Gun shop staff will explain the inner workings of a gun to you

So you’ve decided to start shooting? 

Shooters are a friendly bunch and always delighted when somebody new takes an interest in their sport. It’s certainly not an elitist pastime.

shooting creates strong social networks

Shooting is also good for your wellbeing. Recent research has shown that it creates strong social networks, offers support and reduces loneliness, provides regular exercise and positively impacts mental health.

Different ways to start shooting

People start shooting in various ways and it’s not a given that you need to be brought up with it and start as a child. Or that you need to live in the countryside. Many keen shooters take it up as adults whilst living in a city and head out into the field at weekends.

More and more women are taking up shooting

Clays, pheasant, wildfowling?

You might be interested in gameshooting or maybe think clayshooting is going to be your thing. Or maybe you’ve always been fascinated by wildfowling?  Or you want to do some garden airgunning? 

Whatever appeals to you, here we’ve gathered together all the information you need to know on how to get into shooting.  Find out how to get a shotgun certificate, learn when the game seasons open, explore how guns work, get help with buying your first gun, what you should wear shooting and the intricacies of shooting etiquette (so you get invited back another time).  It’s very important too that you are aware of the shooting safety rules. 

We’ve also got a useful section on shooting terminology, explaining shotgun bores and ammunition.