Shooting as a Hobby Is Becoming Increasingly Popular
In recent years, a record number of new enthusiasts have taken up the sport - from athletes and reservists to people trying it for the very first time. Shooting ranges across the country are reporting a similar trend: interest in shooting as a hobby is growing steadily.
The Statistics Show the Growth
Membership numbers in the Finnish Shooting Sport Federation (SAL) and the Finnish Reservist Sports Association (RESUL) have grown steadily since the mid-2020s.
- The Finnish Shooting Sport Federation now has more than 34,000 registered enthusiasts, with numbers growing by around 5–8% each year.
- More than 40,000 reservists now practise shooting through clubs affiliated with the Finnish Reservist Sports Association.
- Participation in practical shooting disciplines (SRA, IPSC and practical shooting) has also doubled over the past ten years.
At the same time, shooting range usage has increased, with indoor ranges and versatile training centres in particular filled with the energy of new enthusiasts.
Why Shooting as a Hobby Is Becoming More Popular
- Safety and Responsibility Matter
Shooting as a hobby is about more than simply shooting - it is about developing practical safety skills.
Firearm handling is always taught in a supervised and structured environment, which appeals to more and more people who want to understand and take responsibility for safety in their own lives. - Action and Adrenaline
Modern shooting disciplines such as SRA, IPSC and practical shooting offer physical activity, technical challenges and tactical thinking.
The sport combines movement, decision-making and controlled pressure, making it a popular complement to traditional gym workouts or running. - Community and a Welcoming Atmosphere
Shooting clubs and training centres are communities where background, age or gender do not determine your place.
What matters most is responsibility and a willingness to learn. Many people say they have found new friends at the range and a community where people trust one another. - Training for Professionals and Reservists
Professionals and reservists also maintain their skills through shooting practice. This has increased range usage and raised the visibility of the sport: shooting is increasingly seen as a skill, rather than a threat.
Rata Academy – A New Generation Shooting Sports Centre
One of the most visible examples of this growing interest is Rata Academy, a modern shooting sports centre in Askola.
It has been designed especially for new shooters, practical shooting, training and competitive practice.
Rata Academy stands out from many traditional shooting ranges through its professional training, modern facilities and welcoming community.
Both experienced shooters and complete beginners take part in courses and training sessions, and interest continues to grow.
New Groups of Enthusiasts – Women and Young People
Particularly encouraging growth has been seen in the number of women and young people taking up the sport.
- Women now make up more than 20% of new enthusiasts, and the proportion continues to grow.
- Courses and introductory training aimed at young people are consistently full.
Shooting as a hobby has become increasingly diverse: it offers an opportunity to develop focus, safety skills and mental control - qualities that appeal to people from all walks of life.