Shooters on target
East Rand Air Rifle Club hosted its first shooting competition at Vinkvlei Landgoed Venue on Saturday.
East Rand Air Rifle Club hosted its first shooting competition at Vinkvlei Landgoed Venue on Saturday.
“We are excited to share that we have opened a new air rifle shooting club in Springs,” said Kelly Snibbe, one of the founders.
She started the club with her husband, Hein, after they had to travel to Pretoria to participate in the sport.
“We use air rifles, which shooters do not need licences to operate. And the firearms shoot pellets,” she explained.
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In the competition, the organisers set up lanes with various targets at different distances from the shooter.
The shooters also take different poses in each of the lanes.
“This is done to increase the difficulty level. For example, it is easier to balance when you lay on the ground rather than stand.
“This is because, when you stand, you have to contend with the weight of the air rifle,” explained Snibbe.
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Some shooters were as young as eight.
“The young ones just have to be accompanied at all times. There is no maximum age to participate in the sport.
“I think it is great for families, and it teaches children discipline that will help them in other parts of their lives,” she added.
The shooters are trained in safety protocols because firearms can cause fatal injuries.
The club is open to the public and hopes to host competitions in Springs every second month.
The next competition is on June 10.
For more information, email eracsa23@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page – East Rand Air Rifle Club.
