Shooting
We shoot rifles of various descriptions and air pistols. All these are categorised by size and power, by style of shooting, by kind of propelling force and by the distance at which they are intended to be used. Classification of rifles and pistols is a complex subject, and the legislation that has been passed to control who may use or possess rifles and pistols has had its own effect on meaning.
The target rifles and pistols commonly in use in Britain today are:
These use compressed air or CO2 as a propellant. If over a certain power, or if they can easily be converted to use chemical propellants, they are classified and controlled as if they were Firearms.
Firearms means air rifles and pistols over a certain power, and rifles and pistols of whatever power that use chemical propellants. Shotguns (which also use chemical propellants) are classified for control purposes separately.
Small bore rifles.
These use .22 inch rimfire ammunition and are used at distances of up to 100m. There are several different types: very high accuracy target rifles; lightweight sport rifles; gallery rifles; rifles designed for vermin control but used in target shooting.
Full bore rifles.
These generally use ammunition larger than small bore rifles, but always use ammunition more powerful. There are several different types: very high accuracy target rifles that use 5.65mm (.223 inch) or 7.62mm (.308 inch) centrefire ammunition; shorter-barrelled gallery rifles that use .38inch to .45inch (pistol calibre) centrefire ammunition and hunting rifles for larger game, yet used in target shooting.
Pistols
Breech-loading pistols that take cartridges are to all intents and purposes impossible to own in Britain. Britain's pistol teams notoriously have to practice overseas. Exceptions can be made for pistols that have historical value, but very strict laws control how these can be used.
Muzzle-loading pistols can be owned and used, and have their afficionados.These vary from 18th Century duelling pistols, and reproductions thereof, to 19th Century Colt six-shooters, also available in modern reproduction.
There are many variations on the above themes - indeed the shooting world is a labyrinth of variation and confusion at first - and it is a rare shooter who can hope to excel at more than one kind of shooting. However, all kinds are fun, require concentration and discipline (safety is every shooters' first concern), and provide immense satisfaction once the basic skills are mastered.
Read on for details on each kind of shooting we do.
(Small bore and full bore Gallery Rifle )
Designed by One World Publications
