The Walker and Hawkes Inspiration

Clay pigeon shooting is a shooting sport that involves firing arms at a clay pigeon with a shotgun. The shot plate saucer, or short flight, is one of the two forms of sport shooting and is considered one of the Olympic sports contemporaries. The modern format of the sport was developed in the 1920s in the United States, where it is known as skeet shooting. How It Started The vast majority of today's shooters started out hunting. The man's need to feed was sharpening his aim and looking for more and more specific targets. Hunting then could be pointed out as one of the main branches where this sport is born. The origins of clay pigeon shooting date back to the mid-19th century. The birth of this popular sport took place in the United States, where it began to be practiced during the stages in which hunting was prohibited. In this way, thanks to skeet shooting, North American hunters could continue to use their weapons and "kill the bug" during the closed months. In recent years, the number of skeet shooting fans has increased dramatically. The reasons for this growing popularity must be found in the positive aspect of this sport to practice aiming with our favorite weapon and in the fact that it can be done throughout the year. There are four different types of clay pigeon shooting: The Olympic Pit: It is the most popular and widespread discipline in sports shooting. In this practice, the shooter must face 15 target-throwing machines distributed throughout the shooting range. These machines launch plates into the air in 5 series of 25 each, plus a final series of 25 vessels. The Universal Pit or Trap: It is a variant of the Olympic pit. Both disciplines differ in three fundamental aspects. In the first place, in this mode, only 5 plate throwing machines are used. Second, the competition takes place in 8 series of 25 targets each, and unlike the Olympic pit, this discipline does not include a final phase.  The Double Trap: In this mode, two machines located along with the shooting range shoot two targets at the same time, and the shooter must break them with two almost consecutive shots. The competition series consists of 25 doubles, that is, 50 targets, while in the Olympic Games, the shots are made at 150 marks plus another 50 in the final. The Skeet: It is one of the most mechanical modalities and requires more excellent skill from the shooter. The series, of 25 targets each, are thrown both single and double. Unlike the pit, in the skeet, the shooter can only fire one round at each target instead of two. There are 2 machines that launch the plates from each tower. The shooter must complete a course of 8 positions distributed in a crescent shape along with the firing range. Men's Derby Tweed Shooting Jacket - Brown Men's Derby Tweed Shooting Winston Gilet - Forest Green Where You Can Do Clay Pigeon Shooting The Big Shoot Big shoot in the UK is the most prominent and premier clay shooting network with over 100 shooting venues in the UK.  Three counties Three Counties Clay Shooting is located in Basingstoke, UK. What You Need For Clay Pigeon Shooting Clay pigeon shooting is one of the different sports shooting modalities that exist. Still, we will focus on common tips that serve other disciplines within this sport, such as the Olympic Pit, Universal Pit, or Trillo. Here is the list of things needed for clay shooting. CLOTHING  Comfort is the primary goal when shooting, since there is no official dress code. Make sure you wear non-restrictive clothing, and be prepared with layers according to the predicted weather. You will want to wear non-restrictive clothing that allows a full range of motion while shooting. WEAPONS  For first contact, any shotgun can be used, whether it is superimposed, parallel or semi-automatic; indeed, the most appropriate one would undoubtedly be a superimposed one due to its balance and behavior.  EQUIPMENT To start hitting our first shots, we will need a basic kit that we can find with an unbeatable level of quality. We can choose a vest or shooting belt to our liking, but it is essential to always shoot with eye, head, and hearing protectors, whether they are earplugs or helmets, since we should not play with our health. Gloves are essential to prevent your hand from burning when you fire off rounds and it becomes hot. AMMUNITION The ammunition to use in the Olympic Pit is the 24gr cartridge, and in the 28gr threshing or Universal Pit, as a general rule, we will use 7.5 pellets, although there are shooters who choose to use the 8. TECHNIQUE Good foot and leg placement is essential since it gives us the correct angle and stability to obtain the necessary balance when shooting and swinging. Therefore, it is advisable to wear Trainees or reliable boots and wool socks rather than wearing heels. Conclusion Clay pigeon shooting is a sport that many people enjoy as an outdoor activity. It's not hard to see why; the thrill of the hunt, competition with others, and camaraderie all make it such a fun event. If you're looking to take your next shooting adventure up a notch, don't miss our social promotions for the best outdoor brands. Frequently asked questions What is clay pigeon shooting? Clay pigeon shooting is a shotgun sport where the shooter targets small clay discs thrown mechanically into the air. It's the most popular shotgun target sport and a common introduction to shotgun shooting for beginners. Is clay pigeon shooting hard for beginners? The basics are easy to pick up in a single lesson — most beginners hit at least a few clays their first time. Improving beyond that takes practice with technique, gun mount, lead and swing. A one-to-one lesson at a shooting ground is the standard first step. Do you need a licence for clay pigeon shooting? In the UK, you need a Shotgun Certificate (SGC) to own a shotgun, but you don't usually need a personal licence to shoot at a supervised clay ground — the ground's licence covers you as a customer. Rules differ elsewhere in the world; check local regulations. What do you wear for clay pigeon shooting? Sturdy country clothing that lets you swing and mount the gun freely — a tweed or waxed jacket with a padded shoulder, cord or moleskin trousers, breeks with shooting socks, and a brimmed hat. Ear defenders and safety glasses are essential. What are the main clay pigeon shooting disciplines? The main disciplines are English Sporting (varied simulated game scenarios), Down-The-Line (straightforward clays away from the shooter), Skeet (crossing clays from two towers), and Olympic Trap (fast rising clays used in the Olympics).

To measure your hat size, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your head — usually just above the eyebrows and at the centre of your forehead. Note the measurement in centimetres, then match it to the UK hat size chart below. For most adults, a head circumference of 58 cm is a UK size 7⅛ (medium); 60 cm is a 7⅜ (large). Whether you're a year-round hat lover or a winter warrior, getting the fit right makes the difference between comfort and a forehead band-mark by lunchtime. This guide walks you through it in three steps, gives you a UK-to-international size chart, and answers the questions we get asked most. Why you should measure your head Choosing the right size hat is essential to actually enjoying wearing it. A hat that's too big flies off in a stiff breeze. A hat that's too small pinches the temples and leaves a band mark. A correctly fitted hat sits lightly on your head, feels secure when you move, and gives your scalp room to breathe. Quick fit check once you have your hat: shake your head side to side, then bend forward at the waist. If the hat stays put without you holding it, the fit is right. Beyond the fit itself, a well-sized hat finishes an outfit. It frames the face, complements the rest of your clothing, and adds the kind of polish that a borrowed-fit hat can't. The exception: one-size hats with an adjustable inner strap – those skip the measuring step. How to measure your hat size (3 steps): Supplies Needed A soft tape measure, or a length of string and a ruler. A mirror helps but isn't essential. Step 1 – Measure Your Head Stand in front of a mirror for a clear view of your measurement. Use either the tape measure or soft string to wrap around the widest part of your head evenly until the tape measure or string overlaps. Usually, this is above your eyebrows and at the center part of your forehead. Check that the tape or string is not too tight or too loose. For most accurate results, measure 3 - 4 times for consistent measurements. Step 2 –  Get Your Head Circumference If using a tape measure, note the length in centimeters. If using string, carefully hold onto the end-point of the measurement and line up the string against a ruler to record the size in centimeters. Step 3 –  Find Your Ideal Hat Size Use the Hats Size Chart, such as the reference below, to find the size corresponding to your measured length. So, if your head circumference is  59 cm, your corresponding UK hat size is 7 ¼ or international size “L”. If the measured head size is between two numbers, such as 57.5 cm, round up to the next whole number or 58cm and find the corresponding hat size. Or, if the measured head size is between two hat sizes on the chart, choose the next larger size up. UK hat size chart (cm to UK and international sizes) UK hat size chart — head circumference in centimetres to UK, US, EU and S/M/L equivalents Head circumference (cm) UK size US size EU size S/M/L 54 6¾ 6⅞ 54 XS 55 6⅞ 7 55 S 56 7 7⅛ 56 S 57 7⅛ 7¼ 57 M 58 7¼ 7⅜ 58 M 59 7⅜ 7½ 59 L 60 7½ 7⅝ 60 L 61 7⅝ 7¾ 61 XL 62 7¾ 7⅞ 62 XL 63 7⅞ 8 63 XXL Frequently asked questions What size hat am I? Measure your head circumference in centimetres at the widest point above your eyebrows. A 56 cm head is a UK size 7 (small); 58 cm is 7¼ (medium); 60 cm is 7½ (large). See the chart above for full conversions. How do I measure my head for a hat? Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about 1 cm above your eyebrows, sitting level all the way round. Measure 3-4 times and use the average. If you don't have a tape, use a length of string then lay it against a ruler. What is UK hat size 7¼ in cm? UK hat size 7¼ corresponds to a head circumference of 58 cm. That's the most common men's medium and women's large in UK sizing. Can I measure my head for a hat with a piece of string? Yes. Wrap the string around the widest part of your head, hold the overlap point, then lay the string against a ruler to read the length in centimetres. Are men's and women's hat sizes the same? The measurements are the same — what changes is the typical size range. Most men sit between 57-60 cm (UK 7⅛-7½). Most women sit between 54-57 cm (UK 6¾-7⅛). Use the same chart for both.

Reproofing a waxed jacket means cleaning the outer surface, then applying a fresh layer of wax dressing. Two steps, around an hour hands-on, restores full waterproofing. A regularly worn jacket needs reproofing once or twice a year; a lightly worn one every few years. Done properly, a waxed jacket lasts decades. Done badly — or worse, machine-washed — and the original cotton can dry out beyond saving. This guide covers the two steps in detail, plus the common questions we get asked. The 2-step process at a glance Step 1: Clean the jacket with cold water and a sponge. Let it dry to the touch. Step 2: Warm a tin of wax dressing in hot water, apply evenly with a cloth, then warm the jacket to settle the wax. Hang to cure overnight. Important: never dry-clean, machine-wash, use hot water or use soap on a waxed jacket. Any of these strip the original wax and damage the cotton. Step 1: Cleaning accumulated dirt, debris, or residues Supplies: cold water, a soft sponge or cloth, a flat work surface, a plastic sheet or old tablecloth. Bring the jacket to room temperature if it's been somewhere cold. Lay it flat on the protected work surface. Wipe the entire outer surface with a damp sponge — work in small circles, top to bottom. Focus on collar, cuffs, pockets and hem — where dirt collects. Don't soak it. The aim is to lift surface dirt, not to wash the cotton. Let the jacket air-dry to the touch before moving to step 2. About 20-30 minutes in a warm room. Step 2: Apply a fresh layer of wax dressing Supplies: a tin of proper wax cotton dressing — we recommend British Millerain Original Wax, a clean cloth or sponge, a bowl of hot water, a warm room. Stand the closed tin of wax in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for 10 minutes. The wax melts to a liquid consistency. Open the tin. Dip the cloth in, scoop a small amount of warm wax. Apply in even strokes across the jacket — work one panel at a time. Less is more; you can always add more. Pay extra attention to seams, pockets and the underside of collars — water gets in there first. Once the whole jacket is coated, warm it with a hair dryer on a low setting (or hang in a warm room) to settle the wax into the fibres. Hang the jacket overnight to cure. The next morning it's ready to wear. Frequently asked questions How often should I reproof my waxed jacket? Once or twice a year if you wear it regularly outdoors. Every 2-3 years if it sees only occasional use. Signs it's time: water no longer beads on the surface, the cotton looks lighter or dryer in places, or the jacket has lost its sheen. Can I wash a waxed jacket in the washing machine? No. Machine washing strips the wax and damages the cotton fibres beneath. Sponge cleaning with cold water is the only safe method. If a stain needs more attention, a specialist wax-jacket cleaner can handle it. What wax should I use to reproof a jacket? Use a proper wax cotton dressing made for the purpose — like British Millerain Original Wax. Don't use beeswax, candle wax or DIY mixes; the formula needs to be designed for cotton fibre absorption. Can I dry a waxed jacket in a tumble dryer? No. Heat in a tumble dryer melts the wax unevenly and can damage the cotton. Always air-dry. How long does the reproofing process take? About an hour of hands-on work — 15 minutes cleaning, 30-45 minutes applying the wax. Then leave the jacket to cure overnight before wearing.