Shooting by Cadet Hewson

Shooting is an exiting and worthwhile activity which the ATC offer. I personally have achieved a regional marksman badge which is the second most highest marksman badge available. Shooting is my favourite activity in the ATC and I feel great pride when wearing my badge. However , not everyone can pick up a rifle and fire effectively. Infact , first you need to pass the weapons handling test. But don’t worry it is not to vigorous. first you will be shown a rifle and it mechanics. for example you will be shown the bolt of a No. 8 rifle. You will be thought how it works which is simple,it involves pulling the bolt back and forward and down. Another important feature is the safety. In simple terms if the switch is pointed toward the target it will fire and if it is pointed toward you it wont fire. You will then be asked to demonstrate how to make sure the rifle is clear by looking in the chamber and (for the No. 8 only) feel down the chamber but not down the barrel! You may also be required to demonstrate what to do if a misfire occurs.Once you have passed you are ready to put some holes in the target! This willl be done from a lying down position(or the prone position) for maximum safety. You will be supervised by a surtified range officer. The usally range of the firing rage is 25 meters. It will be inside or outside. But some ranges are longer than others, hopefully you will receive a marksman badge if you are good enough like me.