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Hcap Range test - August 9th, 2014 - MNSCI

  • 03-08-2014 11:45pm
    #1
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,452 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    As the last Hcap range test is on Satruday, August 9th, at the MNSCI range i thought i'd stick up the usual posts for lads shooting it. They serve as hints, tips, pointers, and guides to range rules, etc that are needed on the day.

    To do the test you will need two sets of things. One is for the range/office, and the other the actual shoot.

    Range/office
    1. License
    2. Insurance card
    3. Any fee (i'm not too sure if you pay on the day or have already done so?)
    Actual shoot
    1. Rifle in case. ( Range rules state all rifles be transported to the range, around the range and generally not in use must be cased)
    2. Bipod or Front rest (bag/sandbag, etc. Not an actual rest like target shooters use. Must be field compliant)
    3. Breach Flag. (If you don't have one you'll have to remove the bolt between firing positions)
    4. Sticks
    5. Plenty of ammo. (Some lads only bring like 10 rounds. Things may happen and repeats could be needed so bring enough ammo)
    6. Hearing protection. (Ear defenders preferable. Ear plugs may not suit as there will be alot of rifles being fired)
    7. Cleaning rod or Boresnake and some cleaning products like oil, etc.. (I cannot count the amount of times lads have had issues where a simple pull through of a snake or wipe of a cleaning rod has sorted it out.)
    8. Cover/rain gear. (If a shower hits you will get soaked as will your gear. Bring a jacket and if you have it something to throw over your rifle during such a shower. With repeats you may find yourself waiting while others re-shoot their targets.)

    Another couple of tips lads.
    1. Have your rifle zeroed before sitting the test. Too many lads assume or are sure their rifle is zeroed, but on the day its firing high, low, right, left, etc. You will have an opportunity to check your rifle prior to shooting on the sheltered 100 range, so please take advantage of it if in any doubt.
    2. Identify and shoot your own target. Some lads are not used to range shooting and do not correctly identify their own target. There are numbers on your firing point and on the target boards. You have all the time in the world to shoot so take your time and make sure it's your target.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



Comments

  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,452 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    The HCAP is done on the MNSCI range. Here are directions and a local map:

    MNSCI-Location-large.gif

    6034073

    6034073



    There will be RO's (Range Officers) there to inform, and instruct you on what to do. The range has rules, and safety guidelines as outlined below so please take time to read them.

    For anyone attending this here are a few simple tips to help you on range etiquette/protocol;
    • First and foremost listen to the RO (Range Officer) at all times. Instructions for every step will be given so DO NOT assume anything. If unsure or if you did not hear the instruction stick the paw up and ask. There are numerous RO's on the the day.
    • When not being used the rifle should always be cased, and stored in a locked vehicle.
    • No firearms, uncased, behind the firing point will be permitted.
    • Anyone caught handling or moving an uncased/uncleared firearm behind the firing point will be approached by an RO.
    • DO NOT travel with the bolt and mag in the rifle to the range. When you arrive, and are called to the firing point you will be given the instruction from the RO to prepare yourself. It is at this point you may put in the bolt, and the mag.
    • DO NOT load the rifle until instructed by the RO.
    • Do not close the bolt on an emptry or loaded rifle until told to do so.
    • DO NOT load more than the instructed amount of rounds. This prevent someone having a "spare" round in the rifle.
    • As said above a breach flag is needed. However for those that do not have one you must remove the bolt, and mag when bringing the rifle to the firing point, and between movements to the next firing point. If you have a floor plate or blind mag take the bolt out/insert the breach flag, and you'll get the OK from an RO before moving.
    • NEVER, EVER approach/touch/adjust/handle any firearm on the firing point if there is someone down range. This sounds blatantly obvious, but when they are marking the scores you don't want a lad setting up of his own accord on the firing point. There is always a couple of RO's on the firing when scores are being marked, and they will be watching.
    • When finished your HCAP an RO will clear your rifle. The bolt, and mag stays in your pocket until you return to the firing point. You case your rifle, and then return it to your car. DO NOT load up your mag or insert the bolt. You can do this later at home.
    • DO NOT travel from the range to the range office without prior permission from an RO. There are multiple live ranges, and the RO will clear the other ranges before anyone can travel.


    I have seen experienced lads get flustered because they are not used to range protocols. It's not rocket science lads, and no one is out to get you. Just listen for instructions, and when in doubt ask. RO's will be clearly marked with Red jumpers, and/or blue jackets with Range Officer written across the back. They will be happy to help out where they can.

    The only bit of personal advice i can give is to relax, and just shoot as you normally would. I realise for some/most it's a big thing, but if you've gotten this far it'd be silly to blow it due to nerves or anything else.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



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