Pistol Shooting in the UK?

Hi just curious... is there actually anywhere you can do this in the UK? I range or something. I know a bloke who does it I think but its sort of a 'pistol must be kept at the range' job isn't it?

Anyone actually know the law concerned here?

Since the Olympic shooting teams go to Europe to practice I would venture to guess thats a no. I've not been able to find one when I've looked.

You need a special permission section 5 FAC.
Outside of military, police or owning a ballistic armour company and needing to test your products it seems nigh impossible to get.

Its only an Easyjet flight away in Amsterdam if you fancy it.

They are for sale in the Uk you just can't buy them
http://www.helstongunsmiths.com/default.asp?ID=405&CB=27%2F03%2F2012+06%3A00%3A29

I would dearly like to try it. I shot once over 15 years when in the TA and I barely hit the sand bank so I wouldn't mind tying again...

Also I must say in the wake of the terrible shooting recently I'm thinking of doing some firearm defense...

Believe it or not mate, N.Ireland is the only place in the UK, I joined a range recently where we shoot sporting pistols, getting an FAC over here is tight but it can be done if you can prove you are using the pistol at the range...... unfortunately that's the only place one can use them IE you can't shoot rats out the back of your house etc etc...
plus it takes you two years as a member of a club before you can apply to buy one...


I think you can find youtube clips of Lee Morrison and Mick Coup using pistols over here

There's a pistol club in Sunderland but you will need to find a member who will introduce you.

Not surprised at any of the answers.

I knew a guy in college who joined a gun club. At the time you had to be in a club for a certain amount of time before you could buy your own.

Once a qualified - I think it took about two years - he bought a gun and shot himself in the head.

He planned it all just for that moment.

So, not surprised with this type of thing going on.