o sung wu,

The shooting clubs and ranges welcome visitors. Any who want to have a go just ring the club or range for particulars and you will get free supervision and instruction. No licence or firearm required. Only pay the cheap standard fee for the range and for the 'crackers' used.

There has been a pleasing trend for groups of men, women or mixed (it doesn't make a difference, but some visitors like the option) to have a cheap couple of hours learning how to shoot, including shotguns for clay pigeons. Instructors will even provide regular coaching for free to anyone who wants to go more often.

It is usual for 'non shooter' or 'novices' groups to celebrate significant occasions with an afternoon at the range, then go out for dinner after to finish the day. A much better option for Hens and Bucks parties than getting smashed at some flea pit bar somewhere. You actually get together for a laugh and a good chat. Absolutely no alcohol or drugs allowed.

If you checked the side bar of the links I gave earlier you should see that facility advertised.

The sport is cheap and a good option for those who want to challenge themselves and get out of the house to be among people for company. A .22 for example, is very easily manageable by people with weakness of limbs or wanting very cheap sport, or practice. Very cheap to buy secondhand and cheap to use. The high quality CZ brand for example is very low cost secondhand and will challenge the highest priced make on the range.

OTB,

I've been a Shooter's Assistant (I dis-remember the correct term) for Paraplegic shooters and one can only marvel at their dedication and determination and shear guts.

I have seen some that had to pause for a fair time between shots because lifting the rifle was a strength draining challenge, those so afflicted were superb snap shots.

Back in the late 1950's there was a doctor who shot .22 pistol at Sydney Pistol Club and he suffered from almost continuous shakes and walked with the aid of crutches.
Back then there were no concessions in competition, nor did he want any, and two of us used to stand beside him to snatch away his crutches when he said that he was ready to fire.

He used a Colt .22 Match Target pistol and its slab sides shimmered in the light except for the instant of supreme concentration when he fired.

Makes one thankful for good health and a bit humble.

Good evening to you ONTHEBEACH & IS MISE...

ONTHEBEACH - Thank you very much indeed for all your excellent information on shooting as a sport. And as an active social event as well.

Back in the mid fifties to the mid sixties, I was a member of Hurstville VDC Rifle Club, situated at the old ANZAC Rifle Range, at Liverpool. I understand the whole area is now consigned to houses ? Thereafter, I was a member of the regular Army Rifle team for the entire period of my enlistment. As I mentioned in a previous post, we used SMLE's No1 Mk1ll or a No4. all in .303cal. Each were to be fitted with a heavy barrel (properly bedded) and aperture sights. (Central, Rawson, or Parker Hale) The actual rifle,(new) was purchased from the ARA at a cost of three pounds exactly !

In the Army Rifle team, we were all issued with the standard Infantry weapon, the FN L1A1 in 7.62. A fantastic Rifle in my opinion.

Yes ONTHEBEACH, I agree with you unreservedly. Sporting Shooting can be an outstanding activity, and can be all embracing as well, with an active social component that may include the entire family.

Hi IS MISE...

That must be a very rewarding activity for you, assisting those with severe physically handicaps to participate in Match Pistol Shooting. I've been told that particular discipline is exceptionally tough even for someone who's able-bodied ? I did a couple of combat programmes when I was with the coppers, but with shift work and a family, it made it hard to continue with the sport. I must say, the police pistol club was well attended and actively pursued by those who wished to undertake pistol shooting. Thank you for your contributions.

Is Mise,

A big thank you from another Aussie for that voluntary work.

O Sung Wu,

We all lose interests when we raise families and so often we don't find replacement interests. - The cares of daily living take over.

Many men or women are not ready for the park bench at 80. You could always go to the range as part of one of those groups if you haven't bothered to keep your licence. A bit of fun for an hour or two and see what the future brings. As a tip, the Trap shooters are a very welcoming lot wherever you go. If the budget is tight, a .22 is the way and social.

Thank you ONTHEBEACH...

I'm very much afraid all that sort of thing is well beyond me now, though I still cherish all the good memories of trying for a 'Possible' (at any range) still ! During the last few years in the job I virtually had to be ordered to re-qualify with my service gun, such was the lack of interest with handguns. Though still licenced for a rifle I've not got one, as I'd have no use for it now, so I shall allow it to lapse and not renew it when the time comes. A sure sign of a rapidly advancing dotage I'm afraid.

Thanks again ONTHEBEACH, I very much appreciate your interest.

o sung wu,

Ok, so you will have to concentrate on wine, women and song. Worthy pursuits.