I guess I won't be getting back into club shooting yet then.

[The Reverend]

A few years ago I left the airgun club I had been a member of for some years, shortly after, I left airgunning as a regular hobby too. Not through lack of want, but because my family was growing and I had choices to make. A couple of years ago, my local club closed too, and as it was the only one within 20-25 miles of me, I thought that was pretty much it.

So, imagine how happy I was to hear a NEW up and coming club was opening just a few miles from home! Today was the opening day, so I got out my gun, picked up my bottles and pellets, and headed over there.

Now imagine this, as you approach the range, you have a young lad with his parent, the lad is loading his gun and consistently closes the barrel sideways so it is pointing along the range. Another chap is merrily holding his gun on his shoulder, finger on the trigger. Another is holding his by the scope, breech closed.

Now I'm not a busybody, I was heavily involved in club shooting, national competitions, am an NSRA instructor, and have been a CPSA RSO. But it doesn't take a genius to work out what was wrong today. Except maybe it does, the guy running the range couldn't see what was wrong, and when I asked the parent not to let their young son point his gun in my direction, they just snorted and said "We're not children, and it isn't loaded anyway."

I don't think I'll be going back any time soon, I have never been afraid of beeing at a range before, yet today I was at times, terrified.

[Rossi2k]

Shame that a place you thought you could use turns out not to be safe. If the guy running the place could not see what was wrong, it would not be a place that I would want to go and visit any time soon. Better to be safe than sorry.

I just hope that this range is not in the news soon with a report of someone nearly getting hurt. Or worse....

[Rich]

In your shoes I'd be writing a letter to the management pointing out your concerns and emphasising you're not harping on for the sake of it but bringing it to their attention and they get the benefit of your experience and qualifications for free.

[Jehoolio]

Would it not be better to join this club or offer your assistance and start making changes and help them become a safe club?
Your right in what your saying but I think it would be better to influence changes and culture in this new and developing club.

Sometimes we all need pointing in th right direction.

Just a thought!
J
(NRA qualified RCO)

[Rich]

You could add to your letter, you are looking to join a club and to contribute as well as to be on the receiving end as a member, and if they'd have you then you'd offer to join this club, but only after these obstacles had been resolved, or at least they were on course to get them sorted.

[The Reverend]

I spoke to the RSO, owner, and landowner, all were of a laissez faire attitude. This isn't a club I want to be associated with at all, having worked hard for 20 years to improve the lives of youth in my area, and been at the heart of most clubs and organisations I've been involved with, nothing has ever left such a feeling of impending doom with me before.

[PCPShooter]

A few years ago I left the airgun club I had been a member of for some years, shortly after, I left airgunning as a regular hobby too. Not through lack of want, but because my family was growing and I had choices to make. A couple of years ago, my local club closed too, and as it was the only one within 20-25 miles of me, I thought that was pretty much it.

So, imagine how happy I was to hear a NEW up and coming club was opening just a few miles from home! Today was the opening day, so I got out my gun, picked up my bottles and pellets, and headed over there.

Now imagine this, as you approach the range, you have a young lad with his parent, the lad is loading his gun and consistently closes the barrel sideways so it is pointing along the range. Another chap is merrily holding his gun on his shoulder, finger on the trigger. Another is holding his by the scope, breech closed.

Now I'm not a busybody, I was heavily involved in club shooting, national competitions, am an NSRA instructor, and have been a CPSA RSO. But it doesn't take a genius to work out what was wrong today. Except maybe it does, the guy running the range couldn't see what was wrong, and when I asked the parent not to let their young son point his gun in my direction, they just snorted and said "We're not children, and it isn't loaded anyway."

I don't think I'll be going back any time soon, I have never been afraid of beeing at a range before, yet today I was at times, terrified.

I'd walk away too - and have done. Had more rifles pointed at me at air rifle clubs than in gunshops even !!

[Steve C.]

Hi Colin, I've been to the Mid Norfolk Shooting Ground at Taverham in the past, well about 5yrs ago (visiting daughter and son) and they seemed fine. Sorry to hear about your recent experience though.

Best regards,
Steve C.
(ps AAOC awaits)