Welcome to St Giles Yarners Rifle & Pistol Club
Located in the heart of Durham City, our club is home to a friendly and enthusiastic community of shooters who enjoy a wide range of target shooting disciplines, including small‑bore rifle, match air pistol/rifle, and sporting rifle.
With around 100 members, we meet on weekday evenings and Sunday mornings, offering a welcoming environment for both new and experienced shooters. Members are encouraged to take part in club and postal competitions, though participation is entirely optional. Our range also offers full disabled access, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sport.
We are proudly affiliated with the National Small‑bore Rifle Association and the Durham County Small‑bore Rifle Association.
Our Mission
To bring together shooters of all disciplines, abilities, and interests to practise, compete, and share their passion for target shooting in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
Our Aims
- Promote the growth and success of all shooting sports.
- Welcome new members of every age, background, and ability.
- Encourage responsible involvement of young people under 18, teaching the discipline and respect required to safely handle firearms.
- Raise awareness and appreciation of shooting disciplines within the wider community.
- Support and defend the rights and privileges of every member through legitimate means.
Our History
Founded in 1912 by members of St Giles Church in Gilesgate, the St Giles Yarners Rifle & Pistol Club began as a miniature rifle club formed in response to a national initiative to improve marksmanship following the Boer War.
The club’s first range was located in the Sands area of Durham City before later moving to the grounds of Durham Prison. In the early 1960s, the club relocated to its current home at Hollow Drift, Green Lane, Old Elvet. After a devastating fire in 1992 destroyed the original wooden clubhouse, a new purpose‑built brick clubhouse was opened in 1994, marking a fresh chapter in our long and proud history.We are a friendly bunch of people shooting a mixture of Small-bore Rifle, Match Air Pistol/Rifle and Sporting Rifle disciplines.
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