About NBBTC
Norfolk Broads Bell Target Club was formed July 2019. We believe we are the first and currently only Bell Target Shooting Club in Norfolk.
Bell Target as an activity is over a hundred years old and is still very popular in pubs and clubs around the Midlands. At one time more people participated in bell target than playing football.
Bell Target involves shooting at a steel target over a distance of 6 yards (5,5 mtrs). The target has rings scribed on it's surface at inch diameter intervals and a 3/8“ (10mm) hole in the centre. Behind the hole, there is a loud bell which rings satisfyingly to indicate a "bull's eye". We score a 5 for the centre ring, 4 for the next and so on. Ringing the bell scores the shooter an extra 0.1. We each take 8 shots giving a maximum score of 40.8 per round.
We use .177 calibre air rifles. Typically these have a power of around 6ftlbs which is around half that of an off the shelf air rifle. Magnifying sights are not allowed, most rifles are equipped with dioptre sights although some of the older rifles have open sights. Some members have modern precharged pneumatic rifles but the majority shoot more traditional spring powered rifles. We have had rifles over a hundred years old at the club.
All shots are taken free standing.
The majority of shooters have their own rifles, but loan rifles are available for anyone wishing to have a go.
We meet every Tuesday apart from the last of the month between 7 and 9 pm in Ludham village hall. During the warmer months, we hold social events involving a shooting activity on the last Tuesday of the month.
Shooters will be considered for membership after having shot at four meetings. Membership costs £20 per year and there is a £5 nightly fee. Tea, coffee and biscuits are included in the fee along with rifle loan and pellets. Shooters will have 3 to 5 rounds each night depending on numbers attending.
Bell Target as an activity is over a hundred years old and is still very popular in pubs and clubs around the Midlands. At one time more people participated in bell target than playing football.
Bell Target involves shooting at a steel target over a distance of 6 yards (5,5 mtrs). The target has rings scribed on it's surface at inch diameter intervals and a 3/8“ (10mm) hole in the centre. Behind the hole, there is a loud bell which rings satisfyingly to indicate a "bull's eye". We score a 5 for the centre ring, 4 for the next and so on. Ringing the bell scores the shooter an extra 0.1. We each take 8 shots giving a maximum score of 40.8 per round.
We use .177 calibre air rifles. Typically these have a power of around 6ftlbs which is around half that of an off the shelf air rifle. Magnifying sights are not allowed, most rifles are equipped with dioptre sights although some of the older rifles have open sights. Some members have modern precharged pneumatic rifles but the majority shoot more traditional spring powered rifles. We have had rifles over a hundred years old at the club.
All shots are taken free standing.
The majority of shooters have their own rifles, but loan rifles are available for anyone wishing to have a go.
We meet every Tuesday apart from the last of the month between 7 and 9 pm in Ludham village hall. During the warmer months, we hold social events involving a shooting activity on the last Tuesday of the month.
Shooters will be considered for membership after having shot at four meetings. Membership costs £20 per year and there is a £5 nightly fee. Tea, coffee and biscuits are included in the fee along with rifle loan and pellets. Shooters will have 3 to 5 rounds each night depending on numbers attending.
David Alexander
The post lockdown 3 lane set-up
Social distancing at all times
Frequently asked Questions:
What type of rifles are suitable for bell target?
We shoot low powered air rifles below 7.5ftlbs energy at the muzzle. This is roughly half the power of off the shelf air rifles which have a legal limit of 12ftlbs. Usually they are specifically designed for 10metre target shooting, although many members enjoy using vintage rifles which by design are low powered. Rifles must be .177 calibre. The use of magnifying sights is not allowed, typically open or dioptre sights are used.
What type of pellets are allowed?
Round headed or diabolo pellets are used. The club supplies jsb exacts as part of the nightly fee. If you wish to use your own, they must be approved by one of the safety marshalls. Webley accupels are specifically not allowed as we have found them to cause excessive rebounds. Flat headed pellets such as R10s are not ideal as they make scoring difficult.
How safe is bell target shooting?
Bell target is extremely safe. We shoot at a hard steel target which completely deforms the pellet, in doing so, the pellets energy is virtually dissipated. If you are new to shooting you will be closely supervised until you are sufficiently competent to shoot safely.
Will I feel a lot of recoil?
No, the majority of shooters use semi or completely recoil less rifles. Those rifles that do recoil have nothing like the recoil you would experience with a shotgun.
Do I need my own rifle?
No, there are club members who will lend you a rifle. If you enjoy bell target, you may wish to purchase your own rifle as it allows you to set it up to suit you personally.
Who can shoot bell target?
Pretty well anyone over the age of 16. We are currently trialling junior sessions however, so watch this space. We currently have members ranging in age from early twenties and well into their seventies. We also have a good number of ladies shooting with us regularly.
Do I need good eyesight?
Good question, in general no. I doubt whether many members have 20:20 vision. If you wear glasses though, bring them along. Some people wear readers, some distance, some including myself don't wear their glasses. It all depends on you.
Is it good for you?
Absolutely, a lot of people find target shooting quite therapeutic. The total concentration on the target empties the mind of the days nonsense which has quite a positive effect on most shooters. It is also a very sociable activity, we're a friendly bunch and there is plenty of time between shooting for a natter and a cup of tea. Some physical strength is developed as well as breath control, although these become more noticeable as you improve your technique.
Round headed or diabolo pellets are used.
Ludham Village Hall can accommodate up to 120 people
We have a modern, well-equipped kitchen.
The Hall has served the local community for nearly 100 years and is available to hire for a range of activities and functions.
Ludham Village Hall
Available for hire: One off or regular bookings are available for individuals, clubs and group meetings. Ideal for children's parties, anniversary or birthday celebrations, wedding parties, dances etc.
For further information and booking visit our website:
https://ludhamvillagehall.com
For further information and booking visit our website:
https://ludhamvillagehall.com