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(As of 27/07/10 there are 45 Articles)

Here's a bit of an introduction to How to Break Clays.com

The whole point of writing stuff here is to have somewhere on the internet for you to find out what you need to start shooting clays safely with a few mates in a field, here you'll find I've done bits about how to shoot and how you can set up for an afternoon of fun clay breaking. I gain a lot of satisfaction from watching people enjoy themselves shooting targets that I have set up - the look on someone's face when they hit a clay for the first time is worth all the time and effort. Shooting uses some of the most basic of human instincts that everyone has and when it works you're hooked, most people want to come back for more. Once you've started shooting you will probably either pay to shoot at a local club or, like hundreds of others, go to ebay and buy a trap which can be exceedingly dangerous if you don't use it properly. You'll find everything here that I've learnt from lots of people over several years clay shooting. What you are reading are my thoughts about how I shoot, how to safely set up a stand in your field and a few other bits and pieces - you name it, it should be here - if it's not then ask me and I'll try to find the answers for you.

Along the way I've learnt about the most important subject of all, SAFETY; different ways there are to put a gun in the right place in front of the target as well as a bit about guns, chokes, and cartridges. I know how to use, set up and then maintain manual and automatic traps - I can even tell you how to run your own shoot - been there, done that, still do it.

I started shooting as soon as I could hold a Gat, then went through airguns to a garden gun, .410 and ultimately the 12 bore that I favour now. I've shot tin cans, pests, pheasants, rabbits but there is nothing that can hold a candle to hitting clays that you can call over the hedge when you want them. Clays are the most important part of my shooting but as well as that I shoot .22 target rifle. My average is usually around 94.5 although higher scores have earnt me a place in a national final at Bisley, where I shot surprisingly well! I am proud to be part of Framlingham Rifle Club whose highly skilled members have helped and encouraged me to shoot a couple of 100's amongst several 98's, please ask me for an introduction to the world of .22 target shooting - we're always looking for new members.

Mobile Clay Shooting

My first experience of clay shooting came at a friend's birthday party many years ago, she had organised a laser clay shooting event in her back garden when it was a relatively new game; it was a brilliant evening, I was able to use a proper gun fairly well and the clay bug bit. There followed an introduction to a local gun club with a game gun and within 2 shoots I'd traded it in for an over and under 12. Since then I've shot regularly at my local High Lodge, Lakenheath and Wangford Hit and Miss clubs, as well as taking a gun whenever I go away for a few nights - my holidays are usually arranged to be within striking distance of gun clubs I want to visit!

During my 18 years with Westleton Gun Club as a member and Vice-Chairman, I learnt a vast amount from the old hands who had been setting up with manual traps since time began and in a very short time we had converted the club to a full electric trap setup. I've tapped the brains of manufacturers, retailers, ground owners, professional shooters, ground owners as well as any one else who had knowledge to impart; the practical bits that I know are in my head through hands-on experience - I know my grounds, traps, clays and I know what the majority of club shooters wants. Ask me to run your pheasant flush and I'll find you an electronic box we designed and I'll put the traps on a specially made platform hoisted high above the trees - been there, done that at our Prince's Trust shoot. Whatever you want to ask me about, I've probably setup and shot my own version.

The latest chapter in my shooting career has taken me in a slightly different direction from that which has gone before. You may have noticed the new bit at the top of the page, that says it all really. I'm now taking my shooting knowledge and equipment to your homes - I'll show you how to experience the thrill that is clay shooting in the comfort of your own surroundings. Many people I've met are keen to try clay breaking but they don't have the confidence to go to a club where there are strangers with skeet jackets and expensive guns; that's where I come in - I can set up the targets that new guns can hit and also guide them towards enjoying a sport for the rest of their lives, people who wouldn't normally try shooting can now learn to handle a gun safely amongst their friends in their own time at their own place.

Just remember that I'm an amateur club shooter who is thoroughly hooked on clay shooting and along the way I introduce many people to the sport, sharing my passion with anyone who will listen. I have shot in AA class for several years now and have been high gun at times and can score 85's for fun at big clubs - what I do is regular social shooting, I don't take part in dedicated competition events. Any advice I give you on this site is based on my knowledge of shooting through having many years hands on experience running a successful club as well as being a qualified CPSA Safety Officer. What I tell you are my thoughts and pointers towards your being able to shoot effectively and safely.

As I write articles, this site will change. Write to me asking for whatever you want and I'll see what I can do, for now here are some links to other pages which I've started to produce.

****Back by popular demand - The Practice Shoot****

Click below to choose a catagory or an article

New Gallery Page - not many yet, though!

Question and Answer Section

Why does it hurt when I shoot clays?
How far does lead shot travel?
How do I know if my gun fits?
Why can't I find the second clay?
How do I start clay shooting?

ask me about clay shooting and I'll try to find the answer.

My For Sale and Wanted section

Wanted
Bismuth BASC Centenary cartridges, a box of 25.

I'm looking for a box of 25 BASC Bismuth Centenary cartridges for a collector.
Bismuth only please: after much difficulty, we have found the other three of the four special edition cartridges.
Contact me with your price for the cartridges plus delivery, either to me or my gunsmith.

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Copyright of this page belongs to Andy, How to Break Clays.com - the website for the amateur clay shooter, July 2007.