You may have always wanted to get your hands on a vintage gun for sale, but before you can start thinking about what type of weaponry to look at, you need to have some experience shooting.
Learning how to shoot well will not only help determine which gun to purchase, but it will also give you the skills to confidently enjoy shooting as a hobby without assistance.
So how do you go about learning how to shoot?
– Courses
The first thing to do is to enrol on a course, but which one you choose will depend on what discipline you are looking to improve on.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) provides a variety of courses, including probationary training and 300m shooting. Among the other courses you can undertake are clay shooting, match rifle, target rifle, sporting rifle, and target shotgun.
You might find you want to embark on more than one course to really develop your skills, and arm yourself with a variety of techniques when using a gun.
According to editor of The Field magazine Jonathan Young, who spoke to The Resident, having a course of lessons is essential for beginners.
“Most people with decent hand-to-eye co-ordination can learn the basics in ten sessions, though the naturally gifted can do it in five,” he stated.
– Use an agent
Once you have established some shooting skills, you should find some hunts you can take part in and put these new talents to the test. Using a sporting agent will help find some good shoots according to your abilities and experience.
Matthew Latchford of Roxtons told the publication: “Agents are also excellent at ensuring all the details are taken care of, such as transport, instructors, gun hire, lunches, and other special requirements.”
This means all shooters need to think about is using their newly developed skills and shooting on target.
– Use a minder
While you might want to jump in the deep end, it is a sensible idea to start slowly. Many shooting days offer ‘minders’, an experienced shooter who can help you with your first few hunts.
Founder of The Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club Victoria Knowles-Lack was reported as saying these ‘minders’ can “tell you which birds are safe and which are yours, as well as [provide] a gun and cartridges”.
Ms Knowles-Lack added there is no shame in admitting you are a novice, as “we all were once”.
You might only need to use a ‘minder’ for your first few shoots before you feel confident enough to go without one. However, they will boost your confidence in not only your gun skills, but also your knowledge of different shoots.
Once you have gained more experience, you will be able to make a better, more informed decision about which gun to go for.
You will find a huge range of shotguns for sale on our UK website, from a new Weihrauch HW97K .22 with Nikko Stirling 3-9×50 AO for £495 to a Holland & Holland ‘royal self-opening 1922 patent’ hammerless ejector shotgun for £18,500.
Beginners might prefer a Remington 12 Bore ‘Wingmaster’ model 870 pump action single barrel shotgun 2+1 for £80 while they hone their skills.