The PH Gun Cabinet - Shooting Matters
Discussion
Geffg said:
Looking to do some target shooting with rifles, but not air rifles as looking to soon apply for my fac once I’ve joined a club.
Wouldn’t mind doing some clay shooting aswell. Is there a club that can combine the 2 or would I have to join separate clubs.
Would need more info before I could suggest a club. Rimfire? Full bore or pistols? Skeet, English sporting shotguns? Practical shotgun? Wouldn’t mind doing some clay shooting aswell. Is there a club that can combine the 2 or would I have to join separate clubs.
Sounds like you might be better of visiting a club that does a bit of everything (where possible).
Also be aware it can be a long process. I am sure you know this already but before you can apply for an FAC you have to do a probationary period of at least 3 months. Some clubs require 6 months. There will be a minimum number of visits in that period. Some as little as 6 some as many as 18.
At some clubs you will be able to shoot as a probationer using club guns. These tend to be rim fire though (not always) so can get a bit boring after several months of shooting the same bolt action rifle at 25 yards. (each to their own though)
You (should) have to do a safe handling course too before you can be a full member. Once you have done your probation and become a full member you can then apply for your FAC. This can take 3-9 months depending on force area.
If you want to shoot shotguns AND rifles you will need a co-terminus FAC / SGC. That said you are talking 2 quite different forms of shooting and in general most clubs offer specific things:
Indoor clubs. .22 rimfire, pistols, pistol calibre rifles, air guns. (there are a few full bore indoor clubs but cant think of any in your area) <100 yards.
Outdoor clubs. Depending on set up of the club they will shoot everything Some outdoor ranges only have 100-300 yards others 1000+ yards.
MOD Ranges. Mostly target type prone shooting at ranges over 300 yards. There is a bit of an issue with MOD ranges at the moment.
Clay grounds. Skeet, English, DTL etc.
There are exceptions to the above but that's the general idea.
Lastly don't underestimate the costs, its not a cheap sport to get into!
I can't think of many clubs in whole of UK that have facilities for clay busting and full-bore rifle.
You'll likely be looking at two different clubs to cover both, as has been said in the very comprehensive post above, such different disciplines.
About 25% of my full-bore club membership also happens to be members of the same Sporting Clay club
and a couple of the other members of the clay club are also FAC holders with another full-bore/small-bore club.
You'll likely be looking at two different clubs to cover both, as has been said in the very comprehensive post above, such different disciplines.
About 25% of my full-bore club membership also happens to be members of the same Sporting Clay club
and a couple of the other members of the clay club are also FAC holders with another full-bore/small-bore club.aeropilot said:
I can't think of many clubs in whole of UK that have facilities for clay busting and full-bore rifle.
You'll likely be looking at two different clubs to cover both, as has been said in the very comprehensive post above, such different disciplines.
About 25% of my full-bore club membership also happens to be members of the same Sporting Clay club and a couple of the other members of the clay club are also FAC holders with another full-bore/small-bore club.
bisley?You'll likely be looking at two different clubs to cover both, as has been said in the very comprehensive post above, such different disciplines.
About 25% of my full-bore club membership also happens to be members of the same Sporting Clay club
and a couple of the other members of the clay club are also FAC holders with another full-bore/small-bore club.z4RRSchris said:
aeropilot said:
I can't think of many clubs in whole of UK that have facilities for clay busting and full-bore rifle.
You'll likely be looking at two different clubs to cover both, as has been said in the very comprehensive post above, such different disciplines.
About 25% of my full-bore club membership also happens to be members of the same Sporting Clay club and a couple of the other members of the clay club are also FAC holders with another full-bore/small-bore club.
bisley?You'll likely be looking at two different clubs to cover both, as has been said in the very comprehensive post above, such different disciplines.
About 25% of my full-bore club membership also happens to be members of the same Sporting Clay club
and a couple of the other members of the clay club are also FAC holders with another full-bore/small-bore club.Seeing as a few of you guys seem to have S1 shotties - do you have any recommendations?
I've got a slot I need to fill, vermin and clays. Was either looking at a Benelli (although a bit expensive for a gun I will use to rough shoot) or a Mossberg 930 JM Pro. Having had a SGC Mossie 590 pump for a few years now, I've been impressed with it - despite their reputation for being a tad 'bargain basement' in some circles.
I've got a slot I need to fill, vermin and clays. Was either looking at a Benelli (although a bit expensive for a gun I will use to rough shoot) or a Mossberg 930 JM Pro. Having had a SGC Mossie 590 pump for a few years now, I've been impressed with it - despite their reputation for being a tad 'bargain basement' in some circles.
red_slr said:
At some clubs you will be able to shoot as a probationer using club guns. These tend to be rim fire though (not always) so can get a bit boring after several months of shooting the same bolt action rifle at 25 yards. (each to their own though)
I thought you always shoot as a probationer using club guns?Rapid aimed fire / mad minute shooting with a bolt rifle makes the bolt action 22LR rifle a lot more fun. But I'd go easy as a probationer.
creampuff said:
red_slr said:
At some clubs you will be able to shoot as a probationer using club guns. These tend to be rim fire though (not always) so can get a bit boring after several months of shooting the same bolt action rifle at 25 yards. (each to their own though)
I thought you always shoot as a probationer using club guns?
What I was getting at is not all clubs have club guns. I know mine does not have any so probationers (without FAC) have to stand and watch. Its not actually that bad as there is a lot going on and it takes an hour to get your head around the COF. Over the 6 visits you have to see at least 6 different disciplines, we do about 10 different ones. After the 6 visits is done you can then upgrade to full membership at which point you do your safe handling course. The club will then provide your confirmation of membership to the police.
If you have an existing FAC and SSC then you can shoot during your probationary period but you still have to do the 6 visits and visit 6 other events so if you shoot under lever only but want to join you have to visit 5 other events.
IYSWIM.
Each club is different of course.
If you have an existing FAC and SSC then you can shoot during your probationary period but you still have to do the 6 visits and visit 6 other events so if you shoot under lever only but want to join you have to visit 5 other events.
IYSWIM.
Each club is different of course.
red_slr said:
What I was getting at is not all clubs have club guns. I know mine does not have any so probationers (without FAC) have to stand and watch. Its not actually that bad as there is a lot going on and it takes an hour to get your head around the COF. Over the 6 visits you have to see at least 6 different disciplines, we do about 10 different ones. After the 6 visits is done you can then upgrade to full membership at which point you do your safe handling course. The club will then provide your confirmation of membership to the police.
Crikey......... 
So, how can you do a safe handling course if you don't have any club guns...?
Once you complete your probationary period you are then issued with full membership.
Once you have that you do the class room stuff. You can then shoot another members rifle to demonstrate safe handling. TBH its probably a bit of a unique situation as the club is more geared to existing FAC holders and due to its size its not really suited to novices.
Don't get me wrong we do get people who have never shot before but I would say a good percentage are people who already shoot and have FAC.
There is also no shooting on your own, everything is done 1:1. Its either single shooter COF (if there is move and shoot) or if its line dancing then 2 or even 3 RCOs. For stuff like CSR with a lot of transitions but no move and shoot its 1:1 but with a buddy system to ensure safe COF for all. I think a lot of full bore clubs operate this way. Most indoor clubs allow you to shoot a bit more independently but will restrict transitioning from prone to standing for example during the COF.
IYSWIM.
Once you have that you do the class room stuff. You can then shoot another members rifle to demonstrate safe handling. TBH its probably a bit of a unique situation as the club is more geared to existing FAC holders and due to its size its not really suited to novices.
Don't get me wrong we do get people who have never shot before but I would say a good percentage are people who already shoot and have FAC.
There is also no shooting on your own, everything is done 1:1. Its either single shooter COF (if there is move and shoot) or if its line dancing then 2 or even 3 RCOs. For stuff like CSR with a lot of transitions but no move and shoot its 1:1 but with a buddy system to ensure safe COF for all. I think a lot of full bore clubs operate this way. Most indoor clubs allow you to shoot a bit more independently but will restrict transitioning from prone to standing for example during the COF.
IYSWIM.
red_slr said:
Once you complete your probationary period you are then issued with full membership.
Once you have that you do the class room stuff. You can then shoot another members rifle to demonstrate safe handling. TBH its probably a bit of a unique situation as the club is more geared to existing FAC holders and due to its size its not really suited to novices.
Don't get me wrong we do get people who have never shot before but I would say a good percentage are people who already shoot and have FAC.
Mine isn't really suited to complete novices either, as we don't have our own facilities and most new members we've had, if not already FAC holders have had enough prior experience, that its more refresher training than ab-initio, but we still do have two club guns.Once you have that you do the class room stuff. You can then shoot another members rifle to demonstrate safe handling. TBH its probably a bit of a unique situation as the club is more geared to existing FAC holders and due to its size its not really suited to novices.
Don't get me wrong we do get people who have never shot before but I would say a good percentage are people who already shoot and have FAC.
But we only really do two types of shooting (one club gun for each type), so its not such a big deal.
I could easily see a new member getting frustrated by that lack of hands on for such a long time though, but I suppose, if they stay the course to actually getting to fire something, at least you know they are probably serious about the sport which is a good thing.
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff