DSC1 practical assessment practice

[Freezer Food]

Morning All

I'm after some advice on where I can get some practice for the DSC1 practical shooting assessment. I've been interested in stalking for some time and have now decided I'd like to get involved. Not coming from a shooting or countryside background I've decided the best way forward for me is to learn by doing the DSC1 course. I attended a pre DSC1 course earlier this year down in Wrexham but due to work and pre-booked family holiday commitments never got round to booking a DSC1 course.
I've now booked the DSC1 at Thorsby in March next year but Id like to get some practice for the practical assessment before I attend. I could, in theory book another Pre DSC1 course as they have one the week before but I'm thinking just the six shots you get on this course aren't really going to be enough? Your thoughts would be appreciated. I'm based in Dronfield which is between Sheffield and Chesterfield (North East Derbyshire)

 

[Kalahari]

Perhaps find a local rifle club and join. You will learn about safety, rifle handling and shooting skills and being a member will help with your FAC application, as will DSC1.

David.

 

[Freezer Food]

Thanks David

Yes, this may be my best option, especially if it can assist with my FAC application. I know there was a rifle club in Sheffield, I'll see if they're still active.

 

[Kentish]

Sounds like you are in the same boat I was a few years back when I decided to embark on this journey. Joining a shooting club is a good idea and once you start looking you'll find there are quite a few about. The only fullbore experience I had prior to doing it was about four shots - zeroing and shooting one deer on a stalking outing, though I'd done a bit of light sporting rifle at a gun club Most of the prep for my DSC1 was plinking in the garden with an air rifle. If you have a longish garden with a safe backstop, or know someone who does, and can get used to shooting off sticks even with an air rifle, it will be an advantage.

 

[C&K Suffolk]

Agree with David

 

[Freezer Food]

Sounds like you are in the same boat I was a few years back when I decided to embark on this journey. Joining a shooting club is a good idea and once you start looking you'll find there are quite a few about. The only fullbore experience I had prior to doing it was about four shots - zeroing and shooting one deer on a stalking outing, though I'd done a bit of light sporting rifle at a gun club Most of the prep for my DSC1 was plinking in the garden with an air rifle. If you have a longish garden with a safe backstop, or know someone who does, and can get used to shooting off sticks even with an air rifle, it will be an advantage.

Thanks Kentish

Yes, its not so easy if your friends and family aren't stalking. I've been practicing with my air rifle and I've investing in some quad sticks but its obviously not the same as shooting a full bore rifle. I've now contacted two rifle clubs local to me so I'll see what they have to say. I suspect they're mostly geared up for competition target shooting but at least it will allow me to gain experience. And hopefully help with the FAC application, although that's another can or worms as I've obviously got to decide on a calibre before I apply!

 

[Freezer Food]

Agree with David

Thanks, I'll see what the rifle clubs have to say.

 

[VSS]

Morning All

I'm after some advice on where I can get some practice for the DSC1 practical shooting assessment. I've been interested in stalking for some time and have now decided I'd like to get involved. Not coming from a shooting or countryside background I've decided the best way forward for me is to learn by doing the DSC1 course. I attended a pre DSC1 course earlier this year down in Wrexham but due to work and pre-booked family holiday commitments never got round to booking a DSC1 course.
I've now booked the DSC1 at Thorsby in March next year but Id like to get some practice for the practical assessment before I attend. I could, in theory book another Pre DSC1 course as they have one the week before but I'm thinking just the six shots you get on this course aren't really going to be enough? Your thoughts would be appreciated. I'm based in Dronfield which is between Sheffield and Chesterfield (North East Derbyshire)

Scale everything down and practice with an air rifle.
Over and over and over again.

 

[Freezer Food]

Scale everything down and practice with an air rifle.
Over and over and over again.

Thanks Vss, thats exactly what i'm doing at the moment.

 

[Selous]

Morning All

I'm after some advice on where I can get some practice for the DSC1 practical shooting assessment. I've been interested in stalking for some time and have now decided I'd like to get involved. Not coming from a shooting or countryside background I've decided the best way forward for me is to learn by doing the DSC1 course. I attended a pre DSC1 course earlier this year down in Wrexham but due to work and pre-booked family holiday commitments never got round to booking a DSC1 course.
I've now booked the DSC1 at Thorsby in March next year but Id like to get some practice for the practical assessment before I attend. I could, in theory book another Pre DSC1 course as they have one the week before but I'm thinking just the six shots you get on this course aren't really going to be enough? Your thoughts would be appreciated. I'm based in Dronfield which is between Sheffield and Chesterfield (North East Derbyshire)

It would be worth having a talk to Mike at Carlton Moor Range. I would be amazed if he couldn’t sort you out.

 

[Freezer Food]

It would be worth having a talk to Mike at Carlton Moor Range. I would be amazed if he couldn’t sort you out.

Thanks Selous

Matt, my BASC regional officer also suggested Calton Moor, I'll make contact with Mike if the rifle clubs dont work out.

 

[WalkedUp]

If all else fails and you can get to north wales I can take you out for a few shots no problem. If you buy the DSC 1 targets in advance you’ll be welcome to use them on our little range with a variety of calibres. Just pay for ammunition. I’m sure there will be someone closer who can help too.

 

[Oracle]

I could, in theory book another Pre DSC1 course as they have one the week before but I'm thinking just the six shots you get on this course aren't really going to be enough?

What Course provider honestly believes that six rounds is sufficient to give you both insight and confidence in your preparation to undertake the DSC1 Shooting
assessment…Is this not what the Pre DSC1 is all about?"………I trust you gave them sufficient feedback regarding the lack of practical “range time”.

 

[Freezer Food]

If all else fails and you can get to north wales I can take you out for a few shots no problem. If you buy the DSC 1 targets in advance you’ll be welcome to use them on our little range with a variety of calibres. Just pay for ammunition. I’m sure there will be someone closer who can help too.

Hi Walkedup

Thanks for the offer, I certainly bear that kind offer in mind. Im always up for a trip to Wales.

 

[Freezer Food]

What Course provider honestly believes that six rounds is sufficient to give you both insight and confidence in your preparation to undertake the DSC1 Shooting
assessment…Is this not what the Pre DSC1 is all about?"………I trust you gave them sufficient feedback regarding the lack of practical “range time”.

HI Oracle

Ive no complains really regarding the Pre DSC1, although I personally needed more practical experience others didn't. I certainly appreciated the theory and safety elements which i found very helpful.I now need to improve my pracatical skills.

 

[Eddie P]

HI Oracle

Ive no complains really regarding the Pre DSC1, although I personally needed more practical experience others didn't. I certainly appreciated the theory and safety elements which i found very helpful.I now need to improve my pracatical skills.

DSC1 teaches the theory, or you could just study at home. The one thing a beginner can't do is shoot, if they don't do lots of shooting it seems a bit lacking, some may say not fit for purpose

 

[Freezer Food]

DSC1 teaches the theory, or you could just study at home. The one thing a beginner can't do is shoot, if they don't do lots of shooting it seems a bit lacking, some may say not fit for purpose

Morning Eddie

I could have just bought the paperwork and studied at home, yes but my way of thinking is the qualification will assist with my FAC application and hopefully help with any paid stalks or even getting my own permissions. I passed the shooting element of the Pre DSC1 and I may well pass it again when it comes to the actual course, I'm just trying to get some more experience shooting the targets I'm expected to hit to reduce that element of risk. on the way I'll obviously improve my skills with a rifle.

I suppose the course isn't for everyone, and you're right it doesn't teach you to shoot but thats not what its designed to do. Thats down to the individual to either teach themselves or get some lessons. Unfortunately getting that training/time with a gun in your hand doesn't seem to be as easy as it is with a shotgun. From my experience rifle ranges/clubs aren't as common as clay grounds. Hopefully the two rifle clubs I've emailed will respond and I can get that experience I personal feel the need to attain.

 

[3595wilk]

It's a drive, but Paul Hill at Corinium does pre DSC1 shooting practice. He is a BASC instructor and runs DSC1 courses, as well as many others.

He takes you through the shooting assessment at your own pace and provides some really useful and practical hints and tips for this element.

He builds confidence and familiarity with what is a pretty unreal scenario.......which is invaluable if you have limited time behind a CF rifle.

 

[Freezer Food]

It's a drive, but Paul Hill at Corinium does pre DSC1 shooting practice. He is a BASC instructor and runs DSC1 courses, as well as many others.

He takes you through the shooting assessment at your own pace and provides some really useful and practical hints and tips for this element.

He builds confidence and familiarity with what is a pretty unreal scenario.......which is invaluable if you have limited time behind a CF rifle.

Thanks, I've just had a look on their website, they seem to have a fabulous set up. Hopefully the local rifle clubs may have members who stalk, but Corinium is only about three hours from me so it may well be worth the trip anyway for more specific training. .

 

[wytonpjs]

It's a drive, but Paul Hill at Corinium does pre DSC1 shooting practice. He is a BASC instructor and runs DSC1 courses, as well as many others.

He takes you through the shooting assessment at your own pace and provides some really useful and practical hints and tips for this element.

He builds confidence and familiarity with what is a pretty unreal scenario.......which is invaluable if you have limited time behind a CF rifle.

Exactly this - worked very well for my youngest