So you're off clay shooting. Whether you are a regular at clay grounds or are planning your first clay shooting lesson, you'll find the below advice useful.
What is clay shooting
Clay shooting, also known as clay pigeon shooting, is a sport that involves shooting at clay targets using a shotgun. The sport is increasingly popular, whether as a charity event, team building exercise or a way of starting shooting.
What should I wear clay shooting?
Shooting clays isn't as formal as shooting game. There are three key considerations; comfort, safety and practicality.
Hats
A hat will not only keep the sun out of your eyes but also protect your head from any falling shards of clay. Make sure you choose a hat that won't blow away on a windy day or cover your eyes.
>>View our collection of hats and caps suitable for time on the clay ground.
Eye protection
Next up, and in many ways the most critical piece of kit, is protective eyewear to protect your eyes against fragments of broken clay. Protective shooting glasses need to be made with toughened lenses (leave those designer glasses at home). Glasses marked EN166 or ANSI 787 will have the required impact standards set in Europe.
These Evolution Chameleon impact resistant glasses are made slightly narrower with a smaller nose pad, making them more suited to the face shape of ladies. Available in a range of colours to suit different conditions and targets, not only are the Chameleon glasses EN166 impact resistance rated but also UV400 and at £19.95 each they are great value.
>>View our collection of shooting glasses
Ear protection
The decibels your ears are going to go through can cause long-term hearing damage, so protect them. There are two variants available, in-ear protection or external ear defenders, it comes down to a matter of personal preference.
For £0.99 each, these Napier comfy ear plugs are a great place to start, and have a handy key chain to pop them on your keys.
Shirts and tops
A comfy and non-restrictive top beats fashion when it comes to what to wear on top. For warm days, a t-shirt or polo shirt can be ideal, just avoid tops with any ridge across where your gun will mount.
The Seeland Kerry Shooting Shirt and Ginger & Jardine Roll Necks have been designed for a flattering fit, whilst offering a full range of movement when shooting. Both options also look great for pub lunches and days in the office.
>>View our full range of shirts and tops
Waistcoats
The perfect waistcoat for clay shooting is all about balancing comfort and practicality. Look for a style that's lightweight, allows ease of movement, and has pockets large enough for cartridges. A little padding on the shoulder can make shooting more comfortable.
The Seeland Wenlock Faye Waistcoat is our top choice for the clay ground, it has been designed for optimum freedom of movement, easy access to cartridges and fits ladies with larger bust.
>>View our full range of gilets, waistcoats and vests
Jackets
You can be very exposed to the wind and rain on a clay ground, which is where layers come into their own. The Laksen Clay Pro jacket, is our top choice for those colder days. Not only is it waterproof, warm and lightweight, it also has large pockets and provides freedom of movement. The Harkila Orton Tech Jacket is another great choice with its stowaway hood, large pockets and popper closure with quick-load straps and adjustable waist and sleeve hem, the Orton Tech Jacket not only looks good its practical.
>>View our full range of coats and jackets
Gloves
The barrels of your shotgun are likely to get very hot. To protect against burned fingers, wear gloves. The MacWet climatec sports glove provide ultimate grip in both wet and dry conditions. The gloves are not waterproof, but have a wicking technology so water evaporates fast. They are also great for those colder days walking in the country. If you are looking for a waterproof glove we recommend, Sealskinz all weather shooting gloves which also has a trigger finger.
>>View our full range of shooting gloves
Trousers and footwear
Dress for the weather, shorts, skirt, leggings or trousers, practicality and movement is imperative. Footwear needs to be comfortable and practical, there can be some standing around and walking, so support is key.
>>View our full range of trousers
>>Shop clay shooting essentials
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