Club???

Carpenter

Hi
I'm intrested in getting a gun is there a club around Sandyford I can join or what do I have to do to get one it is just target shooting I would want to do.

Cass

Welcome to the shooting forum.

Excuse the following post if any of it seems "newbie" but as i don't know your previous history, if any, i'm trying to cover all bases.


Target shooting may only be carried out on an authorised range so you'll need to find a suitable rifle range near to you that also caters for your chosen discipline.

First thing you need to do is choose which type of shooting you'd like to do. Are you interested in:

• Benchrest rimfire/centrefire
• Gallery rifle
• Pistol
• Long range shooting
• Sporting rifle
• etc

Once you know what type of shooting you'd like to do you need to pick a range. Based on where you live you need to determine not only the closest range to you, but the one that best serves your needs/wants. So even though range A is closest does it allow you to shoot the discipline. If not then you need to look at range B, C, etc.

Ring the range and make an appointment to go and visit it. They will gladly show you around, tell you all you need to know and walk you through the membership process, etc.

Here is a list of all rifle/pistol ranges.

Now you have the type of shooting you want to do and the range that best suits your needs picked out you need to choose a gun. I always advise most people to start out with a .22lr rimfire rifle. They are tons of fun, practical, can be used or hunting and target shooting, are cheap to run, cheap to buy, and the kind of gun you can always keep in the safe.

Here is a post describing the types of gun and why a .22lr is best as a starter.

You can of course go for any caliber and you may need to go for a higher caliber depending on the type of shooting you decide to do. Go to various ranges and gun dealers and look at as many as you can. Bring someone with you if you're not 100% on the types, makes, or models. When you have a gun you want you pay a deposit, and only a deposit (do not pay for the gun entirely upfront). You then take the letter the dealer gives you and have to apply for the gun.

To apply for a firearm you need to fill in an FCA1 firearm application form. This post details all the specifics you'll need to cover as well as the security measures you will need in place before getting the gun. This post then goes into a little more detail with regard to the reasons you may give for wanting the firearm as this is a legal requirement.

After all this is done you wait. Once the application is granted you'll be sent a grant letter. This confirms the application was successful. The letter must then be taken to the post office where you pay your €80 license fee. Within 3-5 days you'll receive your actual license and then you may go and collect your gun.


A few tips:

• If you apply for the gun for shooting on a range you must be a member of that range beforehand.
• Any security measures must be in place before you apply as you must declare you have satisfied the minimum requirements on your FCA1.
• NEVER pay more than a deposit (10% or so) on a gun. Also make sure that this deposit is refundable should you be refused the license as some dealrs will simply keep your money. Its for this reason you never pay for the gun upfront. Also a dealer will not return any money for change of mind.
• Always take someone with you even if you think you know all you need. A second set of eyes can provide helpful information and temper any "new buyers" excitement as sometimes we see things through rose tinted glasses when we want it.
• lastly don't be afraid to ask questions. Here, on a range, at the dealers, etc. Ask, ask and ask some more. Be 100% sure what you want and that you know what you need before committing to anything.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

clivej

BRC Shooting Club (formerly the Ballinteer Rifle Club) near Tallaght would the closest to you in Sandyford

http://www.brcshootingclub.com/

Carpenter

Cass wrote:

Excuse the following post if any of it seems "newbie" but as i don't know your previous history, if any, i'm trying to cover all bases.

Cass wrote:

Welcome to the shooting forum.

Holy god that's some reply cheers I will look into things now thank you very much.

goz83

Cass has certainly covered it all

I am also a newbie, so I would only add this:

You can also store your gun at some ranges, which allows you to use it without having a license, but it (and any ammo, or components) must stay at the range until you get a license. This would let you get shooting while waiting for your license. For the best chance of success, the .22LR is what you should be applying for, if it suits your needs. If you get refused your license and you have it at the range, you will have paid in full for the gun, but will not be able to take it from the range without a license.

I am waiting for license approval and have a rifle and shotgun kept at my local(ish) range. This is just another option if you have less patience :P