A humble query

[Mr.Shome]

Dear Members,

I have always been passionate about shooting. Did a little bit of rifle, pistol and air gun shooting more than 20 years ago. I am trying to start again. Presently, I am staying in South Kolkata and the nearest range is the Kolkata Police range c, used by the South Calcutta Rifle Club.

My interest is in center fire pistol, but after speaking to them, I realized that shooting the gun of my choice is subject to availability. I also read a comment in this forum that this club only provides rifle shooting facility and the infrastructure is not too good. Also, there is the hassle of police verification and the cops don't provide the required certificate.

The lifetime membership fee is 27,000. If anyone is a member of this club, then could he or she please suggest me the details and kind of firearms they use for training? In case, I manage to join them, I will only be able to go on Sundays. Approximately, how much time will it take me (if at all) to reach the level of an Aspiring Shooter by going only once a week? Sorry, if this question seems too juvenile

Presently, I only do a little bit of plinking at home with a basic Precihole SP 60 air pistol.

I would be extremely grateful, if someone could please guide me.

Best regards,
Pinak Shome

[Aishgupta]

Hi,
can connect you to my friend who shoots there

[ASIF007]

Mr Shome,

I may not be the best person to answer your queries but I will try. I am a member of South Calcutta Rifle Club since 2016. Some of my observations have been such
1.) The infrastructure of SCRC has not improved much sadly and the range needs much renovation
2.) Only .22 Rifle are available in the Club but any member can bring his/her personal small arms ( .22/.32) and fire. I have never seen Air weapons here.
3.) With dedicated training every week you can participate in District/State competitions . A lady with dedicated training for last 6 months from SCRC came second in the District Women event.
4.) I do not think police verification is any problem and in any case its better to keep in contact with local cops if ever you apply for a firearm later.
5.) People are friendly here and instructors namely renowned shooterJP Sir ( a gem of a person) can teach you .22 Rifle if you are interested. However being the only Rifle Club apart from North Rifle Club in Kolkata the rush on Sundays may be a concern and there is a limit on the ammunition (.22) you can fire a day.

I would suggest you to visit all the Clubs namely North Calcutta Rifle Club( better infrastructure but costlier)/Howrah Rifle Club ( Better Air Range)/ Serampore Rifle Club ( Better Shooting Ranges .22 & Air) / South Calcutta Rifle Club (nearest location) and then decide what suits you.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Asif

[Mr.Shome]

Dear Aishgupta and Asif,

Thank you for so much of help and in-depth guidance. As I am not yet eligible to send PMs, so replying on the open forum. Yes, in fact, I am planning to visit the SCRC range on 29th September. It seems that center fire pistol facility is not available anywhere in Kolkata for people without their personal weapons. So, this is probably out of the question for me, as of now. Anyway, the most important thing is to at least take the first step towards making a start. Hope to see you people there, if you are also visiting.

Asif, thanks a lot for mentioning the lady who attained such a feat with 6 months of training - a major motivation. You have wonderfully cleared almost all my doubts.

Regards,

Pinak Shome

[ASIF007]

Mr. Shome I understand you are very much interested in Centre fire Pistol. Do visit Midnapore Rifle Club. Its 135 kms from Kolkata. The fees for lifetime membership is Rs.10000 and the Club has excellent .22 Pistol, .22 Rifle & Air Rifles . One of the members is a State champion in the Pistol event . There is also Trap shooting events orgasined by the Club.

Regards
Asif

[Mr.Shome]

Hello Asif,

Again, thank you very much for all the invaluable tips. Yes, Midnapore sounds perfect for my requirements, except for the distance factor, which is a big dampener. Anyway, as of now, I will most probably join the SCRC, and perhaps, later on graduate to pistol shooting, some time in the distant future. Let's see, how things shape up over the next few weeks.

Thanks and regards,

Pinak Shome

[VinayP]

Hi everyone,

I have some humble queries too.

i have read about good 90 pages of the thread "tips on pistol shooting". A very useful, resourceful thread!!

I am a beginner. Trying to learn shooting.

1. What does "Figure 8" exercise mean? I read it multiple times. But never understood it fully. Could someone pls elaborate? a video or illustration if possible?

2. What exercises need to be done for shoulders ? I am experiencing severe pain above my elbows when I am trying to practice.

3. Which is a good beginners air pistol for practice at home/range ? I'd like to compete in the near future. I have seen some imported ones. They seem pretty expensive.

Thanks and Regards
Vinay

[Raj Khalid]

Hi Vinay

1) Figure 8 exercise means you hold your pistol and keep the sights aligned against a blank wall and try and trace a figure of 8 on the wall. you can do this rising or lowering. You can also take a 3 pound dumbell and make the same pattern to develop the muscles which will help in sight alignment.
2) I will try and post later about shoulder strenghtening exercises.
3) The Precihole pistol looks good and thought I have not used it I think for the price you pay it is a good pistol and easy to repair if things go wrong