In our country military service is compulsory for all healthy males up to their mid thirties. If they don’t want to serve in the army, they can choose civil service thats last longer.
Every year in spring those who are still active in the army have go and shoot their army weapon to keep up a basic skill level. They are also to join the ranks for a three week repetition course. And all keep their weapons at home.
In almost every village there is a shooting range (run by an association) that often dates back about a 150 years. The one in our area was founded in 1866. In 1921 they then built a new shooting range with a restaurant that is part of it.
From spring until autumn every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning the people who shoot pistols can practice on a 25m range. Those who shoot the army gun use it on 300m, but only on Saturday. Their range is across a small valley with a road that leads right underneath it. These folks really just enjoy sport shooting and have some freedom in the choice of guns.
Wednesday evening is really nice, because after shooting quite a few people like to hang out together have some food and drink in the restaurant that is just open then. It’s a friendly and welcoming bunch.
