Shooting
Whatever level you are as a cadet, you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at military skills and drills including shooting. Marksmanship goes a long way back in the history of Air Cadets and is one of our most popular activities. Think you can concentrate on distant targets and fire with consistent accuracy? It's not easy. It requires focus, concentration and a very steady hand.
We’ll teach you to handle a variety of weapons safely. Basic firing is always done lying on your stomach (the prone position) at static targets. Progress through the syllabus and you'll experience different types of weapons, firing positions and could even take part in shooting competitions if you really prove your skills.
L114 Target Rifle
First up is the L144 bolt action rifle. This is the weapon you'll begin with. It's a great all rounder that was just recently introduced into the air training core following the decommission of the No.8 rifle. When manually loading and firing the rifle it makes little noise, although ear defenders are always worn on the range, and is a great first step for your marksmanship skills.
'Dry training' is the first thing you'll do - exploring the L144 rifle in detail, and learning the commands and safety practices used on the range. After you've successfully passed the Weapon Handling Test (WHT) you'll be ready to progress.
L114 Target Rifle
L98 A2
Over 14? Then you can handle the L98A2 Cadet GP rifle (L98) - modified from the Enfield L85A2 which is currently in active service. It is re-cocked by gas from the previous round fired. Rounds are contained in a magazine fitted to the rifle. It uses high velocity rounds which make a louder noise when fired.You have to go through initial weapon training on this weapon and pass your WHTs. As you progress through the syllabus and gain skill and confidence, you will have the opportunity to fire in the fire trench (standing in a pit with your elbows to the ground), kneeling and sitting positions.
The L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle is similar to the No.8 rifle in operation, but scaled up with higher calibre ammunition and greater accuracy.
Whichever weapon you are trained on our instructors will ensure you feel safe and confident handling it.
L98 A2 cadet GP rifle
Clay Target Shooting
Clay Target Shooting is a fun and dynamic sport that involves shooting clay discs out of the sky! It is totally different to the other types of shooting and it requires a completely different range of skills.
Any cadet can try it out by attending one of the many experiance days run by the Wing. Double barrel, over and under shotguns are used for this type of shooting and if you are good enough you might even make the wing team to attend the national competition! We have even had cadets from our squadron attend olympic trials!
The squadron is fortunate enough to have some of the most experienced and highly qualified instructors in the corps for clay target shooting so the opportunity often arises to try it out!
Clay Target Shooting