Pistol Shooting in the Channel Islands

[UKYankee]

Was just wondering if anyone had done any pistol shooting in either Jersey or the Isle of Mann and, if so, how easy was it?

Thanks,
Dave

[Blackstuff]

I would also be interested in Isle of Mann if anyones done it?

The people i know have been 'proper' pistol shooting have done it in Belgium or NI

[Steve E]

As far as I am aware the only way you can shoot pistols in the Channel Islands, is to know members of either the Jersey Pistol Club or the Guernsey Pistol Club and shoot as a guest of a member. You cannot just turn up and have a go.
I shoot at Coppens range, just outside of Knokke in Belgium once a year. I go as a guest of a friend who keeps his pistols there. You cannot just turn up and have a go, it has to be booked in advance. It is possible to join Coppens Range (approx 250 euros per year) but you would be unable to obtain a Belgian FAC and unable to buy a pistol. You would be able to hire a pistol from Paul the owner and purchase factory ammunition (and that is not cheap). You also need your UK FAC to have authority to purchase pistol calibre ammunition and firearms for Paul to allow you to shoot with his pistols. Last time I was there (relier this year) he would not let non members shoot unless they were members of the NRA and had their own FAC. It not as easy as people think. The lucky ones are those who moved there pistols out there prior to the ban or know someone who did and goes as their guest. You still need a UK FAC as a guest of a member (to prove that you have some shooting experience). I don't know if that is Belgian Law but that is how Coppens range operates.

[Chuck]

Just come to AZ, none of that stuff here :shakeshout: :shakeshout: :shakeshout: .....go to range, buy ammo, shoot..... :shakeshout: :shakeshout: :shakeshout: :shakeshout: : and they speak a kind of English here too.

[Gun Pimp]

Was just wondering if anyone had done any pistol shooting in either Jersey or the Isle of Mann and, if so, how easy was it?

Thanks,
Dave

I've shot pistol when I've been over for the IOM TT. There is a good pistol range and a local dealer - trading as Target Sports I think. A couple of guys I knew went over regularly at one time.
Vince

[Mike357]

Couple of our club members are just back from Prague and use a range that isn't populated by stag parties. They were given a selection of guns inc a Scorpion, a pile of ammo and pointed in the direction of the rather dingy indoor range. They never saw anybody else for3 hrs!

Also possible to shoot NIPSC level 3(?) matches with a hired pistol!

[rox]

.
On the subject of Jersey, the European division of the Commonwealth Shooting Championships were held there last weekend, and Channel TV showed the following report. Well done to Wales on dominating the full-bore events at another Commonwealth event.

http://www.channelonline.tv/channelonli ... ?id=501657

..

[DanTheMan]

As far as I am aware the only way you can shoot pistols in the Channel Islands, is to know members of either the Jersey Pistol Club or the Guernsey Pistol Club and shoot as a guest of a member. You cannot just turn up and have a go.

I have just turned up and shot at the Jersey pistol range for the last few years, it does not matter if you have UK FAC or what your experience is - they start you on .22 pistols and you need to shoot qualifying scores before moving onto centerfire. Plenty of club guns to use and cheap ammo, they are a good crowd, you can even join up as an overseas member for something like £12 per year.

[UKYankee]

Hi Dan,

thats just the news I was hoping for. :shakeshout:

Dave

[DanTheMan]

John Sawyer is the man to speak to, they occasionally have competitions which book out the entire range so it's worth a call to check they can fit you in. From memory visitors range fees are £6 and a box of .38 was also £6, fill in the paperwork before you attend.

Pic of the 50m range


My brother with a Wilson tuned Smith & Wesson .357