rifle ranges

rmnrgn

Hi all, I'm looking for a range/club who will allow target shooting of a .243 rifle. I'm not looking to become a member but want to keep my eye in over the summer until the next season. I'm happy to pay as you go and have insurance through my gun club. Thanks for reading.

bunny shooter

Pay as you go is not allowed on rifle & pistol ranges unless you are signed in by a member afaik

Cass

bunny shooter wrote: »

......... unless you are signed in by a member afaik

Even then, it would wear thin quickly, not to mention the cost of shooting even once a month for a year would set you back around €300 min (or so). Better off paying the fee, and having the range at your "disposal" when you want.


You never know, you might find you have a flare or liking for target work and take it on as a secondary interest to your hunting. In the off season.:D

Tackleberrywho

ezridax wrote: »

Even then, it would wear thin quickly, not to mention the cost of shooting even once a month for a year would set you back around €300 min (or so). Better off paying the fee, and having the range at your "disposal" when you want.


You never know, you might find you have a flare or liking for target work and take it on as a secondary interest to your hunting. In the off season.:D

If you are known to the Operators and have a proven record of attending a safety course there normally is no problem. Just get one of your mates to vouch for you.
MNSCI is open to the public, But you should approach and show that you are competent before you shoot, perhaps go along for a day as an observer and see the procedures in place and familiarize yourself with Range Rules as there are many!;)
The Range is used for Hunters taking the HCAP so it is not unusual for non members to use once protocol is adhered to

Cass

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

If you are known to the Operators and have a proven record of attending a safety course there normally is no problem.

True, but for a person wishing to have a rifle zeroed, yes. For someone not intent on paying the membership and wanting to attend every week..........??? Works out more expensive than annual membership, and shifts the onus of responsibility from the guest onto the member that signed in the guest as they have to "babysit" the guest.

But you should approach and show that you are competent before you shoot

The member signing you in is responsibile for you, your behaviour and all actions during their attendance. I would not ask anyone to do this for me on a regular basis, as said before it could wear thin....... quickly.

perhaps go along for a day as an observer and see the procedures in place and familiarize yourself with Range Rules as there are many

Precisely.

The Range is used for Hunters taking the HCAP so it is not unusual for non members to use once protocol is adhered to

This is slightly different in that it is a course being ran, and the midlands have the facilities to accomodate a large group of shooters at various distances all at once. There are numerous range officers constantly in attendance and supervising all goings on at all times. This could not be performed for multiple individual guests as there would be as many range officers required as guests (depending on attendances of course).

Tackleberrywho

ezridax wrote: »

True, but for a person wishing to have a rifle zeroed, yes. For someone not intent on paying the membership and wanting to attend every week..........??? Works out more expensive than annual membership, and shifts the onus of responsibility from the guest onto the member that signed in the guest as they have to "babysit" the guest.



The member signing you in is responsibile for you, your behaviour and all actions during their attendance. I would not ask anyone to do this for me on a regular basis, as said before it could wear thin....... quickly.



Precisely.



This is slightly different in that it is a course being ran, and the midlands have the facilities to accomodate a large group of shooters at various distances all at once. There are numerous range officers constantly in attendance and supervising all goings on at all times. This could not be performed for multiple individual guests as there would be as many range officers required as guests (depending on attendances of course).

True, I suppose. I have to say I love to see people interested in shooting. And I love to get people into the sport.
I have signed a few at Midlands, If I ever finish this college course I am going to do the RO course as I was asked before a few years back but I'm working most weekends so not really suitable.

I have the pleasure this July of training people between the age of 17 and upwards to shoot the AUG. I'm more concerned with them as some of them carry it like a toy even though it's a full auto rifle.

For the Orig poster, If you only want to shoot the odd time and have your own insurance it is not too pricey.
But yes every Sunday is a lot, back in the day when I bought my Swedish mauser when they were all the rage I could only afford to fire 20 rounds on a Sunday!

I normally try to hone my hunting skills on rabbits and foxes in the summer as you get a better tan outside. Plus I love the freedom.

bazza888

Iif they treat the rifle like a toy, you should not be letting them handle the rifle never mind shoot it with others around.They should know 110% before they pick it up its not a toy.

Tackleberrywho

bazza888 wrote: »

Iif they treat the rifle like a toy, you should not be letting them handle the rifle never mind shoot it with others around.They should know 110% before they pick it up its not a toy.

Ask not or wonder why........

Not MISE who says they can fire it my Boy, that falls at the feet of another;)

rmnrgn

Thanks lads, I've been making further enquires and to be honest I'd be better off printing out a few targets, finding a quiet spot on the bog and pacing the distance as its difficult to get into anywhere. My superintendent was easier than this!

Cass

rmnrgn wrote: »

.........I'd be better off printing out a few targets, finding a quiet spot on the bog and pacing the distance........

Don't care what anyone says, this system never works. I've tried it. A fixed firing point and fixed (known) distance target is the only way to be sure of your POI.

...... as its difficult to get into anywhere. My superintendent was easier than this!

Why not just join a range? Its always there if you need it and provides activities during the off season.

Thomasofmel

[QUOTE= Why not just join a range? Its always there if you need it and provides activities during the off season.[/QUOTE]

If you live on the East coast, the only range to shoot .223 etc is Midlands in Tullamore. Membership fee is around €650 per year. A lot of money and too far away for me, so shooting in fields at targest (=bunnies :P) would be the only option for me at this point in time :cool:.

murph226

Is it €650 every year or just for the first year?

I think its just €650 initially and around €350-€400 every year after?

I could be wrong, but €650 a year sounds crazy!

Thomasofmel

Yep, sorry got carried away for a moment - €585 for the first year (includes €300 for registration) and €285 thereafter. Still a lot and far away

murph226

Definitely too far for me unfortunately!

Considering the facilities they provide, €285 a year is very reasonable, once you get over the initial fee.

Very good value for someone who gets to use most of the facilities, rifle, pistol and shotgun, but for someone with one firearm just looking to keep the eye in I suppose it is a lot of money!

bunny shooter

murph226 wrote: »

...........

Considering the facilities they provide, €285 a year is very reasonable, once you get over the initial fee.........

+ 1

For the record, I hope the wife ain't reading here:eek::eek: I spend more than €285 a year on ammo alone :eek:

Tackleberrywho

bunny shooter wrote: »

+ 1

For the record, I hope the wife ain't reading here:eek::eek: I spend more than €285 a year on ammo alone :eek:

Me too lol €270 on .223 alone never mind .308 12g and .40!!
you also get Insurance through IFA countryside and a wealth of experience and get to meet people with a common interest!

And once the summer comes there will be venison barbeque's galore as a lot of the members are also deer hunters:D:D

daveob007

I f you hold out for a while you might get another range opening soon.
in this months irish shooters digest there is a piece which states that there are 12 ranges throughout the country which are at an advanced stage.
hopefully this happens soon.
have you tried ballyhoura in limerick??
50m range and plans for more 450 per year inc insurance. www.brpr.ie

patsat

A centrefire rifle range would be very welcome at this side of the country!(preferably limerick:D)

Offaly is a bit too far for me to travel regularly so wouldn't be worth it! I'm going taking a trip up there shortly (once my scope arrives) as a guest but would love a place nearer to home!

Bananaman

What about An Riocht in Kerry?

B'Man

bunny shooter

daveob007 wrote: »

I f you hold out for a while you might get another range opening soon.
in this months irish shooters digest there is a piece which states that there are 12 ranges throughout the country which are at an advanced stage.
hopefully this happens soon.
have you tried ballyhoura in limerick??
50m range and plans for more 450 per year inc insurance. www.brpr.ie

AFAIK those 12 already exist. It refers to the work they have to do to get certified to stay open

This new legislation is going to make it harder and more expensive to open any range now :mad:

Sikamick

bunny shooter wrote: »

AFAIK those 12 already exist. It refers to the work they have to do to get certified to stay open

This new legislation is going to make it harder and more expensive to open any range now :mad:

Bunny please explain, (This new legislation is going to make it harder and more expensive to open any range now :mad:[/QUOTE]Bunny)

______________________________________________________________

If you talking about new Range Authorization, it's not in law at the moment it is only in draft copy.

Range operators i.e. clubs or commercials ranges are still under the original JSP403 range construction rules.

Sikamick

bunny shooter

I refer to the current work ongoing at MNCSI which is being done to comply with these new rules not to mention all the work previously done.

How cheap do you think this work & materials are?

BRC are having work done too I believe. Surely they are not the only ones who need to have work done?

Imagine starting from scratch :eek:

Sure hasn't DTSC's range been a victim already and that's under the existing legislation? There might be more under the new legislation unles the new, as yet unpublished, specifications are implemented ?

The new legislation as you say is in draft at the moment so it is on the way. Do you think it won't happen?

What are you suggesting the ostrich syndrome :P

The Minister's firearms legislation is draconian do you think his range legislation will be any less so :rolleyes:

Surley you have learned from the FCP and the firearms legislation that "Big Brother" will have his way no matter what we humble shooter think

Sikamick

Quote[ Bunny Shooter.] Sure hasn't DTSC's range been a victim already and that's under the existing legislation? There might be more under the new legislation unles the new, as yet unpublished, specifications are implemented ?


Incorrect info Bunny, DTSC had Garda Authorization, Land Owner could not get Planning permission for change of use, County Council enforcement notice against land owner. Range could note be used.

End of story


As for ranges spending lots of money to fall into line with the new Range specifications. You could go over board and set a standard that everyone else has to come up to.


Sikamick

bunny shooter

Sikamick wrote: »

........Incorrect info Bunny, DTSC had Garda Authorization, Land Owner could not get Planning permission for change of use, County Council enforcement notice against land owner. Range could note be used.

End of story

My mistake It was a victim of the planning regulations and not the range authorisation legislation. Suerly same difference :P So not only do you have to satisfy Garda requirements but also Council planning rules too. As I said originally, the cost of setting up a new range is getting very high :P

Sikamick wrote: »

As for ranges spending lots of money to fall into line with the new Range specifications. You could go over board and set a standard that everyone else has to come up to.


Sikamick

If you are setting up a range to the new specs or even exceeding them, which would be a wise thing to do, surely if you don't at least comply with the stated spec you will be closed down, when the new legislation comes in.

Or are we back to the ostrich theory :P