Walk down North Street in Portslade, and you might miss it if you aren't looking. It’s tucked away. Weston Arms isn't some flashy, neon-lit tactical mega-center you’d find in the Vegas desert. It is a local Brighton institution. Honestly, in an era where community spaces are disappearing, this place feels like a time capsule of focused, disciplined hobbyism.
People get confused. They hear "shooting range" and think of high-caliber rifles or action movie sets. That’s not what’s happening here. This is a dedicated air rifle and pistol club. It’s about the "plink." It’s about the steady breath and the tiny adjustment of a sight.
Finding Your Feet at Weston Arms
The first thing you notice when you walk into Weston Arms is the smell. It’s that specific mix of machine oil, wood, and compressed air. It’s quiet, mostly. Then pop. Then silence again.
If you're a beginner, it’s intimidating. You think everyone is a professional marksman. They aren’t. Most of the regulars are just guys and girls who like the mechanical challenge of the sport. The range itself is well-maintained, but it’s got character. It’s functional. You won't find marble floors, but you will find lanes that work and equipment that’s been cared for by people who actually know how a spring-piston works.
Membership matters here. While some ranges are "pay and play" and feel like a bowling alley, Weston Arms leans into the club atmosphere. This is a good thing. Why? Because safety in shooting isn't just about rules on a wall; it's about a culture where everyone watches out for each other. You learn by osmosis. You watch a guy spend twenty minutes adjusting a scope and you realize, "Oh, this is a game of millimeters."
The Gear and the Gritty Details
Let's talk about what you're actually shooting. This is a sub-12 foot-pound world. For the uninitiated, that means air weapons that don't require a Firearms Certificate (FAC) in the UK.
- Air Rifles: You’ll see everything from entry-level Springers to high-end Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) rigs that cost more than a decent second-hand car.
- Air Pistols: There’s a dedicated crowd for 10m precision pistol shooting. It’s harder than it looks. Much harder.
The range usually offers equipment hire for those just testing the waters. It's the best way to start. Don't go out and buy a £1,000 Daystate rifle before you’ve even learned how to hold a rifle properly. Use their gear. Break a few pellets. See if you actually enjoy the repetition.
💡 You might also like: 5 feet 8 inches in cm: Why This Specific Height Tricky to Calculate Exactly
Why Air Shooting is Growing
It’s cheap. Or at least, it can be.
A tin of 500 pellets costs less than a fancy lunch in Brighton. Compare that to the cost of 50 rounds of .22LR or 9mm (if you were in a country where that was easy), and the math is obvious. You get more "trigger time" for your pound.
Also, it’s accessible. You don't need to be an athlete. You don't need to be "tactical." You just need a bit of patience. In a world that is constantly screaming for your attention, there is something deeply meditative about staring at a tiny paper target 20 yards away and trying to make two holes become one.
What People Get Wrong About the Range
A lot of visitors expect a "gun shop" vibe. While the name Weston Arms is synonymous with the shop that historically served the area, the range experience is its own beast. It's a community.
Some people think it's just for "old boys." Wrong. You’ll see teenagers learning discipline and focus alongside retirees. It’s one of the few places where age doesn't dictate your skill level. A 14-year-old with steady hands can—and often does—outshoot someone three times their age.
The Learning Curve
Don't expect to be a "sniper" on day one. Air rifles are incredibly sensitive. Because the projectile is moving relatively slowly compared to a firearm, your follow-through matters immensely. If you flinch or move the rifle even a fraction of a second after pulling the trigger, the pellet will wander.
📖 Related: 2025 Year of What: Why the Wood Snake and Quantum Science are Running the Show
The instructors and long-time members at Weston Arms are generally happy to help, provided you aren't acting like a clown. Show up, be quiet, follow the range commands, and ask questions when there's a break in the line. You'll find that people love talking about their setups.
Safety is the Only Currency That Matters
If you walk into Weston Arms and act "cool" with a rifle, you'll be asked to leave. Period.
The UK has some of the strictest air weapon laws in the world, and clubs like this stay open because they are hyper-vigilant.
- Muzzles always point downrange.
- Fingers off triggers until you're ready to fire.
- Actions open when not on the firing line.
It sounds restrictive. It’s actually liberating. When you know everyone is following the same rigid safety protocol, you can actually relax and focus on your shooting. It creates a bubble of safety in an environment that, to an outsider, seems inherently dangerous.
Logistics: Getting There and Getting In
Parking in Brighton and Portslade is a nightmare. Everyone knows this. If you’re visiting Weston Arms, plan ahead. There’s some street parking, but it’s hit or miss.
The range hours can be specific. It’s not a 24/7 gym. Most of these clubs run on specific evenings or weekend slots. Check their current schedule before you just show up with a case of pellets. Usually, they have "induction" nights for new shooters. This is where they walk you through the specifics of their range—where the lights are, how the target retrievers work, and the specific "ceasefire" whistles.
👉 See also: 10am PST to Arizona Time: Why It’s Usually the Same and Why It’s Not
The Psychological Benefit
Most people come for the shooting, but they stay for the mental reset.
There is a concept in psychology called "Flow." It’s when you’re so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. Shooting is a shortcut to flow. You cannot think about your mortgage or your annoying boss when you are trying to balance a 4.5mm lead pellet on a cushion of air over a distance of 25 yards.
It’s quiet. It’s methodical. It’s honest. The target doesn't lie. If you missed, it’s because you did something wrong. There’s no luck involved. For a lot of people in the South Coast area, Weston Arms is their "third place"—not home, not work, but somewhere they can just be.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re thinking about heading down to North Street to see what the fuss is about, don't just wing it.
- Call Ahead: Don't just turn up. Ranges have capacity limits. Ask when the best time for a "newbie" to visit is.
- Wear Layers: Even indoors, ranges can be drafty or oddly warm depending on the ventilation. Wear something comfortable that doesn't restrict your shoulder movement.
- Eye Protection: While not always mandatory for all air rifle disciplines, it’s a smart move. Bring a pair of clear safety glasses.
- Bring Cash: Many old-school clubs still prefer cash for small things like target cards or pellet tins.
- Listen More Than You Talk: The quickest way to get respected at a range like Weston Arms is to be a "good student." Listen to the range officer. Even if you think you know what you’re doing, every range has its own quirks.
The reality is that Weston Arms represents a fading side of British sporting life. It’s gritty, it’s local, and it’s remarkably welcoming once you get past the initial "new guy" jitters. Whether you’re looking to compete in HFT (Hunter Field Target) or you just want to see if you can hit a bell-target at the end of the hall, it’s worth the trip. Just remember to keep your muzzle down and your breathing steady.