A Beginner's Guide to Clay Shooting

Holding the Gun

Your instructor will talk your through this prior to shooting, but here are a few tips.

  • Rest the stock firmly in your shoulder.
  • Place your cheek against the side of the stock.
  • Make sure you have a perfect line of sight down the barrel of the gun.

Shooting Stance

A good stance is critical, a correct stance will distribute the weight of the gun across your body, making 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 Shoot

Its always useful to have a few test releases to get used to the flight of the clay and to perfect your swing.

  • Find your clays origin, focus your aim here.
  • Take a test release, follow the clay to its descent. This will be your firing point.
  • Get accustomed to the swing of the gun between the two points.

Shooting

The fun part, you've mastered the gun, the stance and line of fire, now you need to hit that clay!

  • Move slightly ahead of the clay as you follow it through the air.
  • Remember to keep your gun moving when you shoot, the clay doesnt stop moving, so your gun shouldnt either.
  • Stay calm, its not as hard as it looks!

A Typical day of Clay Pigeon Shooting

  • Arrive at the venue at the designated time to be greeted by the site staff.
  • Take part in an informative safety briefing where you will be taught how to position, handle, load and shoot the weapons. Out on to the fantastic shooting range where your thrilling session will commence.
  • Depending on the package you have purchased, you will now make your way round the circuit, firing from the various shooting points.
  • An experienced member of staff is always on hand to pass on useful tips and handy techniques.
  • If you are taking part in some group fun then you can incorporate a scorecard as you go round, just to add that competitive edge!
  • By the end of your thrilling session you'll be decimating clays like an Olympic gold medalist!
  • A debrief and totting up of the scores will take place, whilst you enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee and then your amazing session of Clay Pigeon Shooting is over until the next time!

About Us

Experience the thrill of clay pigeon shooting at one of the Midlands' finest clay shooting venues. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by anybody regardless of age or skill level, so why not book a spot with us for your next stag, hen, birthday or corporate event. We have plenty of experience organising events such as these, and perhaps more importantly we have brilliant shooting facilities and provide expert tuition to make even the most inexperienced shooter become the scourge of clay pigeons in no time at all. Your booking includes, tea, coffee, safety briefing, clays, cartridges, protective gear, tuition and of course, shotguns. All you and your team need to worry about is dressing for the great outdoors, keeping a sharp eye, and flexing their trigger finger.

For really big events we can provided a marquee and catering.We have a purpose built, spacious clubhouse with light refreshments available. This is at your disposal during your visit. Please note we are closed on Thursdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Big Shoot

Q Why Should I Choose The Big Shoot?
A Because we are the best in the business with countless years of experience in the Activity Industry. We operate solely at the UK's finest Clay Pigeon Shooting venue.
Q How Do I Contact The Big Shoot?
A If you need to contact The Big Shoot for any reason, simple click here to go to our contact page and fill in the necessary details. Alternatively, you can write to us at The Big Shoot, ActivityHQ, Raglan House, Raglan Street, Harrogate, HG1 1LE. Our Sales Consultants can be reached on 0844 745 5008
Q What Are Your Terms and Conditions?
A please click here to read our Terms & Conditions.

Vouchers

Q Can I Order A Voucher For A Friend from The Big Shoot?
A Absolutely, yes. We have an excellent range of Gift Vouchers that ensure an exhilarating day of action for the lucky recipient! We offer Gift Vouchers in £25, £50, £100 denominations which are redeemable for up to 6 months.

Bookings

Q How Do I Book An Event With The Big Shoot?
A Booking an event with us really couldn't be simpler. Just browse our website and find the right venue for you and then it's just a question of booking your event Online on our secure Online Booking System. Alternatively, you can give call a The Big Shoot Sales Consultant on 0844 745 5008 and they will be more than happy to assist you with your booking.
Q How Can I pay?
A The Big Shoot accept all major credit and debit cards with the exception of American Express. We also accept payments by cheque. Please make cheques payable to The Big Shoot and post to The Big Shoot, ActivityHQ, Raglan House, Raglan Street, Harrogate, HG1 1LE. Please stipulate which activity/package you wish to participate in and also include your Name, Full Address, a Daytime Telephone Number and your E-Mail address.
Q How can I organise a group booking?
A Our quotes are interactive – so you can invite your group members through the quote and then they can book and pay separately as and when they are ready. They can also view all the details of the quote – saves the organiser a lot of work. You can add to your group up to the maximum at any time up to 14 days before the event date.

Activities

Q Are There Any Restrictions In Place On Your Activities?
A Yes, some of our venues will have certain requirements to be met in order to participate in said event. This is most typically height, age and weight. If any such restriction is in place, it will be clearly stipulated in the package description.
Q How Many Venues Do You Have?
A The Big Shoot have 107 Clay Pigeon Shooting venues in the UK and Ireland so you can experience the thrill of Clay Pigeon Shooting where-ever you live in the UK and Ireland.
view other Clay Pigeon Shooting venue's serving Sheffield.

Location

Our shooting centre is situated approximately 12 miles north of Nottingham, on the borders of Sherwood Forest. Mid-way between Mansfield and Newark, just off the A617, the shooting ground is located close to many major routes including the M1, A1, A46, A52, A617 and A614.

Full address details provided upon completion of your booking.

Facilities

For really big events we can provided a marquee and catering.We have a purpose built, spacious clubhouse with light refreshments available. This is at your disposal during your visit. Please note we are closed on Thursdays.

Facilities - Cafeteria, Spectator Areas, Parking, Disabled Equipment, Toilets

Directions

Maps and directions used on our website are for guide purposes only. Please use the directions supplied with your booking confirmation when making travel arrangements.

All directions by Train

The closest train station to the location is Thurgarton. 6.54 miles. Central Trains.

All Directions by Car

Our shooting centre is situated approximately 12 miles north of Nottingham, on the borders of Sherwood Forest. Mid-way between Mansfield and Newark, just off the A617, the shooting ground is located close to many major routes including the M1, A1, A46, A52, A617 and A614.Full address details provided upon completion of your booking.