Join OURC

Membership is open to all members of the University, and we are always keen to welcome new members, from absolute beginners to experienced shots. The best time to join this is Michaelmas, so that you can be part of our training programme from the very beginning.
 
Joining is simple. Either attend the Freshers’ Fair at the beginning of Michaelmas Term (where there will be an OURC stall) and sign up to the mailing list or, if you can’t make it to the Fair but still want to be put on the mailing list, just get in touch with the Secretary at secretary@ourc.org.uk, and we can make sure you are kept up to date!
 
Upon joining OURC you become a part of the shooting community, which is friendly and welcoming. OURC have a great time socialising with each other and getting to know each other. The team aside, shooting is one of the most satisfying sports out there. To be successful at shooting one must not only be well trained in the physical side of things, one must also train to have the right mindset and ability of concentration. Thus shooting involves both physical and mental training. Success at these two aspects is incredibly rewarding. Also, there’s nothing more satisfying than sending a bullet smack through the bulls-eye at 1200 yards.
 

What does it cost to join?

Initially there is little cost to newly joined members. Free taster sessions are available in First Week and a membership fee is not required until later in Michaelmas Term. This gives new members enough time to decide whether shooting is for them. After that, the cost of a session which covers the use of ammo and the share of the range hire for that session is about £3.

Fullbore is more expensive as it requires more accurate ammunition and larger, outdoor ranges. Members should also be prepared for the cost of the residential training trip during the Easter Vac and the cost of the Imperial meeting in the summer. However, these aren’t as expensive as one would imagine, and many colleges offer grants and subsidies for sporting activities.

The club supplies all kit for new members, but for those shooters who stay on and who are serious about continuing the sport during their time at Oxford, we recommend they begin to buy (over time) bits of their own kit. 

Having your own kit means that you don’t have to worry about other people using the same kit as you, making changes or using it when you want to, and it means that things will fit you properly. Your shooting will rapidly improve as a result of having your own kit. Kit costs may seem expensive, but when you compare them to other serious Blues’ Sports at the university such as cricket, tennis or lacrosse and so on they are not so bad. In fact, they’re around about the same.