Guides / Getting Started / Complete Guide to Sporting Clays for Beginners

Complete Guide to Sporting Clays for Beginners

Everything you need to know for your first round of sporting clays

12 min read Beginner
No experience required
Equipment can be rented
Fun for all skill levels
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Your First Visit

Most ranges offer rental equipment, so you don't need to own anything. Here's what to bring and what happens when you arrive.

What to Bring

Eye Protection

Often provided free

Ear Protection

Often provided free

$65-130 Budget

Targets, gun rental, ammo

What to wear: Comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes with good traction, and a hat. You'll be walking on uneven terrain.

Step by Step

1

Check In at the Pro Shop

Sign waiver, pay for round, pick up rental gear, get assigned a starting station.

2

Safety Briefing

Learn the four rules of firearm safety, how to load/unload, and course-specific rules.

3

View Targets

At each station, watch "view" targets before shooting. Note speed, angle, and where to break them.

4

Shoot Your Round

Load, mount the gun, call "Pull!", shoot, unload. Rotate through stations with your squad.

First-Timer Tips

  • Tell the pro shop you're new—they'll pair you with helpful shooters
  • Ask for a 25-target round if available—less overwhelming
  • Watch before shooting—observe where experienced shooters break targets
  • Rent first, buy later—try different guns before investing. When ready, a local dealer can help with fitting.
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Last updated: November 2024