How to get into clay shooting?

[Guest atomemphis]

How do I do this.

I would like to shoot orange discs that move through the air. I currently have a Benelli Nova 12ga (pump) and will have to make do for awhile with it.

I have a box of clays, lots of shells, a 'skeet' choke for the shotgun, and an inexpensive launcher.

Tips/Tricks?

Videos on how-to? Books?

I don't need to win competitions, but I want to be better at this than I am at golf (I am not good at golf)

I welcome all advice.

[bteague2]

If you have land and a friend that is a worse shot then you buy a clay thrower for around $10 and go have fun. If you don't have land find a skeet/trap range and they probably offer a beginners/safety class. Good luck, it's fun.

[Guest dotsun]

And when that gets boring, find a sporting clays range.

[mdmoseley]

I have a hand thrower as well as a mechanical thrower. Once you get the hang of throwning them and it does take some practice, I think the hand thrower is easiler. The hand throwers use the same level wrist wrist motion as a fresbee but palm up instead of down. If you do go with a machine get one that can be securely mounted to something so that it's easier to cock.

[John Wall]

As an old head at this, just look at the target. Point the gun at the target. Did I mention to look at the target? LOL

Break the target before it starts to drop. Keep your head on the stock, and follow through like golf. Nothing to it.

If you get into the Middle Tn area on a weekend, contact me. I shoot at Big Springs on Saturday. There are folks (most of whom I have bribed) who say I am a fair trainer.

[Guest jcramin]

Its not cheap to join, BUT Memphis Sport Shooting Assoc has all the orange discs that move through the air set ups.

J

[memphismason]

Myself and a few buddies like to get together and bust some clays from time to time....so next time we are heading out, I will let you know.

[Guest atomemphis]

Thanks, that'd be great. I'll bring clays and shells to share of course.

[Warbird]

Skeet, Trap and Sporting Clays are a lazy man's shooting sport, which is right up my alley some of the time.

It's classic and timeless. It is not a poor man's sport however. That is not to say you can't get in it for fairly little money, but to be really good you need good, especially at all 3, you need good equipment. People who complain about $500 pistols have yet to see the cost of a sporting shotgun. I have a new Beretta on the way.

A great way to get in it is to buy a shotgun, semi-auto or O/U which has removable chokes and probably a 30" bbl. That would be satisfactory for all three.

I have shot skeet with a pump however, difficultly, but any shotgun can provide for some fun.

I am personally just getting back into after several years off. It's kind of like golf, it's a great place to conduct business. Most of the folks I hang out with are pigeon shooters, big game hunters and collectors. So the natural place to go is a sporting range.

[Guest David Waldrip]

Atom:

Here is an email from 5/18 from Johnny McFarland, the President of the local Quail Unlimited chapter.

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Sporting Clays Instruction

The Willows is hosting a level one instructor course on June 6th 7th and 8th. This is a course to teach folks how to be sporting clays instructors. One thing aspiring instructors need is students. There is a charge to be a student, but it is far less than hourly sporting clays lessons. All instruction given to you will be under the guidance of a level 3 instructor. If you are interested in attending as a student, call Sandy.

For questions and/or registration you can contact Sandy Mize at 662-541-0145, The Willows at 800-946-4946 ext 3154, fax 662-357-3154. Mike Mize email: mizem@grandcasinos.com and Sandy Mize email: tomgirlsweet1@aol.com

Please note, I am sending this out as a blind copy so nobody can say I think you need lessons! I attended one of these schools some years ago, and found it to be very instructional. Enjoy!

________________________________________________

Hope this helps.

-David