Dummy launcher

[mat83]

Evening all. Just brought a dummy launcher for training my spaniel and my ground where I have permission to shoot is a Christmas tree plantation. So it's a little difficult to start firing dummies into the trees for him to find it. What's the deal with firing it on public recreation grounds? Obviously I would go when its quite, but just wondering if I'm going to start annoying all neighbours and have police turn up? Anyone with any experience in this can guide me would be much appreciated.

 

[Powys.243]

https://basc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2019/05/STARTING-PISTOLS-DUMMY-LAUNCHERS-2014.pdf

 

[Powys.243]

https://basc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2019/05/STARTING-PISTOLS-DUMMY-LAUNCHERS-2014.pdf

That said, I’d question if it was worth the hassle of banging away with a dummy launcher in public. You’re likely to find an armed response vehicle on the way to you fairly quickly I’d say.
Then the faff of having to explain it, and have it all checked out.
The Police get calls from members of the public about suspicious bangs in the run up to Bonfire Night

 

[mat83]

Thank you. Yes I get what you're saying. Might be easier to ask a local farmer if could use one of his fields might be easier.

 

[Poola]

They aren’t cheap, but there are air-powered remote launchers. They just make a small pop (not great for marking to shot, but then you don’t want the shot! Still fine for visual marks though). Down side us no shot scent in case the dog is looking for that… mine took a bit of getting used to it because of this! Anyway, they might be better if all that ends up available is a recreation ground…

 

[Powys.243]

Yes. And of when they see you’re tidy and sticking to doing what you’ve asked to do. Might be a foot in the door for other permissions providing someone else hasn’t beaten you to it. Good luck!

 

[Brittany boy]

I’ve used my launcher in the local park several times with no issue. Other dog walkers and passers by stop to watch and haven’t been alarmed at all. Once they see the dog retrieve the dummy they understand it’s not a firearm. Think their might be more of an issue using a starter pistol than the launcher itself. If you can get permission from a local farmer even better I did have an incident where another dog stole the dummy

 

[Elmer fudd 1]

I’ve used my launcher in the local park several times with no issue. Other dog walkers and passers by stop to watch and haven’t been alarmed at all. Once they see the dog retrieve the dummy they understand it’s not a firearm. Think their might be more of an issue using a starter pistol than the launcher itself. If you can get permission from a local farmer even better I did have an incident where another dog stole the dummy

I’ve had largely the same experience, there was one near miss with a starter pistol and a concerned chap who had initially come over to me in a bit of a rage. He soon mellowed when I explained what I was up to and he left the exchange informed and quite content with me continuing as was. I now always fire the blank pistol into my dummy bag behind my back just incase anyone thinks I’m starting a one dog race or declaring war on the tennis club next to the village sports field.

 

[stevestalker]

If you start off with the lowest cartridge power (green i think) you should be able to use it in the plantation as the dummy only shoots about 15 yards.
Let us know how you get on.
Steve