'There are more accidents playing golf than shooting'
AFTER the Advertiser revealed more than 1,300 people keep guns in their homes legally in the borough, scores of gun enthusiasts contacted us to defend law-abiding shooters. We sent reporter Lucy Buckland to Croydon Rifle and Pistol Club to find out what attracts people to guns
YOUNG mum Gayle Copper has been shooting for 18 months and absolutely loves it.
The 32-year-old has a three-year-old son and, far from thinking guns encourage violence, the tattoo artist thinks lawful firearms training has the opposite effect on youngsters.
"Before I came here I did think about guns being interlinked with crime and I admit I was terrified when I first picked up a rifle," she said.
"But straightaway I loved shooting because it is not like you think it is, it's a discipline and all about accuracy."
Now Gayle, who prefers a target rifle, enters competitions with Croydon Rifle and Pistol Club, based in Jessop Way.
The mum-of one-said: "I came here with my friend one time just to try it out, she hated it but I loved it.
"I thought it would be all old men but it's not at all. The reason I like to shoot is it's a solitary sport, I am just concentrating by myself.
"I would definitely like my son to join up when he is older because it teaches good values, you have to be very disciplined and show a lot of commitment."
Club secretary Noel Collyer said far from being violent, shooting is one of the safest sports in the UK.
Croydon Rifle and Pistol Club, which was started in 1962, now has more than 100 members ranging in age from 13 to 70.
And Noel said strict procedures make sure they are not handing out guns to people who are not stringently checked by the police. These checks include an inspection of the person's home and why they need a firearm.
He added: "In over 40 years there have been no accidents here, nothing involving the firearms.
"There are more accidents playing golf than shooting and that's a fact."
"The checks are so stringent in this country. It is not the legal guns which are involved in crime, but those brought in from Europe."
And club treasurer Paul Cutts rubbished the idea all guns and firearms should be illegal.
He said: "Shooting is an Olympic sport, guns do have their uses.
"Guns are inanimate objects, like cars, and people can do some serious damage with cars.
"Sometimes our members are like masons, they don't want to reveal who they are outside of our community because of these stereotypes."
What do you think? Email newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk
7 Comments
by Alan, Leatherhead
Saturday, March 05 2011, 12:15PM
“"Why have a gun at home, just get a dog to protect yourself and home. "
No one has a gun for protection purposes. Any hint of that and the police would take away your FireArms Certificate IMMEDIATELY. That said I bet there are hundreds of unlicenced guns being used for that purpose - which defeats the purpose of the restrictive legislation.
Target guns are sporting equipment used purely for a very specific activity. To do shooting as a sport requires mental discipline, concentration and high levels of commitment. Training youngsters how to shoot properly instills them with a level of discipline and responsible attitudes that is largely missing in many of todays youngsters.
Target shooting should be promoted to benefit society - look at Switzerland, it's practically compulsory to own a gun there, and it is one of the safest places in the world.”
by Mike - NOT from Croyden, Wrexham
Friday, February 11 2011, 3:24PM
“Why would you keep golf clubs at home?
Why would you keep a javelin/shot/discuss at home?
People who don't have any idea about our sport who make childish comments simply shows them to be ignorant and, frankly foolish.
It's the "I don't know anything about it, I've never tried it, so I don't like it and I'll object to it" school of thought that has done so much to make our country what it is today........”
by Has a dog., croydon
Wednesday, February 09 2011, 5:09PM
“Why have a gun at home, just get a dog to protect yourself and home.”
by Graham Showell, West Midlands, England
Monday, February 07 2011, 11:33PM
“It's interesting to see a pro gun article for once. I believe that gun ownership should be encouraged and that law-abiding citizens should be allowed to own and carry them for defence following criminal record background checks and training.
Legal gun ownership is a world away from the idiots on the street committing crime. I run a website to campaign for the relaxation of gun laws and a safer society where decent people can protect themselves and responsible gun ownership for sporting and self-defence purposes is both supported and encouraged.
The site address www.BritainNeedsGuns.co.uk”
by Modeerf, UK
Monday, February 07 2011, 9:27PM
“Privately held firearms, other than providing lawful enjoyment and a front line means of home defence, are essential in ensuring a nation is able to overthrow a government when ever it turns tyrannical (Not 'if' but WHEN). Ask yourself - Why did Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao and Hitler disarm their 'subjects'?”
by valikil, Croydon
Thursday, February 03 2011, 4:47PM
“To gain accuracy. Club guns are used by many people and adjusted all the time. If everyone stored their guns at the club it would be ridculous for space. Also you would not have access to it if you were shooting elsewhere, competitions, other clubs, safe land.”
by Mike, Ex Croydon
Thursday, February 03 2011, 4:22PM
“Why if you belong to a gun club would you need to keep a gun at home?”