New to shooting, a few questions.

5greytiles

Im very new to this, ive been a target shooting enthusiast for a long time but ive been limited to air rifles and archery in my own limited private space. after a weekend of clay pigeon shooting recently it has ignited something and it is definitely something i'd want to do again and again.

one thing though i would really like to use and own my own shotgun. I am aware the rules are very stringent in the republic of Ireland and i am not expecting this to happen overnight, i was just curious if being a member of a clay pigeon shooting club is enough of a good reason in the eyes of the law for me to own one. other than that i'm not a farmer and i dont own any large plots of land nor am i affiliated with anyone who does. I am just a layperson with a passion for target shooting that would like to branch out.

thanks

Dean

otmmyboy2

Yes, membership of a clay club would be a good reason to get licenced on a shotgun.

Although membership would not be mandatory, simply tick on your application under reasons "Other", and explain in a short cover letter that you wish to use the gun for clay pigeon shooting.

If hunting/pest control is something you may want to get into in future then anyone with land(neighbours, family, friends, etc) can give permission for you to shoot on it, and would allow you to do so, should you choose to in future.

5greytiles

thanks friend. sounds actually a little easier than i was expecting although i do wonder who i will use as a character reference when the time comes. there's one other thing that might be relevant. i am actually a british citizen, i dont hold irish citizenship yet but have lived here over 10 years now. i have the right to work and a mortgage and everything here so hopefully it wont be an issue.

otmmyboy2

Sure thing, if you've any questions about the process or anything else just ask away. :)

I wouldn't call it hard but nor can it be exactly straightforward if you get me.

For a reference anyone who knows you really.

Some districts like you to have one family member and an unrelated person, others aren't fussed.

And nope, citizenship isn't an issue so long as you are resident here which you evidently are and have been for some time, so no worries there.

BSA International

Use the character reference you used for the air rifle? You will already have safe as you have an air rifle so no issue with security requirements. "Walk in" clay shooting is good enough reason no real need to be a member of a clay club, if such even exists, for a shotgun I'd say

JP22

Welcome to the forum.

Good advice given by otommyboy2 and BSA Int already.

If you’re serious about target shooting (rifle/air rifle/pistol and clay pigeon) the best and cheapest advice I can give you is go visit a club and have a look at their setup, their ranges and what’s on offer, all it takes is a phone call to set up a day visit.

Check out my club hereunder.

https://harbourhouse.ie/

5greytiles

well this has been greatly encouraging so thanks. oh by the way when i did air rifle shooting that was years back in the uk. its just archery ive been doing over here, nice as it is i want to branch out.

JP22

Have a look hereunder, plenty of info on choosing a shotgun

https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/shooting/start-shooting/buying-your-first-shotgun-2-32354

First off, I should have asked what type of shooting you’re going to do - Game Shooting/Vermin Control, Clay Pigeon Shooting, or a mix of all.

For game shooting most lads prefer a lighter gun which is easy and quick to mount and point. Lighter is also far easier to carry during the day over rough ground.

For Clays (since we shoot numerous rounds/lots of recoil), lads usually go for something a little heavier (even a semi auto), heavier guns soak up some of the recoil over a day’s clay shooting.

If you’re doing a mix of everything then definitely an O/U with multi chokes.

Others here will give you plenty of recommendations on various manufactures.

Have a read at link I posted, plenty of info available with recommendations on new and used shotguns.

5greytiles

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118717698#Comment_118717698

just wondering if that is the case though, according to this site

https://www.openseason.ie/blogs/news/applying-for-a-firearms-license-in-ireland-step-by-step

under "reasons for application" maybe i am reading it wrong but it seems like the options are one of those. I think possibly my application would be more likely to be accepted if i am a member of a club?

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118773458#Comment_118773458

Oh that shop's take is far from the complete picture.

You can licence any firearm so long as you have a sufficient reason to do so, and for clays you certainly can just be a walk in rather than a member.

Target shooting with rifle or pistol is different and requires membership of a range, but shotguns do not.