Award makes Otley ace top gun (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Award makes Otley ace top gun

12:00pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Top gun Bob Agar has been awarded one of the highest accolades in the shooting world.

The Otley marksman has passed the Association of Professional Shooting Instructors’ Advanced Course, which enables him to coach to Olympic standard.

Agar, 57, was born and raised in Otley, where his father established Agar’s Gun Shop in Cross Green and ran it for 30 years. Since taking over the business, he has built it up into the Yorkgate Gun Club and Shooting School.

He is now one of the most highly-regarded coaches in the country, teaching on clays and game, and is also highly experienced in gun-fitting.

Agar said: “It means the world to me to have passed the advanced APSI course. It is recognition of years of experience and work, beginning with all the knowledge passed on to me by my dad.

“Shooting is an integral part of my life and I have had so much enjoyment from the sport, both participating and teaching others.

“Nowadays I get more of a thrill from my pupils’ successes in competitions than my own. I want to continue to pass on my skills and knowledge to others for many years to come.”

Agar’s shooting career began when he went with his dad on rough shoots and he progressed to clay competitions when he was 16.

He has since been Wharfedale & District champion three times, was county champion in 1977, has represented the north of England and earned full England honours.

Last year he won a gold medal in the single barrel competition at the world championships in Ireland.

Agar said: “I teach and coach beginners on a regular basis. West Yorkshire firearms officers often recommend me to people who wish to learn to shoot as I have earned an excellent reputation for safety over the years and have their confidence.

“Another part of my business is to accompany customers to live shoots and I do this regularly during the season to teach customers the etiquette and safety and also coach them.”