Rifle and pistol clubs exist solely to provide facilities for people to compete against each other in a safe and friendly environment.

They are not to be confused with a shooting gallery at a fairground or a place to play out Wild West fantasies.

Target shooting is a sport where people can compete at various levels depending on what they want from it. From taking part in postal competitions and just enjoying being part of a group of friends at club level to being a member of the National Junior Squad and competing for championships at open meetings

To achieve any level of competency requires commitment and lots of practice and to reach the highest levels of the sport it demands total dedication and lots and lots more practice over several years.
It is up to you to decide where you want to get to and the officers of the club are there to help and advise.

After the initial period of instruction and practice, members will be entered into postal competitions. If numbers permit then this will be run by the club, followed by the Dorset League. All this will take place on the 6yd ranges until members have suitable equipment of their own to move onto 10mtr targets.

Various open competitions are organised by clubs, counties and the NSRA. In the majority of cases these are for 10mtrs. Members with the necessary equipment will be expected to take part in them.

The Club has limited equipment for the use of new members. However on completion of the probationary membership period the onus is on members, and parents, to acquire a set of kit for themselves. Starting with a glove, then a jacket and finally a rifle.

These are the basic requirements for a shooter and until a member has a rifle which is capable of being competitive over 10mtrs then that member will remain at 6yd

All junior members will be assessed for suitability and may be brought to the attention of the relevant county associations for selection to their squads and may be put forward to the National Junior Development Squad.

Read these pages carefully to help you understand the sport and settle quickly into the club.

Don’t be daunted by what you read. If you don’t understand something, ask and we will be happy to explain.