Are you looking to take up clay shooting as a hobby? The path to getting your Shotgun Certificate (SGC) can feel daunting. This structured, 5-lesson 1-2-1 course is designed to take you from a complete beginner to a safe, competent shooter, giving you a safe, firm footing in the sport.
By the end of this course, you won't just be hitting targets with confidence; you will possess the precise safety habits and gun-handling skills looked for by police licensing departments, your shooting ground and your new shooting buddies!
Coming soon! this course is under development, please register your interest below.
5 x Comprehensive 1-2-1 Lessons: Tailored to your pace, focusing heavily on safety, gun handling etiquete and fixing common beginner habits.
Gain experience: In trying different guns you'll get a feel of what fits you and suits you, you'll shoot a couple of Over and Under, Side by Side and semi -auto as well as an invitation to sample the range at Bamfords where you can decide your budget and see what fits that too.
Advanced Video Analysis: Visual playback during your lessons to instantly see where and how targets are missed and how to fix your shooting form. There is quite a differrence from someone describing what you did to showing you.
Certificate of Practical Competence: A training completion certificate to present to Greater Manchester Police (or your local constabulary) alongside your SGC application to get you over the line.
Practical advice: On how to get your shotgun certificate and avoid common pitfalls like huge doctors bills for privatly filling out your forms.
Network with other new shooters: Meet new shooters at the same level to practice rounds with.
Lesson 1 Have a go & Essential Safety:
Secure your first lesson slot today for £65. You can then consider your remaining 4 lesson dates around your personal schedule. It's try before you buy! Reserve your time here
Book your 5-lesson course now
Make your reservation for your first lesson here and we'll fit the rest around your schedule when we get together
Total Course Cost (5 Lessons Total): £480
"Safety isn’t a footnote in this course—it is the foundation. Before you break a target, master the gun."
The Broken Gun Rule: Mastering the habit of keeping the gun broken at all times when not in the cage.
The "Slip-to-Stand" Protocol: How to safely remove a shotgun from its sleeve, carry it on the ground, and enter the shooting stand without ever pointing the muzzle at a person or yourself.
The 'competent shooter' shot cycle: Loading, manipulating, firing, unloading and checking. Misfires and hangfires.
Proving the Gun: Instantly checking and verifying that the chambers are clear every single time you handle a firearm.
Obstruction Checks: How to safely inspect barrels for squib loads, mud, or debris before loading.
The 12g/20g Hazard: A critical lesson on ammunition management, specifically the extreme danger of mixing 20-gauge cartridges into 12-gauge guns.
Lawful Transportation: How to legally and safely transport a shotgun in your vehicle in the UK
Home Security & Storage: What the police look for during a home inspection. We discuss gun cabinet specifications (BS 7558), secure key management, and choosing the right location in your home to satisfy your Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO).
Knowing how to act at a busy, registered shooting ground.
Understanding the unwritten rules of the stands: communication with the buttoner, dealing with misfires/hangfires safely, and how to behave when a "no-bird" occurs.
"We don’t just tell you what you did wrong; we show you. Using our advanced video analysis, we review your gun-handling frame-by-frame. We look for hidden bad habits that beginners often miss—such as putting a finger inside the trigger guard before the gun is fully mounted, or lifting the head and losing situational awareness. Seeing yourself on screen builds flawless safety habits fast."
Certificate of Practical Competence
The Practical Test: In your final session, you will be put through a simulated day at a shooting ground. The instructor will observe your muzzle discipline, loading/unloading habits, and reaction to simulated misfires.
The Theory Test: A 20 question multiple choice test that you must achieve 80% to pass
The Reward: Passing this assessment proves you are a safe, self-sufficient shooter, earning you the certificate to submit with your GMP application.
NB: No guarantee can be made for acceptance for a shotgun certificate, that choice lies firmly with your Firearms Enquiry Officer, it is however prefered by police forces throughout the UK that you have some kind of training especially in the interests of public safety when it comes to the ownership and use of firearms. This course has been submitted to the GMP Firearms and Explosives Department for the purpose of awareness.
What happens if I fail the Lesson 5 theory or practical test?
Don't panic. The course is designed to get you over the line. If you don't quite achieve the 80% pass mark on the safety test, we will go over the specific elements you missed and re-test you at no extra cost until you are fully competent. Additional lessons can be arranged if you want too continue.
How long do I have to complete the 5 lessons?
I recommend spacing the lessons 1 to 2 weeks apart to build solid muscle memory, but your course package is valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase so you can fit it around your schedule.
What happens if the weather is terrible?
We shoot in most conditions (clays fly rain or shine!), but if the weather is dangerously severe or really windy, we will postpone the session and rebook your slot at no cost.
Can I bring my own gun if I own it on a friend or families certificate?
Absolutely. If you already have your own shotgun, you are welcome to use it so we can tailor the video analysis and gun-fit advice specifically to your equipment. The certificate holder can loan it directly to me for upto 72 hours, but you can not handle or transport it unsupervised until you are licenced.