Shotgun Shooting
Clay pigeon shooting — firing at flying targets launched from mechanical traps across varied terrain — is the UK outdoor sport with the widest participation and the most diverse range of disciplines.
Clay pigeon shooting (also called clay target shooting) involves shooting at flying clay targets launched from mechanical traps. It simulates game bird shooting in a controlled, safe environment. The UK has a thriving clay shooting scene with thousands of active participants and numerous competition formats from beginner-friendly Down The Line to Olympic Trap.
Pinhoe TSC specialises in rifle and pistol disciplines and does not offer shotgun or clay pigeon shooting. This page provides educational information about the sport. For shotgun shooting in Devon and the Exeter area, use the CPSA ground finder to locate local grounds.
Shotgun Certificate required to own a shotgun. Cost: £79.50 for five years. You can shoot at clay grounds using their guns before obtaining your certificate — many grounds offer have-a-go sessions.
Trap disciplines
Trap shooting features targets thrown away from the shooter at varying angles from a trench or single trap.
Down The Line (DTL) is the most popular entry-level clay discipline in the UK. Five shooters rotate across five stands; a single target is thrown straight away with a limited angle variation. Excellent for beginners. Two shots permitted; scoring rewards first-barrel kills.
Olympic Trap (OTR) uses 15 traps in a trench, with high-speed targets at varying angles. An Olympic discipline requiring fast reactions and precise gunmounting. Internationally standardised.
Automatic Ball Trap (ABT) is similar to DTL but with an automated trap oscillating randomly between shots. One shot per target. Popular as a progression discipline from DTL.
Double Trap (DT) presents two targets simultaneously from the trench. Requires rapid target acquisition and an immediate second shot.
Skeet disciplines
Skeet features crossing targets from high and low houses, shot from multiple stations arranged in a semi-circle.
English Skeet (ESK) uses seven stations plus an optional eighth, with singles and doubles. The most accessible skeet format in the UK; very popular in clubs and good for developing swing technique.
Olympic Skeet (OSK) uses faster targets than English Skeet, with eight stations and targets released on a random delay. An Olympic event requiring speed and accuracy.
Sporting disciplines
Sporting clays simulate game bird hunting with varied, unpredictable target presentations across natural terrain.
English Sporting (ESP) is the most popular clay discipline in the UK. Multiple stands with diverse targets — rabbits running along the ground, driven birds flying overhead, crossing targets — across natural countryside. Every shoot is different.
FITASC Sporting (FSP) is the international format with stricter rules. Multiple traps per peg, no pre-mounting of the gun allowed. More challenging than English Sporting; popular at higher competitive levels.
Sportrap uses five adjacent stands with a sequence of singles and pairs from multiple traps. Compact and fast-paced; suitable for smaller venues.
Getting started with clay shooting
Most clay grounds offer have-a-go experiences with guns and cartridges provided. Start here before applying for your own certificate. Typical cost: £25–£50 per session.
Shotgun Certificate: Apply through your local police constabulary. Cost: £79.50 for five years. Requirements include no relevant criminal record, secure storage (a gun cabinet), and a good reason (recreational clay shooting qualifies). Timeline: typically four to twelve weeks.
Essential starter equipment (using ground guns): Ear protection (mandatory; shotguns are loud), eye protection, comfortable clothing in layers for outdoor weather, sturdy footwear.
When you progress to your own equipment: Over-under or semi-auto 12-gauge shotgun (£400–£3,000+), cartridges (£200–£250 per 1,000 for 24g 12-gauge), gun slip, cartridge bag, gun cabinet for secure home storage.
12-gauge is standard for clay shooting. Most competitions allow 12-gauge or smaller; beginners typically start on 12-gauge.
CPSA classification: The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association classifies shooters based on average scores over registered competitions — Class C (beginners), B (competent club shooters), A (advanced competitive), AA (top-level), AAA (elite). Classes are discipline-specific.
Not offered at Pinhoe TSC
Pinhoe TSC specialises in rifle and pistol target shooting. If you are interested in what we do offer, explore our discipline guides:
- 10m Air Rifle and 10m Air Pistol — no certificate needed
- .22LR Prone Rifle — the UK’s most popular smallbore discipline
- All disciplines at Pinhoe
Our Give it a Go programme provides three sessions for £50 — no experience or equipment needed.