About us The CPSA is the National Governing body for Clay Target Shooting in England.National Governing body Based at the National Shooting Centre, Bisley, Woking, Surrey, we operate from a small headquarters and employ 12 people directly and work alongside several industry specialist consultants. The remit of the CPSA is to manage the sport of Clay Target Shooting for its approximately 25,000 members and the 400 clubs and grounds affiliated or associated with us. There are also approximately 200 Trade Members associated with the CPSA who believe that being part of the association can be mutually advantageous.

The CPSA offer support to its members in various ways: The opportunity to shoot in registered competitions, both at a Regional and National level The opportunity to be selected for the England Team Shooting events and also GB Team events through British Shooting (BICTSF) The ability to obtain a shooting classification (a bit like a golf handicap), based on your scores at registered shoots A £5 million pound third part liability insurance, covering not only clay shooting, but all game, rough, rifle, pistol shooting and angling

A £20,000 personal injury insurance, covering all the above sports Public liability insurance (for CPSA qualified coaches and instructors) The publication of Pull! magazine, a members' association publication issued 10 times a year For more information on what the CPSA can offer you as a member, click here to be directed to the relevant pages, or join here if you have already determined we are the association for you. click herejoin here

What is Clay Shooting? Clay pigeon shooting is the art of shooting at special flying targets, known as clay pigeons or clay targets, with a shotgun. The terminology commonly used by clay shooters often relates to times past, when live pigeon competitions were held. Although such competitions were made illegal in 1921, a target is still called a 'target', a hit is referred to as a 'hit' and the machine which projects the targets is known as a 'trap'.

Clay pigeon shooting is currently enjoyed by 9 to 90 year olds of either sex. It is a hobby that can provide great personal fulfilment, and may be enjoyed with just a few friends on a very informal basis, in a more organised fashion at a local gun club or shooting school, or at competition level from registered CPSA events to County, Regional, National and International competitions including the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Clay pigeon shooting is a strongly supported sport, with an active CPSA membership of approximately 25,000 participating at all shooting levels from farm and syndicate shoots through to national, registered and International competitions. The CPSA regulates the standards of safety and competition at 450 affiliated and registered grounds around the country.

A shotgun, as defined by UK law, is a smooth barrelled gun - not being an air gun - with barrel length in excess of cm (24 inches) and a barrel with a bore not exceeding 5.08cm (2 inches) - and either has no magazine, or a non detachable magazine incapable of holding more than two cartridges - and is not a revolver gun. For clay pigeon shooting at CPSA registered events and CPSA affiliated grounds, the maximum permitted bore of shotguns is 12, equivalent to inches diameter. Barrel lengths typically vary from 26 to 32 inches, and side-by-side, under and over and single barrelled two shot semi-automatics are commonly used. Pump action guns are generally considered unsuitable for clay pigeon shooting.

To own or possess a shotgun a shot gun certificate is required, which will also require a police inspection of the storage security, usually a steel gun cabinet. Newcomers may borrow shotguns under supervision at many CPSA grounds offering coaching, without the need for a licence, under Section 11(6) of the Firearms Act This allows novices to fully participate before investing in guns and security. Participants in the sport come from a wide variety of social backgrounds with a particular increase in the number of women and children coming into it, making clay pigeon shooting more and more a family orientated sport.

Clay Target Shooting..... a sport for everyone If you shoot, you should be a member of the CPSA. The CPSA is the National Governing Body for Clay Target Shooting in England, supporting clay target shooting enthusiasts across the UK. As an association we promote the highest standards of excellence in every aspect of our sport. Open to all who want to learn, develop or use their skills to compete at every level; our members are backed by over 140 years of unrivalled understanding and expertise.

They know we share their passion. They know we act in their best interests. They know we are dedicated to protecting and enhancing clay target shooting. As the National Governing Body we have vision, resources and commitment to develop the sport and through our understanding of today's clay shooting needs, we are uniquely placed to guard, nurture and shape its future. We want you to be a part of us and be part of the future of our sport.

The official home of clay target shooting in New Zealand

Clay Target Shooting Tips Clay target shooting games provide an opportunity to test your shooting skills. The games are fun and also allow hunters to brush up on their marksmanship before the hunt. Safety rules on the clay target range are simple: Review, understand and obey the Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety. Watch the muzzle of the gun at all times, carrying the gun so that it doesn't point at your fellow shooters or guide. Guns are loaded only when it is your turn to shoot. Shooting glasses are required on the range as well as while field hunting. This is especially important while shooting because target fragments could fall on you. Ear plugs or muffs are recommended on the range. Keep your gun actions open while preparing to shoot, when removing or returning guns to a vehicle, or when simply visiting with friends on the range.