Marcus Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 (edited) Hi All I am new to the sport, and will be buying my fist SG in the next few weeks. I intend to join a local clay club shortly after. I have never been to a club before so dont know the crack etc Apart from the SG, what additional bits of kit would I need? I dont want to turn up not prepared, or at the other end of the scale looking like the latest (all the gear no idea) twit etc Thanks Edited June 10, 2009 by Marcus South Wales Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Marcus, You will need, Something to put your cartridges in, so a bag of some description. ear defenders and safety glasses (glasses are not mandatory but they aren't a bad idea.) A reasonably tight fitting jacket with pockets to hold enough cartridge for each stand (normally 10) And lastly a pen or pencil to marking the scorecards. (Again not mandatory but you would be amazed how often squads don't have one between them) A willingness to learn and the ability to listen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 At the risk of sounding like your old schoolteacher, sensible clothes often get overlooked. The amount of shooters, and trappers for that matter, who squelch about clay grounds in their best white trainers when it is hosing it down still amuses me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SXPhil Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 I would turn up at the club without a gun first most people I found are more than willing to let you use there guns My club even had all the required PPE available Its amazing how your views can change once chatting to people I was convinced I wanted a Browning Cynergy in Black for no other reason than it looked "cool" I ended up buying a Beretta because it felt right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wookie Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Make sure you have a sensible pair of shoes too. I used to use a pair of Merrells all the time, but have switched over to my North Face walking boots for the last couple of months because a) there was a bit of mud on some of the stands and 2) they are more comfy and I don't move my feet as much when I wear them for shooting. Always carry a pen or pencil. Ikea ones are good if you can get one/two/a bag full. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SXPhil Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 At the risk of sounding like your old schoolteacher, sensible clothes often get overlooked.The amount of shooters, and trappers for that matter, who squelch about clay grounds in their best white trainers when it is hosing it down still amuses me A very good point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadkill Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 cant really add to what has already been put , Have you tryed any guns yet ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Posted June 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Thanks Guys. I have seen the cartridge bags for sale in different capacities, how many carts would you typically shoot over 10 stands ? Ear defenders and glasses were on my list. Im glad you suggested a good coat with large pockets as I thought a shooting vest was needed. I should be ok on the clothes front as I have good outdoor gear already. I dont have any experience really, only done corporate days, I am a blank canvas so will glady take on board any advice and tips im given so I dont develope any bad habits and hopefully turn out to be a decent shot The jeans and white trainers brigade get about a bit dont they ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Make sure you have a sensible pair of shoes too. I used to use a pair of Merrells all the time, but have switched over to my North Face walking boots for the last couple of months because a) there was a bit of mud on some of the stands and 2) they are more comfy and I don't move my feet as much when I wear them for shooting. Always carry a pen or pencil. Ikea ones are good if you can get one/two/a bag full. As are screwfix or Argos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Posted June 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 cant really add to what has already been put , Have you tryed any guns yet ? Not yet. I have heard alot about 'gun fit' and intend to go to the local shop (already met the guy, nice welcome and offered to give advice on guns etc, but treating it with an open mind as he WANTs to sell me a gun) so will be popping in soon to see what he says. I have my SGC now, so the urge to get out there and buy something is overwhelming, but i'm fighting it until I get some advice on the subject. I might give the local club a call to see if they have a club gun I could try. That would probably be better than holding one in a shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SXPhil Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Thanks Guys. I have seen the cartridge bags for sale in different capacities, how many carts would you typically shoot over 10 stands ? Ear defenders and glasses were on my list. Im glad you suggested a good coat with large pockets as I thought a shooting vest was needed. I should be ok on the clothes front as I have good outdoor gear already. I dont have any experience really, only done corporate days, I am a blank canvas so will glady take on board any advice and tips im given so I dont develope any bad habits and hopefully turn out to be a decent shot The jeans and white trainers brigade get about a bit dont they ! Sounds like me a year ago Defo DON'T BUY A GUN YET You will not be looked down upon from my experiances with local clubs What you will find is that the 45/50 corporate day shots suddenly turn into 10/50 as they don't set the traps up to be hit Corporate days are about smashing clays and if you only hit 10/50 then you wouldn't have had a good day I over the last year worked my way up to hi 30's/ low 40's out of 50 which is really satisfying Saying that I attended a corporate shoot 2 weeks ago and hit 50/50 and got so much stick for being a "Pro" Don't rush into spending money you may buy something you later regret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SXPhil Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 I might give the local club a call to see if they have a club gun I could try. That would probably be better than holding one in a shop. A great idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadkill Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Not yet. I have heard alot about 'gun fit' and intend to go to the local shop (already met the guy, nice welcome and offered to give advice on guns etc, but treating it with an open mind as he WANTs to sell me a gun) so will be popping in soon to see what he says. I have my SGC now, so the urge to get out there and buy something is overwhelming, but i'm fighting it until I get some advice on the subject. I might give the local club a call to see if they have a club gun I could try. That would probably be better than holding one in a shop. yes see if the culb or gun shop will let you try a couple of different makes , as thre is nothing worse than a bruised cheek .. I had a go with a lamba and it beet the vrap out of my cheek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigG Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 (edited) Sounds like you could do with a couple of lessons to start with, also would provide a chance to try a couple of guns. Why go out and spend £000's on a gun yet. Try as many as you can, most of us want a new gun every six months anyway, but like your fist Girlfriend you always remember you first one Edited June 10, 2009 by BigG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 The trying a gun bit is a good idea, but see if the clay ground have one (or a couple of different ones) to lend you. Going up to people on the stands and saying "Lend us your shooter mister" will probably get you more than a few strange looks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe99 Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Not yet. I have heard alot about 'gun fit' and intend to go to the local shop (already met the guy, nice welcome and offered to give advice on guns etc, but treating it with an open mind as he WANTs to sell me a gun) so will be popping in soon to see what he says. I have my SGC now, so the urge to get out there and buy something is overwhelming, but i'm fighting it until I get some advice on the subject. I might give the local club a call to see if they have a club gun I could try. That would probably be better than holding one in a shop. What shops are you looking in Marcus? Depending on your budget, I would recommend Phil Ash at South & West Country Sports in Kenfig Hill (Linky). He'll take the time to make sure the gun fits you rather than flog you any old thumper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.C. Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Most people would advise against spending any money until you know exactly what you will need . A wise approach would be to book a couple of lessons with a local reputable club coach . He/she will provide you with a gun to try and can advise you where to start after seeing you shoot . Ear defenders and protective glasses can be borrowed until you decide what you need and how much you want to spend . The coach will also be able to offer advice on the best gun to buy and where to start looking . You can easily waste a lot of money if you buy without taking advice . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter De La Mare Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 I have seen the cartridge bags for sale in different capacities, how many carts would you typically shoot over 10 stands ? Most shoots on a sunday range between 50 and 100. Most common are 100 birds over 10 stands. I use a 125 shell capacity Shot Box. http://www.shot-boxes.com/ They're hard cases and are handy because they're waterproof, light, you can sit on them, and store other stuff. I also have a big shootingb bag. These store 225 shells in the base and all the other associated stuff you'll collect, it all adds up. This stays in the car and makes it easy to move between house and car. Two pairs of shades, peak cap, gun spray and field patches for protecting gun if raining, spare ears, SGC, pencils, clipboard, range finder, mini toolkit. Spare gun slip if yours gets drenched, you do NOT want to transport your gun home in a wet gun slip. Good strong boots are essential . http://www.le-chameau-clothing.co.uk/wa/1/...king-Boots.html Skeet vest also essential. Waterproof jacket with big pockets essential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Most shoots on a sunday range between 50 and 100. Most common are 100 birds over 10 stands. I use a 125 shell capacity Shot Box. http://www.shot-boxes.com/ They're hard cases and are handy because they're waterproof, light, you can sit on them, and store other stuff. I also have a big shootingb bag. These store 225 shells in the base and all the other associated stuff you'll collect, it all adds up. This stays in the car and makes it easy to move between house and car. Two pairs of shades, peak cap, gun spray and field patches for protecting gun if raining, spare ears, SGC, pencils, clipboard, range finder, mini toolkit. Spare gun slip if yours gets drenched, you do NOT want to transport your gun home in a wet gun slip. Good strong boots are essential . http://www.le-chameau-clothing.co.uk/wa/1/...king-Boots.html Skeet vest also essential. Waterproof jacket with big pockets essential. Peter mine are a bit ******** why did you get your spare pair from :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markio Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 At my first outing I turned up at my local (50 birds) with just a gun, carts and foam ear plugs. I used carry the shell boxes about by hand and put in 10 shells in the back jeans pocket ready for the next stand. After while of watching what other had i and how it would suit me i found my own way on kit i thought was necessary. No offence to Peter but don't think you need to go out and buy posh wellies, carts bags and musto jackets, that's insane. You don't NEED those things to get started. They are items that you will purchase along the way to make your life easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter De La Mare Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 (edited) Peter mine are a bit ******** why did you get your spare pair from You know I meant ear plugs/defenders. At my first outing I turned up at my local (50 birds) with just a gun, carts and foam ear plugs. I used carry the shell boxes about by hand and put in 10 shells in the back jeans pocket ready for the next stand. After while of watching what other had i and how it would suit me i found my own way on kit i thought was necessary. No offence to Peter but don't think you need to go out and buy posh wellies, carts bags and musto jackets, that's insane. You don't NEED those things to get started. They are items that you will purchase along the way to make your life easier. Depends where you're shooting at at what time of year as well. I was the middle of winter, along with my life long rule of always having the right tools to do the job, I decided to get everything in one go after doing a little research. For someone starting now, and going to a ground where there is good hard standing, then sure, you won't need anything at all, not evern a gun and carts as everything will be available on site. But, wheres the fun in that!! It wouldn't take much for a bad experience with either weather or whatever going horrible and being caught without the necessary for it to put someone off the idea of shooting. Plus I didn't read the OP correctly and thought the question was about what gear one would need for a satisfying clay shooting career. :unsure: Edited June 10, 2009 by Peter De La Mare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chard Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 You certainly don't want coats and jackets in the summer, you'll be sweating like a rapist :unsure: Don't listen to these ****** and camo jockeys who ridicule skeet vests. You need one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markio Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Peter, i would hazard a guess that the man owns a ******* coat! :unsure: Point being that he can go out and start shooting with next to nothing, no will laugh at him, he won't be an outcast. Skeet vest or not, he'll get some shooting in. I'm sure the man can dress himself with his current clothes for both summer or winter, we all had seasonal clothes before we started shooting. Where's the fun in telling a newbie he needs to spend £300 on 'special' clothes before he's even fired a shot?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter De La Mare Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 You certainly don't want coats and jackets in the summer, you'll be sweating like a rapist :unsure: It never ****** down in Summer?! Where do you live again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chard Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 It never ****** down in Summer?! Where do you live again? :unsure: It's not cold though is it, you Southern shandy-drinking handbag I bet you turn up at Southdown on Saturday wearing an arctic parka and a trenchcoat, with moonboots and a cowboy hat :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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