Call for private shooting ranges

I am one of the unfortunate souls whose hobby happens to be target shooting. I had worked hard both as a member of the former AAMS (Arms Armour and Militaria Society) and later as a chairman of AACTS (Association of Arms Collectors and Target Shooters)...

I am one of the unfortunate souls whose hobby happens to be target shooting. I had worked hard both as a member of the former AAMS (Arms Armour and Militaria Society) and later as a chairman of AACTS (Association of Arms Collectors and Target Shooters) so that the outdated Arms Act of 1939 was changed and civilian target shooting re-introduced.

The law was changed and enthusiasts could apply, after attending a course in weapon handling and safety, for a licence to keep and carry firearms to and from an approved range. The trouble with this is that, to date, the powers that be (the government, Mepa and the police) have not yet given the go-ahead for the licensing of private shooting ranges, though numerous applications have been submitted.

The only two ranges where such a sport can be practised are military ranges at Safi in Malta and Il Qortin in Gozo. Though I heartily thank the Armed Forces of Malta for permitting civilians to shoot on their ranges, some decisions taken recently are, to say the least, bizarre. Of the myriad of calibres on the market only guns shooting 9mm, .357inch and .38inch are allowed on the range at present.

I had purchased and licensed a .22 calibre pistol, at quite an expense, to shoot on the range. This is practically the smallest calibre that is also used in Olympic disciplines. I had made this choice considering the cost of its ammunition and the minimal power it generates, making it one of the safest on the market.

We are allowed only one Saturday a month to practise our hobby/sport and I had enjoyed shooting this gun, getting quite respectable results. Suddenly, for reasons unknown, the AFM decided to ban this diminutive calibre from their ranges. For me this is a gross injustice as I now hold an expensive and licensed gun that I cannot use, though the law says I can. My target shooting has gone up in smoke!

I urge whoever is responsible to issue permits and licences for the setting up of private shooting ranges to respect the law to the letter and issue such permits. If the law refers to licensed shooting ranges, and no such ranges exist due to bureaucratic hindering, then the law is an ass!

Here's hoping this appeal does not fall on deaf ears and we shooting enthusiasts would pursue our hobby under better conditions than at present.

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