For Harry Moore, it’s about learning how to use a firearm responsibly and the skill involved in hitting the bullseye.

At 15 years old, Harry is the young member of the club but he can hold his own in competition with the long serving members.

He became interested in firearms on his family farm, where his father and grandfather use them as part of their humane practice with managing feral animals. Following in his grandfather, John’s footsteps, Harry has taken up shooting as a sport, attending the fortnightly shoot at the Gloucester Rifle Club. 

A person can obtain a minor’s firearm permit from the age of 12 until they turn 18, meaning they can shoot but only under supervision, to receive instruction in the safe use of firearms or compete in approved target shooting events.

Harry’s dad, Phil wanted Harry to learn about gun safety and the proper way to use a firearm; so, early last year, Harry joined the rifle club.

Phill attends the fortnightly shots with Harry as one of his supervisors, but Harry is also growing his skill based under the tutelage of club members, Steve Pennicuik and Stuart Kerr.

“They’ve helped me out a lot,” Harry smiled. “They’ve taught me to take my time and to shoot with both eyes open.”

He’s learned how to adjust the scope on his Tikka T3 308 caliber rifle and how to reload it correctly; right down to the intricacies of the different grains of gunpowder used.

For Steve, it’s a promising sign for the club to have a new generation of shooters join up.

“It’s nice to have young members,” Steve said. “We’re hoping to attract some more.”

For Phil, it’s all about ensuring his son learns how to use a weapon safely and understands the proper techniques when using a rifle.

“These skills can be translated back onto the farm,” Phil said. “It’s part of developing his future in agriculture.”

Phil said it’s a very competitive sport, but also a very welcoming environment.

“Harry’s interest for the sport is starting to grow,” he said.

Especially, Phil believes, after a recent visit to the Wingham Rifle Club, where the range provides for a 1,000 yard shoot, a bit further than the 700 yards Gloucester is equipped for.

Harry’s younger brother, Jackson is also quite keen on getting involved in the club, however as he doesn’t turn 12 until March, he’s going to have to wait a little bit longer.

The Gloucester Rifle Club shoots every second Sunday at its clubhouse on Waukivorky Road. 

Visitors are very welcome on shoot days, and enquiries regarding club activities and firearms licensing can be made to Steve Pennicuik on 6558 2087.