Target Shooting, a relaxing hobby?

16-08-2011, 20:10

OK so recently I have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and in my quest to bring it down I am looking for a relaxing hobby (along with all of the other lifestyle changes...

)

When the Mrs asked me what I enjoyed and was good at, I remembered that back in the day when i was in the Air Cadets, I was rather good at shooting, along with model making but I think I am a bit old for airfix kits now and they would probably frustrate me!

Since that was a rather long time ago, does anyone here shoot targets for a hobby?

If so, do you find it relaxing? If so, how would you recommend getting in to it and what kit would you recommmend getting?

My budget would be Â£800 tops for a full outfit.

Thanks in advance

Kymmy · 16-08-2011, 20:14

Air rifle or FAC?

16-08-2011, 20:16

Air Rifle Kymmy.

Kymmy · 17-08-2011, 07:42

did have a long reply typed then hit the wrong button.

I do Field target shooting with an FN12(.177)/4-12x44 scope and charge it via a handpump/drypack (I got the pump instead of the bottle as it's easier to carry) I like field target as you have to cope with wind, distance, target size and elevation changes.. I also though use it up the field we own otherwise it would be a mess of rabbit warrens and the horses would end up breaking their legs. (I like rabbit and the dogs love rabbit so not a problem)

I bought my lot for less than Â£200 just over ten years ago.. For Â£800 you could get a 2nd hand Ripley which is fully regulated and accurate as hell.

If you mean though purely paper targets like at the Olympics then the kit is incredulously priced and the sport can get boring very fast.

Try a local club as they'll either have a club rifle you can try or lots of members will let you try theirs.

Local to you though it is outdoor shooting is http://www.mkarc.co.uk/

Pauls9 · 17-08-2011, 08:33

Sounds like a good idea. Certainly teaches you to calm down.

Quote:

Try a local club as they'll either have a club rifle you can try or lots of members will let you try theirs.

Just what I was about to write. Also maybe try more than one club if you've got the choice. Some are more social, some more competitive. One I was in seemed to be run just for the committee, but I'm sure that's unusual.

Have fun!

17-08-2011, 10:28

Thanks for all the advice

I will certainly give it a go I think

Sirius · 17-08-2011, 10:32

The last time i fired a gun it was certainly not to calm me down

. However hope it helps you as i agree it can be very relaxing when you can take your time to ensure an accurate shot on target.

Kymmy · 17-08-2011, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirius

The last time i fired a gun it was certainly not to calm me down

. However hope it helps you.

Why does that remind me of the film FMJ ?

Sirius · 17-08-2011, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Why does that remind me of the film FMJ ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz9AE...eature=related

Pauls9 · 17-08-2011, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirius

The last time i fired a gun it was certainly not to calm me down

. However hope it helps you as i agree it can be very relaxing when you can take your time to ensure an accurate shot on target.

Agreed - better than clay pigeon shooting. Damn things never stay still long enough to allow you to aim at them.

spittny · 05-08-2013, 12:40

Howdy Tuftus
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Think this post is a bit out of date but it would be interesting to know if you did take up shooting as a relaxing pass time? I enjoy it and certain disciplines do relax me, mainly target shooting and Clay shooting, clay because the club I go to is set in a beautiful forest which is quite peaceful (apart from all the shotguns being fired).
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I suppose it depends on the type of person you are, if you get frustrated with yourself when you cannot do something (like hit a shot you have made many times before or pick up the skills as fast as you want) then it might not be the best but I think for a lot of people Target and Clay shooting is very relaxing.
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On the flip side of the coin, Tactical shooting I find not relaxing because it’s a scored and timed event, basically it’s a competition and because its time based it can be very intense, so I would stay away from tactical shooting, unless you can purely look at it as a bit of fun and are not that competitive.
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I think if you can find a target or clay shooting club which is outside and not that busy then it can be a very relaxing sport.

Also your budget is fine, £800 would get you a very decent air rifle and pistol and enough pellets to last a while, even for target shooting with live ammunition that budget would still surface, Club membership avg £80, FAC application £50, Ruger 10/22 brand new for max £400 and 22lr ammunition is still quite cheap (about £8-£10 for 100rnds).

Hope this helps, see you on the range