R&P Section

Membership to Rifle & Pistol has increased and we have seen applications for new membership quadruple. This means, unfortunately, that until further notice, we will not be accepting any new applications.

A shooting range has been in operation at Wilton quarry since 1912, when military officers used the site to hone their pistol shooting skills, and when Bolton Gun Club, took over the use of the quarry and later purchased the Wilton 3 site, the Rifle & Pistol section was truly born.

Since this time both the surrounding site and the range itself have been developed and now offers the simple facilities called for when undertaking target shooting, surrounded by the relaxing scenic backdrop of the rural West Pennine Moors, Lancashire.

Facilities on offer include a total of 11 firing points, a covered shooting stand, cabins and cover for days of inclement weather, and off road parking. On top of these simple facilities is the fact that our range officers, staff and members are friendly, knowledgeable and take great pride in both their safety, and the safety of others.

Due to this Bolton Gun Club has built up an enviable reputation for its safety record, and we ask all members to make safety their paramount concern.

We also offer a comprehensive training programme for probationary members looking to obtain their first Firearms License, conducted by our qualified Training Officers.

Over the last 4 years we have seen an unprecedented rise in membership enabling us to cater for the following disciplines:-

Black powder pistols and rifles.
Target shooting and competitions at 25 metres and 50 metres.
Centrefire.
Rim Fire.
Practical shotgun.
Mini rifle.

New to Rifle & Pistol Shooting

Shooting is an exciting and absorbing activity and a visit to Bolton Gun Club: Rifle & Pistol section gives you the opportunity to enter into this world.

As a club, part of our role is to introduce people to the sport and give them the opportunity to try this very challenging and rewarding sport.

Whether you are a 'first timer' or you have already had a certain amount of experience, our coaches can help you on your way.

Great Britain has an excellent track record of international shooting success, whether at an Olympic, Commonwealth or European level. But the best thing about shooting is that it is inclusive sport and a great leveller! Across the country, individuals from all walks of life enjoy a safe and exciting hobby that can be extremely rewarding.

Shooting is also one of the few sports that offer a genuine opportunity for sportsmen and women to compete on an equal footing.

Would you like to give it a try?

Anyone wishing to join Bolton Gun Club: Rifle & Pistol section should first contact the club’s secretary, details of which can be found on the contact’s page of this web site. If you already have a firearms certificate joining is quite simple. If you do not there are various criteria that must be met before you can be granted full membership and apply for a firearms certificate from your local Police Authority.

The steps involved in joining the club are simple, firstly you become a probationary member of Bolton Gun Club: Rifle & Pistol section and attend 3 instructional training days and a minimum of 3 monthly visits for Shotgun Certificate holders, or 6 visits for non-certificate holders. During these visits you will receive instruction on the safe handling of firearms, different types of rifles you may encounter, range rules and etiquette. Listen carefully and follow the instructions. Your safety is our main priority. Shooting is a very safe sport precisely because shooters pay great attention to safe gun handling at all times: a few basic safety rules ensures the safety of all participants. Whenever you are shooting, there is always a very small risk, while repeated exposure to the sound of gunshots is quite capable of damaging your hearing. Please wear the offered protection to reduce these risks at all times when on the range.

On being accepted as a probationary member you will receive a training record card this is completed as you attend the training visits and signed off by a qualified Range Officer or Coach once the card is completed. After completing the probationary period and demonstrating that you are safe you are upgraded to a full member, you can then apply to your local Police Authority for a Firearms Certificate.

Our Shooting Fixtures

Our members can utilise our shooting range from sunrise to sunset every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. We are even able to offer Shooting on Boxing day. As well as the standard weekly shooting, we offer a number of events and opportunities a few of which are outlined below.

Rifle & Pistol Range Location

Our Rifle & Pistol Sections range is located at the Wilton 3 quarry, just off of Scout Road. However, due to remote nature there is no postcode or direct street address for our range. Even so we are easy to find and only 10 minutes from Bolton city centre. The easiest way to find us is by entering the following coordinates into your sat nav.

53.617351
-2.462027

Remember this is a remote location, so your sat nav will likely leave you a little short of the actual shooting ground, but we are easy enough to find.

Please be aware that no visitors are allowed without prior arrangement. Also please remember that this a live shooting range, as such we do not allow children or pets to run around or be unsupervised at any time.

Photo's and Video of the Range.