Our Guide to The Basics of Clay Pigeon Shooting
This is our guide to Clay Pigeon shooting. From learning how to hold the shotgun to taking the all-important shot.
Before getting your hands on a shotgun, your instructor will ensure a few things first of all:
- Determine which is your dominant eye.
- Check if you’re left or right-handed.
- Match you with the right type and weight of shotgun.
Holding the Gun:
Before taking your shot, it’s important that you feel comfortable when holding the shotgun and getting accustomed to the weight.
- Rest the stock firmly in your shoulder.
- Place your cheek against the side of the stock.
- Be sure you have a perfect line of sight down the barrel of the gun.
Shooting Stance
A good stance is important when Clay Pigeon shooting. A correct stance will distribute the weight of the gun across your body, creating a more natural shot.
- For right-handers, place your left leg forward, with your right foot at a right angle to your left foot. Left-handers do the opposite.
- Position your upper body slightly forward.
- Hold the gun firmly in your hand.
Readying Your Shot
It’s always useful to have a few test shots so you can get used to the flight of the clay and perfect your swing.
- First of all, you need to find your clay’s origin and focus your aim here.
- Once you’ve found the origin, take a test release, and follow the clay to its descent. This will be your firing point.
- The test releases will help you get accustomed to the swing of the gun between the two points.
Taking your Shot
Now for the fun part, you’ve practised with the gun, got your stance and learned the line of fire, now it’s time to hit that clay!
- Move slightly ahead of the clay as you follow it through the air.
- Keep your gun moving when you take the shot, the clay doesn’t stop moving, so your gun shouldn’t either.
- Stay calm, you’re still learning and the hits will come.
Here at Westlands, we now offer a range of Shooting Packages tailored towards you. Our packages are great for beginners, experienced shooters and corporate groups. Once you’re done out on the shooting ground, you can sit back and relax in our Stand Bar & Restaurant.
If you’d like to see any activity on our Clay Pigeon grounds, you can do so by following us on Instagram.