About Us

At 100 years old, the Chinnor Rifle and Pistol Club (of Chinnor, Oxfordshire, in the UK) is one of the oldest shooting clubs in Britain and yet have some of the most up-to-date and comprehensive facilities in the country, with an official charter dated 7th May 1907. We are affiliated with a number of national shooting organisations such as the NRA, NSRA, MLAGB and others (see web links to them at the bottom of this page).

Subject to a successful membership application following completion of a probationary period, we have and welcome members of all ages and abilities - men, women, boys and girls - both novices and experts. Current club members range from about 12 years to past retirement. Friendly coaching by experienced experts is freely offered to novices or anyone who asks.

100 Olympic Medals in 100 Years
It is well to remind club members as well as people interested (or against) shooting as a hobby or sport, that in 100 years of the Olympic Games, British shooters have bagged a total of 100 medals! British shooters won four medals at the Olympic Games in 2000 in Trap and Modern Pentathlon. In other words, we're bl**dy good at it! 

FACILITIES - among the finest in southern England

Chinnor Rifle & Pistol Club has some of the finest shooting facilities in the south of England, thanks to the diligence and hard work of our committee and members. The disciplines we shoot are: air pistol, air rifle, .22calibre RF (rim fire) prone target rifle, sporting rifle, gallery rifle and black powder muzzle-loading firearms. Our facilities comprise a year-round, heated, indoor, 25-yard range, certified by the Home Office and inspected by the British Army and Thames Valley Police. Our range is certified to shoot firearms up to .45 calibre and also has automated turning targets as well as static targets. Maximum allowable Muzzle Velocity and Muzzle Energy ratings for our range are stated below.

During good weather in the summer season we also have access to 50 metre and 100 yard outdoor ranges in the Wendover, Bucks. area.

The emphasis is on friendly fun in a safe environment. While we do enter teams of club members in internal and external competitions, you can shoot purely for enjoyment if you wish.

To join the Chinnor Rifle & Pistol Club, you do not need to own your own firearm. The club has a small collection of club-owned firearms in good working condition that can be used on the club premises by club members and visitors.

Live ammunition can be bought at reasonable prices from the club (but cannot be removed from the premises unless you have the appropriate Firearms Certificate issued by the police). Air pellet ammunition (.177calibre) for air pistols and air rifles can also be purchased from the club.

Contrary to some misconceptions, shooting is not a 'violent' sport; certainly no more violent that any other form of target shooting, such as archery or darts, though more dramatic and, in some cases, louder. Firearm target shooting does require a steadiness and calmness possessed by few initially, but which can be acquired by most, for the utmost in self control and precision marksmanship. With a little practise and perseverance, a score of at least 85 out of a maximum possible 100 can be achieved by most shooters with a .22cal rifle from a prone position relatively quickly. The unsupported (no slings) gallery rifle or sporting rifle standing shooting position and 'turning targets' arguably takes more whole-body steadiness and self-control. However, each shooting discipline has its own special steadiness and co-ordination requirements. Tracking targets, like the 'running boar' or 'running deer' (moving targets) for rifle shooters or clay pigeon shooting for example, need rapid and controlled hand-eye co-ordination skill. Those latter target types are available at the UK's National Shooting Centre at Bisley (see links below).

VISITORS and SAFETY - safety is paramount

All first-time visitors are given a comprehensive interactive introduction on the safe handling of any gun they would like to shoot. First-time visitors can not shoot. ALL shooters - novice AND experienced - are overseen while on the firing range by a trained Range Conducting Officer, who is responsible for the safe conduct of the shooters.

Interested potential members may attend up to three times (paying only a nominal visitor and range-usage fee) before deciding to join. Several visits are advised. All visitors are required to sign a declaration that they are not prohibited persons as specified in Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968 * (see below) as amended.  

MEMBERSHIP - all ages and abilities

Full adult membership costs less than the equivalent price of a pint of beer per week. Highly reduced rates are available for those under 18 years old. Family membership rates are available.

AWARDS - many internal and external competitions

Marksmanship is an accepted 'skill' for students aiming to achieve the Bronze, Silver or Gold level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. We have had a number of young people shooting at the club for this reason. The club also awards many internal championship cups and shields annually. Any club member can also enter county and even National postal competitions. 

AFFILIATIONS - national and local

The club has affiliations with the National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA), the Muzzle Loading Association of Great Britain (MLAGB) and the Oxford Rifle Association (ORA) (please refer to the Internet hyperlinks at the bottom of the page to contact those organisations).

All disciplines at the CRPC can be shot at least once weekly, except 'black powder' which is shot on the first Saturday of every month. All targets are concentric rings printed on heavy paper; we use no 'humanoid' or animal-shape targets.

Our club operates 'no smoking' and 'no mobile phones' policies while in the club house.