Sports shooting in the UK is a popular hobby enjoyed by many individuals. If you’re interested in getting started in sports shooting, here are the steps you need to take:
- Join a Shooting Club: The first step in getting into sports shooting is to join a local shooting club. This will give you access to the facilities, equipment, and expertise necessary to develop your skills. Shooting clubs can be found throughout the UK and offer a variety of disciplines, including rifle shooting, pistol shooting, and shotgun shooting.
- Attend a Club Safety Course: Before you can start handling firearms, you’ll need to complete a safety course. This course will teach you the basic principles of gun safety and the safe handling of firearms. This is an essential step in your journey as a sports shooter, as it ensures that you and those around you are safe at all times.
- Apply for a Firearms Certificate: Once you have completed your safety course and joined a shooting club, you can apply for a firearms certificate. This certificate allows you to own and use firearms in the UK. You’ll need to fill out an application form, provide references, and undergo a background check.
- Apply for a Shotgun Certificate: In addition to a firearms certificate, you may also need to apply for a shotgun certificate if you plan to use shotguns in your sports shooting activities. The process for applying for a shotgun certificate is similar to that of a firearms certificate. It’s worth noting that you can apply for both at the same time as a coterminous certificate.
- Purchase Firearms/Shotguns: Once you have your firearms/shotgun certificate, you can purchase firearms and/or shotguns. You can buy firearms/shotguns from registered firearms dealers or from private sellers. It’s important to note that there are strict regulations governing the ownership and use of firearms/shotguns in the UK, so be sure to follow all guidelines and regulations.
- Practice and Develop Your Skills: With your safety course completed, firearms/shotguns in hand, and access to shooting facilities, it’s time to practice and develop your skills. Sports shooting requires precision, accuracy, and patience. As you continue to practice, you’ll improve your aim and develop a better understanding of the sport.
Overall, getting into sports shooting in the UK requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. It’s important to follow all regulations and guidelines governing firearms ownership and use to ensure that you and others remain safe at all times. By joining a shooting club, completing a safety course, obtaining firearms and shotgun certificates, and practicing regularly, you can enjoy the many benefits of this exciting and challenging sport.
