frequently asked questions
Q. Do I have to be an experienced shot to join your club and shoot?
A. No! We welcome shooters at all levels. If you have never shot before we have members of the club who are willing to coach you on a one to one basis. All members are always willing to discuss the finer points of technique and equipment!
Q. Shooting is dangerous, isn't it?
A. No. It is very much the opposite. As shooting is practised in a controlled environment it is one of the safest sports around. All shooters follow strict safety rules to maintain the safety of all concerned. You will be briefed on these rules and until it is deemed that you are competent you will be closely supervised.
Q. Do I have to have my own gun to shoot?
A. We have plenty of club firearms for the use for members. We have a number of members that have been shooting for years and do not own their own firearm.
Q. Do I need any other equipment?
A. We have plenty of older equipment that has been donated to the club by members when they have upgraded or changed their own equipment. It can be an advantage to have certain pieces of equipment of your own such as a glove, sling and even a shooting jacket.
Q. Isn't shooting expensive?
A. Full membership of the club is £100 (juniors £20) per year. We ask that all members pay a range fee of £1 per evening that they shoot to assist in the day to day running costs of the club. Ammunition can be purchased from the club.
Q. Is this a sport for women?
A. Yes! Both sexes compete equally in competition (there are also competitions only for women). (See this link for the current Scottish Shooting Squad).
Q. How old do I have to be to join?
A. We prefer juniors to be aged 14 or above (you should also be accompanied by a parent or guardian). For adult members the upper limit is up to you! If you are able enough to lie down on the floor and then get up again then you should manage, however the air weapons shooting is done standing.
Q. Do I have to be a good shot to take part in competitions?
A. No. Most competitions are divided into 4 or 5 classes where equal abilities are grouped together. Other competitions can be separated by declared averages to ensure those of equal ability shoot against each other. Handicap competitions are also run which enables the lesser skilled shooter to beat the expert!
Q. How do I join?
A. Please read the other FAQ and then contact the club by email at the address in the left column. If you apply for membership the local Police Force has to be notified (in accordance with Home Office Rules) and you will have to serve a six month probationary period before being granted full membership (unless you already hold a FAC). You will also have to sign a declaration that you are not a prohibited person under Section 21 of the Firearms Act.