The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Hi all,

Are there public ranges where you can book to shoot without being a member? If so, do you need a FAC? Do they hire out rifles? Do they cater for juniors? The Tunnel seems to do experiences that cover this at a reasonable price but I live in Essex, so Dorset isn't exactly local.

http://www.thetunnel.co.uk/shooting-experiences

Does anyone know of anywhere further east where you can get this kind of introduction day or even just pay to shoot by the hour? Weekends preferably.

Thanks.


Sent from my boing using "An application"

Not since the days of the twice a year, Bisley Open Day some 4/5 years back.

Not sure why they stopped them?

GeeRam wrote:Not since the days of the twice a year, Bisley Open Day some 4/5 years back.

Not sure why they stopped them?

Because the same people came every year for their once a year shooting fix. The coaches were paid as were RCOs & the Assoc made negligible income from it, the number of new members generated was small. It wasn't delivering its mission. The only benefit was making friends in some of the public that came. Some think we should do it for that reason only - I say that is worth it & to generate a profit too. If the fairground can charge £3 for 4 pellets we can charge £6 for 5x7.62 at 1000yds!

Alberto - look up on NRA & NSRA club links or finder & ask some if they might hold a guest day. Clubs are allowed to hold 12 pa! one per month but am afraid none ever do that! & a very very few do even one or two. Until they do the sport is in jeopardy.

You could always open up your own miniature rifle gallery I suppose.

http://www.guntradenews.com/comment/leg ... d-the-law/

Failing that try contacting the NSRA and see if they know of any said miniature ranges near you.

The club I belong to had most of its monthly meetings at Bisley as guest days, the exceptions being the McWueens comps due to the need of getting people through the stages and the comps being popular with members

kennyc wrote:The club I belong to had most of its monthly meetings at Bisley as guest days, the exceptions being the McWueens comps due to the need of getting people through the stages and the comps being popular with members

The NRA are having a kind of guest day lite in August. One of those NRA members bring a mate intro to the sport deals. Not cheap at £35 notes though.

http://www.nra.org.uk/common/asp/Calend ... RA&id=4155

Thanks for the replies. It's not easy to get into this sport is it? Maybe starting a range isn't such a bad idea. Anyone got any idea what it would cost? A few 22 rifles and the ammo would be cheap enough. Does anyone know what other equipment and insurance would be? I wonder if you need a qualified range officer to get the insurance.


Sent from my boing using "An application"

As a club we have taken to using air only at open days. That way we do not have to go through the hassle of notifying the police in advance of attendees.

I wouldn't actually want to be able to open the range adhoc to people who want to shoot occasionally, as this would not be fair to members who have undertaken 6 months probation which includes extensive range safety.

It is a hobby that has potential to do harm, and I am happy it is a sport which you need dedication to get into. Makes us all safer.

Alberto,
We run 'experience days' on the Herts/Essex border for those looking to get into the sport or those that want to try it out. It's not really aimed at shooters but rather at those who are curious and want to try out target shooting.
If it's something you think I can help you with drop me a PM.

Hrun, the miniature rifle exemption (S11(4)) allows the use of miniature rifles (including air rifles and 22RF) without informing the police or any licensing. There are a few caveats but the NSRA (formally the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs) covers this and might even cover insurance if they are informed beforehand.

Thanks Mattnall pm sent


Sent from my boing using "An application"