If your inner gunslinger who is quick on the draw is desperate to let loose, then clay pigeon shooting is the sport for you! It is the ultimate challenge to test out your marksman skills, and find out how you would really handle one of those Line of Duty scenes where the hero takes out a sniper whilst trapped in an overturned vehicle. 

Even if you have no previous experience of such situations, you will have the opportunity to learn from the experts at our shooting range in Bristol. For an all-round fun day out that is perfect for stag or hen dos, you can combine clay pigeon shooting with off-road karting or quad biking, so however you get your adrenaline fix there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a brief look at how the popular sport of clay pigeon shooting has evolved.

Aristocratic roots

Like many shooting sports, the origins of clay pigeon shooting lie in the aristocracy.  Until the mid-nineteenth century, there were laws that restricted the shooting of game birds and wildfowl to licensed individuals or land owners, which in practice meant that shooting was largely the preserve of the wealthy aristocracy.

Live pigeon shoots were regularly held on private property for both sport and to provide an opportunity for target practice. As access to moorlands opened up in the later half of the 19th century, the sport became more accessible to the general public. The invention of breech loaded shotguns also made the process quicker and easier.

Concerns around animal welfare led to live pigeon shooting being outlawed, and this led to the development of clay targets. The first clay target was introduced by the American George Ligowsky in the 1880s. It was made from terracotta, and had a tab attached to enable it to be thrown to a suitable height and distance.

By the early 20th century, the clay pigeons were loaded into traps and automatically fired into the air, rather than flung by hand. By 1952, clay pigeon shooting became an official Olympic sport. The sport continued to soar in popularity, leading to the establishment of clubs, competitions and events that are held world wide.

Today, clay pigeon shooting has three primary disciplines: trap shooting, skeet shooting, and sporting clays. Trap shooting involves aiming at targets that are launched from a single trap directly in front of the shooter, usually in a straight or slightly angled direction.

Skeet shooting involves eight rotating shooting stations that are arranged in a semicircle, as targets are launched from two trap houses at either end. Sporting clays involve navigating a course with multiple shooting stations, often involving different angles and distances to really test the skills of the shooter to the limit.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned shooter, our facilities offer a safe and fun environment that can cater for everyone. It’s a great way to enjoy a memorable day out with friends or create a team bonding experience that will be right on target.