Simulated Game Shooting Experience

The main things needed on a simulated game day is a shotgun and cartridges. A cap/hat and safety glasses will also be needed, as these are important safety measures when shooting on a simulated game day. Hearing protection is also highly recommended, with common types of hearing protection being earplugs and ear defenders. David Beardsmore uses emtec ear plugs and highly recommends them.

It is possible for beginners to shoot on a simulated game day, however it is important to make sure that the shoot organiser is aware.  For a beginner to shoot on a simulated game day, they would have to hire a gun from David and would have to be stood with an instructor whilst they are shooting.

The best chokes to use on a simulated game day are the same chokes used on a game day, which are a quarter and a half.

Having a gun correctly fitted is not a requirement to shoot clay pigeons, it is possible to be able to shoot clay pigeons without having a gun fitted. However, having a gun well-fitted gun will allow the shooter to shoot more consistently and requires less body adaptation to achieve a good mount and a successful shot. We offer a fully detailed gun fitting service if you need it.

‍

One of the advantages of a simulated game day is that cost of the day is much lower compared to a game day. The cost of a simulated game day with David Beardsmore Shooting is from £175 per gun. This price includes 8,000-9,000 clays and full hospitality. Look at our Arley Estate to see what a sim day consist of.

‍

The best cartridges for shooting on a simulated game day are 21g or 24g 7s/7.5s/8s. When on a simulated clay day, roughly 400-500 cartridges will be shot throughout the day, therefore it is important to use a lighter load cartridge, as there will be less felt recoil. David recommends Eley cartridges, and when shooting on a simulated day uses either 21g or 24g Eley Select.

‍

One of the main differences between game days and simulated games days is obviously, the targets. On game days, the targets are game birds (pheasants, partridge, duck etc.), however on a simulated game days, the targets are clay pigeons. This then leads to another major difference between the two days, which is shooting other guns’ targets. On a game day, shooting another guns’ birds is seen as poor etiquette and bad manners, however on a simulated game day this is encouraged. Finally, another major difference is the volume of targets. On a game day, there will be a set number of birds (with David Beardsmore Shooting this is usually between 150 and 500 birds), however on a simulated day there will be a presentation of thousands of clay pigeons, there is no set limit to the day.

‍

Simulated game days are similar to game days, with guns shooting a series of drives, however the targets being shot are clay pigeons as opposed to game birds. A simulated game day with David Beardsmore Shooting presents clays in four drives, with guns standing at two pegs per drive. There will be 12-24 guns on a simulated day, the guns will pair up, meaning there will be two guns per stand on a drive, with the guns switching between loading and shooting. After each drive, there will be a short break for hospitality, including drinks, elevenses and lunch.

‍