Pull the trigger with clay pigeon shoots courtesy of IntotheBlue!
The perfect range of clay shooting experiences for anyone from absolute beginners who have never even fired a gun, to those who have already notched up a few ‘hits’. It's time to get down to a shotgun club near you for some clay shooting fun. We think you'll agree we've got one of the biggest ranges of grounds going amongst all of the activity gift voucher companies currently out there, so isn’t it time to see if you can hit the target?
If you've never looked down the barrel of a gun before, it is quite an exhilarating feeling having a go at being a shooter. Of course, we're not talking scary illegal firearms. All the double or single barrel 12 bore guns used at these clubs are specific brands and models for sports purposes only. The most common shotgun used is an over and under type, for trap, skeet or sporting disciplines. Coaches will select the right gun for you, according to your stature and experience, so you won’t be blown back by unnecessary recoil!
Safety first at all shooting grounds
All clay pigeon instructors are accredited by the sports governing body (the CPSA) and abide by very strict rules on things like pre-shoot briefings and up to date shotgun certificates. The safety of all attending the clay pigeon shooting experience is the priority for every club and shooting ground.
On all of these sessions, you'll be aiming at manmade targets that are catapulted into the air from traps. In some cases the release systems are fully automatic. Whereas at other centres you'll be calling out 'pull' at the top of your voice (great fun!) to alert the shootmaster, who'll then fire off a target into the air at the press of a button.
Top level coaching from clay pigeon shoot instructors
Of course, you won't just be let loose out on the stands. Instructor shooters will be with you at all times and if you need one to one help in gun handling and aiming, they will be there to assist.
As any CPSA qualified instructor will tell you, you should always make sure you're ready to aim, as you never know quite where you'll need to look. A target can come from down the line, double rise or even helices traps, all of which give very different trajectories. The idea is that they simulate different animals, such a grouse, pigeons and rabbits - but in clay form, of course. And remember, only when you have them in your sights should you think about firing!
There is, however, one exception to the usual clay pigeon shooting experience and that's laser clays. It's the same sort of targets whizzing through the skies and you have a shotgun - but instead of firing cartridges, your 'hit's are marked with an electronic 'smash' noise as your scores are shown on the electronic scoreboard! Have a little look at our laser clay video for a better idea of what the laser version of a clay shoot is all about.
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