Your Questions and Concerns Answered
Part 1
So, you’ve decided to give shooting a go! Fantastic!! You’re about to join a very fabulous and special tribe of ladies, from all walks of life, who have a passion for shooting and the outdoors. You’ll make new friends, see new places and have new experiences.
Maybe you’ve been wanting to try shooting for ages, either to see what it’s like, or because your partner or friends shoot; or you want a new hobby of clay or game shooting; or perhaps are you’re desperately competitive and want a new challenge?!
Whatever your reasons, if you don’t know anything about the world of shooting and how to get in to it, it can be daunting. If you haven’t had time to research it or haven’t felt quite brave enough to go and are worried you might not be any good, don’t panic! All this is normal “brain chatter”! Just think of all the fun and opportunities you could be missing!
Here’s my story: I didn’t come from a shooting family, and I knew nothing about the world of shooting so I found it quite scary starting out when I had no one to shoot with and didn’t know what I was doing! I had days when I wanted to shoot but wasn’t brave enough to go on my own. How I’d have given my eye tooth for the CGUK! But I persevered andI’m glad I did. Shooting changed my life; it took me round the world competing, I met my husband and it gave me a second career as a shooting coach. So, I know what it’s like, but the good news is you have the CGUK to help you and provide that ready-made support network!
For those just starting shooting, here’s the answers some of your questions and concerns:
I know nothing about shooting; where do I begin?
Well you’re in the right place! Start here by reading this blog! Then have a look at my other CGUK blogs as well which cover lots of different aspects of shooting. Look at the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) website too which has some useful information. Talk to your friends or acquaintances who shoot to find out more, or research it on the internet.
I’m really nervous about my first time shooting!
It’s normal to be anxious about trying something new, especially if it involves a lethal weapon! A good instructor will put you at your ease and talk you through all the safety aspects of gun handling and shooting that you need to know. The instructor will be at close quarters to you to ensure there are no accidents. It’ll take a little time to become familiar with safe handling of the gun but very quickly it will come naturally and you will then be able to enjoy your shooting much more.
Can anyone learn to shoot?
Almost anyone can learn to shoot and make no mistake, girls can be as good if not better than the fellas! It is possible to shoot if you are disabled, depending on your disability and ability to handle and control the gun safely; many clay shooting grounds have wheelchair access. If you’ve had mental health issues you can still learn, supervised by an instructor.
Does shotgun shooting hurt?
Shooting should not hurt! A good instructor will ensure you have a gun that fits you and that it’s placed properly in the shoulder and that you have four good points of contact ie right hand, left hand, shoulder and cheek. They will give you light cartridges with minimal recoil which you will barely notice. It should not be an uncomfortable experience and nor you should end up battered and bruised! Tell your instructor if you do. At worst your arms might ache as they are not used to doing the sort of work you are asking them to do.
I’m worried I won’t be able to hit anything?
It’s normal for people to worry about whether they will be able to break any targets. In my experience, very few people are unable to hit any targets and without exception everyone will miss targets to a greater or lesser extent. It’s normal and expected that you will miss a lot to begin with, so don’t be worried or embarrassed about it. The most important thing is that you are safe and you learn to handle the gun safely; the second most important thing is that you enjoy the experience. Listen to your instructor and you’ll soon start to hit targets!
But I don’t have very good eye sight ….
This shouldn’t be a problem. If you are short sighted (struggle to see in the distance), wear your normal glasses or contact lenses for distance to your shooting lesson. If you are long sighted (struggle to see close up) you shouldn’t need your glasses for shooting. Discuss any other sight issues with your instructor.
What is Eye Dominance and why does it matter?
You may not have come across the expression Eye Dominance before; in simple terms it’s about how your eyes are wired to your brain and is little to do with your actual eyesight. Shotgun shooting is one of the few occasions that Eye Dominance matters; if not addressed it can affect your ability to hit the target. A good instructor will assess your Eye Dominance and take measures to ensure any issues don’t impede your ability to hit targets. This may involve putting a patch over the lens of one eye or even shooting off the opposite shoulder.
Is there any need for physical contact from a shooting instructor?
Shotgun instruction can be done without any physical contact but it is easier for both the shooter and the instructor to have a small amount of contact usually when placing the gun in the shoulder of the shooter or for example to stop you leaning back whilst shooting. Any contact should be minimal and not cause any distress. Due to the safety aspect of shooting, and also for the instructor to see and understand what is happening when you shoot, they do need to stand close to you to allow them to do their job properly. Most people recognise the need for this and find it neither uncomfortable nor inappropriate.
How much will it cost?
As with most things, it depends where you go. A lesson can cost between £40 and £150/hr or more in some instances! Clays and cartridges will usually be charged in addition although some places will give you an inclusive package. Clays can cost between 30p and 50p per target and a box of cartridges (25 shells) can cost between £6 and £10/box. You tend to find, the smarter the ground the more expense the clays and cartridges and the lesson!
What should I wear?
You don’t need anything special, just comfortable clothing suitable for outdoors and the weather on the day. Flat sturdy shoes say (trainers or boots) are important. Avoid bulky jackets as you need to be able to move your arms and upper body easily; lots of thin layers are good if it’s cold and thin waterproofs if it’s wet. Hoods or thick scarves get in the way of the gun mount. Wear thin gloves if your hands feel the cold; leather allows you to grip the gun, wool does not so don’t use them. In the summer avoid strappy tops as your shoulders need some protection from the butt of the gun. Your instructor can provide you with a shooting vest if need be; this is a sleeveless jacket specially designed for shooting.
Where can I go to learn to shoot or find a good instructor?
Of course, the first thing is to sign up to a CGUK tuition day which will give you a great start! If then you want regular tuition, find your local shooting ground by looking on the CPSA website. They also have a list of qualified instructors, as do APSI (Association of Professional Shooting Instructors) and BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation). If you have shooting friends ask them for a recommendation. The important thing is to have a qualified instructor in whom you have confidence and you get along with.
I tried it once and couldn’t hit anything and it hurt my shoulder
If this was the case there is a high chance it was an experience with a well-meaning friend or a partner who didn’t understand the requirement to have an appropriate gun for you and indeed a gun that fits you. In addition, you need suitable cartridges, an eye dominance assessment with any remedial action, an explanation of how to stand, hold and mount the gun. You would also benefit from instruction on how to hit the target, where to place the gun, where to look for the target and where to pull the trigger and how to move etc. Please don’t be put off by a bad experience but book in with a qualified instructor for a formal lesson. Tell them about your previous experience so they are aware of your concerns.
Good Luck and Good Shooting! I’ll be back next time with answers to more of your questions and concerns for those embarking on this exciting journey!
Freelance Shooting Coach, British Shooting Talent Pathway Coach
APSI Member, ISSF C Licence Coach, CPSA Safety Officer, Lantra Loader