Clay shooting...

[specialman]

Booked to do some shoots of clay shooting in a few weeks for our gun magazine. Although I have some idea about some shots I want to get I need to get some additional idea - anyone know of some good resource websites relating to clay or live shooting that I can get inspiration from?

Also, anyone know the whole etiquette of clay shooting? I'm going with a shooter (hopefully, unless he pulls out - baby on the way and all that) but when I'm away from him I don't want to feel like a numpty and get my noggin blown to smithereens!!

Anyway, any advice will be more than welcome....

 

[Hairyduck]

I go clay shooting most weekends, there's not much I can think of in terms of inspirational sites but the cpsa is the main clay association so a look at their website may prove useful.

A lot depends where the shoots are, some places are very nice, lots of wooded areas etc so it may be quite dark, others are more open and not so great looking. People normally fire from within a cage but if you're doing shots then it may be worth getting them to fire outside of this area if allowed (most clubs normally allow this)

Remember to take some earplugs, eye protection and depending on the grounds a hat as large chunks of sharp clay falling on your head is never good!

 

[SimonTALM]

I take you are going with a group rather than having been booked by the club.

Make sure the Club knows you will be there and I'd consider ringing them to have a chat to the manager / owner. They are responsible for safety on site and will almost certainly impose some rules on you, for your own safety primarily.

The obvious risks come from the people with the guns. I suspect to get a good photograph you'll need to be side on to see the faces or even slightly infront, more dangerous and there is an increased risk that they may accidentally point a loaded gun in your direction. If the people who you are taking photos of have never handled a gun before then you will need to be extra careful as they may not have a clue about safe gun handling i.e. keep finger away from the trigger, never turn arround with a loaded gun etc. That said some of the people I've seen at my club who are experienced don't have a clue either.

I think if you remember that whilst it is fun shotguns are lethal especially at close range and accidents can and do happy. Basic advise is if you aren't happy move.

 

[specialman]

I'm going with the editor of our gun magazine, but we'll be meeting some gun industry big-wigs who'll be the subjects of the feature.

 

[geoffd70]

Hi Pat

As an ex England Team member I would be more than happy to give you some advice. If you want to PM me I will give you my telephone number if it helps.

Regards


Geoff