SHOOTING

All cadet shooting is performed on Ministry of Defence approved ranges. The RAF Air Cadets mainly use three categories of weapons all for the purpose of the aim of training ‘Skill at Arms’. At each level cadets are given Initial Weapon Training by qualified staff to teach the cadet the safe practice and handling of the weapon. This is followed by a Weapons Handling Test to ensure that the cadet can handle the weapon safely. This test is conducted every six months by cadets and staff and must be passed before they can conduct any activity on the range.

AIR RIFLE

Air rifles allow the introduction of target shooting to cadets on ranges where ranges for small bore and full bore are not possible. After training and weapons handling tests are conducted enrolled cadets can conduct live firing on the air rifle.

THE L144-A1 0.22 SMALL BORE TARGET RIFLE

The L144-A1 has replaced the Enfield Mark 8 rifle. It is a 0.22 calibre bolt action rifle is generally the first weapon cadets are taught on. Shooting on the L144 is open to all enrolled cadets and can be conducted on indoor and gallery ranges.

L98-A2 CADET FULL BORE RIFLE

The L98 is a single shot version of the Enfield L85A1. As with the L85 the L98 has its ammunition supplied from a magazine. The L98 uses 5.56mm ammunition and is therefore more powerful than the L144 rifle. Cadets aged 14years+ and have undertaken practices on the L144 can undertake additional dry training on the L98 and a further Weapons Handling Test to authorise them to conduct live firing practice on the L98 rifle.