History

The Sportsman's Association was formed in 1996 to campaign for the right of sports shooters to own handguns. This was limited following the Dunblane Massacre

Dunblane massacre

The Dunblane massacre was a multiple murder-suicide which occurred at Dunblane Primary School in the Scottish town of Dunblane on 13 March 1996. Sixteen children and one adult were killed by Thomas Hamilton before he committed suicide.-Timeline of events:...

 when Thomas Hamilton killed 16 children and their teacher using legally-held pistols.

Varying membership figures have been given over the past two years, but are now thought to be around 2700(May 2008 AGM) with 1,700 being full members, 35 trade members & 1000 other members.

Policy

The Sportsman's Association exists to fight for the restoration of target pistol shooting as a legitimate sport and for fair and effective firearms legislation. It believes that the way to help to keep the sport alive is by supporting the government's decision to issue section 5 authority for selected competitors, to train in the UK on the run up to the 2012 Olympics. While pushing for the expansion of the scheme to include Regional Training Squads. Many in the shooting world do not agree with this policy and have voiced their objections seeing it as a betrayal of the interests of shooting enthusiasts in the UK. Likewise, the Sportsman's Association's recent support for Dartford as the venue for hosting the shooting events of 2012 as opposed to Bisley, is viewed by many as being unhelpful. The NRA have themselves indicated their displeasure at this stab in the back.

Lobbying MPs, The Home Office & Parliament on behalf of our members.

Free advice on licensing matters to members of SAGBNI.

Free advice on game & deer stalking.

Running pistol shooting holidays in the South of France

Postal competitions for both members & non-members.

Public liability insurance for members of SAGBNI.

Advice on firearms & ammunition.

Trade members offering discount to SAGBNI members.

External links

• http://www.shootingtimes.co.uk/news/322080/Protests_over_Woolwich_shooting_venue_grow.html
• http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-call-for-boycott-gives-2012--organisers-shooting-pains-1678036.html
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8034116.stm
• http://www.the2012londonolympics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14183
• http://www.insidethegames.com/show-news.php?id=5565