Pre DSC1

[bazoo]

Morning folks,

As mentioned in my introduction I am new to the world of shooting. I was looking at undertaking the BASC Pre DSC1 course as it's only 45 mins from my house. Would this be the best option for getting started?

I am currently looking for land for shooting on to allow me to apply for my FAC in due course.

I thought this course may be the best way to start my shooting.

Any other advice or suggestions would be welcomed. I have had a look around the forums and can't see a natural path for a complete novice. (Is this something that could possibly be added to the forum later?)

Apologies in advance for all the questions.

Regards
Baz

 

[roaring_stag]

Hi Baz,

Friends of mine have previously done the pre-DSC1 course through BASC at Dunkeld - they said it was good for a beginner - I am sure you would learn a fair bit.

They have a pretty good facility there and also do some range work/shooting practice with the course. Not sure on dates or whether there are any more running this year - you may need to wait until the new year. Alternatively, if you are willing to travel, consider Moray Outfitting - the guys there are amazing and run great courses (DSC training and assessments).

Good luck!

RS

 

[Siggy]

certainly won't hurt. The chest shot target zone is smaller on the new targets and the dispatch head shot sometimes throws people, so familiarity with the format will make the process easier.

The main things are working out the point of aim for the chest and head shot. The rest is marksmanship principles which it never hurts to revisit.

 

[Morkai]

certainly won't hurt. The chest shot target zone is smaller on the new targets and the dispatch head shot sometimes throws people, so familiarity with the format will make the process easier.

The main things are working out the point of aim for the chest and head shot. The rest is marksmanship principles which it never hurts to revisit.

What is the new size?

Ive not been able to view the shooting assesment video sent by BDS for my DSC1 as its a fb link and I have no account.

Im also not sure on my poi for the head shot at 10m.

 

[Kentish]

What is the new size?

Ive not been able to view the shooting assesment video sent by BDS for my DSC1 as its a fb link and I have no account.

Im also not sure on my poi for the head shot at 10m.

New DSC1 target is a 5" circle on a deer silhouette. The circle is marked on the card very faintly, the idea being that effectively you are shooting at the kill zone of a roe deer rather than a target. I don't recall whether I could actually see the line from 100 or 70, pretty sure I could make it out for the HD though.

From what I remember the POI for headshot was about 2" high. I grabbed the below image off reddit so no idea what specific setup it relates to but it illustrates the point



As to the original question, if it seems like a good option for you then do it. BASC also do a firearms awareness course where you get to shoot with a few different calibres etc. If I could have done this before my DSC1 then I'd have been more comfortable with the shooting test, having only shot centrefire rifle on 2 occasions previously.

People will slag these things off, but IMO if you have the money and you don't have the time to gain experience the slow way (spending all your saturdays going beating, knocking on farmer's doors etc in the hope of finding permissions and mentors etc), then why not do it. It's a small amount of money in the scheme of things.

 

[The Grouse]

I did this a couple of years ago with BASC, somewhere up near Thirsk.

Was a good day, largely focused on the shooting element of DSC1, different shooting positions etc, use of sticks, target areas etc.

Personally I found it enjoyable and useful as whilst I was not new to shooting I was completely new to shooting in relation to deer stalking.

 

[bazoo]

Thanks for all the replies. I have shot mainly air rifles in the past so it will be a good introduction into shooting full-bore rifles and also help with my FAC application in due course.

Regards
Baz

 

[Miki]

@bazoo DSC1 is an initial qualification for deer stalkers and managers. It is a largely knowledge based qualification which enables candidates to demonstrate their understanding of basic deer management principles and meat hygiene, and to show competence in safety and shooting at simulated targets.

It's not really an introduction to shooting full-bore rifles (although there is a bit of that involved) nor will it help with getting your FAC.
Holding a Deer Stalking Certificate is not one of the requirements for getting a Firearms Certificate.

 

[bazoo]

HI Miki thanks for your reply.

Sorry if I never explained well enough in my post. I was talking about BSACs PRE-DSC1 course and according to their website it provides you with the skills and awareness and gets you up to speed for the full DSC1 course.

I know that the DSC has nothing to do with getting a FAC but thought it may demonstrate to the assessor of the FAC that I am actively trying to be safe and knowledgeable.

Thanks

 

[Miki]

HI Miki thanks for your reply.

Sorry if I never explained well enough in my post. I was talking about BSACs PRE-DSC1 course and according to their website it provides you with the skills and awareness and gets you up to speed for the full DSC1 course.

I know that the DSC has nothing to do with getting a FAC but thought it may demonstrate to the assessor of the FAC that I am actively trying to be safe and knowledgeable.

Thanks

According to BASC you can't be competent at anything unless you go on one of thier courses.
The FLO has a set of conditions that will refuse your ability to own a Fireaem, not having completed or not applying for a DSC isn't one of them.

The BASC (IMO) is angling to be the 'training authority', the "look we've trained more people that anyone else" choice for if/when the Gov decides we all need a common certificate.

As long as you have permission to shoot over land and any legal quarry on it and don't have any criminal history and satify the other conditions regarding healt and safety then you 'should' be able to satisfy your CC that you are eligable.
There are other 'satisfying conditions' - i've just highlighted the hunting aspect above.
Have a look on Police Scotlands website for a more detailed and accurate assesment of ehat the FLO is looking for.

 

[palmer_mike]

From what I remember the POI for headshot was about 2" high. I grabbed the below image off reddit so no idea what specific setup it relates to but it illustrates the point

POA a couple of inches high?

 

[Kentish]

POA a couple of inches high?

Yes, meant POA! Not POI (facepalm)

 

[Morkai]

You could always use the dsctraining.org facility to learn before a DSC course.

You'd pick it up in no time.

 

[Oracle]

Point of aim is the very apex of the silhouette skull. With most rifles having the centre of the scope objective lens mounted 1.5“ to 2” above the bore axis, dependent upon operator error, both shots will be comfortably within the 2” “despatch” circle.

 

[Keith Edmunds]

I think it's a good idea. After having a long break from stalking I did my DSC1 in the summer and a couple on the course did the pre-DSC1, at the same venue a few days before. It certainly boosted their confidence. The time on the range, handling rifles under the guidance of experienced hands can never be a bad thing.

 

[Sampo]

Join a local rifle club if you can. Will help you meet new people and also get to try/ shoot a lot more, which helps with your confidence. You got to be confident to shoot to kill and not injure. Also book some paid stalks to get started.

I went straigt to the DSC1 and it has helped me to get to grips with what to do once you have fired the shot, where the real work starts based on the environment and the size of the deer. Pre DSC1 won't hurt although you might learn more over a few paid stalks.

 

[8x57]

Join a local rifle club if you can. Will help you meet new people and also get to try/ shoot a lot more, which helps with your confidence. You got to be confident to shoot to kill and not injure. Also book some paid stalks to get started.

I went straigt to the DSC1 and it has helped me to get to grips with what to do once you have fired the shot, where the real work starts based on the environment and the size of the deer. Pre DSC1 won't hurt although you might learn more over a few paid stalks.

I agree with your comment about joining a rifle club Sampo, but I would add that you need to make sure that it is the right type of rifle club.
Some clubs can be very restrictive in the type of shooting that they allow e.g., shooting from the prone position only, or only allowing certain specified targets. This can be very discouraging to new shooters trying to get into stalking and possibly wouldn't be what you are looking for.

 

[sy247]

Personally I would join a target shooting club. This will help you acquire the skills you need to shoot safely and accurately and enable you to meet like minded people. If you join the right club it will give you good reason to aquire a deer legal calibre to hone your skills with.

Book some paid stalks and get some experience of shooting real deer. It's very different to shooting paper. When you apply for a variation for "deer and AOLQ" if you have a paid stalk booked then you can demonstrate good reason.

Time spent stalking will enable you to develop your field craft. You will learn a lot from an experienced guide.

Do your DSC1 by all means. Its not a pre-requisite to getting a FAC for deer, but you will learn a lot from it.

I'm not sure if you need a pre DSC1 course.

 

[Bowland blades]

ten yards? seriously i have never needed to do this in over 20 years stalking and 40 plus a bit in rifles with the use of a scope , i would just look along the side of the barrel as i do dispatching trapped rats with an airgun .
Think DSC 1 & 2 are going backwards not forward . The hold would be bore to scope centre and that depends on scope height from bore , an over complicated way of dispatch imo and a waste of ammo . Pre DSC1 ? should never have happened , pure cash cow . The brief was to take a beginner through the basics from the beginning, the above should simply be discussed

 

[baguio]

ten yards? seriously i have never needed to do this in over 20 years stalking and 40 plus a bit in rifles with the use of a scope , i would just look along the side of the barrel as i do dispatching trapped rats with an airgun .
Think DSC 1 & 2 are going backwards not forward . The hold would be bore to scope centre and that depends on scope height from bore , an over complicated way of dispatch imo and a waste of ammo . Pre DSC1 ? should never have happened , pure cash cow . The brief was to take a beginner through the basics from the beginning, the above should simply be discussed

I've done it twice in the last ten years. Both on muntjac kids couched up close to where their mother died. I'm glad that DSC1 has moved with the times to make a stalker more complete and knowledgeable about their kit.