The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

That link isnt working for me, maybe the Gibberment, sorry Government website is down at the min.

One other factor which may affect the figures are those S1-type target shooters who are not individual member of the NRA, such as myself.

Charlie Muggins wrote:One other factor which may affect the figures are those S1-type target shooters who are not individual member of the NRA, such as myself.

There are also very many shooters that are not members of any shooting organisation whatsoever. These are the people who try to join as soon as they have a problem (horse, stable door, bolted).

Grinder wrote:That link isnt working for me, maybe the Gibberment, sorry Government website is down at the min.

Looks like they don't have a www. redirect (typical govt).

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/62588

There is a difference and it is real, I have a few examples from my local area, gunshops and shooters.

1/ My girlfriend enjoys working a couple of our dogs on a local shoot during the season, I don't shoot living things, I'm not against it, but it's just not my cup of tea. Meeting up with some of the guns recently at a funeral I mentioned we were going clay shooting the next week, "oh you're having a go at clays are you?" The inference I took from the rest of the conversation was that it wasn't proper shooting and somehow beneath them, I'm an average shot on clays, but having seen these great white hunters while I was beating congratulating themselves on a walked up pheasant at ten yards I know I could equal their shooting without breaking a sweat.

2/ Upon getting my FAC and my first .308 I went in search of some ammo, out of the four local gunshops I tried, none had regular fmj, "no call for it round here" yet the choice of soft point deer bombs were many and various. Requests for HPBT match ammo or reloading components later on were met with blank stares as if I was a polish lorry driver asking for directions. Hence I now have to make an 80 mile round trip to buy components out to forest lodge in wragby, who I recommend without reserve.

3/ Kind of a coin flipping twist here. Visiting a gunshop in Sheffield (no fmj!) I was shown into the inner gunroom to have a look guided by a gi joe top to toe camo fellow customer, because I, not being similarly attired was obviously an imbecile who couldn't know one end of a firearm from the other. The usuall questions met with the usual replies, "can't eat paper." "clay pigeons make crap pies." When I spied a Franchi spas 12 on the rack and had a wander over to it. "Wouldn't even bother looking at that mate, no way they would let you have one." I smiled to myself visualising the empty 12G slot and my 400 rounds of slug allowance and bowed to his greater wisdom.

On this not too scientific evidence I would say that in this area target shooters are in a minority because their needs are not being catered for by local business in the same way as game shooters. One of the shops visited was in the village next to mattersey which has a club with over 300 members, some of which travel two or more hours to shoot there. Which leads to a conclusion on my part, these shops are missing a trick by not catering for range shooters leaving a gap in the market market maybe I should fill!

I'd say there are far more target shooters than pest controllers/stalkers. Although i've done a few deer stalks, game shoots, shot a massive TWO foxes and until a couple of years ago quite regular pigeon control, 99% of my shooting is target shooting. And i'm a member of BASC.

Can't say i've ever had any real 'prejudice' because of it, plenty of keyboard warriors like having a pop at PSG/practical though but i know that;
1/ They wouldn't say half the things they type face to face
2/ I'd take offence if they actually knew what they were talking about, which invariably they don't
3/ They'd lose their prejudice if they actually knew anything about the sport(s) or even dare i say it, had a go! :lol:

Had a few jokey comments/ribbing at my local clay club when i've used my FAC M2 or last month my BR99 ( :lol: ), but its never gone further than that. Mainly because i still lick the lugs off them

I shoot both disciples, both game and targets. I don't shoot targets competitively just for fun, I shoot vermin and are eyeing up some deer stalking at the moment. Whether on targets, clays or live quarry I've never experienced any stupidity in regards to comments or opinions, I would say most people are quite interested in the opposite and ask various questions.

I agree with an earlier comment, most shops cater for one or the other. I can't really think of one store that I categorically confirm serves both in my area.

We have to remember that everyone's perspective is different depending on the area and who they socialise with, I see a lot of game shooters who never come into contact with 'range' rifles probably hence their interest. One thing about shooting is that the more you practice the better you get so there should room for targets/ clays in every game shooters repertoire as practice is a must!

I think the "division" or rather the difference is more between shooters, who see guns the tool the use for their shooting and gun owners who enjoy guns for their own sake. Revel in their history, engineering, design, craftsmanship, ingenuity, innovation, calibres, cartridges, ignition, systems, ballistics. The shooting is just the final expression of their purpose, it is something the guns do.

I am firmly in the latter camp but many gun owners get enjoyment from both.

dromia wrote:I think the "division" or rather the difference is more between shooters, who see guns the tool the use for their shooting and gun owners who enjoy guns for their own sake. Revel in their history, engineering, design, craftsmanship, ingenuity, innovation, calibres, cartridges, ignition, systems, ballistics. The shooting is just the final expression of their purpose, it is something the guns do.

I am firmly in the latter camp but many gun owners get enjoyment from both.

Very good point

I always seem to be met with stares of abject horror when I ask for AAA or SG in high street shops, which is why I now order online in bulk.

"What do you want that for?", they invariably say...
"Well, to blast the f*ck out of stuff" [is my imagined reply].

I avoid 'country' style shops like the plague now - the slightest whiff of tweed and I about turn at the door. I'll give my money to people who move with the times and cater for all shooters and disciplines.