Is target practice a good enough reason to get a rifle ??

[gverma]

Hi
If I am asked why I want a rifle can I say I want a .22 LR to do 3 position shooting?
How can I get a good quota of ammo, I can't do with 5 rounds
And I want to do this the legal way, I am NOT going to bribe anyone even if it means I will never get a gun....
Thanks
Regards
Gaurav

[mundaire]

As per Section 13 (3) (ii) of the Arms Act, the licensing authority HAS TO issue a license "in respect of a point 22 bore rifle or an air rifle to be used for target practice" by any member of a "rifle club or rifle association licensed or recognised by the Central Government". Of course the applicant should not be disentitled to hold a license as per Section 14 of the Arms Act.

[goodboy_mentor]

At present firearm licenses are issued for mainly 3 reasons 1) Self Defense 2) Sport 3) Crop protection

SELF DEFENSE: "Self Defense" is the reason you write in license application. Self defense is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of Constitution, and applying for Arms license for self defense is a legal right. There is a recent important judgment by Hon'ble High Court, AP available at http://www.indiansforguns.com/viewtopic ... 7&start=15 Once you get the license, you can apply for increase of ammo quota for target practice.
SPORT: "Sport" is the reason you write in license application. Licensing Authourity may demand a copy of membership of shooting club as a "proof". If you are not able to submit proof of membership of any shooting club, the licensing athourity may refuse to grant you license.
CROP PROTECTION: "Crop Protection" is the reason you write in license application. Usually muzzle loading gun licenses are issued. Licensing authourity may demand a "proof" of owning agricultural land etc. If you are not able to submit any proof for the same, licensing authourity may refuse to grant you license.
Self defense is your right, you do not have to submit any proof, people keep arms to protect themselves as allowed by Sections 96 to 106 IPC from random acts of violent crime. For sport and crop protection you may have to submit "proof" for the same. Now you have to take a decision about which option you want to go with.

[m24]

At present firearm licenses are issued for mainly 3 reasons 1) Self Defense 2) Sport 3) Crop protection

SPORT: "Sport" is the reason you write in license application. Licensing Authourity may demand a copy of membership of shooting club as a "proof". If you are not able to submit proof of membership of any shooting club, the licensing athourity may refuse to grant you license.

Would just the membership suffice?? Can't they refuse it by asking for participation certificates??

Regards

[jashwantsinh]

I dont think so m24, belive it's all on the discretation of the licensing authority whether to grant or no. I am a member of Rifle club since last 4 years and have been particiapting in air rifle competation since lst 4 years. Have participation certificates also.

As i wanted to switch over to .22 Rifle competation, i met somebody in licencesing authoirty department as to how should i move an application for license of Rilfe for sporting purpose. I was asked if i have a certificate of atleast participation in .22 Rifle competation on State level?, i said no, he relplied of having very thin chances. As per the gentleman i met, the licencsing authority belives that an applicant must hold at least cartification of participation on State level, then the case may be considerable.

Mundair, could you please put some tips/suggestions on this please?

Jashwantsinh.

[nagarifle]

so if you do not hold a .22 licence. then how can you part take in .22 shooting event? catch 22

[mundaire]

No, they cannot legally refuse your license application, so long as it is for a .22 rifle and you are a member of a club/ association recognised/ licensed by the central government.... ditto if you are applying for a shotgun license for the stated purpose of "self-defence"/ "protection of person & property".... unless of course your police verification turns up a negative report.

This does not necessarily mean some objective criteria like "a history of mental illness" or a "previous conviction for a heinous crime" - it could be something as vague as "applicant is a person of loose morals" or "the character of the applicant is suspect". If they decide to screw you over with vague statements, best of luck trying to convince them otherwise! Then the only recourse left will be the courts, who will (eventually) have to rule in your favour - but it will cost a lot of money, which is why so few citizens bother to appeal license rejections! The officials know this and thus continue to harass ordinary citizens

[nagarifle]

target practise is good enough reason to get a rifle.

[jashwantsinh]

Thanks mundair, nagarifle..Let me see and try accordingly. Will keep you all updated on this, could be more informative etc..for members and sporting rifle aspirements on the forum.

Jashwantsinh.

[m24]

Thanks Abhijeet.

Regards