Shotgun Shooting (Clay Pigeon)

UK clay target shooting disciplines

Not Offered at Pinhoe TSC

Pinhoe Target Shooting Club specializes in rifle and pistol disciplines. We do not offer shotgun or clay pigeon shooting. This page provides educational information about shotgun shooting in the UK and directs you to appropriate resources.

For shotgun shooting in Devon/Exeter area, contact the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) to find local grounds.

What is Clay Pigeon Shooting?

Clay pigeon shooting (also called clay target shooting) involves shooting at flying clay targets (“clays”) launched from mechanical traps. It simulates the experience of game bird shooting but in a controlled, safe environment. The UK has a thriving clay shooting scene with thousands of participants and numerous competition formats.

Clay pigeon shooting

Main Shotgun Disciplines

Trap Disciplines

Trap shooting involves targets thrown away from the shooter at varying angles from a trench.

Down The Line (DTL)

The most popular entry-level clay discipline in the UK. Five shooters rotate across stands, single target thrown straight away. Excellent for beginners. Governed by CPSA.

Olympic Trap (OTR)

15 traps in a trench, high-speed targets at varying angles. Olympic discipline requiring quick reactions and precise shooting. Internationally standardized format.

Automatic Ball Trap (ABT)

Similar to DTL but with automated trap oscillating randomly. One shot per target. More challenging than DTL, popular progression discipline.

Double Trap (DT)

Two targets thrown simultaneously from the trench. Requires quick target acquisition and rapid second shot. Olympic discipline (men’s event).

Skeet Disciplines

Skeet features targets crossing from high and low houses, shot from multiple stations in a semi-circle.

English Skeet (ESK)

Seven stations plus optional eighth, singles and doubles. Most accessible skeet format, very popular in UK clubs. Good for developing swing technique.

Olympic Skeet (OSK)

Faster targets than English Skeet, eight stations. Olympic event requiring speed and accuracy. Targets released on random delay adding reaction challenge.

Sporting Disciplines

Sporting clays simulate game bird hunting with varied, unpredictable target presentations over natural terrain.

English Sporting (ESP)

THE most popular clay discipline in the UK. Multiple stands with diverse targets (rabbits, driven birds, crossing targets). Every shoot is different. Extremely popular for both competition and recreational shooting.

FITASC Sporting (FSP)

International format with stricter rules. Multiple traps per peg, no pre-mounting allowed. More challenging than English Sporting. Popular at higher competitive levels.

Sportrap (STR)

Five adjacent stands with sequence of singles and pairs from multiple traps. Compact and fast-paced. Good for smaller venues.

Compak Sporting (CSP)

Compact FITASC variant with fixed layout and five traps. Suitable for smaller grounds. Increasingly popular in UK.

Getting Started with Clay Shooting

Legal Requirements

Shotgun Certificate

Required for: Owning shotguns in the UK
Process: Apply through local police constabulary
Cost: £79.50 for 5 years (grant or renewal)
Requirements: No criminal record, secure storage, good reason
Timeline: Typically 4-12 weeks from application to approval
Capacity limits: Can hold 2 in magazine + 1 in chamber

You can shoot at clay grounds with their guns before obtaining your certificate. Many grounds offer “have-a-go” sessions with equipment provided.

Equipment Needed

For Beginners (Using Ground Guns)

Ear protection: Essential - shotguns are loud (£10-£50)
Eye protection: Shooting glasses (£15-£80)
Comfortable clothing: Layers, suitable for outdoor weather
Sturdy footwear: Boots or shoes with good grip
Ground fees: £25-£50 per session including clays

When You Progress (Own Equipment)

Shotgun: Over-under or semi-auto (£400-£3,000+)
Cartridges: 12-gauge, 24g or 28g loads (£200-£250 per 1,000)
Gun slip: For transport (£20-£100)
Cartridge bag: Carry ammunition (£20-£80)
Gun cabinet: Secure storage at home (£80-£300)
Shooting vest: Recoil pad, cartridge holders (£40-£200)

12-Gauge Standard

12-gauge shotguns are the standard for clay shooting in the UK. Most competitions allow 12-gauge or smaller (20-gauge, 28-gauge, .410). Beginners typically start with 12-gauge semi-automatics or over-unders.

UK Shotgun Organizations

CPSA

Clay Pigeon Shooting Association - National governing body for clay shooting. Manages classifications, insurance, major events, and club affiliations.

Visit CPSA website →

British Shooting

Governs Olympic shotgun disciplines (Trap, Skeet). Manages GB teams for Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.

Visit British Shooting →

Finding Clay Grounds Near You

Devon & Exeter Area Clay Grounds

Use the CPSA ground finder to locate clay shooting grounds near Exeter. Many offer have-a-go sessions, coaching, and regular competitions.

Find Clay Grounds (CPSA) →

Competition Structure

Ground Level

Local ground competitions. Registered shoots that contribute to CPSA classification system. Shoot 50-100 clays per event. Entry £25-£40.

County & Regional

County championships and regional opens. Represent your county or compete individually. Higher-quality target presentation. Entry £30-£50.

National Championships

CPSA British Open, English Open, British Championships. Top shooters compete for national titles. Multiple classes based on CPSA classifications (AA, A, B, C). Entry £40-£80.

International & Olympic

GB teams for World Championships, Europeans, Commonwealth Games, Olympics. British Shooting manages elite pathways for Olympic Trap, Skeet, and Double Trap.

CPSA Classification System

Shooters are classified based on their average scores over registered competitions:

Class C: Beginners, learning fundamentals (typically 50-70% hit rate)
Class B: Competent club shooters (70-80%)
Class A: Advanced competitive shooters (80-88%)
Class AA: Top-level shooters, national competitors (88%+)
Class AAA: Elite level (rare, extremely high averages)

Classifications are discipline-specific (you can be A in ESP, B in DTL). System ensures fair competition within classes.

Why Clay Shooting is Popular

Outdoor Activity

Fresh air, beautiful grounds, connection with countryside.

Social Sport

Friendly atmosphere, teamwork, social events at grounds.

All Ages

From juniors (10+) to veterans - inclusive for all abilities.

Immediate Feedback

You see clay break (or not) instantly - clear success measure.

Variety

Every ground different, endless target presentations to master.

Physical & Mental

Combines hand-eye coordination, decision-making, and stamina.

Interested in Target Shooting Instead?

If you’re interested in rifle and pistol target shooting (the disciplines we DO offer at Pinhoe TSC), explore our comprehensive guides:

Rifle & Pistol at Pinhoe

What we offer

Try Shooting at Pinhoe

Get started with target shooting

Explore All UK Shooting Disciplines

Learn about the full range of shooting sports available in the UK