Hops Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Hi, I'm a beginner to the sport and keen to get involved in some regular shooting. After looking around the nearest sites to me are the A1 Shooting Ground in Barnet and Rectory Farm in Enfield. As I do not have a SGC yet I thought it best to get some lessons first and would be keen to know if anyone has any experience of either site's lessons or even about the sites in general? From a brief chat with both I gather Rectory Farm is about half the cost as A1 for a guided 50 cartridge deal with tuition although the instruction at A1 does sound more comprehensive... I would be keen to hear opinions from anyone who knows these grounds. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulGrier Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 I don't know anything about Rectory Farm, but I use the A1 at least twice a week for OT. I think it's fair to say that the owners of the A1 are more into trap shooting than sporting. However, the A1 has a range of sporting traps (around 12 of them) to suit most abilities, including some high tower clays which can be challenging as well as some teals and "going-aways" which help build the confidence of someone new to the sport. James Cook, who works there and is a (the?) European ZZ Champion, is a fantastic shot as well as an excellent coach at sporting and a top bloke, so a lesson or two with him might suit you well. It's also a very friendly ground, and Teresa's cakes and breakfast set you up for the day, or reward you when you've missed one too many! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Rectory farm is great for the beginner, Wed afternoons and Sundays as I remember it, £13 for 50 clays over 5 stands. Nothing too difficult for a beginner. There are loads more, Broomhills up the M1/A5 - similar to the A1 in that there are about 10-12 sporting stands, all reasonable but don't change to often (like the A1). There are a couple of good local friendly shoots I'd be happy to introduce you, best meet up at the A1 or something first though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcs1972 Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 went to rectory today, with my trusty benelli supersport, only to find they dont allow semi's......bit of a waste of time, borrowed my mates 686 and shot badly, left after an hour.. Probably ok for beginners but wont be going again if I can use my own gun..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riz Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 I was poorly welcomed there a few years back, (4 ish) before I got my own shotgun cert. They simply didn't seem interested. I had a day off work and was full of enthusiasm for finding a play so close to home. To be polite I phoned before arriving, was given poor instruction on finding it. When I arrived there were some chaps outside, sitting on the benches. Two adults and a teenager. I introduced myself and spoke to whom I can only assume was the proprietor, as he didn't even so much as turn around to look at me. He montioned to the young lad to show me round. I was told that Semi's weren't allowed because "a few idiots turned up with them" which being new, really made me wonder, why were they classed as idiots? For owning a semi? For using one on clays? For going on a wild spree in the local town? I later found that it's the preferred tool for Clays in the US and many other countries not to mention an excellent choice for anyone wanting a soft (ish) shooting gun that automatically dispenses with the spent shells. When I let them know I didn't have my own cert yet but was hoping to join a club and get involved, they treated me like a leper. No mention of advice on how to get into the sport, or friendly gun shops or dealing with the police for licensing. After the very cold reception I left and have never been back since. I was lucky enough to find some friendlier places since. I can't say enough about Dartford Clay Shooting ground. Friendly, professional, well laid out and top class facilities. I once turned up at their DTL with a semi, which is the only place on the site that semis are not permitted, due to the proximity of other shooters. But as it was mid week (so no-one else was on the DTL layout with us) and after I explained I had travelled some way with just that semi auto shotgun, they let me shoot. Absolutely lovely of them. Top place and sensible, friendly staff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Broomhills is ok.Never tried A1 but must go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 (edited) Hi, I'm a beginner to the sport and keen to get involved in some regular shooting. After looking around the nearest sites to me are the A1 Shooting Ground in Barnet and Rectory Farm in Enfield. As I do not have a SGC yet I thought it best to get some lessons first and would be keen to know if anyone has any experience of either site's lessons or even about the sites in general? From a brief chat with both I gather Rectory Farm is about half the cost as A1 for a guided 50 cartridge deal with tuition although the instruction at A1 does sound more comprehensive... I would be keen to hear opinions from anyone who knows these grounds. Thanks in advance! Editted when I realised the post was 4 years old Edited October 11, 2012 by bakerboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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