Getting a license

barracuda546

What are the chances of a 16 year old getting a .22lr(Remington 597) for target shooting?Is it even worth trying or would it just be a waste of time? Thanks!

Rovi

A young man of my acquaintance applied for a .22 rifle licence the day after his 16th birthday, and had the piece of paper in hand 6 weeks later.
He was VERY well covered for parental permission, club memberships, safety courses, and secure storage though.

It CAN and HAS been done, but would be very dependant on individual circumstances.

Cass

Unfortunately, and not being smart when i say this, but the Superintendant is the only man to properly and accurately answer that question.

I will say this though, if you have kept your nose clean and out of trouble, have no previous convictions, and a good and valid reason for having the firearm you are of the age where you can apply for it. There is nothing to stop you doing so.

I would advise you have your ducks in a row before applying. In other words have land permission if its game you are after, have referees chosen (you will need 2) and all other relevant info to hand. Worst case scenario you get refused, however there are few refuals where the reason for wanting the firearm is valid.

I personally would say to go for it. Below is a post i put up a few days ago that could give you some useful links and pointers to getting started.

Helpful links and pointers.


Good Luck.

rrpc

barracuda546 wrote: »

What are the chances of a 16 year old getting a .22lr(Remington 597) for target shooting?Is it even worth trying or would it just be a waste of time? Thanks!

If you want it for target shooting you need to be in a club. No offence to Remington, but it wouldn't be my first choice as a rifle for target shooting.

But that's up to you

Tackleberrywho

rrpc wrote: »

If you want it for target shooting you need to be in a club. No offence to Remington, but it wouldn't be my first choice as a rifle for target shooting.

But that's up to you

TBH RRPC

For a 16year old a remington is a good base to start with.
Especially if Mummy or daddy are not finiancing it
My first rifle was as rough as a bears whole, but it did the job until I could afford better

barracuda546

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

TBH RRPC

For a 16year old a remington is a good base to start with.
Especially if Mummy or daddy are not finiancing it
My first rifle was as rough as a bears whole, but it did the job until I could afford better

Heh yeah.. After buying the gun and the safe and the ammo it all adds up. So its gonna take me a while to save I think. And do you have to buy the gun before you try and get a license for it so you have the serial numer of the gun?Not really sure how that works.

Private Snafu

You usually pay a deposit on the rifle you want, your dealer will then give you the serial numbers, make, model and calibre. If you're picking up something on sale some firearms dealers require you pay the full amount.

rrpc

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

TBH RRPC

For a 16year old a remington is a good base to start with.
Especially if Mummy or daddy are not finiancing it
My first rifle was as rough as a bears whole, but it did the job until I could afford better

I did say it was up to the OP. I also said if it was me.

I thought that would've given you a hint :rolleyes:

And you'll get some very decent second hand kit for €250 ish, so I'll stick with my opinion thanks

To the OP: If you're getting a rifle for target shooting, you MUST be a member of a club, it's not optional. If you're joining a target shooting club, check there first because they may have some club gear to start you off before you buy something yourself. It'll also give you time to decide what you actually want/need before you go out and buy something you don't actually want/need.

barracuda546

rrpc wrote: »

I did say it was up to the OP. I also said if it was me.

I thought that would've given you a hint :rolleyes:

And you'll get some very decent second hand kit for €250 ish, so I'll stick with my opinion thanks

What gun would you recommend? Would the ruger 10/22 be a better choice? I think I am sticking with the .22lr for the cheap price of the rounds.

rrpc

barracuda546 wrote: »

What gun would you recommend? Would the ruger 10/22 be a better choice? I think I am sticking with the .22lr for the cheap price of the rounds.

It depends on what type of target shooting you're doing. .22lr is definitely a good place to start, although air rifle can be very good too. There are roughly four different codes of target shooting with .22s (I'm doing this by type of rifle rather than sport).

Sporting rifle: Would use something like the Remington, CZ etc. Best of this breed is usually the Anschutz.
Gallery Rifle: Just semi-autos like the 10/22 etc. Lmits you a bit in that you wouldn't really be competitive in the other codes with this kind of rifle.
Benchrest Rifle: Generally use an adapted target rifle with a scope. Can also be shot with a sporting rifle (in a seperate class)
Target Rifle: These are the heavy rifles shot just prone or in 3 positions. Most expensive rifles at the top end but you can get a good second hand one for around €250 up. They last for years

I'm fairly sure I've covered everything, but I'm sure to be flamed if I have missed something. I've done it from the standpoint of the rifles because that's really the direction you're coming from.

What part of the country are you in?

Bananaman

Invariably it is best to get a rifle that you will use.

What I mean by that is get an idea of what sports you can take part in and get a rifle to do that rather than the other way around.

There are many types of target shooting - over time you may even get involved in all of them but whichever one gives you the bug - get the tools to do that one.

Just my personal opinion.

B'Man

Tackleberrywho

barracuda546 wrote: »

What are the chances of a 16 year old getting a .22lr(Remington 597) for target shooting?Is it even worth trying or would it just be a waste of time? Thanks!

How much have you to spend?
You can get a second hand CZ Bolt .22 for ~€250. An Anschuts is a deal more.

The Ruger 10/22 is a great rifle if you want it for hunting and liuke playing around with it.

For Target Sako Finfire and Anschutz 64MP R make some of the best IMvHO entry level comp .22lr Rifles.

However, you get what you pay for.
A CZ sporter may be the best option if you are on a budget.

Must important though, find out if they will license you first.

You can spend as much as you like on a rifle.
A .22lr is more versatile than an air rifle IMvHO.

If you want to shoot a few bunnies the .22lr is the way to go.

POINT to note, Rifle clubs are expensive to join.
The NARGC membership around the €100 mark (*this includes insurance*), and a safe may set you back another €100 if the Gardai ask you to install one, **depending on your location**

The most common rifle in Ireland is the .22lr so you will pick one up cheap and sell easy if you want to upgrade in a year or two.

It's all about money though @16 most of us had none! (unless things have changed )

If you are in Dublin the Air-rifle route might be appealing and there are a few clubs in town.

If you are in the country the .22lr will be more usefull
My 2 cents :cool:

barracuda546

Well I will just be "plinking" as they say nothing serious really and I wouldn't have the hearth to shoot a bunny heh.My budget is whatever I have saved up by my 16th birthday which I am guessing will be around 500-600 I hope.

Merch

For the referees, will the Gardai approach them and say, this guy is getting a shooting licence? or do they just ask what is he like.
I haven't ever been in trouble plus I was in the PDF up till about ten years ago, dont think I know anyone still there I could ask, maybe a few lads that are still privates??
I only know a few people that I might consider putting down, I'm just not sure these people would themselves know anything or even approve of shooting (Im concerned they might think like, "ooh I dont want to have anything to do with that")
Also I'd prefer to keep as few people from knowing I am planning to store my rifle (hopefully if I get the licence) in my house,

rrpc

barracuda546 wrote: »

Well I will just be "plinking" as they say nothing serious really and I wouldn't have the hearth to shoot a bunny heh.My budget is whatever I have saved up by my 16th birthday which I am guessing will be around 500-600 I hope.

barracuda, you need to look at the application form. There are two main reasons for owning a .22 rifle: target shooting or vermin hunting (bunnies etc.)

You need to substantiate your application with evidence for either of the two options. If it's target shooting, you MUST be a member of a target shooting club and provide evidence of your membership (membership card usually). If it's for hunting you MUST have permission from a minimum of two landowners in writing to shoot on their land.

Your application will fail if you don't provide such evidence.

rrpc

Merch wrote: »

For the referees, will the Gardai approach them and say, this guy is getting a shooting licence? or do they just ask what is he like.
I haven't ever been in trouble plus I was in the PDF up till about ten years ago, dont think I know anyone still there I could ask, maybe a few lads that are still privates??
I only know a few people that I might consider putting down, I'm just not sure these people would themselves know anything or even approve of shooting (Im concerned they might think like, "ooh I dont want to have anything to do with that")
Also I'd prefer to keep as few people from knowing I am planning to store my rifle (hopefully if I get the licence) in my house,

As I posted above, depending on the nature of your application, you can provide referees based on your reason to own the firearm. For example if you're a member of a club, one of the other members can be a referee or a landowner who gave you permission to shoot on their land. Either of these will already know you own a firearm and shouldn't present a problem. Usually a family member can be the other referee.

Merch

rrpc wrote: »

As I posted above, depending on the nature of your application, you can provide referees based on your reason to own the firearm. For example if you're a member of a club, one of the other members can be a referee or a landowner who gave you permission to shoot on their land. Either of these will already know you own a firearm and shouldn't present a problem. Usually a family member can be the other referee.

I don't actually own a rifle yet. I plan to join a club, use the club for a few months until I decide what I would like (based on that experience and advice from the club) then purchase something, maybe a ruger 10/22 which I've read some good reviews of.
I had wanted to join a club where I could use vintage rifles also (the VCRAI) but also shoot reasonably cheaply for target practice. Midlands is a bit far from me in Dublin to use frequently/to justify the cost, I believe they were associated (through some of the members) with a club that I visited in Brittas (DTSC? I think), although unfortunately I understand that is now gone.
So I've reverted to thinking along the lines of a 22rimfire, I'd like to do a bit of target practice at a club, then maybe from there put that into practice shooting vermin (with a landowner/club permission)
From what you have said I am thinking I will put down one of the people that runs the club if they agree.

Just trying to think of a responsible person that I could put down that wont mind being a referee. Curious If the Gardai ask "doing a reference check,is this guy ok?" or is it "this guy is looking for a shooting licence is he ok"
Mostly want to limit the number of people that know I'd be storing a rifle in my house.

Sparks

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

For a 16year old a remington is a good base to start with

Remmy in pretty much any centerfire calibre is going to cost four figures inside the first year, and the first of those four won't be a one.

Smallbore, second-hand, in something like a BSA or a Vickers and you're looking at about €6-700 for the first year, including rifle, ammo, club membership and insurance. And change to enter your first match with.

Air, second-hand, in something like a FWB600 series, and you're looking at around €5-600 for the first year, including rifle, ammo, club membership and insurance. And change to enter your first match with.

It's up to the OP, obviously enough, but I know which way I'd lean on the choice.

rrpc

Merch wrote: »

I don't actually own a rifle yet. I plan to join a club, use the club for a few months until I decide what I would like (based on that experience and advice from the club) then purchase something, maybe a ruger 10/22 which I've read some good reviews of.

In my opinion (after trying a couple) the Ruger is not very accurate. You may be able to improve its accuracy with after market additions, but that's more expense. Some clubs don't like semis because their range rules require the bolt of a rifle to be removed between details; something you can't do with the ruger or other semis.

I had wanted to join a club where I could use vintage rifles also (the VCRAI) but also shoot reasonably cheaply for target practice. Midlands is a bit far from me in Dublin to use frequently/to justify the cost, I believe they were associated (through some of the members) with a club that I visited in Brittas (DTSC? I think), although unfortunately I understand that is now gone.

VCRAI aren't actually a club in the sense that membership would give you a good reason to own a firearm; most of their members are members of Midlands.

So I've reverted to thinking along the lines of a 22rimfire, I'd like to do a bit of target practice at a club, then maybe from there put that into practice shooting vermin (with a landowner/club permission)
From what you have said I am thinking I will put down one of the people that runs the club if they agree.

The best thing to do is get a club first and work towards what you want from there. The club will most likely give you good advice and assistance applying and you may even be able to get a good rifle from a club member second hand. Generally a club member and a family member are referees of choice for the application form. And yes, the Gardai may well contact your referees and they will specify that they're enquiring about your firearms cert application.

If the old DTSC range was close to you, then you will also be close to BRC and DRC.

Merch

rrpc wrote: »

In my opinion (after trying a couple) the Ruger is not very accurate. You may be able to improve its accuracy with after market additions, but that's more expense. Some clubs don't like semis because their range rules require the bolt of a rifle to be removed between details; something you can't do with the ruger or other semis.

VCRAI aren't actually a club in the sense that membership would give you a good reason to own a firearm; most of their members are members of Midlands.

The best thing to do is get a club first and work towards what you want from there. The club will most likely give you good advice and assistance applying and you may even be able to get a good rifle from a club member second hand. Generally a club member and a family member are referees of choice for the application form. And yes, the Gardai may well contact your referees and they will specify that they're enquiring about your firearms cert application.

If the old DTSC range was close to you, then you will also be close to BRC and DRC.

Re ruger thanks for the advice, I was thinking Remington 597 but read bad reviews about them online, either way I think I would have to join a club, get some advice and take it from there.
Re VCRAI and midlands, I meant being a member of midlands, my mistake, I thought VCRAI were based out of there, its too far from me to believe I might make it down every weekend or even every other weekend.
I clocked the distance to hilltop and that was my favorite alternative to what was DTSC but Bohanabreena is closer to me,
I will contact them and ask about their membership, fees etc
thanks for the reply

Sparks

To be honest Merch, if you're looking at a smallbore remmy or ruger as a starting rifle, you really should be thinking about a second-hand BSA or Vickers as well. They're about the best smallbore rifles for beginners that anyone's made in the past century or so:

• Ambidextrous stock
• Highish trigger weight (~1-2lb)
• Perfectly accurate
• Perfectly simple
• The accessory rail is compatible with all the modern handstops and doodads
• Very robust and accurate sights
• Very lightweight rifle (so perfect for juniors)
• Monumentally uncomplicated. You can take this rifle to the firing point without a single tool, take it into less than a dozen pieces to show a beginner how it all works, reassemble it and fire it, all in about quarter of an hour. The depth of understanding a beginner can gain from this is enormous and you just cannot do this with a modern rifle – too many parts, too many tools needed, and you’re sunk if you lose even one tiny little grub screw, which on a range is a near-certainty.
• It’s as reliable as they get. DURC's was made in 1939, passed through at least two owners before DURC got their hands on it, and it was a club gun for college students for years until it was retired in 1990; and after all that use and abuse and wear and tear, it took less than a half-hour of pottering before it was back and ready to go into service again drilling out the ten. It’s built as though the design spec said it had to be usable as a hammer every other weekday.
• And it can be picked up second-hand for about €60 in the UK

That last point's a bit of a bonus for beginners really.

barracuda546

I would get the vickers but its all down to what I can find.And I have read the forum for requesting a license multiple times.

Tackleberrywho

barracuda546 wrote: »

I would get the vickers but its all down to what I can find.And I have read the forum for requesting a license multiple times.

I filled out the licence 9 times between myself and a few family members and neighbors. It's not very simple and easy make a mistake if you do not fully understand the question.

(the local Sgt insisted I put down single barrel for my semi auto; even though a double barrel semi auto 12gauge is unheard of)

Do you live near any target clubs?
And can you afford to be a member? If not the Farmer permission would be the easiest option to go for, then you can save to join a club.
In the mean time do a safety course with the NARGC or MNSCI.

Have you got anyone near you that might help you pick out something to suit your needs?

barracuda546

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

I filled out the licence 9 times between myself and a few family members and neighbors. It's not very simple and easy make a mistake if you do not fully understand the question.

(the local Sgt insisted I put down single barrel for my semi auto; even though a double barrel semi auto 12gauge is unheard of)

Do you live near any target clubs?
And can you afford to be a member? If not the Farmer permission would be the easiest option to go for, then you can save to join a club.
In the mean time do a safety course with the NARGC or MNSCI.

Have you got anyone near you that might help you pick out something to suit your needs?

I know someone in a gun club so I am going to ask him about that gun club next time I see him.

I live in Cork and I think there is a gun shop called jeffers that I might have look at. If anyone knows some more gun clubs or gun shops in Cork please do tell.

rrpc

barracuda546 wrote: »

I know someone in a gun club so I am going to ask him about that gun club next time I see him.

I live in Cork and I think there is a gun shop called jeffers that I might have look at. If anyone knows some more gun clubs or gun shops in Cork please do tell.

Remember that there's a dfference between a gun club and a target shooting club. A gun club is generally formed to shoot game with shotguns and don't have a range as such although they usually have land with permission from the landowner.

For rifle shooting, it has to be a target shooting club, the nearest to you being Fermoy Rifle Club in Ballyhooley, Fermoy.

I don't think there's another one in Cork.

barracuda546

rrpc wrote: »

Remember that there's a dfference between a gun club and a target shooting club. A gun club is generally formed to shoot game with shotguns and don't have a range as such although they usually have land with permission from the landowner.

For rifle shooting, it has to be a target shooting club, the nearest to you being Fermoy Rifle Club in Ballyhooley, Fermoy.

I don't think there's another one in Cork.

Yeah I heard of that one. Their website is lack luster to say the least tho..

Would I need to know someone in the club to get into it tho? Or would they just let me join.

Tackleberrywho

barracuda546 wrote: »

Yeah I heard of that one. Their website is lack luster to say the least tho..

Would I need to know someone in the club to get into it tho? Or would they just let me join.

Normaly you have to be nominated, however.

If you find out who the guys are, a reference might get you in.

Depends how far you are from them, do they know any of your family/friends who could vouch for your character etc.

If there is a contact number on it give them a ring, explain your case and see what happens.

rrpc

barracuda546 wrote: »

Yeah I heard of that one. Their website is lack luster to say the least tho..

Would I need to know someone in the club to get into it tho? Or would they just let me join.

You may not be impressed with their website, but I can tell you that they have one of the best ranges in the country with everything from 10m up to 100 yards on 5 seperate ranges, as well as a very nice clubhouse.

Give them a call, most clubs like to get juniors; too many old fogeys in the game

Kryten

You can pick up a good second hand target rifle cheap. I recently aquired a BSA Martini International for a really good price (thanks dude) and zero'd it the other day. Less than half inch group from a rest at 50 meters. ( I know! Terrible I need practice )

Tackleberrywho

Kryten wrote: »

You can pick up a good second hand target rifle cheap. I recently aquired a BSA Martini International for a really good price (thanks dude) and zero'd it the other day. Less than half inch group from a rest at 50 meters. ( I know! Terrible I need practice )

Mate of mine has one, he was left it by his father, groups as good as a brand new Anschutz.

He does not shoot bunnies so he does not mind it being single shot

Tackleberrywho

Kryten wrote: »

You can pick up a good second hand target rifle cheap. I recently aquired a BSA Martini International for a really good price (thanks dude) and zero'd it the other day. Less than half inch group from a rest at 50 meters. ( I know! Terrible I need practice )

Mate of mine has one, he was left it by his father, groups as good as a brand new Anschutz.

He does not shoot bunnies so he does not mind it being single shot

rrpc

Kryten wrote: »

You can pick up a good second hand target rifle cheap. I recently aquired a BSA Martini International for a really good price (thanks dude) and zero'd it the other day. Less than half inch group from a rest at 50 meters. ( I know! Terrible I need practice )

Great rifle, the club has three of them (I think) and they're as accurate as anything out there at the moment. The action is fantastic and really positive. You using it for benchrest Kryten?

Kryten

No, It dosent have scope mounting blocks fitted, so I thought I would try my hand at Prone Rifle, as soon as I can pick up a jacket and sling.

rrpc

Kryten wrote: »

No, It dosent have scope mounting blocks fitted, so I thought I would try my hand at Prone Rifle, as soon as I can pick up a jacket and sling.

Come down whenever you want and borrow one of ours