Above: Michael Lees is an active member and competitor in pistol shooting for the Beaconsfield Pistol Club.
By Emma Sun
MICHAEL Lees is a man of many hobbies.
The 45-year-old steel worker from Narre Warren plays golf, loves fishing, makes furniture and goes camping with family and friends every year.
He also does pistol shooting on a weekly basis.
“I have been shooting for just under two years,” Michael said.
“It started when I saw the trailer for the Beaconsfield Pistol Club at the Berwick Show and decided to try a bit of air pistol work.”
As soon as Michael gave pistol shooting a go, he became drawn to the sport, and knew it was the right sport for him.
“I really got hooked into it,” he said.
“The first time I visited, they were doing an old style sort of competition where they use an old style of gun which produced black smoke.
“I had a go, went full charge, and there was a big bang, fire and smoke, and I said you won me this is what I want to do.”
Since then, Michael has been going to the club whenever he could. He said improving was his main focus each time, and competing helped him do that.
“It’s all about improvement,” Michael said.
“About a month ago, I was shooting at the Oakleigh Open and came first in C grade in air pistol. I then came first in the men’s C Grade and second in standard pistol and rapid fire at the ISSF Yarra Pistol Club Open, which was held a couple of weeks ago.
“It’s good because you’re competing against people of your own capabilities.”
As with everything, when Michael first started pistol shooting, there were some embarrassing moments.
“I’ve shot someone else’s target before,” Michael laughed.
“When that happens, the other person gets the score you shot and you get a miss (zero). I’ve only done that twice, and they were good shots.”
Michael admitted pistol shooting isn’t the cheapest sport, but there are ways of managing it.
“It’s all expenses,” he said.
“I like the air pistol because it’s more cost effective. The only thing you get out of shooting is personal satisfaction. I get a kick out of it.
“My last gun cost me about the same as my other two guns put together.”
Michael said the atmosphere in the club and the friendliness that all the members displayed made his time at the club a breeze and very enjoyable.
“The people are fantastic,” Michael said.
“I haven’t met a grumpy person in the shooting fraternity. They’re all so willing to help you and are really free with their advice.
“I find that great and I find the sport great fun.”
