Smashing-Good Gear

For the shotgunner, there are few things as satisfying as smashing a clay target. Figuring out the lead, speed and perfect break point, and then having everything come together and seeing the target evaporate in a ball of dust. It’s the result of a good gun mount and proper shooting technique, and it typically requires plenty of practice—at least to do it consistently. Spring is a great time to get to the shooting ground—or the Back 40—and fine-tune the fundamentals. And the proper gear can help achieve smashing-good results.

TOM BECKBE SHOOTING GLOVES

For breaking targets at the range or dropping birds in the field, Tom Beckbe Shooting Gloves ensure a secure grip on the gun and the sensitivity to feel the trigger. The unlined gloves are crafted from lightweight goatskin leather, making them soft but durable, and they have reinforced palms and elastic backs. Sizes: Whole and half 8 through 11 plus 12. Colors: Saddle (shown), Brown. Price: $95.

Tom Beckbe, tombeckbe.com.

SCHEELS OUTFITTERS DELUXE RANGE BAG

For keeping gear organized and accessible, the Scheels Outfitters Deluxe Range Bag is a stylish carry-all caddy. The zippered large main compartment has separators for holding ammunition and other items, and zippered exterior compartments will house a variety of accessories. There are also designated earmuff and shooting-glasses pockets on either end. The rope carrying handle has a padded hook-and-loop closure, and there is a removable, adjustable shoulder strap with buckles. Dimensions: 20" (l) x 8" (w) x 10" (h). Price: $150.

Scheels, scheels.com.

WILD HARE WOMEN’S PERFECT FIT MESH VEST

Not only has MizMac Designs been rebranded to Wild Hare, but also its women’s shooting vests have been redesigned. The Wild Hare Women’s Perfect Fit Mesh Vest has a long profile with a high zipper, form-fitting elastic side panels, princess seams for a fitted appearance, and slim arm holes. The shooting pad and pocket trim are genuine distressed leather. (A style called the Comfort Fit Mesh Vest has a fabric pad and trim.) There are expandable front pockets with hidden snaps, Velcro waist-adjustment tabs, an internal zippered accessories pocket, and an interior pocket that will hold a ShockEater recoil pad. The vest is available in right- or left-handed versions. Colors: Purple/Brown, Turquoise/Black. Sizes: XS through 3XL. Price: $220.

Wild Hare, peregrineoutdoor.com.

REC SPECS RECOIL SHOOTING GLASSES

For both the range and the field, Rec Specs Recoil Shooting Glasses offer excellent protection and great visibility. The metal frame is lightweight and rugged and has flex hinges and cable temples. The three-position nose bridge can adjust the frame vertically, and large pads provide comfort and stability. Each pair of glasses comes with one set of shatter-resistant lenses, but lenses can be interchanged with the purchase of others. The glasses are also prescription ready. Frame colors: Matte Black, Matte Gunmetal. Lens tints: Clear, Yellow, Rose, Orange, Purple, Vermillion, Bronze, Grey. Price: $175.

Rec Specs, opticsoutfitter.com.

CALDWELL CLAYMORE TARGET THROWER

For DIYers who like to throw their own, Caldwell’s Claymore Target Thrower offers all the benefits of an electric thrower without requiring a heavy battery. The manual thrower is foot operated using a pedal and will throw clays up to 70 yards in either standard (single-clay) mode or flurry mode. Launch angles are adjustable, and the target magazine will hold 50 clays. The thrower also folds for easy transport. Weight: 35 pounds. Price: $330.

Caldwell, caldwellshooting.com.

ORVIS CLAYS MESH SHOOTING VEST

Lightweight yet durable, Orvis’s Clays Mesh Shooting Vest is the perfect piece of range wear for the serious shooter. With a ripstop nylon main body and mesh across the back, the vest is breathable and helps manage moisture. The lightly cushioned yoke has removable, low-profile mesh shooting pads, and the abrasion-resistant softshell shoulder won’t interfere with the gun mount. Three large-capacity front pockets have reinforced openings for frequent reloading, and an asymmetrical rear pocket will hold empties, a water bottle and more. Colors: Dusty Olive (shown), Granite. Sizes: XS through XXL. Price: $149.

Orvis, orvis.com.