President of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) Goulburn Ken Kenchington says this year’s Try Shooting Day will be a fun, family orientated occasion, and he encourages those who are interested to get involved.
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“It’s an excellent sport which combines so many different areas and a various type of responsibility, skill and knowledge,” Mr Kenchington said.
“It is up to us to show people how to use them properly.”
This comes after reports of a shooting in a primary school in San Bernadino, California on Tuesday morning.
Mr Kenchington said the shooting was a reminder of the disparity in Australia and the United State’s association and actions with, and towards guns.
“We don’t have that in Australia, even though we have more firearms per head in this population. Why is that?” he asked.
“It’s the person, not the gun. The gun is an inanimate object. It won’t do anything unless you do.
“The genie came out of the bottle 400 years ago, there’s no way we can really put it back.”
He says a respect for firearms, and for people, is needed.
The Try Shooting Day will include a compulsory safety course on equipment and practices.
Topics will include the art of firing a shot, perfecting aim and controlled breathing, all factors Mr Kenchington says contributes to a good shoot.
He says a .22 calibre rim fire rifle would be used for accuracy and lack of impact on the user. Participants will shoot at a 50 meter target.
Instructors will also run a one-on-one exercise with attendees and members of the SSAA will also be there to help.
“After a first timer shoots their first card, usually they say it was terrific,” he said.
Children over the age of 12 can participate with adult supervision.
Try Shooting will be held at the Goulburn Rifle Range, on Rifle Range Road between 1 and 5pm on April 23. Entry to this event is free.
Participants are required to bring photo identification and wear enclosed shoes on the day.
For more information on Try Shooting, or to join Sporting Shooter Association of Australia Goulburn, call Ken on 4829 2287.