Novice marksman Marc West sets his sights on some elusive clay pigeons at an award-winning shooting school

What began as a hobby over 40 years ago has become a life-long passion for Doug and Shirley Florent.

Within a year of first picking up a gun, the husband and wife team were winning competitions the world over and their offspring continue to carry the mantle today as members of Team GB.

In fact, the entire family has been “infected with the shooting bug” and it’s incredibly contagious.

Established in 1982, Oxford Gun Company’s award-winning shooting school at Oakley, on the edge of Bernwood Forest, between Wheatley and Bicester, has seen more than 20,000 people of all ages pass through its doors – and I’ve just become one of them.

As I drove down the long and winding road to the rural retreat of Jericho Farm I was greeted by a cacophony of explosions.

This 400-acre estate is the ideal home to 15 all-weather stands which have been carefully designed to provide a serious challenge to the experienced shot or encourage the absolute beginner, like me.

Holding a loaded firearm in my hands for the very first time I’ll admit somewhat unnerved me.

But, with have-a-go sessions like this, safety always comes first and instructor Geoff Constant’s one-on-one tuition helped me settle and get into the rhythm.

The school uses low-recoil cartridges with an 8lb Browning shotgun – which when pushed tightly into the shoulder and cheek is more forgiving – ensuring only memories remain.

Keep calm, track the clay, squeeze the trigger and get ready for a flush of exhilaration as you watch it shatter into a thousand pieces. To my utter amazement, I’m not a bad shot for a sinister left-hander. Maybe my younger years playing badminton helped train my eye... or was it just beginner’s luck?

Remember that feeling when you get two strikes in a row at 10-pin bowling then it all goes to pieces?

Either way, by listening carefully to the expert instruction you’re well on the way to a kill (nearly) every time.

Even with decades of experience, Geoff jokingly admits he’s “only just about got the hang of it”.

And, after 25 cartridges aimed at 25 clays, so had I. But, it was also at this point I began to tire – such is the acute concentration required – and I welcomed the cool February breeze to take the sweat from my brow.

Trekking back along the banks of the brook, I was also glad to find hot refreshments being served in the Old Barn – an ideal atmosphere to debrief and reflect upon this city boy’s first foray into the world of country pursuits.

The first Saturday of every month is the ideal opportunity to have a go if you’ve ever fancied trying your hand too.

Like me, you’ll get use of a shotgun, all safety equipment and half an hour with an instructor, followed by 25 chances to test your skills – all for only £25.

Ladies and teenagers are particularly welcome – in fact, the school is currently celebrating its 10th year of teaching shooting skills to the next generation through its association with the Schools Challenge.

For information and to book your place visit oxfordguncompany.co.uk