PROPOSED RANGE FACILITY FOR PISTOL AND RIFLE DISCIPLINES – PLANNING APPLICATION PA/00392/21

AMACS supports this project and encourages its members to submit their representation in favour of it. This may be done online by filling in the Representation Form. The closing date for submissions is tomorrow, Friday 11th July. Please act now!

Thanks to our vision and perseverance, target shooting disciplines with pistols and rifles became a reality with the introduction of the Arms Act (Cap. 480) in 2006, which was the result of a Parliamentary Bill that was mainly drafted by a small team of members. The new law was and remains one of the most sensible firearm laws in the EU, creating unparalleled opportunities for Maltese sport shooters to participate in new sport shooting disciplines, in addition to those that already existed for shotgun events.

The new disciplines attracted a huge following, which continues to grow. The number persons in possession of a Target Shooter Licence A (pistol & rifle) now exceeds 8,000.

Despite this, the facilities required to accommodate these new target shooting disciplines did not develop in line with demand. There are currently only two ranges, one in Malta and one in Gozo, for which we are grateful. However, their limited scope is painfully obvious, with dedicated target shooters forced to travel frequently to neighbouring countries to practice and participate in international events.

Maltese target shooters have time and again proven that they can be at the forefront of this sport, winning international placings that defy the lack of local training facilities. Imagine what they can achieve if they are able to train locally on a regular basis, gaining experience from shooting alongside top international athletes on home ground.

Moreover, given our advantageous legislation, Malta’s geographical location, history, weather and the wide use of the English language, our country has a unique potential to host international events, provided that proper facilities are built to accommodate them, further enhancing Malta’s tourism product with a new and regular revenue flow.

It has been almost twenty years since the Arms Act came into force. Yet, the potential to achieve a tangible goal was missed. Not once but twice. Two major projects that could have provided the required facilities came to nothing for reasons too complex to delve into here. We simply cannot afford to miss the opportunity this time round.

We therefore urge you to support this initiative by voicing your support NOW!