First time for a sporting clay event : what gear do I need?
- Thread starter na1lb0hm
- Start date
A shotgun capable of firing two shots. Any type will do for your first outing. Pick the gun you are the most comfortable with. Put in IC chokes. They will do for most stations.
Ear and eye protection.
Target ammunition shot size #7-1/2 or #8. No shells heavier than heavier than 1-1/8 ounce 3 dram. Take 125 shells (assumng a 100 round course.) Have extra rounds in the event of the need to reshoot a presentation due to broken targets or a gun malfunction.
Shell pouch, shooting vest or some means of having the shells handy when you are in the station.
Choke tubes. Note these are lower on the list because for your first round don't worry about chokes. Think about seeing the target and keeping your gun moving. Resist the temptation to change chokes at every station.
Water, a hat and, depending on the location, bug spray. Sunscreen if the field is open.
A shoulder bag to carry all your stuff in.
A positive outlook. Don't expect to the hitting the targets as well as more experienced shooters. Go out, have fun and then come back here and tell us how it went.
BTW, if you get hooked on shooting clays don't say you weren't warned.
Ear and eye protection.
Target ammunition shot size #7-1/2 or #8. No shells heavier than heavier than 1-1/8 ounce 3 dram. Take 125 shells (assumng a 100 round course.) Have extra rounds in the event of the need to reshoot a presentation due to broken targets or a gun malfunction.
Shell pouch, shooting vest or some means of having the shells handy when you are in the station.
Choke tubes. Note these are lower on the list because for your first round don't worry about chokes. Think about seeing the target and keeping your gun moving. Resist the temptation to change chokes at every station.
Water, a hat and, depending on the location, bug spray. Sunscreen if the field is open.
A shoulder bag to carry all your stuff in.
A positive outlook. Don't expect to the hitting the targets as well as more experienced shooters. Go out, have fun and then come back here and tell us how it went.
BTW, if you get hooked on shooting clays don't say you weren't warned.
Thanks Claybuster...
going to be running my s&w semi with uh, fixed full choke. Not ideal, but its what (all) I've got.
got good ear and eye protection
Have a friend who does this quite a bit getting the ammo for me, going to get some extra to practice with and make sure the gun cycles it well.
shell pouch/ vest - I was afraid of that. looks like a trip to nosale sports is in order. Highly doubt a bandoleer is acceptable.
fixed full choke, so no choke tubes to worry about, guess I'm going to have to be spot on.
I know I won't be hammering the clays like the rest of the guys, but there are different divisions right? don't want to be holding other and better guys up with my bad shooting.
I've been shooting clays since I was 13 with friend and family (always informal, on and off since then) Been hooked for a while, but I think this will be a whole different ball game...
going to be running my s&w semi with uh, fixed full choke. Not ideal, but its what (all) I've got.
got good ear and eye protection
Have a friend who does this quite a bit getting the ammo for me, going to get some extra to practice with and make sure the gun cycles it well.
shell pouch/ vest - I was afraid of that. looks like a trip to nosale sports is in order. Highly doubt a bandoleer is acceptable.
fixed full choke, so no choke tubes to worry about, guess I'm going to have to be spot on.
I know I won't be hammering the clays like the rest of the guys, but there are different divisions right? don't want to be holding other and better guys up with my bad shooting.
I've been shooting clays since I was 13 with friend and family (always informal, on and off since then) Been hooked for a while, but I think this will be a whole different ball game...
Run what ya brung. Nothing wrong with a full choke. You'll have the edge on longer targets and while you might not hit as many you'll SMOKE the ones you do.
No need to spend money at Wholesale on a shell pouch or vest. One of those cheap carpenters type pouches that you'll find at Home Depot or Princess Auto will do, just something so you can get your shells easily. You can upgrade if you want later.
No need to spend money at Wholesale on a shell pouch or vest. One of those cheap carpenters type pouches that you'll find at Home Depot or Princess Auto will do, just something so you can get your shells easily. You can upgrade if you want later.
the black puffs were the whole reason I bought a shotgun with a longer barrel than 18.5. I found myself almost craving it hahaha. It was so unsatisfying just "breaking: the clays, not smoking them.
I won't go drop a sh*tload of $ on a pouch, but I've long since had the theory-buy once, cry once. it will be handy for things other than shotgunning if I feel its no good or move on.
is there anything specific I should bring in terms of firearm maintenance? or just the standard kit?
I won't go drop a sh*tload of $ on a pouch, but I've long since had the theory-buy once, cry once. it will be handy for things other than shotgunning if I feel its no good or move on.
is there anything specific I should bring in terms of firearm maintenance? or just the standard kit?
Those little black puffs have kept me coming back.
A shooting pouch with belt should set you back around $20-$30 at most places. Wholesale has a couple on their site.
The only things I bring to the range for maintenance is some oil or G96 and a collapsable cleaning rod in case I get a barrel obstruction.
Previous posters have covered the 'what to bring' very well.
Try to be the last shooter in the squad. Watch what the successful shooters are doing - how they orient their foot placement, where they point their gun, and where they are looking when they call for the bird. These are all subtle things which can make a BIG difference. And don't be afraid to ask them for help (again, listen only to the ones who are hitting) or pointers. Almost all are happy to help.
Some of the target presentations can be very difficult. The ones where you have to look almost straight up, and the bird goes curving around slowly and falls. I make myself dizzy trying to follow them and always miss. Don't do that.
Try to be the last shooter in the squad. Watch what the successful shooters are doing - how they orient their foot placement, where they point their gun, and where they are looking when they call for the bird. These are all subtle things which can make a BIG difference. And don't be afraid to ask them for help (again, listen only to the ones who are hitting) or pointers. Almost all are happy to help.
Some of the target presentations can be very difficult. The ones where you have to look almost straight up, and the bird goes curving around slowly and falls. I make myself dizzy trying to follow them and always miss. Don't do that.
NZClaybuster
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
Bring a great attitude, 10 more shells than you think you need. and away you go...
a comfy backpack will help carry your shells. Clays shooters here seem to want to shoot with new guys with good attitudes, you will have lots of fun.
Stay hydrated, the combination walking and shooting dries you up faster than you think.
Bugscreen and sunblock, you will not forget them on your second shoot if the weather is good at all!!
have a blast, smoke em with your full, and do not let the mini's frustrate you too much!!
Stay hydrated, the combination walking and shooting dries you up faster than you think.
Bugscreen and sunblock, you will not forget them on your second shoot if the weather is good at all!!
have a blast, smoke em with your full, and do not let the mini's frustrate you too much!!
