I would be interested in knowing how the UK Gun Laws affect sportsman shooters, including Benchrest, FClass, and even PRS.
I think nothing of tossing my rifles in my truck and heading to the range any time that my schedule allows. That includes all of my loading equipment as well.
I carry a Smith & Wesson Model 19 357 magnum in my vehicle.
Exactly what are the prohibitions in the UK?
Hi Jackie, apologies for the lengthy reply
No handguns other than muzzle loading pistols and air pistols below 6ft/lbs ME. No semi auto or pump CF rifles. Shotguns incl SA & Pump available on certificate, no limit on number (as far as I know, I don't own any shotguns) other than having safe storage which is checked by the authorities. Bolt action/lever/single shot rifles CF & RF available on licence, with each rifle requiring justification, ie target shooting/hunting/pest control, may also have a collectors category.
Proof of membership of a gun club/shooting organisation/shooting rights over land is required depending on the reason for acquisition. The latter can be waived once 'experience' is built up (whatever that is defined as, very much down to the individuals need and the local police protocol) then an 'open' licence is granted giving the licence holder freedom to hunt where they have any permissions, without any futher letters of access/authority needed.
Having said all that there is a very active target shooting and hunting community and people just deal with the restrictions, give up (or never start!) shooting or emigrate to more enlightened countries.
My local club/range (about an hours drive) hosts competions weekly throughout the year for F class/TR (what you call highpower)/benchrest/PRS/lever actions/black powder, the facilities allow up to 1000 yard events, plus it's open during the week for practice etc. My other club (F class/TR/small bore/black powder) goes out to 500 yards, open at weekends. Clay clubs are fairly numerous and popular as the restrictions on ownership of shotguns are less than rifles, although there are rumours that may change.
Bisley, just outside London, is a four hour drive for me and hosts international events throughout the year, in use pretty much daily for clubs and individuals with numerous ranges out to 1200 yards. Mostly F class/TR/small-bore/clays, still has some restricted pistol shooting I understand. Recently the F class Europeans were held there which many US shooters attended. The World F Class championships will be held there next year and Palma (World long Range Championships) in 2028. There is also a newer facility close by which maybe has 1500 yards on metal plates.
There are a number of military ranges throughout the land that allow civilian clubs to access (some very limted), mostly out to 600 yards and some other private ranges (membership or pay and shoot) similar to the two I am a member of.
Happy to expand on that!
