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Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 04 12:14 pm Post subject: New to shooting

I know there are a good number of experienced people on here who are always happy to help beginners

so I thought I'd start at the very beginning.

What would you advise to be the first steps for someone to take who wants to find out about shooting and perhaps have a try - and above all, of course, to do so safely? Books, organisations, local club?

My path has come to a bit of a full stop...tried and enjoyed some shotgun lessons...eventually joined a rifle club which runs shotgun days, but a combination of lack of time and lack of confidence means I haven't got much further.

We hope to get back in to it in the New Year, but what I'd really like in the meantime is to do a bit of reading so that when I'm told things it doesn't go straight out the other ear. I'm still totally confused by a lot of the terminology and although I've certainly been taught and paid attention to the safety practices, some kind of check list would be nice. A lot of magazines and books seem to assume that you'll have been doing it for generations

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 3:36 pm Post subject:
.. Last edited by deerstalker on Fri Apr 08, 05 5:44 pm; edited 1 time in total

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 6:17 pm Post subject:

It's a big big question because there's a big, big hole in my knowledge.

OK, let me think of a few specifics, but bear in mind that these are not the limits of my lack of knowledge.

It's difficult to ask questions without knowing terminology...I could probably tell a shotgun from a rifle at a glance, but I don't really understand shotgun bores (and no, I'm not talking about the old blokes with pipes at the club

)...different types of rifle for different things...names for parts and ammunition...different types of shooting. So, perhaps a glossary of terms that I'll come across.

That'll do for starters...once I know the words to ask questions with I'll be back

bimini

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 156

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 7:38 pm Post subject: Re: New to shooting

Bugs wrote:

My path has come to a bit of a full stop...tried and enjoyed some shotgun lessons...eventually joined a rifle club which runs shotgun days, but a combination of lack of time and lack of confidence means I haven't got much further.

I have not got as far as you Bugs.

I beat at a local shoot and am keen to begin shooting myself. I really don't know what the next step is... do I apply for a shotgun certificate and buy a gun first? Do I join a club before investing in a gun? How do I find places that I can shoot? Do landowners generally grant permission to cull vermin (rabbits, pigeons etc)? I know that you may only be able to partially answer this question. I expect that Deerstalker and others will have more to say.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 8:03 pm Post subject:

Hi Bimini

I'm learning to shoot along with Bugs (my OH) and can shed a little bit of light on some of your questions.

Depending of what you would like to learn I would advise joining or at least visiting a club before buying a gun. The rifle club we joined requires a probationary period where you are taught to use various rifles safely. We've done that and have become full members. But now we are at the point of thinking about buying our own rifle as the club guns are not the best and the ones that are good are not always available.

Learning to use a shotgun has been a bit more difficult as different people had different views. Some say learn with a 20 bore some say never go near one. Our rifle club has it's own shot gun meeting twice a month. Again we can use the club guns but we are at the point of wanting to use something a little better and a better fit. But it would be a waste for Bugs to buy one if it was not used.

I would recommend joining BASC as you get insurance, some free advice and other benefits.

When it comes to land to shoot over this is also a problem as we don't live in that rural a location. It seems people want experienced shooters so we would be in a bit of a chicken and egg situation. Can you not get access from people you beat with as that's often suggested?

What would be good for both of us would be a decent, simple book to get to learn some basics and to go back to after a lesson if there is something we are not sure of. It would cover all the sorts of things a shooter would tell his children as they grew up.

We have a few books but they seem a bit out of date and with not that much in them. I have also noticed sometimes even an experienced shooter can misunderstand some things.

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 8:13 pm Post subject:
.. Last edited by deerstalker on Fri Apr 08, 05 5:44 pm; edited 1 time in total

alison
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 12918
Location: North Devon

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 8:18 pm Post subject:
can you give me some tips on my air rifle conumdrum as well please.

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 9:00 pm Post subject:

Must admit Alison I'm not an expert on air rifles as I don't use them.

A lot of people will hang me for this, but I don't like them. But I feel I have good reasons for this.

They are easy to get hold off by the inexperienced and the damn dangerous.

People tend to use them in unsuitable places.

Far more injuries are caused by air weapons than any other firearm, but far fewer are reported.

The range is limited which leads to a lot more animals wounded or maimed.

Because they are restricted to 12 foot pounds muzzle energy, people often take very unsafe shots.

Remember these are my views.

Depending on your quarry, I would recommend a shotgun. If you find a twelve too heavy, you could chose a 16, 20, 28 bore or even a .410 (the numbers eg 12 bore, relates to the barrel diameter being the same diameter as a pure lead ball wieghing on 12th of a pound and so on. The exception being the 410 which is .410 inches).

If you want a more powerful air rifle (covered by a FAC), you may as well apply for a .22 short or long.

Anything else, just ask away!

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 05 9:06 pm Post subject:

Bugs wrote:

So, perhaps a glossary of terms that I'll come across.
That'll do for starters...once I know the words to ask questions with I'll be back

I have answered one of your questions in Alison's reply.

I have promised Tahir a glossary, which I'm still working on.

In the meantime if you want to post list of questions, eg

What is this called, what is that bit called and why? I'd be happy to answer them.

alison
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 12918
Location: North Devon

Posted: Mon Jan 03, 05 10:14 pm Post subject:
We are thinking of increasing the FAC to include an air rifle, as well as the rifle. I understand this would give a gun with more punch, so to speak.

3mariners

Joined: 20 Dec 2004
Posts: 16
Location: East Devon

Posted: Tue Jan 04, 05 8:39 am Post subject:
I would agree with DS on many counts. Having now bought a BRNO CZ, my shooting has changed completely. Went out the other day and only had one shot from say 5 possibles, simply becuase the prey were on the top of banks, in front of hedges etc. Its a great way to advance not just shooting skills but also stalking....knowing which way to approach your prey from etc.

Raydon

Joined: 06 Jan 2005
Posts: 2
Location: Inverness

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 05 12:44 am Post subject:
Alison, You could try a Theoben air rifle or any other that uses compressed air they have consistant power and no spring recoil at all. Raydon

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45670
Location: Essex

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 05 10:59 am Post subject:
Welcome on board Raydon, love the piggy

Lloyd

Joined: 24 Jan 2005
Posts: 2699

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 05 11:13 pm Post subject:

Treacodactyl wrote:

What would be good for both of us would be a decent, simple book to get to learn some basics and to go back to after a lesson if there is something we are not sure of. It would cover all the sorts of things a shooter would tell his children as they grew up. :

I can reccommend "The Better Shot " by Ken Davies, or "The Sporting Shotgun" by Robin Marshall-Ball. If you want, I can get the ISBN numbers.

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 05 11:19 pm Post subject:
I can also recommend them both.

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