A brief history of the F.C.S.A (U.K)

The F.C.S.A (UK) originates from the large calibre association setup in late 1998 by the late Pete Bloom, originally it was a group of 50cal and .55cal shooters who wanted to formally compete against each other on paper targets. This association was not a Home Office approved club, it was just a mechanism to allow competitive target shooting with large calibre rifles. Access to the Radnor range complex was obtained by Pete and a practice shoot arranged for August 1999, a good turn out led to the first UK Fifty Cal championships being held in October 1999. A small contingent also traveled to Sustenpaas in Switzerland to compete in a Swiss national 5ocal event. Sadly Pete developed a serious illness and access to Radnor diminished so other venues were sought, namely STANTA Thetford and Sennybridge. In 2001 the F.C.S.A was formed under the direction of its newly appointed President, Chairman and Secretary. Recently the F.C.S.A has been granted Home Office approval, and NRA affiliation, which now means that for the first time in the history of UK large calibre target shooting there is a dedicated Home Office approved 50cal club ready and able to take in new members, vigorously fighting to promote the sport whenever and wherever possible.

How to join?

This is where we need your support, if you own a 50BMG rifle then you should be shooting it competitively, so why no join up? We have set membership fees at the bargain price of only £50 for full membership or £30 for associate membership for all those people who want to have a go at shooting the big 50 in a competition environment but either can't afford a rifle or may still be awaiting a section 1 FAC variation.

Please note that we can now accept membership applications from non FAC holders as we are a Home Office Approved club, however we always look favorably on new applicants who are already members of their 'local' rifle club and would advise any prospective new member to gain a suitable level of competence and safety training on small bore calibre rifles prior to joining the FCSA. There are strict controls in place to help ensure that anyone who is prohibited  from handling a firearm cannot do so, as such prospective members details will be passed onto the police for background checks.

This is a non profit making club, all surplus funds are invested back into the club facilities. Range fees as levied by the MOD may be payable on the day of the range booking for all those in attendance, typically £10 to £15.

If you would like an application pack then please contact the club secretary, John Masefield by e-mail A.S.A.P