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They claim to run instruction courses and that all instructors NSRA qualified.

Cant see any reason for needing a sponsor .

@ Itskeith - Ah that makes much more sense - most people on here are FAC holders & are experienced, so I assumed you were too - my bad.

It sounds like the sponsor is then made responsible for 1on1 basic safe handling & training, if they dont run probationary sessions & you dont know one thats a bit of a catch 22 barrier!

Probationary is by law minimum 3 months. Club can make it longer if they wish. There is nothing defined about how many times you need to attend, the word 'regularly' is used, some clubs take that to its OCD extreme, most are happy with weekly - fortnightly, some monthly (fullbore club who meet monthly as many do).

Police check is often mixed up - some say before you attend. Then make you wait till the FLO replies (or doesn't reply as some dont because there is no problem & they aren't allowed to say you checked out ok) some FLOs (mine) are not interested in probationary as long as you sign a Section 21 & are supervised with no armoury, ammo, store access. They want to vett when you become a 'full member'. As at that stage you have access & apply for an FAC yourself.

@ Chapuis - the farm seems to be a company running a facility there are clubs that use it. Their shooting page says "At Budleigh we put a premium on Range safety. This requires that you are an established UK NSRA, NRA, club member or a member of a club affiliated to another national rifle or pistol association.

If you are not a shooter but would be interested in trying out target shooting whilst here, our resident coach is available for introductory instruction".

So I would go back & say you would l ike an intro session & to meet a club using it to seek a sponsor via them.

Have you checked out there web site it is a business. They offer paid for tasters intro to shooting book one and check them out. I would be looking for a shooting club that is affiliated to one of the organisations.

Thanks everyone, REALLY helpful and informative replies.

Never even considered that a club with these ranges / facilities may not be the right club for a total novice shooter!

If they don’t run probationary sessions & you don’t know one that’s’ a bit of a catch 22 barrier!

Yes – feels a bit more like Hadian’s Wall at the moment!

Ask the club owner/secretary you met if they can ask around in the club if anyone is willing to take you on as a probationer.

Have:
- sent off a formal enquiry form and asked the Sec to do just that. Hopefully I’ll get a reply and some form of further communication!
- have asked someone local if they know anyone …

Will (probably) also:
- ask if I can have a paid for coaching session to get an intro to a coach
- see if there is a match say I can attend to view / socialise etc …

Funnily enough: the club that is an Hour away (instead of a few minutes to Budleigh) does look like it is a lot more clearly set up for novices to join and coaching/mentoring!!!

Feels like a commitment test and I haven't even started shooting yet!

Best wishes and will let you know how I get one...

Still looking for a sponsor.

Cheers
Keith

The usual plan would be to go along to an introductory day or just a normal shooting day, get chatting to the people there and find one who you get along with who would be willing to sponsor you.
Clubs are funny places - they don't want any old person coming along and joining - They also don't want to give up their shooting time to look after a newbie (I've found). it really helps if you have some kind of relationship with at least one of the members and you'll only get that by turning up a bit.
Start off with air rifle.

Thanks Rockhopper and much appreciated.

Watch this space ... !

New Year bump - still looking for a sponsor

(though i'm now approached another couple of further away clubs).

Hi Keith,
Where are you situated?
I live in Tavistock just across the Moor from Mortenhamstead where Budleigh Farm is situated, I'm not a member but I shoot there in a few LSR competitions every year. If you are going to take up the sport why not try LSR (light Sporting Rifle) guns and equipment are fairly cheap to take up ands its great fun!

Thanks Paul,

Sounds a good suggestion.

Will drop you a pm.
Cheers.
Keith

Itskeith wrote: ↑Tue Jan 10, 2023 8:55 am Thanks Paul,

Sounds a good suggestion.

Will drop you a pm.
Cheers.
Keith

he can't see or send pm's...