bi9johnny Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 i have been a member of a localish gun club for too many years to think of and during this time i think i may have met 3 to 4 other people who shoot live quarry therefore i get all sorts of reactions whilst talking to new or existing members about shooting...non of them are serious shooters i.e. competition and the favourite topic is zombies now most of the members are very knowledgable about firearms and very nieve about live quarry shooting which has always puzzled me a bit...lot of our members just turn up each week and natter a bit , drink coffee talk a bit more bull and leave again which i find a bit odd (everyone to their own) so what i'm getting at is "is this the norm for paper punchers and gun clubs or is it just mine" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vipa Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 i have been a member of a localish gun club for too many years to think of and during this time i think i may have met 3 to 4 other people who shoot live quarry therefore i get all sorts of reactions whilst talking to new or existing members about shooting...non of them are serious shooters i.e. competition and the favourite topic is zombies now most of the members are very knowledgable about firearms and very nieve about live quarry shooting which has always puzzled me a bit...lot of our members just turn up each week and natter a bit , drink coffee talk a bit more bull and leave again which i find a bit odd (everyone to their own) so what i'm getting at is "is this the norm for paper punchers and gun clubs or is it just mine" Same with the 2 I am affiliated with, gun use/ownership seems polarised between target shooters and quarry shooters with a small amount of crossover in between... same if you look at shot guns... a lot of competitive clay shooters would be horrified at the thought of killing anything. Remember also that most gun clubs were born out of the pistol ban in '96.... most gunclubs revolved around gun ownership and paper punching with virtually no crossover to firld sports or pest management.. it was only after the ban that pistol shooters started taking to rifles instead that the crossover grew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) You have two sorts of target shooters.Those who shoot F class for example at upto 1200mtrs with state of the art rifles and those who shoot as a hobby with a variety of rifles-which is me.It allows me to own old fully functioning large calibre rifles and is more of a social aspect than anything else. Edited February 13, 2012 by Imperfection Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I stopped going to my local range, some of the members were "ODD" to say it politely, as you say some real Walts amongst them, when the police turned up one day, they almost wet themselfs knowing the exact make and model how many in the mag etc, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bi9johnny Posted February 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 You have two sorts of target shooters.Those who shoot F class for example at upto 1200mtrs with state of the art rifles and those who shoot as a hobby with a variety of rifles-which is me.It allows me to own old fully functioning large calibre rifles and is more of a social aspect than anything else. thats what i was thinking it was the social thing with my lot.... think it's therapy for some because most need a colonic irrigation of the larynx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricko Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I do both, I use the range by my mums in N Wales (Tonys Camo, Saltney) with g/f who likes target shooting, it is not really paper punching as they are metal targets; drop downs and spinners. And still use the air rifles for pest control near buildings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) I went to a range a few years ago and thought, "this will be nice" Everyone pulled out their modified 10/22's and were just throwing away hundreds of bullets at a rate that wouldn't even be justifiable, unless there was a zombie invasion. Needless to say, I was bored out of my brain and realised that I was the youngest one there, but the one who didn't have a rifle which looked like a 17 year old's suped up Nova. Before I got my licence, I used to go to another range and ended up leaving after a few visits. There was a bloke who thought he was so good and constantly challenged everyone and mocked those who shot badly. Edited February 13, 2012 by Billy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bi9johnny Posted February 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I do both, I use the range by my mums in N Wales (Tonys Camo, Saltney) with g/f who likes target shooting, it is not really paper punching as they are metal targets; drop downs and spinners. And still use the air rifles for pest control near buildings. i have been known to throw a couple of handfuls of lead down tony's myself now and then but it's not realy my main thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vipa Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I stopped going to my local range, some of the members were "ODD" to say it politely, as you say some real Walts amongst them, when the police turned up one day, they almost wet themselfs knowing the exact make and model how many in the mag etc, Just because you know a lot about something doesn't necessarily mean one is odd.. some peolple like guns as opposed to shooting... there is a difference.. I know quite a bit about handguns and could bore the pant off you talking about the interior and exterior balistics of rifles and ammunition. The sec of one of my clubs was a national class if not world class shooter in the pistol days... he now shoots rifles because that's all he can shoot but his knowledge of handguns in amazing, he can list the parst, spring diameters, screw tensions etc of pretty much any modern day handgun! An awesome knowledge base.... to a non 'gun-nut' that may seem a bit odd but really, is it any different to being a 'bird-nut' or a 'bike-nut' or a 'car-nut.' It only seems slightly odd because, in the main, guns are seen in a different light in this country compared to the rest of the world (i.e. America!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 No these guys were "trainspotter" odd the sort you keep away from kids. mostly in their 40s and 50s still living with mum type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I think to a field shooter any target club is going to feel strange! All the ones I've ever been to do. But hey, each to their own and all that. The club I'm in now seems to be pretty sensible. Perhaps because I've got a few friends in it (actually it's a small club and we've damn near taken over) but also because most of them seem to be pretty normal! We have an old chap with a mini cannon who makes me smile, and from the notes of the AGM it seems that someone there has a thing for old Enfields as the club guns seem to begin and end with them, with the suggestion of adding more too! The thing I really find hard to handle is the folk that dress up in military uniform and talk military talk yet have never been in the army. That worries me as I wonder what their ideas of gun ownership are based on? Re-enactment is one thing but wanna be Rambo sorts really scare the **** out of me! I'm fine with gun talk and knowing all about them. It doesn't hurt. Having said that I tend to find that the old guys who think that .22lr and .270 are the only calibres in the world are generally the best countryman by far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I stopped going to my local range, some of the members were "ODD" to say it politely, as you say some real Walts amongst them, when the police turned up one day, they almost wet themselfs knowing the exact make and model how many in the mag etc, I agree with Vipa.I try to learn a bit about my old rifles and know a bit about one in particular,but im not odd.* *In my opinion anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bi9johnny Posted February 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I think to a field shooter any target club is going to feel strange! All the ones I've ever been to do. But hey, each to their own and all that. The club I'm in now seems to be pretty sensible. Perhaps because I've got a few friends in it (actually it's a small club and we've damn near taken over) but also because most of them seem to be pretty normal! We have an old chap with a mini cannon who makes me smile, and from the notes of the AGM it seems that someone there has a thing for old Enfields as the club guns seem to begin and end with them, with the suggestion of adding more too! The thing I really find hard to handle is the folk that dress up in military uniform and talk military talk yet have never been in the army. That worries me as I wonder what their ideas of gun ownership are based on? Re-enactment is one thing but wanna be Rambo sorts really scare the **** out of me! I'm fine with gun talk and knowing all about them. It doesn't hurt. Having said that I tend to find that the old guys who think that .22lr and .270 are the only calibres in the world are generally the best countryman by far. we had two turn up at altcar range dressed in full ss uniform mate.......no joke weird or what Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vipa Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 we had two turn up at altcar range dressed in full ss uniform mate.......no joke weird or what Not really, apart from the politically incorrect side of it.. If you go to any of the big international meets at Bisley, you will find shooters dressed in all kinds of historical outfits.. WW1, WW2, Boar War, US Confederate, I was shooting with a german chap in full leiderhosen... Tends to be those shooting rifles from that era who like to dress in that era too.. All adds to the atmosphere... after all, it's a celebration of shooting history as well as a shooting competition.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloke Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) I must admit, I am just getting into paper punching, a bit of fun and small level competition, nothing more. I used to shoot live quarry back in the early 70's, but had many years away from guns of any type. I regularly shoot clays as well, but I have no problem with game shooters, my mobility problem and lack of a driving licence makes it too difficult for me, and I must admit I don't really eat much game now, so leave it for those who do . At my local shooting club (only a small club in the scheme of things - under 100 members), I would think about half are are game shooters as well, so you don't get the snobbery. I have seen more one-upmanship on clay grounds, people being judged by the cost of the gun, rather than if they are an OK person. Still, I just try and keep away from the idiots and chat to the others, life is too short to waste breath on them. As long as everyone enjoys what they do and don't be a pain in the proverbial to others, then OK.... Edited February 13, 2012 by Bloke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blunderbuss Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Not really, apart from the politically incorrect side of it.. If you go to any of the big international meets at Bisley, you will find shooters dressed in all kinds of historical outfits.. WW1, WW2, Boar War, US Confederate, I was shooting with a german chap in full leiderhosen... Tends to be those shooting rifles from that era who like to dress in that era too.. All adds to the atmosphere... after all, it's a celebration of shooting history as well as a shooting competition.. I hear what you're saying but.... I like old guns, I've owned a few and am even considering buying an old K98 Mauser. I don't get the dressing up thing, but up to a point each to their own I guess. But turning up in full SS uniform on a range day IS weird. Proper, walting, nut job weird IMO and is publicity we could do without. If wannabe Nazis want to play with the dressing up box, they should keep it to the re enactment societies IMO and keep it well away from real guns and proper shooting clubs. I used to do a lot of pistol shooting in clubs all over the country in the 80s and 90s and the vast majority of my fellow shooters were decent ordinary lads and lasses enjoying the competitive, technical and social aspect of pistol shooting. If I'm honest though, once or twice I did come across some really, really strange characters. I'm not talking about people who were eccentric, nerdy or knowledgeable about guns. I'm talking about people who would stoke their guns (yes really). Who'd get out of their cars at the range in full cammo with their pistols in shoulder holsters, having driven from home wearing them. People who'd never pass a CRB check in a million years and yes mostly odd balls with no social skills, who'd never had a girlfriend and still lived with their mums. People who probably practiced quick draw in front of the mirror and slept with their guns! We've all met them I'm now in the club njc110381 refers to above, which PW has virtually taken over and it's a breath of fresh air. It's relaxed, fun and mostly frequented by normal people who like to shoot, chew the fat and have a laugh. I'd say at least 50% of them are live quarry shooters. Nowt wrong with paper punching Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vipa Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I hear what you're saying but.... I like old guns, I've owned a few and am even considering buying an old K98 Mauser. I don't get the dressing up thing, but up to a point each to their own I guess. But turning up in full SS uniform on a range day IS weird. Proper, walting, nut job weird IMO and is publicity we could do without. If wannabe Nazis want to play with the dressing up box, they should keep it to the re enactment societies IMO and keep it well away from real guns and proper shooting clubs. I used to do a lot of pistol shooting in clubs all over the country in the 80s and 90s and the vast majority of my fellow shooters were decent ordinary lads and lasses enjoying the competitive, technical and social aspect of pistol shooting. If I'm honest though, once or twice I did come across some really, really strange characters. I'm not talking about people who were eccentric, nerdy or knowledgeable about guns. I'm talking about people who would stoke their guns (yes really). Who'd get out of their cars at the range in full cammo with their pistols in shoulder holsters, having driven from home wearing them. People who'd never pass a CRB check in a million years and yes mostly odd balls with no social skills, who'd never had a girlfriend and still lived with their mums. People who probably practiced quick draw in front of the mirror and slept with their guns! We've all met them I'm now in the club njc110381 refers to above, which PW has virtually taken over and it's a breath of fresh air. It's relaxed, fun and mostly frequented by normal people who like to shoot, chew the fat and have a laugh. I'd say at least 50% of them are live quarry shooters. Nowt wrong with paper punching You mean all of that isn't normal :unsure: :unsure: :unsure: We were in Rome a few years ago and the wife and I were sat drinking coffee outside near the Pantheon. There were a group of 3 or 4 Italian coppers stood nattering about 15 feet away, in their shiny (typically italian) uniforms.. sidearms on hip and sub machine guns slung around necks.... We were wetting ourselves laughing... for a good ten minutes one of the coppers, quite erotically, stood there stroking one of the other coppers gun barrels whilst they were chatting... i'm sure he didn't realise he was doing it but it was hilarious to watch!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ordnance Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 The club i go to most are normal guys as far as i can see. What most have in common they like all sorts of guns. Most would shoot full bore pistol but black powder pistol and rifle is popular. As in every group of people you will meet in life there are always a few ******s. PS no one has stroked my barrel yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 I shoot 22lr prone at a club and Ok most of the shooters are getting on a bit but we do have newer younger members also. The clubs that have been mentioned don’t sound like the one I shoot at. Firstly it is a certain type of personality that shoots holes in bits of paper and because of the cost and difficulty of getting started newbies are few and far between. Perhaps it is the thoughtful atmosphere that prevails that makes some of the shooters seem a bit weird but generally they are the most knowledgeable and friendly types that you can meet. On the other hand some of the people that have come to the range are potentially weird also. These range from the ex army types that tell you how good they are but couldn’t hit a barn door from ten yards away to the dad that brings little Tommy down with his new Chinese air rifle that’s “really powerful” and who makes the local cats sing, to the really weird oddball that everyone tries to avoid because they are dangerously ODD. We’ve had all of these and loads more. Occasionally someone turns up that isn’t any of the above, can put the lead on target and has got a few bob in their pocket to pay the price. STILL perhaps he/she are the odd ones out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0145wirbelwind Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Bloke has a point as long as they are safe then so what ,do you have to talk to them ?. There are some very strange people about that might think we are the nutters just for having a gun for what ever type of shooting you do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Well i have shot at informal outdoor sunday morn c/f ranges, Indoor .22 ranges, tunnel ranges, big f/class grounds on and on the only thing a can say is they all seem to attract a different sort of person. I have only ever had my hunting critised at a clay ground, happened a few times actually. In truth love or hate? it dont even come into it, people have thier own motivations as long as they are safe and sane who the heck cares they are still adding numbers to our ranks. The worrying bit is the lack of the younger shooter 30 is about the youngest you see. Shooting should always be an all inclusive sport were a disabled shooter, 65 yr old bloke, 30 yrs old lady etc can all line up side by side as equals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vipa Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 (edited) Well i have shot at informal outdoor sunday morn c/f ranges, Indoor .22 ranges, tunnel ranges, big f/class grounds on and on the only thing a can say is they all seem to attract a different sort of person. I have only ever had my hunting critised at a clay ground, happened a few times actually. In truth love or hate? it dont even come into it, people have thier own motivations as long as they are safe and sane who the heck cares they are still adding numbers to our ranks. The worrying bit is the lack of the younger shooter 30 is about the youngest you see. Shooting should always be an all inclusive sport were a disabled shooter, 65 yr old bloke, 30 yrs old lady etc can all line up side by side as equals. That's a good point Kent... One of the clubs I am a member of is quite a big well organised one, I think there are only 2 under 30s, the average age is late 50s if not early 60s! :blink: I wonder if target shooting will eventually just fade into obscurity like punt gunning!? Edited February 14, 2012 by Vipa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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