Where do I start with this stunning, 100% English-made beauty, the Longthorne Valhalla? My full-time job, as a lot of you know, is being a shooting coach and my part-time job is reviewing guns. How lucky am I? The gun I tested here is a Longthorne 12-bore, 32in barrelled, sidelock.…
Guns for clayshooting
Wondering which gun would suit you best when you’re off to a clay pigeon shoot?
Guns for clayshooting reviewed
We’ve reviewed a massive selection of guns to cover a lot of different disciplines within clay shooting and a vast variety of budgets. You’ll also find shotguns that will double up for gameshooting too if you’re looking for an all-rounder.
Well-known brands like Blaser, Miroku, Browning, Beretta are all included, and you’ll discover details of both new and second-hand recommendations.
We’ve also selected clay guns to suit different budgets in different price ranges, from entry-level to wallet-busting.
Whatever the discipline, correct gunfit is key and is a strong gun mount (we show you how to practice this at home here).
If you’re new to clayshooting, you might like to brush up on some of the terminology (you’ll find a guide here).
We also have useful articles by coaches to improve your claypigeon shooting and refine your technique.
Winchester Diamond Grade trap gun: quality, reputation and desirability
Origins of the Winchester Diamond Grade trap gun The 101 Winchester Game gun is an example of one of many models produced by the prolific Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The wide range of guns based on the Winchester 101 frame was produced in the Olin-Kodensha factory in Japan. Reputation Production…
Zoli Z-Sport MR – the Zoli Mid Rib tested out by Becky McKenzie
The Zoli Z-Sport MR Mid Rib is what I would class as the Zoli Z-Sport step rib because this actually has a step-rib style of top rib. Having shot a Zoli for many years, I pretty well know its range of guns inside out. For those who don’t, I suggest…
Beretta 687 Sporting: you’re unlikely to find a more elegant and durable gun at this price
Beretta has been a prolific firearms manufacturer since the 16th century and although it also produces guns for the military and law-enforcement markets, it is Sporting guns that today account for the greater part of its output. It is possible to spend a great deal of money on one of…
Winchester SX4 Stealth: why it’s one of the best semi-autos on the market
I admit that I have always had a fascination with repeating shotguns. The semi-automatic is the most practical and versatile shotgun design available. It has been the shotgun of choice for the American sportsman since the turn of the 19th century, yet the design has never enjoyed the same popularity…
Rizzini Venus
This is the first Rizzini I have ever laid my hands on. I tested this little gem courtesy of ASI, the importer, which loaned me a brand spanking new model. What a treat. The Rizzini Venus – a first The Venus is Rizzini’s first dedicated women’s Sporting/game gun. It features…
Second-hand Beretta 682 shotgun: it’s stood the test of time
In 1984 Beretta brought out a new O/U designated the 682. It was a replacement for the 680, which had been their main competition gun for the previous decade, and it was to prove an enduring design.
Blaser F3 Vantage
This shotgun – the Blaser F3 Vantage – is no bargain basement offering, though it certainly represents an excellent example of a modern competition gun with the genuine potential to perform superbly in the right hands. (See also our list of guns for clayshooting.) It comes, as many good things…
ATA Sporter
This review was first published in 2018 and has been updated. Prices shown are as when gun was originally reviewed and may have altered. ATA Sporter tech specs Weight: 7lb 10oz Barrel length: 30in Rib: 10mm Overall length: 47¾in Length of pull: 14¾in Drop at comb: 35mm to 60mm (standard…
Zoli Z-Sport Black 12-bore
Zoli Z-Sport Black Over the past couple of decades, competitive clay shooting has grown substantially, as have the abilities, ambitions and, importantly, the budgets of its participants. (Read our list of best clay shooting vests.) No longer are competitive shooters satisfied with an off-the-shelf, general-purpose and moderately priced Sporting clay…
Krieghoff K80 Parcours-X
My ‘midlife crisis’ was nearly four years ago. I decided to have a massive change in my life and dropped most of my shooting sponsors, changed my job, went self-employed and became a shooting coach. I am pleased to report it is one of the best things I have done.…
Clay guns put to the test; here’s how to choose the best for you
Competition clay shooting is about controlled levels of focus. This is also true when it comes to choosing suitable clay guns for the task, given the bewildering range of guns on offer. (Take a look at our best clay shooting jackets too.) Best clay guns Ultimately, it comes down to…
Caesar Guerini Invictus V Ascent
My first impressions were it is a good looking gun with lovely wood and fancy engraving. The Invictus V Ascent has a fine looking action, which I understand to be hand engraved in part. Whatever, it is rather nice, a pheasant on one side and a partridge on the other…
Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun: an American classic
I have been a fan of pump actions all my life. There is something rugged about a pump, and that certainly applies to the Mossberg 500. The Mossberg 500 is an American favourite that has been in production for over 50 years – that’s more than 10 million shotguns and…
Beretta DT11L
I had been wanting to test a DT11 for some time now, particularly the DT11L – the Lux version. A trip to my favourite gun dealer (J. F. Neville of Alfreton) revealed a second-hand DT11L to be available, which they were happy for me to borrow for a few days.…
Yildiz Pro Black Sporter
When Jonathan at Orston Shooting Ground in Nottinghamshire suggested I try the Yildiz Pro Black Sporter I did not know what to think. Yildiz is a little-known brand to me and I have always thought of its guns as affordable starters. The Turkish gunmaker Yildiz has a wide range of…
Beretta 486 Parallelo shotgun reviewed: a ‘little cracker of a gun’
At first glance, this month’s shotgun – the Beretta 486 Parallelo – may appear to be one for the diehard traditionalists – but look a little harder and you may be in for something of a surprise. Beretta 486 Parallelo is a little bit different Sitting as it does within…
20 of the best shotguns for under £1000
Finding a gun at the right price can be tough. We’ve listed 20 shotguns for under £1000 here that we think are well worth a look, both new and second-hand. It’s also worth reading our advice on buying a shotgun second-hand where you might pick up a real bargain. If…
15 of the best shotguns for clay pigeon shooting
1. Kofs Sceptre from £450 This made the list of best shotguns for clay pigeon shooting because it’s a great beginner’s gun for those on a budget. Good quality for a low price. Kofs come in 28, 20 and 12 gauge, with various barrel lengths and upgrades available. …
What’s my best gun for shooting clays and game?
Can you use a clay gun on a pheasant shoot? Yes. A lot of the differences between a clay and a game gun are subtle. Ventilated and wider ribs, manual safety and slightly different woodwork won’t really stand out on a game day. Most of the day the gun will…