The Spinners blog

What is virtual clay pigeon shooting?

Virtual clay pigeon shooting is the sport of clay shooting brought indoors. Clays fly across a big screen, and you aim and fire a replica shotgun that tracks your shot. There’s no live ammunition, no noise and no muddy field.

First, what is clay pigeon shooting?

It’s a shotgun sport where you aim at clay discs (the “clay pigeons”) launched into the air, scoring a point for each one you break. It began in the 1800s as a stand-in for live bird shooting and is now an Olympic sport.

How Clayshot works at Spinners

  • Each lane has a large screen and replica guns that track where you aim.
  • You pick a game on the screen, and our team can help you choose one that suits your group.
  • The screen shows every hit and miss, and the scoreboard keeps track.
  • A session is 55 minutes per lane, from £25 (£30 in Plymouth).

Virtual vs real clay shooting

Virtual (Clayshot) Outdoor clay shooting
Licence or instructor needed No Usually an instructor; a licence to own a gun
Noise and recoil None Loud, with real recoil
Weather Indoors Outdoors, all weathers
Cost for a group From £25 per lane Usually priced per person, plus travel to a shooting ground
Food and drink Cocktails and pizza at the lane Varies

Is it good for groups?

Yes. It’s one of our most popular picks for stag and hen parties, birthdays and team socials, because everyone gets a turn and nobody needs experience.

Can kids play?

There’s no minimum age, but the guns are fairly heavy, so we recommend 12+. Some venues have smaller children’s guns, subject to availability. Under-18s are welcome until 7pm with an adult.

Where to try it

Clayshot is at Spinners Chester, Plymouth, Reading and Solihull.

Want the detail on how it differs from the outdoor sport? Read Clayshot vs clay pigeon shooting: what’s the difference?

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Ready to play?

Pick a venue, pick a game and we’ll have the cocktails ready.