Getting Started With Shotguns

[Funky_monks 0]

Hi all.

 

I'm thinking about getting a shotgun for shooting pigeons and possibly rabbits.

 

I don't think I'll have any problems getting permission over a good hundred or so acres, in fact a conversation with the tennant farmer next-door about the extent of his pigeon strife is what started to form this idea.

 

I have had a hunt on th'internet for 'getting started' guides, but I cant seem to find any.

 

I intend to get a 12-bore, I think, and dont have vast quantities of cash to spend, and intend to reserve some cash to be taught to shoot the thing properly (unless I can somehow convince the gamekeeper across the way to do it for nowt).

 

I have a couple of perceived 'hiccups' though:

 

Although I live in an isolated dwelling (my nearest neighbour is 2 miles away), my accomodation is a first floor flat barn conversion. The downstairs part of the conversion is the fish house (I live and work on a trout farm), and as such am unlikley to be able to secure any cabinet to the floor. I could however, bolt it to some pretty thick joists in the loft. D'you think that would be acceptable to a firearms officer?

 

I have as yet, no experience whatsoever in shooting one, and although I intend to learn, would this be an obstacle to obtaining the certificate? Is it better to have a few paid lessons with someone elses gun first (this seems like its gonna be expensive)?

 

Is it wise to give the police a bell and explain all this to the firearms officer before I even bother to pick up an application form (which I assume I get from the police)?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

 

Oh, and if theres anything else you think I should know, please say.

[Ratman2 2]

Get down to your local clay club, they're the best place to have a go with shotguns, just introduce yourself and explain what you want to do.

I think you will have to secure a gun cabinet to an internal wall but I'm not sure.

You don't have to do much to justify shotgun ownership but membership to a clay club helps.

As you only need a shotgun for vermin control you should be able to get a decent gun for about £300 or less.

You can get the relevent form from most Police stations and you will need some pasport photos.

Ring your Firearms Department and ask for advice on securing a cabinet, you'll find they are usually very helpful.

Good luck.

[daz 0]

hi mate should be ok in your loft if it is bolted on the gable wall .might be ok if its bolted on to solid hardwood beams.do you have a built in wardrobe or something like that so its out of sight could be a ball ache getting in and out of your loft.would be fine in your bedroom bolted on to a brick-block solid wall in a corner.maybe you should go out with someone who has a shotgun and get yourself ago and learn the safety side of shooting.when i got mine i never shot one before told them i'd been shooting airguns for years and that was fine.you dont have to tell the police nowt about applying for your sgc.you can pick a good second hand shotgun up for £100-300 for your local gun shop. get yourself a gun cabinet fitted. send your application of and bobs your uncle.

 

goodluck daz

[SportingShooter 0]

The police have special guidance and procedures to securing shotgun cabinets in unusual or difficult locations, these guidlines are normally used for those who live in Caravans as the cabinet needs to be secured to the chasis.

 

Have a look at Basc.org.uk and look in the shooting section, this will give you the information and guidance which is issued to the police as regards this type of thing, the easiest is to secure it to an internal wall made of stone or brick.

 

Give your firearms licensing department a ring and ask them your best course of action.

 

As Ratman says, the best way to have a go is to go and shoot some clays, this will be enough to justify owning a shotgun, but if you tell the Enquiry Officer when he comes out on your home visit, that you want it for vermin and rough shooting, this is equally acceptable, if i were you i wouldnt mention any specific land as they may want to look at that aswell which just takes needless time. Also, tell him you intend to have a few shooting lessons.

 

A 12 bore is a great allrounder which will do anything you want from a shotgun, you should pick up a decent one for vermin control which is respectable and will last you for a long time.

 

Regards

ss06

[Geoff.C 0]

Probably depends a lot on your firearms officer regarding security, but my mate at work has his cabinet fastened to the loft floor beams.

It is lying on it's back across about four beams and held down with huge screws. He has to get the loft ladder out to get at, or put away his guns.

Most clay clubs have an instructor, and depending on your area, £35 ish will get you an hour's instruction. You can learn a hell of a lot in a couple of sessions.

[Bagpuss 0]

I got my shotgun licence last year,I secured my cabinet to the wall in a corner hidden by a wardrobe. I had only fired a shotgun once but the firearms officer was more concerned with me having a sensible attitude and that I had permission where I could use it. Basicaly it is almost everyones right to have one so cover all the issues and they can't really say NO.