The good news is that many clay grounds have recently reopened after lockdown and more are opening daily. Below we’ve rounded up clay pigeon shooting grounds near London. We’ve marked the ones that are open again at the time of writing. None take longer than an hour to get to…
Improve your shooting
Want to improve your shooting? It is something we all aim for and every shooter could learn something new to refine their technique.
We asked Mark Heath, head instructor at West London Shooting School for some top tips. He has taught hundreds of people to shoot, both beginners and those who have been out in the field for years but who have fallen into bad habits along the way.
He says:
- Don’t underestimate the need for concentration when shooting, as opposed to aggressive speed and lack of focus. Lacking concentration will not get you anywhere.
- Shooting large amounts of cartridges can become expensive. Instead invest in a couple of lessons with an instructor who can analysis your faults and correct them for the future. This will result in less cartridges being used to perfect your shot.
- Having a well fitted gun is essential for this sport. If your gun is not shooting where you are looking you are playing shooting roulette. You may win and you may not.
- Follow a pre-shot routine that works for you, allowing you to build up your confidence and perfect your routine.
- Find a cartridge that you have confidence in and stick to it! If you keep changing and are swayed by the latest trend this will not help keep your consistency.
Read through the following articles for more tips on becoming a better Shot.
How to start clayshooting
So you've decided to venture onto a clay ground with a view to taking up the sport. Congratulations. It's a popular pastime for good reason, as you'll discover.
How to practice your shooting during lockdown
Many of us have a lot of time on our hands at the moment so why not get some shooting practice in at home, suggests Simon Reinhold
Could prescription shooting glasses make all the difference?
When was the last time you had an eye test? If you’re overdue for a visit to the optician then it could make all the difference to your shooting. You should also enquire about prescription shooting glasses at the same time. Get your optician to make your glasses with polycarbonate…
How to wash, size, weigh and lubricate your airgun pellets (to make them more accurate)
Frustrated by your performance with an air rifle? Wondering how to improve things? Well, washing airgun pellets could be a start. As could lubricating, sizing and sorting air rifle pellets. Any small changes you make to a pellet can make a difference to its accuracy and trajectory down range, due…
We’ve picked out some of the best clayshooting grounds in the UK
Clayshooting is an excellent way of keeping your eye in and improving your technique out of season. Of course, it’s also a popular sport in its own right. Whether you want to brush up on your skills, learn to shoot clays or just enjoy a day out on a shooting…
How to shoot an air rifle more accurately
Mat Manning offers some key pointers to improve your airgun accuracy and get you on target
How to deal with eye dominance when shooting
Mary has her eyes opened to a shooting technique that stands accepted thinking – and teaching – well and truly on its head
So you want to get into shooting? Here’s how to start …
If you are looking to get into shooting of any kind, this easy guide will give you plenty of hints and tips
How to enjoy a spot of garden airgunning safely and legally
Provided you follow some sensible safety rules, garden airgunning is a great way to improve your target skills. Any garden with a range of above 20m will make for interesting shooting and allow enough room to set up an air rifle shooting range. Garden airgunning safety Although airguns are low-powered…
Beaters’ day – time to get back to basics
Top tips to do yourself proud on beaters’ day Get your shooting kit ready the night before Practise mounting in the mirror 10 times Count 10 breaths in and out before the drive starts Point your leading foot where you’re going to shoot the bird Don’t lift your head off…
Are you having problems with high targets?
Love 'em or hate 'em - high birds can always pose a problem if your technique isn't up to scratch.
Cartridges for high pheasants
January has come round again and that means it’s high pheasant time. So we asked around some Guns and shooting instructors of our acquaintance to see what ammunition they used and for any tips they had to share. Concentration “Truly high pheasant shooting needs the right gun and cartridge combination.…
TOP TIPS: How to shoot a high bird
Many shooters, irrespective of whether they're into clays or game, often struggle to hit high birds
Which is the best shotgun cartridge for hitting high birds?
I noticed something last season. I saw some fellow Guns shooting birds at extreme range – higher than 60 yards – and I was also successful with some of my birds. What occurred to me was that a few years ago these birds would certainly have been out of range.…
Having trouble shooting high pheasants? Then read these expert tips
Chris Bird at Hollands offers some high pheasant shooting tips
How to shoot long range targets and high birds
Clay shooting lessons: How to shoot long range targets and high birds! Mark Russell looks at evaluating long range and high targets.
How tight must the stock and scope screws on my gun be?
I have finally, after much grunting and cursing, succeeded in loosening and removing the stock bolt from my Miroku 6000. When I re-assemble the gun after cleaning the action, must I put the bolt back as tight as it was?
What you need to do to get a clear view along your gun
In this article we take a closer look at the importance of comb height. In particular, how to assess a newcomer’s requirements and understand the relevance of the combination of correct comb height and stock length. Both will help a Gun shoot to a higher standard. What is comb height?…