Get practical tips from Castellani about exactly how to set yourself up for clay shooting success as a beginner or novice clay shooter.
Ready to try clay shooting? Want to become a top competitor? If you don’t know where to begin (or how to set yourself up for competitive clay shooting success), there are five simple steps that can’t steer you wrong.
In this blog, we'll explore the steps necessary for clay shooting beginners to start strong. This is the third entry in Castellani’s blog series all about clay shooting. Spanning safety protocols, shotgun purchases, cartridge choices and more, there’s a lot to know!
- Get Your Shotgun Certificate
The very first (and most essential) step in your clay shooting journey should be obtaining a Shotgun Certificate issued by your local police. Due to tight regulations for shotgun and rifle ownership in the UK, you’ll get nowhere without one.
Don’t be intimidated by the process. It’s simply down to filling out an application form that can be downloaded directly from the police website. You’ll be asked questions about your gun storage plans, criminal conviction background, and health, and to submit a passport-style photograph of yourself. You’ll also need to nominate a ‘referee’ who can vouch for you.
Police will consider your application and visit your home, but be aware- this can take weeks or even months. Some police forces are working through a backlog of these sorts of requests. Once approved, you’ll be given your certificate and free to buy your shotgun of choice.
- Choose a Gun for Clay Shooting
Picking your first gun is a big decision, so take your time. Get advice from other shooters, coaches, and firearm experts - and think about your options very carefully before making your choice.
While second-hand guns are common (and great options for rookies, if you can find a good deal) there are also many excellent affordable options available brand new. What’s important is that it fits your budget and your needs. A ‘physically’ good fit is critical: you’ll want to ensure the size of the shotgun is exactly right for you.
If possible, try it in person. When you shoulder it the right way, with your cheek resting lightly on the stock, your eye should look straight along the rib to the target. If the gun isn't aligned right, your shot won't go where you're looking (it's not 'aiming' like a rifle). As always, if you’re unsure, just make use of the experts, reach out, and ask.
- Buy the Right Cartridges and Chokes
Do you know what a typical clay cartridge is? It’s a 12-bore, containing 28 grams (1 oz) of size 7 lead pellets. That means each cartridge fires around 340 pellets at a time.
That’s why some say ‘it’s not the gun that breaks the clay, it’s the pattern.’ The pellets spread out as they fly through the air (the greater the distance, the further apart they spread), forming a cloud that can cut through the clays.
For longer-range shots, choke is used instead. This is a shotgun accessory that constricts the muzzle end of the barrel, keeping the pattern of pellets tight. Many top clay shooters opt for a quarter choke in one barrel and a half choke in the other. No choke (cylinder) is popular for skeet shooting, and full chokes are frequent among trap shoots. With experience, you will find your own favourites.
- Remember Basic Clay Shooting Technique
It takes a lifetime to develop the perfect shooting technique, but even total beginners can succeed with the right basic technical principles in place. Here are a few to bear in mind:
- Prepare by setting your feet in a comfortable position facing the ‘kill point’ (target).
- Turn at the waist to face the point where you first see the target clearly.
- Always swing the gun along the path of the target, fire when the gun is ahead of the target, and keep the gun moving along the line of flight (‘follow through’).
The CPSA teaches a system known as ‘The Method’ which covers everything from effective stance taking, visual pick-up points, gun hold points, and kill points- find out more on their excellent series of ‘How to Hit’ videos.
- Never Neglect Clay Shooting Safety Protocols
You won’t last long in a clay shooting community if you don’t stick to commonly-held safety rules. Most clubs will make these crystal clear to new joiners, but some common-sense rules may go without saying.
- Make sure your equipment is clean and in good order.
- Keep your gun unloaded until you’re on the stand, about to shoot.
- Unload and open your gun before turning and leaving the stand.
- Check the gun is empty and place it in your gun slip before moving on.
- Always keep your gun pointed down-range, and be especially careful any time you remove it from its case or slip outside of a shooting stand.
The number one rule: never allow your gun to point at anything you wouldn’t want to shoot, and most importantly never in the direction of other people. Keep these in mind and you’re off to a solid start.
If you’re stepping into the world of clay shooting, Castellani can equip you with everything you need to succeed. View our product range for industry-leading equipment, take a look at our blog for more free tips and resources, or get the full Beginner’s Guide to Clay Shooting
