Guide to Air Rifle Shooting and Hunting in Formby UK
I live in Formby in England, UK. There are several well established rifle target shooting clubs / organisations (see end of this blog). There are established shoots for full bore shotgun owners, but choices for air rifle owners are limited.
BASC Air Rifle (Great Britain) Code of Practice
When buying a new air rifle, the most important piece of reading material, that should be provided at the time of purchase, is the BASC Air Rifle Code of Practice. That is singularly, the must read leaflet for any beginner. Most of the information below is drawn from the BASC Code of Practice.
What kind of Air Rifle is Suitable?
One of the most basic questions I asked myself when I first bought an air rifle was "am I able to hunt small animals e.g. birds / rabbits with an air rifle"? The answer is YES as long as the rifle is up to the task!You must know the kill zone for the species. For mammals it is a side-on head shot. For birds head shots are effective but the target area is small and difficult. Therefore, the area under the wing is a good place to aim for. Do not attempt a shot of more than 30 metres.
An air rifle will kill rabbits, provided you properly place your shots i.e. a clean shot to the head. With an air rifle, unless you have a firearms certificate, you'll be limited to 12 ft lb (FPS) of muzzle energy by law (1) (2). Fortunately rabbits only require 5 ft lb of impact energy (3). A UK legal (11-12 ft lb) rifle in either .17 or .22 caliber air rifle would have enough energy to kill rabbit at 40 yards or more. The limiting factor will be your ability to place the pellet accurately for a head shot (which means you have to keep all your shots in a 1-1.5 inch diameter circle). That will probably limit you to no more than 30 metres..
Anything less than say 500 FPS, may only be considered suitable for target shooting - often referred to as 'pinging'. Find more information about what kind of equipment you'll need at a website called Air Rifle Pest Control (4).
Source(s)
(1) http://www.pellpax.co.uk/acatalog/UKAirg…
(2) http://f4bscale.worldonline.co.uk/gunlaw…
(3) http://www.airguns.net/general_field_use…
(4) http://f4bscale.worldonline.co.uk/pest.h…
(2) http://f4bscale.worldonline.co.uk/gunlaw…
(3) http://www.airguns.net/general_field_use…
(4) http://f4bscale.worldonline.co.uk/pest.h…
Carrying Rifle in Public Places - need for a carry bag!
If in public / transporting your rifle to a hunt or target shooting, you must always carry your rifle in a specially designed rifle carry bag / case. There are readily available through local gun or sports hobby shops or on the Internet / Ebay etc... the rifle must never be cocked and must never have any pellets pre-loaded in the barrel.What Quarry can I shoot and when are the shooting seasons?
You need to seek permission of the landowner before any shooting activities commence! Under a general Licence, you may legally shoot ‘pest birds’. The principal quarry for air rifle owners are:- Carrion Crows and Hooded Crows
- Jackdaws
- Magpies
- Feral Pigeons
- Wood Pigeon
- Collared Doves
- Brown rats
- Grey Squirrels
- Stoats
- Mink
- Rabbits
The following is taken directly from BASC website:
However, shooting on moorland and unenclosed land (1) is subject to a close season.
(1) Moorland and unenclosed land does not include arable land or detached portions of land less than 25 acres which adjoins arable land.
In England and Wales occupiers or authorised persons may only take and kill ground game on moorland or unenclosed land between 1 September and 31 March inclusive. Firearms may only be used for such purposes between 11 December and 31 March (Ground Game Act 1880 Section 1 (3) and Ground Game (Amendment) Act 1906 Section 2).
Game Birds and Water Fowl shooting seasons?
BASC advises game birds and water fowl, are not suitable quarry for air rifles. Therefore, the following is provided for information only... There are a number of game birds, waterfowl (ducks, geese and waders) and other bird species, as well as mammals, which can be shot legally. However, For many there is a close season when it is illegal to shoot them, and this helps to ensure that they are able to breed successfully and move between breeding and wintering grounds. The bird quarry species and their open seasons in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are shown below. Visit HERE for the full list:
Licences
Q. Is a licence needed for an air rifle?A. Only if the rifle is rated at or above 1200 FPS
General Licences
For information specifically about licences click HERE. The following statement is copied from the BASC website: "General licences are issued by government agencies to provide a legal basis for people to carry out a range of activities relating to wildlife. By definition you do not need to apply for general licences but you are required by law to abide by their terms and conditions."Game Licences: Changes to the Law Affecting Game Licences in the UK
It has not been a requirement to hold a game licence to kill or deal in game in England and Wales since 1st August 2007. Game licences and game dealers licences have been abolished in
Scotland with effect from 7 April 2011 when the new Wildlife and Natural
Environment (Scotland) Bill was passed.
With effect from 13 June 2011 the requirement to have a licence to kill game or deal in game has been abolished in Northern Ireland. This came into effect with the passing of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011.
You will also be provided with details about your local region office who in turn, should be able to give help and advice on shooting locations in your area,
Tawd Vale Field Target and Air Rifle Club (Tawd Vale FT ARC)
Tawd Vale Camp Site, Lowry Hill Lane, Lathom, West Lancs, L40 5UL
OS Ref: 108/46910
Dave Fairhurst (Secretary) 01772 815687, dave.fairhurst@talktalk.co.uk
Sandhall Air Rifle Klub
Cronton (near Widnes), just off M62 junction 6
Sandhall Air Rifle Club, Tue Lane, Cronton, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 5PT
Phone: 07879 457 245
Phone: 01483 797777 (this number advertised on their website is for the national rifle association)
email: FormbyRC@gmail.com
South West Lancashire Pistol Club
SWLPC, Wigan Lancashire, WN1 1HX, England
Phone: 01257 453 689 Iain Jack
25 yard 10 lane range where air rifle, small bore -22 rimfire, fullbore pistol/carbine and blackpowder can be used.
Altcar: Altcar Rifle Club
Altcar: 101 Rifle Club (does not shoot air rifles)
Altcar: Formby Rifle Club (see above for details)
Liverpool: Fullwood Shooting Club
Aintree Aintee Pistol Club Phone: 0151 632 4071
Must be a member before you are able to use the facilities.
Air Gun / Rifle shooting on a Saturday 1130-1230
Airgunsbbs
http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2008/02/essentials-of-outdoor-range.html
http://orpc.org.uk/ranges
To sight-up your scope visit: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Rifle-Scope
Rifle Specification: Full specification can be found at Hatsans website
Or, from HERE
• Break barrel, single cocking system & single shot.
• .22 (5.5 mm) caliber.
• Quattro Trigger & SAS™ - Shock Absorber System.
• Precision rifled steel barrel.
• Manual safety & automatic cocking safety.
• Anti bear-trap safety.
• Ergonomic design wooden stock with montecarlo cheekpiece.
• Checkering on grip and forearm for better control and feel.
• Rubber ventilated butt pad for recoil absorption.
• Metal trigger blade.
• Grooved cylinder for scope & mounted scope stop.
With effect from 13 June 2011 the requirement to have a licence to kill game or deal in game has been abolished in Northern Ireland. This came into effect with the passing of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011.
Do I need Insurance?
Insurance is always advisable and most land owners / farmers / golf courses would want to see an insurance certificate before they entered into an agreement for use of their land. BASC offer individual adult AIR GUN membership (rates quoted are for 2013) that also provides 3rd party air gun insurance for £46. Junior (under 21) FULL membership is £22 (note that it is better to get the FULL membership for juniors as that covers shot guns and air rifles). You also receive 8 magazine a year and are provided with access to their website resources that lists land in your local area where you may shoot.You will also be provided with details about your local region office who in turn, should be able to give help and advice on shooting locations in your area,
Gun and Rifle Clubs (in the North West)
Excellent resource for a full list of all Gun and Rifle Clubs visit: National Rifle AssociationTawd Vale Field Target and Air Rifle Club (Tawd Vale FT ARC)
Tawd Vale Camp Site, Lowry Hill Lane, Lathom, West Lancs, L40 5UL
OS Ref: 108/46910
Dave Fairhurst (Secretary) 01772 815687, dave.fairhurst@talktalk.co.uk
Sandhall Air Rifle Klub
Cronton (near Widnes), just off M62 junction 6
Sandhall Air Rifle Club, Tue Lane, Cronton, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 5PT
Phone: 07879 457 245
Phone: 01483 797777 (this number advertised on their website is for the national rifle association)
email: FormbyRC@gmail.com
South West Lancashire Pistol Club
SWLPC, Wigan Lancashire, WN1 1HX, England
Phone: 01257 453 689 Iain Jack
25 yard 10 lane range where air rifle, small bore -22 rimfire, fullbore pistol/carbine and blackpowder can be used.
Altcar: Altcar Rifle Club
Altcar: 101 Rifle Club (does not shoot air rifles)
Altcar: Formby Rifle Club (see above for details)
Liverpool: Fullwood Shooting Club
Aintree Aintee Pistol Club Phone: 0151 632 4071
Must be a member before you are able to use the facilities.
Air Gun / Rifle shooting on a Saturday 1130-1230
BASC North West Regional Office
For further information contact Duncan Thomas at the BASC North West England regional office (in Preston).Forums
Airgun Forum: www.airgunforum.co.ukAirgunsbbs
Rangers
If you plan to setup your own range then the following offers good advice:http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2008/02/essentials-of-outdoor-range.html
http://orpc.org.uk/ranges
To sight-up your scope visit: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Rifle-Scope
My own Air Rifle
Following a week of research, on 19th Aug 2013, I bought an Edgar Bros. Hatsan Mod 60S .22 rifle which fitted my needs on every level... Cost was £99.99 from Warrington Guns - not too far from home at 26 miles so handy enough if problems or if maintenance is needed.Rifle Specification: Full specification can be found at Hatsans website
Or, from HERE
• Break barrel, single cocking system & single shot.
• .22 (5.5 mm) caliber.
• Quattro Trigger & SAS™ - Shock Absorber System.
• Precision rifled steel barrel.
• Manual safety & automatic cocking safety.
• Anti bear-trap safety.
• Ergonomic design wooden stock with montecarlo cheekpiece.
• Checkering on grip and forearm for better control and feel.
• Rubber ventilated butt pad for recoil absorption.
• Metal trigger blade.
• Grooved cylinder for scope & mounted scope stop.
• 11mm scope mount rail with mounted scope stop
• Micro adjustable rear-sight for both windage and
elevation.
• Hooded front-sight.
• TRUGLO fiber optic sights with contrasting fiber colors (optional).
• Muzzle velocity (max): 800 fps
• Overall length: 45"
• Barrel length: 17.7"
• Weight: 3,400 grams (7.5 lbs)
The fibre optic rear sight is green and adjustable. The front fibre optic sight is red and static. I believe the wooden stock is walnut - very nice! Turkish made.
As the rifle is rated at 800 fps, it is therefore, suitable for target shooting and when the time is right, powerful enough to hunt small game with.
Bought 500 super dome pellets for £6.99 at time of rifle purchase.
Carry Bag: Added a 46" deluxe camo padded carry bag £19.49. 20th Aug 2013, from Ebay (RetailZone.com)
• Hooded front-sight.
• TRUGLO fiber optic sights with contrasting fiber colors (optional).
• Muzzle velocity (max): 800 fps
• Overall length: 45"
• Barrel length: 17.7"
• Weight: 3,400 grams (7.5 lbs)
The fibre optic rear sight is green and adjustable. The front fibre optic sight is red and static. I believe the wooden stock is walnut - very nice! Turkish made.
As the rifle is rated at 800 fps, it is therefore, suitable for target shooting and when the time is right, powerful enough to hunt small game with.
Bought 500 super dome pellets for £6.99 at time of rifle purchase.
Carry Bag: Added a 46" deluxe camo padded carry bag £19.49. 20th Aug 2013, from Ebay (RetailZone.com)
Scope: AOE Optics 6-24x50 bought from on Ebay shop called Airsofthunting for £29.99 + £2.80 postage. 
Specification:
Specification:
Magnification: 6-24X
Objective diameter: 1.97"(50mm)
Tube diameter: 1"(25.4mm)
Length: 15.74"(40cm)
Reticle: red and green illuminated mil-dot
Battery included: CR2032 3v
Weight: 26.1 oz(740g)
Features:
- made of high-strength aluminium alloy
- Quick Tactical Lock and zeroing Adjustment Windage and Elevation
- Illuminated Red and Green Mil Dot reticle with 5 level brightness control
- Wide Field of View with Tactical Mil-Dot Reticle
Features:
- made of high-strength aluminium alloy
- Quick Tactical Lock and zeroing Adjustment Windage and Elevation
- Illuminated Red and Green Mil Dot reticle with 5 level brightness control
- Wide Field of View with Tactical Mil-Dot Reticle
- can be coupled with airgun, hunting rifle
- Protective lense covers included
- Free 20mm rail mounts only
Package include:
1 x rifle scope
1 pair 20mm mounts
1 pair lense covers
- Free 20mm rail mounts only
Package include:
1 x rifle scope
1 pair 20mm mounts
1 pair lense covers
Rifle / Shooting Rest - sighting-in / zone shooting rest
visit: http://www.henrykrank.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_11_625&products_id=5015&zenid=52g2jl7j35890c76tfuir7jou7
Scope Mounts
Bought this pair of brilliant mounts, very well engineered, each one has 4 screws (that take Allen key) from Ebay shop inyoursights for £6.99 (free postage). You will find cheaper mounts but they won't be as good!
Spec: 11mm Dovetail Rifle Scope Mounts 25.4mm x 11mm High-Profile Airgun Sight Rings
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