The article in brief
Sport shooting is an exciting discipline that requires a judicious choice of weapon and compliance with strict rules. Here are the essential points to remember:
- Weapons for beginners Air pistols and .22 Long Rifle, ideal for learning the basics.
- Regulations categories B, C and D with specific acquisition conditions.
- Safety is paramount Strict handling rules and compulsory protective equipment.
- Progress : supervised training and regular practice to develop in different disciplines.
Ah, shooting sports! An exciting discipline that is attracting more and more enthusiasts. As a regular customer, I see shooters of all levels coming into my shop. But the question that often comes up, especially among beginners, is : which weapon to choose for sport shooting ? Don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the exciting world of precision weapons.
The best weapons for beginners
When you start out in shooting sports, you need to build up gradually. There's no question of jumping on a big calibre right from the start! I remember one young man who absolutely wanted to start with a .44 Magnum. I had to convince him that it wasn't the best idea...
For beginners, I always recommend starting with :
- Compressed air guns
- .22 Long Rifle (22LR) rifles
The advantage of these weapons is that they offer excellent grip and above all, they don't have much distance. It's ideal for learning the basics without hurting your shoulder or wrist.
Compressed air: the wise choice
Air pistols and rifles are perfect for beginners. They allow you to work on aiming and position without the stress of noise or recoil. What's more, they are generally classed as category D firearms, which simplifies administrative procedures.
The 22LR rifle: the all-rounder
The 22LR rifle is often regarded as the Swiss Army knife of shooting sports. It's accurate, inexpensive to use and allows you to make rapid progress. It's the ideal weapon for moving up a gear from air rifles.
The 22LR pistol: for lovers of precision shooting
If you prefer handguns, the 22LR pistol is an excellent choice. It allows you to work on your technique very gently. What's more, it's a great choice, the CZ Shadow 2although more powerful, is often favoured by improving shooters for its exceptional accuracy.
Conditions and regulations for shooting sports
Before diving headlong into buying a gun, there are a few things you need to know. French regulations on firearms are fairly strict, and that's all to the good! It guarantees safe and responsible shooting sports.
Weapons categories and their acquisition conditions
Weapons are classified into different categories. For sport shooting, we are mainly interested in categories B, C and D. Here is a summary table:
| Category | Types of weapons | Acquisition conditions |
|---|---|---|
| B | Handguns, certain long guns | Prefectoral authorisation |
| C | Most long guns | Declaration to the Prefecture |
| D | Air guns, historical weapons | Free purchase (adults) |
Steps to obtain authorisation
For category B weapons, a number of conditions must be met:
- Be of legal age
- Have a valid shooting licence
- Obtaining a medical certificate
- Receive a favourable opinion from the French Shooting Federation
Once these conditions have been met, you can apply to the prefecture for authorisation. It usually takes between a few weeks and a few months for a response. Be patient, it's worth it!
Limits and obligations of the marksman
Once you have obtained authorisation, you are not free to do just anything. There are rules to observe:
- Limitation on the number of weapons (generally 12 for sports shooters)
- Obligation to practise regularly (controlled shooting sessions)
- Secure weapons storage at home
- Only transport weapons between home and the shooting range
These rules may seem restrictive, but believe me, they're there to ensure everyone's safety. Besides, 12 weapons isn't a bad place to start, is it?
Shooting in complete safety
Safety is the basis of shooting sports. I can't stress this enough! I've seen too many avoidable accidents in my career not to stress this point. Here are a few golden rules not to never forget :
- Always consider a weapon to be loaded
- Never point a gun at something you don't want to destroy
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Be sure of your target and what's behind it
These rules must become reflexes. Repeat them like a mantra every time you handle a weapon.
Essential safety equipment
In addition to the handling rules, there's one basic piece of equipment you can't do without:
- Protective goggles
- Earmuffs or earplugs
- A carrying case for your weapon
- A cleaning kit
Don't save on this equipment. Your safety is priceless!
The importance of supervision and training
Even if you've read all the books on shooting sports, there's no substitute for good on-the-job training. I always recommend that beginners take an introductory course at a club affiliated to the French Shooting Federation.
These courses will teach you the essential basics:
- The shooting position
- Aiming technique
- Breathing control
- Shooting management
With these solid foundations, you'll be able to progress with complete peace of mind and in complete safety.
Developing in shooting sports
Once you've mastered the basics, you're bound to want to progress. That's when it gets really exciting! There are many disciplines in shooting sports, each with its own challenges and its own weapons.
You can try your hand at :
- Precision shooting
- Speed shooting
- Pistol shooting
- Ball-trap shooting
Each discipline has its own champions and its own techniques. Who knows, maybe you'll become the next Michel Ansermet or Céline Goberville?
Remember, the key to progress is regular practice and analysing your results. Keep a shooting log, noting your performance and your feelings. That's how you'll identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
Sport shooting is an interesting world, full of challenges and rewards. With the right weapon, the right equipment and, above all, the right attitude, you're sure to find what you're looking for. So, are you ready to take aim?
To find out more, I recommend that you consult the weapons wiki. Good practice and, above all, stay safe!
