MegaVR Simstock review

Can virtual reality improve real-world shooting skills?

I will confess that I am a bit of a gamer. My free time is rare these days but when I do switch off it is often with a PS5 controller in hand. Gaming carries a stigma, especially among older generations who see it as a pointless waste of time. I get that, but I beg to differ. It can be a social lifeline, a way to stay connected with friends who live at the other end of the country. Yes, it can be addictive and there are far more productive uses of my time, but everyone needs a way to relax.

Other than instantly forgotten bragging rights and some digital trophies, I have nothing to show for the hours spent in virtual worlds. But what if that time could be useful? What if gaming could improve real-world shooting?

MegaVR Simstock setup and first impressions

With that in mind, I was genuinely excited to review the MegaVR Simstock. Reviews are bold, with shooters online claiming jumps from scores of low 70s to 90s and describing it as the closest thing to shooting live game. I am naturally sceptical, so I wanted to put it through its paces.

The Simstock arrives in a neat rectangular box, ideal as a disguised gift for any shooter. It comes dismantled, but all tools and bolts are included. Assembly takes 15 to 20 minutes. The frame is largely 3D printed, so over-tightening screws is something to be careful of.

How adjustable is the MegaVR Simstock?

Once built, the adjustability is truly remarkable. You can clone your own gun almost exactly, from weight to measurements. With optional weights (at extra cost) the Simstock can exceed 10lb. I am 6ft 5in and shoot a Browning 325 30in over-and-under, and there was still room to spare and much more weight I could add. Cast, comb height and drop are all adjustable, allowing you to recreate your own gun or experiment with new setups or purchases you might be considering. It does take time to get everything dialled in but once completed it does feel tailored.

Virtual shotgun options and in-game customisation

The adjustability continues in-game. You can switch between game or trap ribs, change barrel lengths, bead colours, choke choices and cartridge shot size and speeds. Initially you start with a semi-auto or an over-and-under, but as you gain XP you will unlock more, guns including higher-capacity magazine options and even side-by-sides (single trigger, pistol grip only – no straight hand stocks yet). Barrel lengths range from 28-34in, and you can choose anything from .410 to 12-bore.

Using the Meta Quest for VR shooting simulation

Using the Meta Quest headset, navigation is intuitive. The controller mounts into the stock and becomes your interface. Once the Clay Hunt VR app is downloaded, the home menu offers three categories: Tutorial, Clays and Hunting.

Clay shooting wing shooting modes in Clay Hunt VR

Clays includes Trap, Skeet and Sporting, with extra layouts available to buy for less than the price of a box of cartridges. There’s even a creative mode where you can set up new layouts and try new things. The Hunting section features ducks and pigeons from a hide, driven pheasants and other DLC. I purchased the doves, which come thick and fast, much like I imagine South Africa or Argentina to be. Boar and quail will be next.

How good is VR resolution?

The resolution leaves you wanting more, but VR has limitations and massive file sizes are not practical for rendering purposes. In this context it is more than adequate. Crucially, distances feel correct and the speed of clays is convincing. Wearing glasses under the headset is surprisingly comfortable too.

Using VR as a shotgun training aid

Set to Pro mode with added wind and tighter patterns, the shooting experience becomes impressively challenging and realistic. There is no recoil or need to break the gun, but you can call “Pull” and the sound design gives a satisfying report.

The live quarry modes are great fun. You can push yourself by taking increasingly longer birds and the game rewards correct instinctive shooting. The thud of a bird falling beside you adds a surprising degree of realism. I worked up a sweat.

On the clay side, I tried disciplines I normally ignore, practised Sporting layouts in slippers and competed against AI on Skeet. Set to Pro, my scores were close to what I shoot in real life, which speaks volumes. Switching to small bores in the game increased difficulty but improved my consistency when returning to 12-bore. The shot analysis is a brilliant feature, showing whether you were ahead, behind, above, below or centre of the pattern.

I tried to hack the system, shooting with poor mount, no swing, head off the stock etc. The results were terrible. There’s no aim assist to boost one’s ego, which is exactly as a training aid should be.

Practising gun mount, swing and target reading

Will it turn a world champion into a better shot? Probably not. But as a tool for improving gun mount, reading targets, testing hold points, practising gun-up or gun-down, keeping the gun moving, building stamina and developing hip movement, it is extremely effective. All at a fraction of the cost of shooting real clays or live quarry, and incredibly convenient.

Limitations and downsides of VR shooting systems

Setting up a Meta account was a little frustrating as I juggle multiple social media accounts. Most users will not face this issue and once you have your log-in, it is really straightforward. You will likely want a PayPal setup for Meta so that you can buy the game and any extra content. It is a minor inconvenience but worth mentioning.

Motion sickness and VR comfort considerations

Motion sickness is a personal concern. I can get seasick in flat water and in my excitement I jumped into a really long session too quickly. Little and often is the best method for anyone who suffers as I do, building tolerance over time. Ginger and peppermint are rumoured remedies, too. Compared to other VR games, experiencing motion sickness is very rare and shouldn’t be a concern.

Is the MegaVR Simstock worth it for shooters?

At the time of writing I had worked 14 days straight, seeing daylight only through a window or with camera in hand. There was no chance of shooting at a ground or estate. Yet with the MegaVR Simstock I could pop the headset on and shoot a Skeet layout or stand under some high pheasants for 10 minutes before bed or while my dinner cooked.

My wife still thinks I spend too much time gaming, but perhaps she will feel differently when I explain that my shot-to-kill ratios and clay averages are improving because of it. One can hope.

I best not mention that testing the Simstock has confirmed my need for a semi-auto and a 32in over-and-under to add to the real collection.

Where to buy a MegaVR Simstock

RRP: £269

Add-on Weight Kits: From £49

Meta Quest headset sold separately.