Clay Pigeon Shooting – A Beginner’s Guide

What is clay pigeon shooting? Is it dangerous? Is shooting clays hard? We answer all these and other questions in our compact and friendly beginner’s guide to clay pigeon shooting!

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities (including wheelchair access), with friends, family or work colleagues, then clay pigeon shooting could well fit the bill.

What you need to know about clays, guns and shooting

Shooting at pigeons..really?

• We can wholeheartedly confirm that clay pigeon shooting is entirely vegan and vegetarian friendly! 
• The targets are clay discs (a bit like plant pots) so absolutely no animals are at risk of harm!
• You will be aiming with your shotgun and firing pellets at the round clay discs released to ‘fly’ across the sky in front of your stand

Is clay shooting dangerous?

• Like many outdoor action and adventure activities, shooting is potentially dangerous
• Experienced professionals closely supervise all clay shoots
• Trained in maintaining and handling equipment they will ensure guest safety at all times
• No prior experience of shooting or handling a gun is necessary
• Full guidance and instruction will be given on the day
• Recoil –  there should be just enough to give you a ‘feel’ for the shot

What should I wear?

• No special equipment required as this is all provided 
• Bring clothing in layers and footwear suitable for the outdoor venue and expected weather

What will happen on the day?

• Each session begins with a safety briefing from the expert instructors
• Mandatory eye and ear protection is given out
• Guns and cartridges appropriate to each person’s experience will be provided
• Everyone then takes their turn to move onto the ‘stand’, a specially designed and protected platform to shoot from
• Coaching on the correct posture and technique 
• When the first clay is fired into the air, you follow it with the barrel of your gun and as the clay reaches the top of its trajectory – pull the trigger!

If you were lucky enough to ‘get your eye in’ hopefully the clay will shatter in mid-air.  A successful hit is hugely satisfying!

Clay shoots for all!

A clay shooting experience can provide some friendly competition and rivalry, or simply a chance to try a great new experience and a fun day out. But be warned – you might get hooked if it turns out you really do have the knack for consistently shattering the clays!

Check out our UK-wide clay pigeon shooting venues near you