cartridge94 Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 (edited) Hello Chaps.I am a relative newbie in the world of Clay Pigeon Shooting, and I am well and truly enjoying my new found hobby.I acquired my shotgun certificate on the day I finished work before Christmas. When I first started the application process on the 10th October 2015 I sorted my photographs and filled my forms in and sent them off via recorded delivery.I then booked and had a shotgun safety and shooting lesson of 50 clays from my good friend John at Rixton and Astley Shooting Club who goes under the Pigeon Watch username "Webber" I would highly recommend this to a new shooter because as a BASC Shotgun Coach, webber will show you everything from which cartridge is recommended for shooting clays all the way down to the smallest details in safety and gun care in a nice and calm relaxed atmosphere, after I had completed the lesson, I was presented with a hand signed certificate of completion from webber. I then purchased my cabinet online and firmly installed it and then waited for the phone call from my FEO.The phone call came from my FEO on the 24th of November and he booked an interview for the next day! He came around and had a brew and a chat with me about general shooting matters, asking me how I got into the sport and general safety questions, he was really helpful and advised me on how to transport my shotgun and etiquette about gun ownership. He then asked me about my experience of gun handling, I then produced my certificate from Rixton and Astley Shooting Club, with which he was very impressed as the main points of gun handling is listed on the certificate and practiced on the lesson. He then inspected my gun cabinet. He was impressed that I had bought the more expensive five deadlock Brattonsound cabinet for extra security. after another brew and a chat he left in good spirits and told me it would be around eight weeks for the certificate to come through.Over the next few weeks I got all of my insurance with BASC sorted and began buying bits and bobs for my kit like certificate holder, ear plugs and glasses etc.I then woke up on the 18th December and there was my shotgun certificate sitting on the mat! I got straight onto webber and told him I would be bobbing up to his shop the following weekend. The following weekend I went to Norgas Cartridge Company in St Helens where I had an extensive choice of guns that where personally recommended by webber for my purpose of shooting clay pigeons. it's always the best to take the advice of a professional shooter like webber and not to jump straight in and buy the first gun that takes your eye. as you can buy a gun that will not fit you and be completely impractical for your purpose. You really need to think about the practicality of what the gun will be used for. webber then tried each gun in my shoulder and checked my eye level with the rib and we narrowed my choice down to two cracking guns. I decided to go with a Baikal Model 27 in 12 bore which fit me perfectly with a rubber stock extension. which he threw in for free with the kit I was buying! if that's not top notch customer service I don't know what is! I then had a very good christmas and eagerly awaited the boxing day shoot at Rixton and Astley and webber's birthday! I got there late because I am a lazy sod and slept in til 12PM I did manage to get a round of 25 clays in on the practice stand though in which I hit 13/25 with my new gun. Using Clever Mirage 7 1/2 28G cartridges, it's fair to say I went home buzzing!When applying for a shotgun certificate my advice as a newbie if you are local to Widnes/St Helens would be to take a lesson with webber to understand the aspects of gun safety and handling, and take the advice like I did of someone like webber who knows what they are doing and not jump in head first.All in all it took 69 days from sending the forms off, to having my certificate in my hands. Cheers to Webber for all of your help and advice! If you shoot at Rixton and Astley, I will see you there! Edited January 8, 2016 by cartridge94 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neutron619 Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 (edited) Sounds like you've had a very good experience entering into the world of clay shooting and received some good help on the way. One little thing: your shotgun isn't a "weapon" because you don't have the intention of doing anyone harm with it (I assume). Referring to it as a "gun" will tend to make the more sensitive shooters amongst us, as well as any of the general public you might encounter whilst using it, feel a bit more comfortable with it all. Some people will say this is just a choice of words, but the way I and many others look at it is the same way I look at a screwdriver: a screwdriver is a "tool" and not a "weapon", but it might become a weapon if someone were to pick it up with the intention of harming others. Using the word "weapon" will suggest an intent to some people, where as "gun" tends to be less emotionally charged. Hopefully that make sense. Finally - welcome to the world of shooting! I hope your stay is pleasant and of long duration. Edited January 8, 2016 by neutron619 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartridge94 Posted January 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Sounds like you've had a very good experience entering into the world of clay shooting and received some good help on the way. One little thing: your shotgun isn't a "weapon" because you don't have the intention of doing anyone harm with it (I assume). Referring to it as a "gun" will tend to make the more sensitive shooters amongst us, as well as any of the general public you might encounter whilst using it, feel a bit more comfortable with it all. Some people will say this is just a choice of words, but the way I and many others look at it is the same way I look at a screwdriver: a screwdriver is a "tool" and not a "weapon", but it might become a weapon if someone were to pick it up with the intention of harming others. Using the word "weapon" will suggest an intent to some people, where as "gun" tends to be less emotionally charged. Hopefully that make sense. Finally - welcome to the world of shooting! I hope your stay is pleasant and of long duration. Hi Mate. Cheers for the advice. My FEO referred to Section 2 guns as "Weapons" when he came round for the inspection, but like you said it could be just a choice of words. but there is a few debates on PW when it comes to Section 1 Firearms being weapons. I agree that the term can be intimidating to others. I never refer to my shotgun as a weapon vocally, but simply a gun. Cheers Mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neutron619 Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 My FEO referred to Section 2 guns as "Weapons" when he came round for the inspection, but like you said it could be just a choice of words. I've no proof of this, but I suspect that there is a policy in licensing departments to refer to them as "weapons", since every time I send a notification that I've bought or disposed of a "gun", my licensing office always write back to confirm that they've received my notification of purchase of a "weapon" and do it so clumsily that it almost feels that they're trying to get the word in there to make their disapproval known! The same is true of some of the FEOs I've encountered - they seem to say "weapon" with alarming regularity, given they're supposed to be there to assess my suitability to own guns and not use them as weapons... Still - semantics to some, but worth a thought I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webber Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Nice to receive some positive feedback from a satisfied customer. webber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartridge94 Posted January 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 I've no proof of this, but I suspect that there is a policy in licensing departments to refer to them as "weapons", since every time I send a notification that I've bought or disposed of a "gun", my licensing office always write back to confirm that they've received my notification of purchase of a "weapon" and do it so clumsily that it almost feels that they're trying to get the word in there to make their disapproval known! The same is true of some of the FEOs I've encountered - they seem to say "weapon" with alarming regularity, given they're supposed to be there to assess my suitability to own guns and not use them as weapons... Still - semantics to some, but worth a thought I guess. I agree with you matey, When he referred to shotguns as weapons I was rather taken aback. I'm not sure which county you are in, but I have a letter from my FLU referring to the purchase of my shotgun as a "weapon" and not a gun. so it must be a nationwide policy within the police to loosely refer to guns like this. Cartridge94 Nice to receive some positive feedback from a satisfied customer. webber It's nice to be guided by an experienced shooter matey. Cheers mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 I've no proof of this, but I suspect that there is a policy in licensing departments to refer to them as "weapons", since every time I send a notification that I've bought or disposed of a "gun", my licensing office always write back to confirm that they've received my notification of purchase of a "weapon" and do it so clumsily that it almost feels that they're trying to get the word in there to make their disapproval known! The same is true of some of the FEOs I've encountered - they seem to say "weapon" with alarming regularity, given they're supposed to be there to assess my suitability to own guns and not use them as weapons... Still - semantics to some, but worth a thought I guess. I've never had confirmation from the police when I've informed them of a new gun. Must be a regional thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaymo Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Potato potato,,,, Weapon, firearm, gun, shotgun, piece , bang stick or whatever the main thing is... WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SHOOTING May you have many happy days Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartridge94 Posted January 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Potato potato,,,, Weapon, firearm, gun, shotgun, piece , bang stick or whatever the main thing is... WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SHOOTING May you have many happy days Jay cheers Jaymo! It really is a top hobby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Glad it all went smoothly. Good choices - Astley / Rixton and Webber. Dead straight lad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 I've never had confirmation from the police when I've informed them of a new gun. Must be a regional thing. Same here, I purchased in November last year and nothing from Hampshire Police. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartridge94 Posted January 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 I've never had confirmation from the police when I've informed them of a new gun. Must be a regional thing. I'm not too sure matey, My FLU seem to be on the ball with everything. very punctual in everything since the start. Cartridge94 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartridge94 Posted January 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Glad it all went smoothly. Good choices - Astley / Rixton and Webber. Dead straight lad. Thanks Gordon. Yeah I agree matey. webber is a top lad, he has helped me with advice since the start I feel really comfortable shooting at Rixton, it's really well set out and all the guys there are real nice too. always up for a chat about anything. are you a regular/member of RIxton and Astley mate? Cartridge94 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 It's many years since I was last there. My avatar is me in 1988 at Rixton - just won the Sporting Comp. Not been since John took over. I nearly got there a couple of weeks ago, but got side-tracked into helping a friend after the floods. I will return in the near future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry136 Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 I'm Ex Army and I'm a former Skill at Arms Instructor, I've always referred to any rifled or smoothbore firearm as a weapon. If anything it should serve to remind people what damage guns can inflict if you don't adhere to safety. If people want to get sensitive, thats their problem, btw I don't do political correctness either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12gauge82 Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 Sounds like you've had a very good experience entering into the world of clay shooting and received some good help on the way. One little thing: your shotgun isn't a "weapon" because you don't have the intention of doing anyone harm with it (I assume). Referring to it as a "gun" will tend to make the more sensitive shooters amongst us, as well as any of the general public you might encounter whilst using it, feel a bit more comfortable with it all. Some people will say this is just a choice of words, but the way I and many others look at it is the same way I look at a screwdriver: a screwdriver is a "tool" and not a "weapon", but it might become a weapon if someone were to pick it up with the intention of harming others. Using the word "weapon" will suggest an intent to some people, where as "gun" tends to be less emotionally charged. Hopefully that make sense. Finally - welcome to the world of shooting! I hope your stay is pleasant and of long duration. It's probably because the legal definition of a firearm begins with the wording 'any lethal barrelled weapon' despite the fact legal description of a shotgun begins 'a smooth bore gun' its probably just habit for FLO's to use legal jargon in relation to firearms, but I feel the same it just sounds wrong, it all depends on a firearms intended use I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 I'm Ex Army and I'm a former Skill at Arms Instructor, I've always referred to any rifled or smoothbore firearm as a weapon. If anything it should serve to remind people what damage guns can inflict if you don't adhere to safety. If people want to get sensitive, thats their problem, btw I don't do political correctness either! The Forces is the appropriate place to refer to guns as weapons as that is their intended use in that setting and their design generally reflects this. In a civilian setting we are licensed to own sporting equipment that may not be used as a weapon under any circumstances. FEO's need to have a word with themselves and use the appropriate language with this in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grenman Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 Potato potato,,,, Weapon, firearm, gun, shotgun, piece , bang stick or whatever the main thing is... WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SHOOTING May you have many happy days Jay Dont forget, bundle, bundhook,musket et al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAsh Posted January 10, 2016 Report Share Posted January 10, 2016 Is not a shotgun a weapon, designed to kill something, and incidently can be used for things sports like clays, The word weapon is a better safety description to make you fully aware of what its designed to do rather than a type of object The image shown to the public non shooting fraternity, is upheld by showing safety awareness at all times, and sadly initial safety training is not a requirement to the issue of a licence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebottle Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 Same here, I purchased in November last year and nothing from Hampshire Police. Ditto - but then I think Hampshire are swamped... As for what to call the thing, it's "a shotgun". A rifle is "a rifle". But then, as a lawyer I always associate the word "weapon" with "offensive" which firearms are not, being subject to separate and specific legislation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 I have , for the last few years now, emailed Hampshire to notify them of any purchases or sales. They have never replied with any sort of conformation of receiving notification, neither has there been any issues........ yet... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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