The Jersey Pistol Club eagerly welcomes potential members who would like to try pistol shooting. We have a very well developed programme of beginner training that will ensure that your first visit to us will be a safe, fun, and exciting experience.
The information below should answer all of your questions, but if it doesn’t please feel free to contact our club secretary John Sawyer by e-mail or on 07797 843 472 who will be happy to provide you with additional information.
What happens on my first visit?
Your first visit to the club will provide you with a quick induction into shooting in Jersey. It will start with the completion of a Provisional Membership Application which is a legal requirement under the Firearms (Jersey) Law – your first glimpse of the legislation surrounding firearms use in Jersey. There is no charge for the provisional membership.
With the administration out of the way, your Range Officer will provide you with a brief introduction to the shooting sports in Jersey, followed by a safety briefing where you will learn the basic tenets of safe firearms handling;
- Assume that every firearm is loaded.
- Control the muzzle direction at all times.
- Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
- See that the firearm is unloaded and PROVE it safe.
The Range Officer will then provide you with some basic shooting instruction relating to holding the firearm, your stance while shooting, and developing a proper sight picture (aiming).
You will then be taken to the range and provided with a pair of ear defenders, a .22 calibre pistol, and some ammunition.
Your Range Officer will then familiarise you with the commands used on the range and the firearm that you will be shooting. They will show you the different parts of the firearm, how it operates, and how to handle it safely – including how to PROVE it safe:
- Point the firearm in a safe direction (down the range).
- Remove all ammunition; by opening the cylinder and tipping out all ammunition cases or removing the magazine and pulling the slide back and locking it in place.
- Observe the chamber is clear.
- Verify that the feeding path is clear of ammunition and casings.
With the instruction completed, the fun begins and your Range Officer will now assist you in loading and firing your firearm.
When can I shoot at the JPC?
The range is usually open on Saturday afternoons (14:00 to 16:00 hours) and Sunday mornings (10:00 to 13:00 hours). New shooters should try to arrive by 13:45 on Saturday and 09:45 on Sundays to be certain that they can take part in the safety briefing. There are occasions when the range will be closed to the public due to club competitions or other events, so you should always check the Upcoming Range Closures list before setting off.
What do I need to bring with me?
For the first time shooter, there isn’t really much that you need. It would be helpful if you could complete the Provisional Membership Application in advance as this will save some time at the club. If you are under the age of 18, and will not be accompanied by your parent or guardian, you will need to complete the form and have it signed by your parent/guardian in advance. This is a legal requirement.
If you are a tea or coffee drinker, you may want to bring some change for refreshments.
Some people that wear spectacles (especially for reading) may find that using these for shooting will improve their ability to develop a good sight picture – and hence their accuracy – so bring them along.
What should I wear?
Our ranges are outdoors, with overhead cover, so you should wear comfortable clothing, appropriate for the weather conditions. We request that you wear clothes that will not trap ejected ammunition cases; no loose/low neck lines or loose fitting footwear or flip-flops. Although the hot cases do not present a significant danger, they can create some discomfort if they fall into your shirt or shoes. They can also cause loss of concentration that the pistol MUST be kept pointing down range at ALL times.
If it’s raining, you will benefit from the protection of a hat or jacket when we move forward (out of cover) to score your target. In the heat and sunshine of the summer, appropriate sunscreen would be advised.
Where is the JPC?
The club is located on Le Chemin du Catel, in St Mary. You can see our exact location here.
How much does it cost?
Most visitors to the club are surprised by the good value that an afternoon of shooting provides – especially when compared to typical pastimes on the island.
Our current fees for provisional members are;
- Adult: £12.00 per session
- Youth/Student: £5.00 per session
All equipment, including; Club firearms, ear defenders, and targets are provided at no charge.
Ammunition is available at £5.00 for 50 rounds of .22 calibre – enough for an individual’s typical session.
We accept cash or card payments
Is there an age limit?
We do not have a hard and fast rule regarding a shooter’s age – provided that they can safely handle a firearm – however children younger than 12 years of age do provide a significant challenge that some Range Officers would not be comfortable with, especially on a busy range day.
In general terms, our primary concerns are that the child is capable of understanding the dangers of irresponsible behaviour at a shooting range and that they are able to take direction and follow instruction.
If you would like to visit the range with young (or small) children, you can contact our club secretary John Sawyer by e-mail or on 07797 843 472 and he can advise you as to the number of bookings we may have and the Range Officers available for the anticipated day of your visit.