Complete Gear Checklist for Clay Shooting

Heading to the range without essential gear is frustrating. This checklist ensures you have everything you need for a successful, comfortable day of shooting.

Pro tip: Keep a dedicated range bag packed with essentials. You'll never forget the basics if they live in the bag between trips.

Essential Safety Gear

These items are mandatory at every range. Don't leave home without them:

Eye Protection

Shooting glasses with polycarbonate or Trivex lenses rated for impact. Clear, yellow, or orange tints work for most conditions. Prescription shooters can use over-glasses or Rx shooting glasses.

Hearing Protection

Foam plugs (NRR 25-33), electronic muffs, or custom molded plugs. Electronic options let you hear commands and conversation while blocking gunshots.

Firearm & Ammunition

Shotgun

Cleaned and in working order. Check that it's unloaded before transport.

Choke Tubes

Bring several options. Improved Cylinder to Light Modified covers most clay shooting. Include a choke wrench.

Ammunition

Bring more than you think you'll need. A round of sporting clays is 100 targets; bring at least 125 shells. Check the range's velocity and shot size requirements.

Gun Case

Soft or hard case for transport. Many ranges require guns to be cased until you reach the station.

Clothing

Essential Clothing

• Shooting vest or pouch: To carry shells
• Comfortable shoes: Closed-toe, stable footwear
• Hat with brim: Protects from sun and falling debris
• Collared shirt: Helps with gun mount

Weather Considerations

• Layers: Temperature changes throughout the day
• Rain gear: Light jacket that doesn't restrict swing
• Gloves: Cold weather or for grip
• Sunscreen: You're outdoors for hours

Range Bag Essentials

Choke Wrench & Lube

For changing chokes and preventing seizing. A dab of choke tube lube prevents stuck tubes.

Cleaning Supplies

Bore snake, cleaning patches, and a small bottle of oil. Basic cleaning between rounds keeps things running smoothly.

Multi-Tool or Screwdriver Set

For minor adjustments to sights, stock screws, or recoil pads.

Snap Caps

Dummy rounds for testing function and practicing loading/unloading safely.

Towel or Rag

For wiping down your gun, hands, or glasses. A microfiber cloth is ideal.

Personal Items

Hydration & Food

• Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in heat
• Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix for longer sessions
• Lunch: If spending a full day at the range

Comfort & Care

• Bug spray: Essential in summer months
• First aid kit: Basic bandages, antiseptic
• Lens cleaner: Smudges affect visibility
• Cash: Some ranges are cash-only for targets

Nice-to-Have Items

Shooting Stool or Cart

Rest between stations on sporting clays courses. Carts carry all your gear effortlessly.

Spare Shooting Glasses

Different tints for changing light conditions, or a backup pair.

Notebook & Pen

Record scores, notes on stations, or tips from instructors.

Recoil Pad Insert

Reduces felt recoil during longer sessions. Especially helpful for lighter shooters.

Phone Tripod

Record your shooting for later review. Great for identifying form issues.

Quick Reference Checklist

Safety & Gun

□ Eye protection

□ Hearing protection

□ Shotgun (unloaded)

□ Gun case

□ Chokes & wrench

□ Ammunition (125+ shells)

Clothing & Personal

□ Shooting vest/pouch

□ Comfortable closed-toe shoes

□ Hat

□ Weather-appropriate layers

□ Water & snacks

□ Cash/payment

Complete Gear Checklist