The .177 Air Rifle provides an excellent introduction to target rifle shooting. It is also easier to build a range for Air Rifles than for the other types shown below.

Chesterfield Squadron has its own Air Rifle Range and has just re-equipped with the latest ATC approved air rifle - the BSA Spitfire

The No8 .22 rifle itself is a nice, simple weapon - ideal for training. The sights are simple iron-sights (as with all cadet weapons) and it operates with a manually fed bolt action. There is very little noise from the rifle, though ear defenders are always worn when it is being fired.

Cadets from Chesterfield Squadron enjoy weekly .22 shooting slots on an indoor range

Cadets over 14yrs old may fire the L98A1 Cadet GP rifle (L98). The L98 is modified from the standard British Army rifle the L85. It fires the same ammunition (5.56mm) as the L85 but is cocked by hand and can only fire one round at a time. Ammunition is supplied in a magazine which is fitted to the rifle. You notice that you are firing higher calibre rounds because it makes a louder noise and gives a more robust kick in your shoulder as it does so.

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The L81A2 is a slightly modified Parker-Hale M82 rifle A step back in complexity, this weapon is very much like the No.8 rifle in operation, though scaled up. It fires the 7.62mm round and is capable of considerable accuracy