What do I need?
To get started you don’t need to make any big investments until you know it’s the sport for you.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Learn about our current conservation projects and how you can get involved.
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
Target shooting What do I need?
Unless you are using an air rifle, you will need a firearms certificate to get involved in target shooting, you can find out more here..
Air rifles and pistols are a popular and cost-effective way to enter the sport, but they should not be regarded only as entry level. There are many different disciplines available to try and competition range from local club and postal entries to national and even Olympic standard.
There are also various other options to consider.
“Small-bore” rifles (of .22 calibre) are generally used at shorter ranges such as 25 yards but sometimes out to 100 yards. Larger rifles (termed “full-bore”) are shot at targets over much greater ranges, even over 1000 yards.
Muzzle-loading pistols are either original antiques or modern replicas which are loaded by pouring gunpowder down the muzzle or into the front of the cylinder of a five- or six-shot revolver. These are shot at targets over ranges of 20/25 yards.
Another branch of this popular sport involves muzzle-loading rifles, muskets and shotguns, both flintlock and percussion (caplock), again using either genuine antique guns or modern replicas. These are shot at targets over greater ranges than the pistol. Muzzle-loading target rifles were originally shot at ranges from 100 to 1200 yards and the same competitions are available to enthusiasts today.
To get started you don’t need to make any big investments until you know it’s the sport for you.
There are several different disciplines you can try when it comes to target shooting including skeet and trap.
Providing you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake basic metallic cartridge reloading.
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