Shooting

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Shooting sports are competitive sports which test accuracy and speed
Shooting sports may be carried out using shotguns, hand guns or rifles
Shooting actually has an exemplary safety record - it has the lowest incidence of accidental injuries of all sports. This is because of the strict regulations of the use of firearms in the sport and the high standard of training and education that has been necessary. Shooting law must be absolutely adhered to, not only under the rules of the sport but under British law
Young shooters can learn to safely and responsibly use firearms under a regime which ensures their own and the public's safety
However, no one should shoot without full insurance cover - a reliable insurance cover is through the British Association for Shooting and Conservation which provides full cover for accidents
There are many different kinds of shooting in the UK including clay pigeon shooting and target shooting

In all pistol events, competitors gain points by shooting at a 10-ring target
The winner is the person who scores the most points
Pistol shooters are in a standing position and must hold and fire the gun with one hand
Points are awarded between one for the outside ring and 10 for the middle (bull)
There are different pistol events - some are 10m, some are 25m and some are 50m, and the rules and sequences of shooting vary for each event
There are also precision targets for 50m and 25m, and rapid fire targets
To get involved in shooting, you can join a shooting club or shooting range - there are thousands in the UK
Most clubs welcome anyone wanting to learn
Visit the British Shooting Sports Council website which covers all shooting disciplines

Clay pigeon shooting is a recreational and competitive activity in which participants attempt to break clay disks which have been flung in to the air at high speed
Participants shoot from a range of angles
Clay pigeon shooting has a strong tradition in Wales and there is a successful Welsh clay pigeon shooting team
If you're interested in shooting you can join a local shooting school

Shooting brings work and revenue into the countryside and contributes significantly to the UK economy - 26,300 full-time jobs in the UK are directly dependent on shooting
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation has over 123,000 members
Over a million people take part in shooting sports every year, which is more than in rugby, hockey and athletics