How to get started??

[Dalgo]

Evening all.

As you've probably figured I've not been involved with shooting besides annoying a few clays every now and again.

So I was wondering what someone like myself needs to get started.

A few questions:

1) How do you go about obtaining a Fire Arms License?
2) What do you need to do in order to meet the requirements? Gun cabinets and ammo storage? Club membership?
3) What sort of Rifle would you recommend for a beginner and what discipline?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions but that's enough to get started on.

Many thanks,

-Dalgo

[Robin128]

Dalgo,

What do you want to shoot?

Targets...paper, clays, fox, deer, pig?

Visit a gun club and see what sort of disciplines you like more than others.

Get to shoot different guns.

Get some lessons in clay shooting...try English sporting for starters...a bit of variety.

Try Black powder shooting.

Then decide before applying for your ticket.

If it's a shotgun or rifle...you will need a BS cabinet.

Hope you do not have a criminal record, other than speeding.

You need to show good reson when applying for FAC and soon for SGC.

HTH

Rob

[Dalgo]

Cheers Robin128.

I'm thinking about target shooting (rifle) and I've shot clays and skeet for a few years.

I've also got a clean record...not even speeding (don't think my car goes that fast).

-Dalgo

[dromia]

Finding a mentor to buddy you through the beginnings is sound practice.

[Mike2]

Dalgo,

I know this will annoy some people, but could I suggest that you join a shooting organisation? They can help you through the process and advise you on the type of gun you might need, the way the club system works, the legal requirements etc. etc.

That said, local target shooting clubs really are an excellent way to start. You could search using Google, or use a specialised search such as http://www.basc.org.uk/en/go-shooting/ to find the short of shooting you want in your area. There are other websites like http://www.gunsite.co.uk/ which have information. ( http://psa.bizhosting.com/index.html is one example of a club website )

Of course the two major organisations dealing with target shooting are the NRA ( http://www.nra.org.uk/) and the NSRA ( http://www.nsra.co.uk/ ) who may be able to help as well.

Gun shops are a good source of contact information for target shooting clubs as well, as most of them will know the clubs in their area.

Good luck with taking up the sport - but beware - it's addictive.......

[Robin128]

And be safe....see Safe Shooting thread under Other Things on here.

Rob

[Dalgo]

Many thanks for all the great information Mike2 and Robin128.

-Dalgo

[dromia]

This is worth a read.

http://www.yarners.org.uk/Art-of-Shooting.pdf

[Convict_keeper]

Ref finding a local gun club, I was directed to http://www.gunstar.co.uk/Gun-Clubs/Gun- ... earch.aspx which I found usefull to narrow down the search

CK