Essential Equipment for Clay Shooting - What Do Beginners Need?

Anyone wondering which clay shooting equipment is worth buying can learn about essential safety equipment, shooting tools, and accessories here.

If you're new to the world of clay shooting, the right gear can get you started on the right foot. Clay shooting starter equipment can cost less than you think, and making strong choices to begin with can prevent the need for frequent upgrades down the line.

In this blog, we'll walk you through the must-have equipment for clay shooting beginners, helping you embark on your shooting journey with confidence and readiness. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, we’ve got insights you’ll be glad to know. This is the second entry in Castellani’s blog series all about clay shooting. Read on for a guide to basic clay shooting equipment and click the download button below for your full guide!

Clay Shooting Safety Equipment for Beginners

Safety first! If you’re new to clay shooting, you may not be aware of the safety essentials mandatory for this sport. 

Basic safety equipment (referred to as ‘PPE’) is required at every registered clay shooting event. Even if you’re just training alone or shooting clays as a casual pastime, it’s always best practice to wear equipment that protects your eyes and ears.

At the least, it’s recommended that you invest in:

• Shooting glasses with impact-resistant lenses (like the C-MASK, C-MASK2 and C-MASK PROs)
• Ear protection in the form of ear muffs or ear plugs (disposable are fine to start with)
• A cap with a stout brim that can protect you from falling clay fragments

You’ll also need a purpose-made gun safe if you plan on using a shotgun of your own. That’s part of complying with the conditions of your Shotgun Certificate in accordance to police guidelines. We recommend keeping a cleaning kit in good order as well, so you can fend off rust and ensure your shotgun can continue to perform reliably.

Choosing a Shotgun for Clay Shooting Beginners

But what if you have no shotgun of your own? If you’re looking to invest in a solid clay shooting gun choice, Viking can help.

There are three basic types of shotgun options:

• Side-by-side - these are popular for those who also enjoy game shooting, but they’re usually not chosen if clay shooting is your priority.
• Semi-automatic - these offer a lower recoil, so are preferred by some. Generally speaking they require more time on a clay layout, as they throw empties out to the side and need a safety flag to show each time they’re emptied.
• Over-and-under - these are named for their barrels being set one above the other, and are by far the most popular among clay shooters.

LEARN MORE: Discovering Castellani UK: The One-Stop Shop for Premium Shotgun Shooting Accessories

What to Accessories Wear for Clay Shooting

We don’t need to tell you to dress appropriately for the weather, but we’ll say it anyway! Dress however you like, but it’s often wise to layer up and put on some waterproofs.

Most clay shooters wear a shooting vest as their top layer - it prevents shoulder snagging when mounting the gun, offers the right amount of pocket space, and provides for freedom of arm movement. You can find these sized specifically for both men and women.

They can also be personalised, often embroidered with competitive shooters’ names, team emblems and sponsor logos. Top competitors are often seen in Castellani shooting vests in a wide variety of colour combinations. You’ll also notice shoulder bags and gun slings on most shooters, so we’d consider those essential too. 

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 at the link below.