Getting Started with Target Shooting
Your complete guide to legal requirements, costs, and first steps
Your Journey Starts Here
Starting target shooting in the UK is straightforward, but there are legal requirements and processes to understand. This guide covers everything you need to know, from your first session to obtaining firearms certificates and becoming a competitive shooter.
The Quick Answer
You can try shooting TODAY with no prior experience, no equipment, and no license:
- Book a taster session or Give it a Go programme
- Club provides all equipment
- Shoot under supervision with no personal certificate needed
- If you enjoy it, then begin the membership/certificate process
Book Give it a Go - £50
Legal Requirements: What You Need to Know
Air Rifles & Air Pistols (Under Power Limits)
No Firearms Certificate Required
- England & Wales: Air rifles under 12 ft/lbs, air pistols under 6 ft/lbs
- Scotland: Air rifles under 6 ft/lbs require Air Weapon Certificate
- Age: Must be 18+ to purchase, can shoot at any age under supervision
- Where: Can only shoot on private land with permission or approved ranges
✅ This means you can shoot air rifles and pistols at club ranges immediately with no personal certificate, making air rifle/pistol the perfect starting point.
.22LR and Other Firearms
Section 1 Firearms Certificate Required
- Applies to: .22LR rifles, air rifles and pistols over power limits, centerfire rifles
- Process: Apply through local police constabulary (£88 for 5 years, £90 renewal)
- Requirements: Club membership, good reason, secure storage, background checks
- Timeline: Typically 3-6 months from application to approval
✅ Clubs support you through this process. Most applicants are approved if they follow the proper steps.
Handgun Ban in the UK
Most handguns are prohibited in the UK following the 1997 Firearms Act. Target shooters use air pistols (no certificate needed) or long-barreled pistols/revolvers (.22LR, requires Section 1). Our air pistol programme is excellent for pistol shooting enthusiasts.
The Pathway: From Beginner to Licensed Shooter
1
Try It First (Day 1)
Book a taster session or Give it a Go programme (£50 for 4 weeks). Shoot air rifles/pistols under supervision. No equipment needed - club provides everything. Decide if shooting is for you.
2
Join as Probationary Member (Month 1-3)
Join the club as a probationary member. Attend regularly (minimum attendance requirements apply for firearms certificate applications). Learn safety, technique, and range protocols. Shoot club air rifles and .22LR rifles under supervision.
3
Apply for Firearms Certificate (Month 3-6)
After probationary period (typically 3 months minimum), apply for Section 1 Firearms Certificate through your local police. Club provides supporting documentation. Install secure cabinet at home. Undergo home visit and background checks.
Cost: £88 for 5-year certificate
4
Become Full Member & Purchase Equipment
Once certificate granted, become full member. Purchase your own .22LR rifle and equipment (or continue with club rifles). Start competing in club competitions, postal leagues, and open events.
Costs: What to Expect
Starting Costs (Year 1)
- Give it a Go programme (4 weeks)£50
- Club membership (Adult)£240/year
- Firearms certificate (5 years)£88
- Gun cabinet£80-£200
- Total Year 1 (no equipment)~£458-£578
Equipment Costs (Optional)
- .22LR target rifle (used)£800-£1,500
- Shooting jacket & accessories£150-£400
- Spotting scope£150-£500
- Ammunition (per year)£200-£400
Note: Many shooters use club equipment for their first year while saving for purchases. Used equipment offers excellent value.
Junior & Concessionary Rates
Reduced costs available:
- Junior membership (under 18): £120/year
- University students: £60/year
- Social membership: £20/year (no shooting rights)
The Firearms Certificate Process
What You’ll Need
Club Membership: Probationary membership for minimum period (usually 3 months) with regular attendance records
Good Reason: Target shooting at Home Office approved club qualifies as good reason
Secure Storage: Approved gun cabinet bolted to wall/floor (£80-£200)
Clean Record: No relevant criminal convictions or mental health issues
References: Two character references (not family, known you for 2+ years)
GP Consent: Medical records check for mental health concerns
Application Fee: £88 for 5-year certificate (grant or renewal)
Application Timeline
- Week 0: Submit application to police firearms licensing department
- Weeks 1-4: Background checks, GP records reviewed
- Weeks 4-8: Home visit scheduled by Firearms Enquiry Officer
- Weeks 8-12: Final checks and approval process
- Week 12+: Certificate granted and posted (typically 8-16 weeks total)
Note: Timelines vary by constabulary. Some are faster, others slower. During busy periods, it may take 5-6 months.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Applying too early before sufficient club attendance
- ❌ Not having gun cabinet installed before home visit
- ❌ Requesting too many rifles/calibers on first application (start with 2x .22LR)
- ❌ Incomplete application forms or missing documentation
- ❌ Using family members as references (not allowed)
- ✅ Work with your club - they’ll guide you through the process
Club Support
Pinhoe TSC provides full support for firearms certificate applications. We provide club documentation, guidance on applications, advice on secure storage, and help with any issues. Most well-prepared applications are successful.
Choosing Your Starting Discipline
Start with Air
Begin with air rifle or air pistol. No certificate needed, lower costs, year-round indoor shooting. Build fundamentals before progressing.
Learn about air disciplines →
Aim for .22LR
.22LR prone rifle is the UK’s most popular discipline. Rich competition structure, huge community. Requires firearms certificate.
Learn about .22LR prone →
Try Multiple Styles
Our Give it a Go programme lets you try various disciplines. Find what you enjoy most before specializing.
Explore all disciplines →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a firearms certificate with a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and how long ago. Serious offenses or recent convictions will likely result in refusal. Minor offenses from many years ago may not prevent approval. Police assess each case individually. Honesty on application is essential.
What if I rent my home or live in a flat?
You can still get a certificate. Gun cabinet must be securely installed (permission from landlord may be needed for drilling into walls). Many shooters successfully obtain certificates while renting.
Do I need my own rifle to join?
No! Most clubs, including Pinhoe TSC, have club rifles available for members to use. Many shooters use club equipment for their first year or longer. Purchase when you’re ready and know what you want.
I’ve never shot before. Will I be any good?
Everyone starts as a beginner! Target shooting rewards practice and technique over natural talent. With regular practice and coaching, most people make excellent progress. The sport is suitable for all ages and abilities.
How often should I practice?
For steady improvement, aim for at least weekly practice. Serious competitive shooters often practice 2-3 times per week. The club is open Monday-Friday evenings with different discipline nights.
Ready to Start?
The best way to begin is simply to try it. Our Give it a Go programme removes all barriers - no equipment needed, no prior experience, no commitment beyond 4 weeks. Just turn up and discover if target shooting is for you.
Book Give it a Go
£50 for 4 weeks - starts 3rd Wednesday monthly
- ✓ All equipment provided
- ✓ NSRA-qualified instructors
- ✓ Try multiple disciplines
- ✓ Comprehensive safety training
Book Your Session
Learn More
Explore shooting disciplines and club info
Start Your Shooting Journey Today
No experience, no equipment, no problem. Try shooting for just £50.