Stalker62
Well-Known Member
National Rifle Association - Shooter Certification Card.
Like it or loath it - it is (if you want to shoot NRA/MOD) a fact of life.
Awkward moment earlier this year, when the chap behind the jump pointed out mine had lapsed.
Fortunately for me, when he checked the system I was shown as 'still current' - curtesy of my main HO approved Club.
However, I thought it would do no harm (actually £30 as it turns out), so I booked myself in for a 're-class' with the NRA.
I then headed North to the Inner Hebrides, and promptly forgot all about it.
A couple of days ago, my electronic diary (and no I don't know how either), alerted me to the fact that I was due at Bisley the next day.
Threw a couple of rifles in the back of the car, and headed down to my fate.
I was early. I am always early (insert comedy gag here).
One of the Instructors calls me across, explains that I can crack on now if I wish; I gratefully accept the opportunity to get it over and done with, and to get away early.
"Did you get all the pre-read literature?"
"No. I have been away, but I am happy to wing it."
He looks suitably unimpressed. Not with the apparent lack of delivered literature, but with my very apparent arrogance.
He decides to see whether this exam is going to be a non-starter.
"Before we put pen to paper"... (yes there is a written quiz!)..."Do you know the four golden rules of firearms safety?"
I recite them off.
I notice him wince.
Well that can't be good.
"Look. Before you commit your answers to paper, perhaps just check with me, if you are not sure?"
He hands me a pen, the quiz, and seats me at the table on the point of the range.
First question.
Q1) Name the four principals of firearms safety.
I leave this blank, and complete the rest of the questions.
There then follows about a dozen or so questions.
Range Orders, Safety, - all good stuff - and I have no hesitation is banging down the answers. But why did he wince?
I finish the quiz and raise my hand to indicate that fact.
"Finished?"
"Almost, but I noticed you winced when I recited the four safety principals to you before the test began, and I do not want to commit to paper, what may be a mistake".
"Do you remember what you said? - Do not point your firearm at anything you are not willing to kill or destroy".
"That is exactly what I said".
"I can see by your file you are a hunter; do you have a military background?"
I puff my chest out, as I share with him my four years service with the TA - where after four years of diligent hard word, I rose to the rank of Private.
"You are in the civilian world now - we don't point firearms at anyone".
It is semantics but I am playing his game, and it is his ball.
I commit the answer to paper.
There then follows a 'live firing' exercise, with a couple of safety scenarios, and some 'what if' questions.
My instructor for the day was ex-military, very sensible, very pragmatic and a pleasure to meet.
I await the outcome with anticipation.
So if anyone (especially ex-military or ex-Job) is due for their own refresher course at the NRA - let me save you the embarrassment of having the Examiner/Instructor wince at you....
"Never point a firearm at anyone".
Like it or loath it - it is (if you want to shoot NRA/MOD) a fact of life.
Awkward moment earlier this year, when the chap behind the jump pointed out mine had lapsed.
Fortunately for me, when he checked the system I was shown as 'still current' - curtesy of my main HO approved Club.
However, I thought it would do no harm (actually £30 as it turns out), so I booked myself in for a 're-class' with the NRA.
I then headed North to the Inner Hebrides, and promptly forgot all about it.
A couple of days ago, my electronic diary (and no I don't know how either), alerted me to the fact that I was due at Bisley the next day.
Threw a couple of rifles in the back of the car, and headed down to my fate.
I was early. I am always early (insert comedy gag here).
One of the Instructors calls me across, explains that I can crack on now if I wish; I gratefully accept the opportunity to get it over and done with, and to get away early.
"Did you get all the pre-read literature?"
"No. I have been away, but I am happy to wing it."
He looks suitably unimpressed. Not with the apparent lack of delivered literature, but with my very apparent arrogance.
He decides to see whether this exam is going to be a non-starter.
"Before we put pen to paper"... (yes there is a written quiz!)..."Do you know the four golden rules of firearms safety?"
I recite them off.
I notice him wince.
Well that can't be good.
"Look. Before you commit your answers to paper, perhaps just check with me, if you are not sure?"
He hands me a pen, the quiz, and seats me at the table on the point of the range.
First question.
Q1) Name the four principals of firearms safety.
- Always prove the firearm whenever you touch it, collect it or hand it to another.
- Only point your firearm at your target.
- Keep your finger off the trigger, unless and until, you are ready to fire.
- Why did he wince?
I leave this blank, and complete the rest of the questions.
There then follows about a dozen or so questions.
Range Orders, Safety, - all good stuff - and I have no hesitation is banging down the answers. But why did he wince?
I finish the quiz and raise my hand to indicate that fact.
"Finished?"
"Almost, but I noticed you winced when I recited the four safety principals to you before the test began, and I do not want to commit to paper, what may be a mistake".
"Do you remember what you said? - Do not point your firearm at anything you are not willing to kill or destroy".
"That is exactly what I said".
"I can see by your file you are a hunter; do you have a military background?"
I puff my chest out, as I share with him my four years service with the TA - where after four years of diligent hard word, I rose to the rank of Private.
"You are in the civilian world now - we don't point firearms at anyone".
It is semantics but I am playing his game, and it is his ball.
I commit the answer to paper.
There then follows a 'live firing' exercise, with a couple of safety scenarios, and some 'what if' questions.
My instructor for the day was ex-military, very sensible, very pragmatic and a pleasure to meet.
I await the outcome with anticipation.
So if anyone (especially ex-military or ex-Job) is due for their own refresher course at the NRA - let me save you the embarrassment of having the Examiner/Instructor wince at you....
"Never point a firearm at anyone".
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