Whether you call it clay pigeon shooting, trap and skeet, or sporting clays, one thing is certain – having the right gear is crucial for both safety and performance. Enjoyed around the world, shooters must prioritize safety equipment like quality hearing and eye protection, while also choosing comfortable clothing and accessories to enhance their experience.
This comprehensive gear guide will walk you through all the essentials – from shotguns and ammo to ear defenders, shooting glasses, vests, and more – so you can gear up with confidence.
Beginners will find practical advice on what they need to get started, and seasoned shooters can discover tips on optimizing their setup with advanced gear. Our goal is to help you stay safe, comfortable, and well-prepared.
Shotgun and Ammunition Basics
No clay shooting gear list would be complete without the firearm itself. The typical choice is a shotgun, most often a 12-gauge, in an over-under or semi-automatic configuration designed for clay targets.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely start with a club or instructor-provided shotgun, but as you progress you may invest in one that fits you well and suits your preferred discipline (trap, skeet, or sporting clays).
Equally important is the ammunition: clay shooters use shot shells loaded with small lead or steel shot (common sizes are 7½ or 8 shot for clays). Always bring more cartridges than you expect to use – running out mid-session can cut the fun short. Experienced shooters often carry a variety of cartridges and choke tubes to adjust their shotgun’s pattern for different target presentations, but as a novice you can keep it simple with a reliable 1oz or 28gram target load.
Remember to follow all safety rules when handling your shotgun and ammo: keep the gun broken or action open when not firing, only load when at the stand ready to shoot, and never point the muzzle anywhere unsafe. Clay pigeon shooting is statistically one of the safest sports because of strict safety habits, so make sure you uphold those standards each time you head out.
Hearing Protection – Ear Defenders & Ear Plugs
Never step onto a clay shooting stand without proper hearing protection. The sound of a shotgun blast can exceed 140 dB, and many shotguns produce noise in the 150+ dB range, well above the threshold that causes immediate and permanent hearing damage. For this reason, hearing protection is mandatory at all clay pigeon shoots and firing ranges – you typically won’t even be allowed to shoot without it.
Fortunately, today’s shooters have excellent options to safeguard their ears while still hearing what’s going on around them.
- Ear Defenders (Earmuffs): Shooting Ear defenders are a popular choice for clay shooters. These form a seal over your ears to block harmful noise. Even basic passive earmuffs can offer 20–30 dB of sound reduction, enough to prevent hearing loss from shotgun blasts. For example, the budget-friendly SWATCOM SC12 Passive Ear Defenders provide an SNR (Single Number Rating) of 29 dB, ensuring your hearing is protected from high‐impulse gunshot noise.
Many new shooters start with passive muffs due to their affordability and simplicity. Just make sure they fit snugly over your ears and are comfortable for extended wear. If you find the seal is broken by the arms of your glasses, look for models with thinner or cut-out ear cushions (or adjust your eyewear) so you maintain full protection. - Electronic Hearing Protection: As you get more involved in shooting, you might consider upgrading to electronic ear defenders. These high-tech earmuffs use built-in microphones and speakers to amplify low-level sounds (like voices and trap release calls) while compressing any loud gunshots to a safe amount.
The result is that you retain situational awareness – you can have a normal conversation, hear the referee or coach, and detect range commands or a teammate’s voice without ever removing your ear pro, even between shots. A great example is the SWATCOM Active8 Electronic Ear Defenders, a military-grade waterproof headset trusted by professional shooters.
The Active8 provides 26 dB SNR attenuation and features active listening technology that enhances ambient sounds while cancelling gunshot noise. Electronic earmuffs like these are pricier than passive ones, but they’re worth the investment if you shoot frequently – your ears will thank you, and you’ll never have to shout “What?!” after a day on the clay ground. - Ear Plugs (In-Ear Protection): Some shooters prefer ear plugs instead of (or even in addition to) earmuffs. Quality Shooting Ear Plugs come in a few varieties: disposable foam plugs, reusable filtered plugs, and custom-molded plugs.
Simple foam plugs can work in a pinch – they typically offer around 25–30 dB of noise reduction if inserted properly. However, they also muffle every sound, which can make it hard to hear instruction or the trap release.
A more advanced option is filtered ear plugs that use special valves or electronic filters to allow normal sound but still trigger shut when a gunshot occurs. For instance, the SWATCOM SC21 Pro Impulse Ear Plugs use an acoustic filter that continuously reduces noise by ~15 dB and provides additional protection during the peak blast of a gunshot. This lets you carry on a conversation and maintain awareness while still guarding your ears. Some electronic in-ear plugs even use digital circuitry similar to earmuffs, but in a tiny earbud form factor.
The ultimate in comfort are custom-molded ear plugs which are made from an impression of your ear – these can be passive or electronic, and they offer a perfect fit for all-day wear.
Pro tip: Some seasoned shooters “double up” hearing protection by wearing ear plugs under their earmuff headsets for extra noise reduction. This can be useful if you’re shooting large volumes of cartridges in a day or using particularly loud guns (or if you’re at an indoor range).
At a minimum, always have some form of ear protection in your bag – and maybe keep a few spare foam plugs handy for a friend or if you misplace your muffs.
It’s worth noting that hearing protection isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a requirement on all reputable clay shooting ranges. Organizations like the UK’s Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) mandate that shooters (and even spectators on the stand) wear hearing protection at all times.
Eye Protection – Shooting Glasses
Right alongside your ear pro, Ballistic Glasses are a must-have for clay shooting. While breaking clays is loads of fun, those flying targets can send back tiny fragments when hit – and you don’t want sharp pottery shards or shotgun wads anywhere near your eyes.
There’s also the chance of particles like unburnt gunpowder, bits of debris, or even spent shells ejecting near your face. For these reasons, eye protection is mandated at virtually all shooting ranges and clay grounds. In fact, the CPSA notes that you will be “required to wear suitable eye protection while on the shooting stand”, which typically consists of a peaked hat or cap plus shooting glasses. The hat visor helps shield your face from falling clay bits overhead, and the glasses protect your eyes from lateral or frontal hazards.
What to look for in shooting glasses: At minimum, use ballistic-rated safety glasses that meet impact standards like ANSI Z87.1 (for the US) or EN166 (in Europe). These ratings ensure the lenses can withstand high-velocity impacts (far beyond normal eyewear) – exactly what you need to stop a fragment of clay target or a stray pellet.
Regular sunglasses or prescription glasses are not sufficient, as their lenses can shatter or pop out if struck by debris. Most dedicated shooting glasses have polycarbonate lenses that are shatterproof, and many feature a wraparound design to cover the sides of your eyes as well. This wraparound style, plus a snug-fitting shooting cap (like a baseball cap), gives you full coverage.
Another benefit of shooting eyewear is the ability to choose different lens tints to enhance your vision under various conditions. For instance, a yellow or orange tint can increase contrast and make an orange clay stand out from a dull gray sky – great for overcast days. A dark or polarized lens helps on bright sunny days.
Many shooting glasses kits come with interchangeable lenses, so you can swap clear, amber, purple, or smoke lenses as needed for lighting and background differences. In the UK scene, it’s common to see shooters carrying multiple lens options to get the best target visibility in changing weather. If you’re just starting out, clear lenses or a moderate tint will do fine, but as you get serious you might invest in a set of glasses with 2-3 lenses.
Comfort and fit: Ensure your glasses sit comfortably and don’t slip down when you move. Many shooting glasses have adjustable nose pads and temple arms to customize the fit. Importantly, glasses should work with your ear defenders – the arms should be thin or flexible enough to not break the seal of earmuffs (as mentioned earlier).
Some glasses are designed specifically to pair with earmuffs without causing gaps. If you feel your muff’s noise reduction is compromised by your eyewear, consider glasses with flatter, thinner temples (or consider in-ear protection where glasses are a non-issue). For those who wear prescription glasses: you can get prescription shooting glasses made, or wear over-prescription safety glasses that fit on top of your regular specs.
The bottom line is never shoot without eye protection – it’s an easy safeguard that’s saved many an eye from injury. Keep a pair in your range bag at all times and put them on before any gun is loaded, every time.
Shooting Vest or Cartridge Carrier
Skeet Vests are often considered the hallmark of a clay shooter’s outfit – and it’s more than just a style choice. These vests are highly practical, especially for sporting clays and skeet.
A good shooting vest provides: large pockets for cartridges, reinforced shoulder panels for mounting the gun, and often extra features like loops or clips for your glasses and ear protection when not in use.
In fact, many experienced shooters will tell you that a vest is the most essential piece of kit after your eye and ear protection. By having your shells easily accessible in front pockets, you can reload quickly and keep the rhythm going when you call “Pull!”. Most vests can hold a box or two worth of cartridges in their pockets, so you won’t need a separate box holder.
Key features to look for:
- Fit and Mobility: Your vest should fit comfortably over whatever layers you wear, without restricting your swing. Modern clay vests often use mesh panels or breathable fabrics to keep you cool in summer, and a bit of stretch for freedom of movement.
For hot weather, some shooters opt for mesh-style vests (or even strap vests) that maximize airflow. In cooler weather, you might wear the vest over a jacket. Look for adjustable side straps or different size options to accommodate layering. - Shoulder Padding: A shooting vest typically has a padded patch on the shoulder area where the shotgun butt rests. This helps cushion the recoil and also protects your clothing. If you’re recoil-sensitive or shooting many rounds, this padding (sometimes with an option to insert a recoil pad) can save you from bruises. Make sure the vest is designed for your dominant shoulder (some are ambidextrous, others have pads on both sides or interchangeable).
- Storage: Besides the front cartridge pockets, many vests include extra pockets or zippered compartments for accessories – choke tubes, a scorecard and pen, earplugs, etc. Some have a large rear pocket (game pocket) which, in clay shooting, is handy for storing empty hulls or a water bottle.
Check that the pockets are placed conveniently; you don’t want to fumble around to grab a shell during a round. Also, features like a small loop or clamp for your ear muff or shooting glasses when not in use are common – these keep your gear attached to you so you don’t set them down and forget them.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
One of the great things about clay pigeon shooting is that you don’t need a specialized uniform – but wearing the right clothing for the conditions will make your shooting much more enjoyable. The goal is to dress for comfort, weather protection, and unimpeded movement. Here are some clothing tips for clay shooters:
- Upper Body Layers: Choose shirts and jackets that allow a full range of motion in your arms and shoulders. Shooting involves swinging the shotgun and mounting it to your shoulder, so avoid anything too tight or bulky around the shoulders. In warm weather, a lightweight, breathable shirt (polo or long-sleeve shooting shirt) is ideal.
In cooler weather, layer up with a sweater or fleece plus a jacket – but pick a jacket made for shooting if possible, which will have articulated arms and maybe thinner material on the front of the shoulder so it doesn’t snag the gun.
The key is to stay warm and dry, but not at the expense of mobility. If your big coat is making you miss targets, consider a purpose-built shooting jacket or at least remove a thick layer when on the stand (and then put it back on between rounds). - Shoulder Protection: If you’re wearing just a t-shirt or a thin shirt, be mindful that the shotgun’s recoil can bruise your shoulder or collarbone area, especially after many shots. A vest takes care of this with padding, but without one you might want a recoil pad that straps on, or simply wear a thicker layer.
Some shooting sweaters have a sewn-in suede patch on the shoulder for this reason. It’s not a bad idea for newcomers to use a bit of padding until they get used to the recoil. Always mount the gun properly into the pocket of your shoulder – that also minimizes felt recoil (and improves accuracy). - Gloves: Shooting gloves are optional but quite popular, especially in cooler weather or for competition. A good pair of Shooting Gloves can improve your grip on the shotgun and protect your hands from abrasions or the elements. In summer, lightweight gloves can keep sweaty hands from slipping on the fore-end or provide some sun protection.
In winter, insulated or thermal gloves keep your trigger finger from going numb. When choosing gloves, make sure you can still feel the trigger and load shells easily; many shooting gloves have thin material on the index finger and thumb for this reason. They should fit snugly so you preserve tactile feel. - Legwear: There’s no strict rule here – many shooters wear jeans or comfortable trousers. Just consider that you’ll be walking between stands (especially in sporting clays) and possibly through grass or mud. So choose pants and footwear accordingly.
On a hot day, breathable trousers or even shorts (if the club allows) are fine. On a cold or wet day, water-resistant field pants or at least dark-colored pants that won’t show the mud are nice. If you’re attending a formal shooting event, some in the UK might wear traditional breeks or tweeds, but that’s optional and more for game shooting than clays. Generally, comfort and practicality win out. - Footwear: Expect to be on your feet a lot during a shoot – a round of sporting clays can involve walking a few kilometers by the end. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots that suit the terrain. For a dry summer day at a well-kept range, athletic sneakers or light hiking shoes might be fine. If it’s wet, muddy, or grassy, you’ll want waterproof boots.
Many UK shooters swear by wellington boots (rubber wellies) or ankle-high leather boots in wet seasons, whereas in the US you might see more hiking boots or trail shoes. The priority is good traction (you don’t want to slip while carrying a shotgun) and keeping your feet dry and supported. Also, choose footwear you don’t mind getting a bit dirty – white tennis shoes might not look so white after a day of tramping through the clay stand areas.
If it’s hot, ensure your footwear is breathable; if it’s cold, consider thicker socks or insulated boots. Being distracted by aching or wet feet is no fun when you’re trying to break targets. - Headwear: We mentioned this under eye protection, but it bears repeating – wear a cap or hat when shooting. A baseball cap or similar with a brim will shield your face from the sun and act as a helmet of sorts against any falling clay debris. On scorching days, it also helps prevent sunburn and keeps sweat out of your eyes.
In winter, if it’s very cold, you might opt for a beanie or ear-warmer headband when you’re not on the stand, but remember to switch to a cap when it’s your turn to shoot (so you still have that brim protection). Some shooters even pair a cap with clear shooting glasses as dusk falls – staying protected at all times.
In short, dress for the weather and the sport. If you’re comfortable and can move freely, you’ll shoot better. Avoid anything flapping (no untied long scarves or loose hoods that could snag the gun) and secure any long hair back. Many clubs have no strict dress code (aside from eye/ear protection), but a collared shirt or shooting vest gives a bit of recoil protection and looks smart. And always bring an extra layer or rain gear in your range bag, just in case – which brings us to the next topic.
Range Bags and Gear Storage
Considering all the gear we’ve discussed – ammunition, eye/ear protection, spare clothing, accessories – you’ll need a way to carry it all easily to the shooting ground. That’s where a good Range Bag comes in. A dedicated shooting bag helps keep your equipment organized and protected, and ensures you have everything at hand for a successful day breaking clays.
What to pack in a range bag: At a minimum, your bag should hold your cartridges, your hearing protectors (and extra batteries or ear plugs), your shooting glasses (perhaps in a hard case), any choke tubes and a wrench if you use an interchangeable choke shotgun, gloves, a towel or cloth (for wiping hands or a damp gun), and basic tools (a multitool or screwdriver for minor adjustments).
It’s also wise to include a small first aid kit or at least some band-aids (in case of small cuts or blisters) and maybe a bit of sunscreen and bug spray for outdoor shoots. If it’s chilly, throw in some hand warmers, and if it’s summer, a bottle of water and sunscreen are your friends. Essentially, your range bag is your mobile armory + comfort pack.
A sturdy shoulder strap or handles are important too – a bag full of cartridges can get heavy, so you want comfortable carrying options. The SWATCOM bag, for instance, is built to easily carry everything you need for your shoot in one package.
Another consideration is materials: a waterproof or at least water-resistant bottom on the bag is great for setting it down on dewy grass. Many range bags come in tactical-style nylon that can handle a bit of rain and mud. If you prefer a classic look, there are also leather cartridge bags which are popular in traditional clay shooting circles; they look great, though they may lack the numerous pockets of a modern range bag.
Some shooters even use a rolling range cart or repurposed toolbox for massive shoots (like tournaments where you might carry 200+ shells, snacks, drinks, etc.). For most people, a medium-to-large duffel-style range bag is perfect.
Pro Tip: Develop a gear checklist and keep your bag stocked between outings. After each shoot, refill whatever you used – be it extra shells, earplug replacements, or batteries – so that when you grab your bag for the next trip, you know it has all the essentials.
It’s easy to forget something critical like your ear defenders at home (and that can end your shooting day before it starts), so having a dedicated bag where that gear always lives is the best prevention. Many shooters also attach an ID tag or label to their bags, especially when attending club events where many people have similar-looking gear bags.