Cambridge Gun Club, established in May 2010 by Mick and Karen Hodson, is a premier multi-discipline shooting facility situated on 47 acres in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire. The site caters to a wide spectrum of enthusiasts, from beginners seeking their first experience to professional athletes preparing for international competitions. Its open landscape in the Cambridgeshire Fens provides a unique shooting environment where wind conditions often add an extra layer of challenge to target trajectories, making it a favorite for those looking to test their skills in realistic conditions.
The club is renowned for its diverse range of disciplines and modern equipment:
Clay Shooting: Features up to 21 sporting stands, including compact layouts and disciplines like English Skeet and Down the Line.
Rifle Ranges: Offers dedicated 50-yard and 100-yard full-bore ranges for calibers ranging from.17 HMR to.308.
Practical Range: A specialized area for practical shotgun and mini-rifle disciplines, requiring specific safety certifications such as the UKPSA license.
Air Rifle Layout: A professional 60-meter range with 10 lanes equipped with Caldwell shooting benches.
Technological integration is a core strength of the facility. All clay stands utilize Promatic automatic traps and the Claymate system, which allows for solo practice using voice or timed release. The club uses high-quality CCI clays in various sizes and colors to simulate different hunting and sporting scenarios. Additionally, the air rifle sector hosts monthly Hunter Field Target (HFT) competitions on the fourth Saturday of every month, drawing a vibrant community of precision shooters.
Instructional programs are highly structured, featuring "Have a Go" taster sessions for newcomers and advanced coaching for established shooters. The coaching staff includes highly qualified professionals such as Ali Schwind, a CPSA Level 3 Senior Coach who also leads the Cambridge University team. Training spans all disciplines, including intensive two-day rifle courses and specialized safety assessments required for independent range access.
Beyond the firing lines, the club provides extensive support infrastructure:
On-site Gun Shop: An authorized dealer stocking a vast array of new and used firearms, ammunition, and reloading equipment.
The Cafe: Known for its high-quality breakfast, the cafe offers freshly prepared hot meals until early afternoon, with a resident chef catering to dietary needs.
Events: The facility regularly hosts CPSA registered shoots and the National Cadet Clay Championships, alongside corporate team-building events.
