might mean slightly below as the clay drops suddenly. Watch the clay’s path closely and pick a point that feels right. This skill sharpens with practice and advice from experienced shooters.
5) Follow Through the Target
Don’t stop your gun after firing, keep swinging through the target. This smooth, continuous movement gives you better control over the shotgun and improves your chances of hitting the clay.
FAQs
Is clay pigeon shooting suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many shooting grounds offer beginner lessons with qualified instructors who guide you through safety, stance, and hitting your first clay.
What is the best clothing for clay shooting?
Comfort and movement are key. A shooting jacket or shooting gilet with padded shoulders, combined with weather-appropriate layers, will keep you comfortable on the range.
Do I need a licence for clay pigeon shooting?
A shotgun certificate is not required when shooting under supervision at a registered shooting ground. You will, however, need one to own a shotgun.
Clay pigeon shooting combines skill, challenge, and the joy of the outdoors like few sports can. Whether you’re wearing your first tweed shooting waistcoat or returning for your hundredth round at the trap, the excitement of breaking that clay stays fresh. Equip yourself with top-quality gear and classic country clothing from John Norris to make every day out in the field truly memorable.
