Another nail in the coffin by the UK NRA

dhtaxi · Post by **dhtaxi** » Tue May 13, 2008 1:00 pm

What I would like to know is why do we have to be certified in the first place the ranges don't belong to the MOD anymore they are owned and managed by landmarc.

Landmarc are not the slightest bit interested in anything the NRA has to say they are not bothered if civilians shoot on the ranges or not there is not enough revenue in civilian shoots.

There is a letter from the NRA in this months target sports outlining the proposed change.

Its about time somebody opened a private range so we can just get on with shooting and not have to put up with this rubbish who are supposed to be looking after our interests not making it more expensive and harder for us to pursue our hobby.

24626151 · Post by **24626151** » Tue May 13, 2008 1:05 pm

There is always the Bog at Stipperstones near Shrewsbury. I think they also have access to a 500 yard facility. There is no reason that provided insurance can be obtained that a range cannot be set up and suitable land used. lets face it you only need a hill, no footpaths and a decent national org to arrange insurance. I think you can shoot for 28 non consecutive days per year without planning permission.

The alternative is for the club to become a sportig rifle club, everyone gets named land and you practise once a month on this named land. I'm sure the NRA are outside of their charter by now!

PeterN2 · Post by **PeterN2** » Tue May 13, 2008 4:03 pm

One of the clubs I belong to has its own 300 yard range. It is rented from the Duchy of Lancaster. It does have public footpaths that run through it so we have to post three sentries out on the approaches to radio in to stop shooting so any walkers can continue on their walk. Most times there are no walkers but sometimes we are stopped once or twice a day. it is only a ten minute break so no real problem. Some of the walkers apologise for interupting our shoot as they pass by the firing point. We are lucky to have this facility independant of MOD ranges. There is a private 500 yard range near Huddersfield that is owned by the club there. I have shot on it in some HBSA competitions.

Regards

Peter.

24626151 · Post by **24626151** » Wed May 14, 2008 2:04 am

Is that Deer Hill? If so that sounds like a good idea, I have a mate who is a club secretary somewhere in the peaks so he could get there if the lease can be shared?

dogbolt · Post by **dogbolt** » Wed May 14, 2008 3:48 am

I agree with the sentiments that this IS a way for the NRA to make money. Besides that we've already seen that government departments can't keep personal data secret. Can you imagine the furor if ALL these names and addresses of FAC holders were to be lost in the post!

I went to the South East NATSS meeting regarding the disolution of the NRA and a new blanket organisation coming into force covering the NRA, NSRA and the CPSA. I couldn't believe the vitriol that all the other guys that were on my table felt towards the NRA/NSRA; I didn't feel alone. The NRA know they cocked-up when the semi-auto rifle ban came in and know even more so that their lack of support when the pistol ban came in cost them dearly in sentiment and revenue. If they think that this new scheme is going to afford them anything it will be even harder for them. Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it...

I can see that shooting will be self limiting and Bisley will be just another housing estate in 10 years!

dogbolt · Post by **dogbolt** » Thu May 15, 2008 5:44 am

The letters are out. Just read it on the NRA website.

Short form is this - Club chairman signs a card that you MUST carry and show when asked by an NRA/MOD official to say that you are competent with the class/classes of firearm. This certification is accredited by your club or clubs that you shoot with if you shoot different disciplines then you'll have to carry multiple cards....

The NRA (if you're a member) will graciously certify you - there's no mention of a fee - YET!

The real pain is those who shoot anything above the 4500J energy class; as they will have to zero their rifles for every shoot with a special target at 200 yards. If they are shooting on consecutive days then they only zero on the first day.

Take a look here http://www.nra.org.uk/common/asp/certif ... p?site=NRA

The interesting part for me was the selection of members ammo to be tested if required, and the fact that should an "incident" occur then the NRA/MOD will band together for the investigation and the club chairman have to sign an agreement to allow for he/she to be called upon to aid with the investigation.

24626151 · Post by **24626151** » Thu May 15, 2008 7:23 am

Time to end their monopoly and give shooting back to those who shoot and out of the hands of golfers!

Post by **DuncaninFrance** » Thu May 15, 2008 2:06 pm

I suggest that the easiest way to sort it is to gain control from the inside. I doubt that anyone in Government or Law Enforcement would let anything new get started. It would be rocking their boat too much.

24626151 · Post by **24626151** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:54 am

I have started to sell my service rifles, 3 x 303 have gone, My MAS 36, My 1874 MH and my .22 No8. all gone, I have one for one variations in as well for sporters as I am wearing out my own as estate rifles.

I am teaching another stalking course this weekend.

My Local Plod have advertised the licensing managers job, I have an application form and I am willing to use it, should save the taxpayer some money that way!

http://tcswoodlands.com/page12.htm

They are all going to be replaced with new rifles in sporting calibres for stalking and pest control.

Post by **DuncaninFrance** » Fri May 30, 2008 1:30 pm

Why not look at changing the calibers to 'hunting calibers' like we do here in France. It might not be 'PURE' military but at least I still own a Mauser and an Enfield.

Another nail in the coffin by the UK NRA

Club ranges

A VIEW FROM THE BOUNDRY!