Not at all! We are used to beginners. We’ll give you all the instruction and supervision you need. Just let us know it’s your first time when you arrive.
We have a very wide range, have a look at https://oxsa.uk/our-guns – please note that they may not all be avaiable, it depends on the session you attend.
No, however, you have to declare that you have never had an application for a FAC refused or revoked (if you have never applied for a FAC this is not a problem – if you don’t know what a FAC is, you can ignore this). We will ask for a form of ID though, so please bring a phot ID (driving licence or passport are suitable).
There isn’t a specific age limit as such. The main thing is that anyone handling a rifle must be able to do so safely and responsibly. The range staff will assess this on an individual basis.
We will provide ear defenders and safety glasses, which are essential. However, ranges can sometimes be a bit dusty, so if you have any respiratory conditions, you might want to bring your own face mask to avoid inhaling any dust particles.
Comfortable clothing is best. Avoid anything too loose or baggy that might get in the way or allow hot cases ejected from a rifle go down your back. Closed-toe shoes are a must. The range will provide any necessary safety equipment like eye and ear protection. Be aware that ranges aren’t always the cleanest places, and clothing can sometimes get stained, so wearing older clothes is recommended.
Safety is the top priority at any range. You’ll get a safety briefing before you start, covering things like how to handle the rifle, aiming, and what to do in different situations. There will be range officers present at all times to supervise and make sure everyone is following the rules. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
After booking or walking in to an open session, there will be some instruction from a range officer. You’ll show you how to hold the rifle, how to aim, and how to load and fire it. You’ll then have a chance to practice on the range, under their supervision. We’ll usually give you feedback and tips on how to improve.
The cheapest option is to come to an open session, though we don’t tend to have many of these. See https://oxsa.uk/experiences for further details. If we don’t have one, you can book a private session (https://oxsa.uk/groups) or a course (https://oxsa.uk/courses). All pages have prices towards the bottom of the page.
This depends on the session. A walk-in open session can be less than half an hour, though we are never in a rush to get you in and out – you are welcome to stay and watch, spreading your shooting over time. A course or private session will typically be 3 to 4 hours or 6 to 8 hours.
Normally the answer is yes, but during an open session there may not be space in the range.
On most guns, no. Sometimes it can be a bot more difficult to handle the gun and on most military rifles the ejection port is on the right, so it is best to hole the rifle to your right hand side. In most cases being left handed is no biggie.
