hilltop range

bazza888

Does anybody here shoot in hilltop shooting club?whats it like there?is it a good facility.I shoot .22 rifle.

ronn

dont know about rifles, Shot clays up there a few times, the wife is great to deal with the husband is a bit ignorant though,
ring them,

Bananaman

I am a member of Hilltop Shooting Club - I think it is a very good club and range.

For .22 Rifle they have a 50m Benchrest Range with 10 covered firing points and also shoot Smallbore Gallery Rifle depending on the type of rifle you have.

They also have

Numerous extensive clay layouts, including 60 bird sporting, 25 Bird ABT (Covered and Floodlit) , 25 Bird DTL (Covered and Floodlit) , 35 Bird Compact Sporting (Covered and Floodlit)

Numerous outdoor and indoor Pistol and Gallery Rifle ranges

Indoor and Outdoor Archery Ranges

Have you been there yet? If not then call Pat - and drop up for a look - don't allow people to tell you your opinion - go find out for yourself.

Their next club shoots are coming up in June and their next National Competition is coming up in October.

There was a write up on them in the March NASRPC newsletter and they held the February NASRPC Fundraiser which was reported on in the February Edition of the NASRPC Newsletter at which there were over 60 entries for Smallboire Benchrest Rifle and almost 40 entries for Smallbore Gallery Rifle.

B'Man

bazza888

just got avery nice reply to my question from a member of hilltop there by pm,very nice to have this happen,other clubs did not respond to calls or emails!Thanks hilltop

rowa

great pistol range in that you can pop in anytime if you are a member , pat can be a bit gruff though, but he's ok when you deal with him a few times.

berettadt10

Hi
Dont know anything about there setup there, but i have had personal experience with the owners beware!!!

landkeeper

berettadt10 wrote: »

Hi
Dont know anything about there setup there, but i have had personal experience with the owners beware!!!

then keep your own counsel ;)it's not a personal opinion about the owners he asked for but
the club and it's facilities was it not

vixdname

Is it just me or has anyone else ever noticed that the owners of firearm related businesses can often be ignorant p***ks - just as a few people above have commented on the owner of the above range, Theres also a guy owns a range and gunshop in waterford city who again is also an ignorant guy to deal with and in a thread last week i read about the staff\owner in a well known Galway gun shop being a p***k aswell.
Do these w****rs not realise that its people like us that give them their business and that in times like this they should be glad to get whatever business they can.
I dont know what goes on in these guys heads but they seem to be putting themselves up on pedestals that dont exit.
Simply by reading the above comments I wouldnt bother going to the hilltop range. I know one lad comments that the owner is ok after dealing with you a few times - why should I have to earn HIS respect - F**k him he should be glad I'm at his range spending my hard earned money.

rowa

vixdname wrote: »

Is it just me or has anyone else ever noticed that the owners of firearm related businesses can often be ignorant p***ks - just as a few people above have commented on the owner of the above range, Theres also a guy owns a range and gunshop in waterford city who again is also an ignorant guy to deal with and in a thread last week i read about the staff\owner in a well known Galway gun shop being a p***k aswell.
Do these w****rs not realise that its people like us that give them their business and that in times like this they should be glad to get whatever business they can.
I dont know what goes on in these guys heads but they seem to be putting themselves up on pedestals that dont exit.
Simply by reading the above comments I wouldnt bother going to the hilltop range. I know one lad comments that the owner is ok after dealing with you a few times - why should I have to earn HIS respect - F**k him he should be glad I'm at his range spending my hard earned money.

i didn't really deal with him that much but he had what i wanted so i bought it from him (old bsa martini rifle) , i think the fact that nearly every owner of a gunshop i have gone into is in the same mould , eg not very talkative or borderline rude is due to the fact that they get so many tyre-kickers and dreamers through the door. looking at guns they can't ever get a licence for.
if someone is outright rude like the guy in tallaght rod and gun , i just walk out and never return.

Tackleberrywho

rowa wrote: »

i didn't really deal with him that much but he had what i wanted so i bought it from him (old bsa martini rifle) , i think the fact that nearly every owner of a gunshop i have gone into is in the same mould , eg not very talkative or borderline rude is due to the fact that they get so many tyre-kickers and dreamers through the door. looking at guns they can't ever get a licence for.
if someone is outright rude like the guy in tallaght rod and gun , i just walk out and never return.

Should try McBride in Athlone, best sales man ever. You go in for a look and always will buy !

If you ever mention you like something in passing a month later they are on the shelf!!

2011

Commercial interests and shooting sports are never a good mix IMHO.

I know that at the time it was not against the law, but I do not think it was good for the sport to rent pistols to people that did not hold a firearms certificate.

Just my view!

Tackleberrywho

2011 wrote: »

Commercial interests and shooting sports are never a good mix IMHO.

I know that at the time it was not against the law, but I do not think it was good for the sport to rent pistols to people that did not hold a firearms certificate.

Just my view!

I thought it was against the law, please explain for the joes out there who are new to this?

2011

I thought it was against the law, please explain for the joes out there who are new to this?

it is against the law now, it was not at the time.

Bananaman

The usual sniping from the cheap seats - consistency in a world gone mad

I cannot speak about others but Cookie is what he is and that is why Hilltop is such a tight ship - he does not suffer fools gladly and will lick nobodys hole for them - if that's what your after it's not where you wanna go

if however you want to shoot, have a bit of craic, learn how to be safer and have access to a wide range of ranges and disciplines and the advise of a very large membership - including Cookie - then it is where you want to go

As I advised the OP - and as I will now advise the poster who said he would not visit Hilltop based on comments he heard here - don't be a sheep and have people tell you your opinion -

go see for yourself

B'Man

vixdname

rowa wrote: »

i didn't really deal with him that much but he had what i wanted so i bought it from him (old bsa martini rifle) , i think the fact that nearly every owner of a gunshop i have gone into is in the same mould , eg not very talkative or borderline rude is due to the fact that they get so many tyre-kickers and dreamers through the door. looking at guns they can't ever get a licence for.
if someone is outright rude like the guy in tallaght rod and gun , i just walk out and never return.

You have a point rowa, but lets face it, most commercial premises are open to the public to enable them to browse and most of the time not buy...AT THAT TIME....but how many potential customers no matter what the product on sale is (Guns, Cars, Clothes) wander from shop to shop to see whats on offer and for what price before finally making a purchase in the shop that gives the best deal....Gun shops are no diferent...I for one wont walk into the 1st gun shop I see and purchase the first gun i see when I'm looking to buy one..I'll wander around see whats on offer and then make my choice....and if I go into a gun shop where the guy behind the counter if ignorant then more then likely unless he has a real bargain on offer I wont buy from him.
Imagine if car sales men were the same:
Customer wanders into Audi showroom, looks at the models on offer but the car sales man stays behind his desk farting and grunting at everyone....

CUSTOMER: Hi, i was just wondering what details you can give me on that Audi A5 over there

SALESMAN: What ?

CUSTOMER: Hi, i was just wondering what details you can give me on that Audi A5 over there

SALESMAN: What do you want to know ?

CUSTOMER: Well, what engine sizes are available....colours.....extras..that kind of stuff.

SALESMAN: (Rolls his eyes to heaven, farts again and with a bored face says) It has four wheels, is made of metal, goes fast and gives really ****ty mileage.

Salesman wanders away scratching his hairy arse with a copy of "How To Make That Sale" magazine under his arm.
He turns around and says "Come back and ask me about that car 6 more times over the next few days and you might earn my respect enough for me to tell you about that car that you may want to buy"

Customer thinks to himself: Jaysus I didnt know Johnny who owns the gun shops brother worked here.

So just imagine if all commercial premises owners acted like the aforementioned gun shop range owners, the country would be bankrupt.

2011

go see for yourself

The best way to find out to be honest.

What does it cost for membership and "green fees" ?

bazza888

well ill go sat have a see for myself allready had someone very helpfull on to me from there!so hopefully it all works out,all i want do is get into shooting proper and have fun safely!

Kryten

As a fellow member of hilltop, I think the proprieter of said range shop, and club is absolutely sound. Anyone who deals in firearms would be a bit wary of people coming in off the street asking questions about guns.

Like I say, No problems here

bazza888

cool u enjoy shooting there?thats what i want be able enjoy my shooting

Cass

vixdname wrote: »

..........Imagine if car sales men were the same:
Customer wanders into Audi showroom, looks at the models on offer but the car sales man stays behind his desk farting and grunting at everyone....

CUSTOMER: Hi, i was just wondering what details you can give me on that Audi A5 over there

SALESMAN: What ?

CUSTOMER: Hi, i was just wondering what details you can give me on that Audi A5 over there

SALESMAN: What do you want to know ?

CUSTOMER: Well, what engine sizes are available....colours.....extras..that kind of stuff.

SALESMAN: (Rolls his eyes to heaven, farts again and with a bored face says) It has four wheels, is made of metal, goes fast and gives really ****ty mileage.

Salesman wanders away scratching his hairy arse with a copy of "How To Make That Sale" magazine under his arm.
He turns around and says "Come back and ask me about that car 6 more times over the next few days and you might earn my respect enough for me to tell you about that car that you may want to buy"
......

COMPLETELY off topic. You're not from Carlow? You just described an experience i had 3 years ago.

Result, i smuggly drove my new €55,000 jeep into his court yard a month later.

Sorry all, carry on.

Rosahane

Hmmm...

I have always found that Pat doesn't suffer fools gladly. I have always found him to be absolutely open and honest. I like him for that:D

I'm sure that the OP can make up his or her own mind after a visit!

2011

bazza888 wrote: »

cool u enjoy shooting there?thats what i want be able enjoy my shooting

I am sure you will enjoy yourself there.

I could never get a straight answer on costs though. Perhaps a member here could enlighten us?

Tackleberrywho

Rosahane wrote: »

Hmmm...

I have always found that Pat doesn't suffer fools gladly. I have always found him to be absolutely open and honest. I like him for that:D

I'm sure that the OP can make up his or her own mind after a visit!

If one operates a business/club Club's business is to keep funds in the coffers so the club can function.

If the meet and greet person is rude it will discourage membership.

I have experienced both types of people.
There is no need to be rude, even if the you think the person is less knowledgeable.
It's nice to be important, it's more important to be nice.

Our sport is not on Croke park/Landsdowne Road scale. Therefore it is important we all get along.

I was often wondering about attending said club as I own a pistol.
If I was going to be treated rudely after driving a long way to do business/spend money in the club, the least i would expect is a smile on arrival.
Am I naive in my thinking here??
Should I take off my rose coloured glasses?;)

vixdname

ezridax wrote: »

Okay i don't know who stole the cream from your bun, but all i asked about was your "story" about the car dealership conversation. I stated MY POST was completely off topic.

I never said nor implied that all topics should be about Hilltop Club. You infered from my post that, that was what i was saying and instead of asking like a human being your first intention was to attack and insult me.

I have never been to Hilltop so have not posted about it.

ezridax, my apologise, i took you up completely the wrong way !!!
I hold my hands up and again apologise for my reply to your post, i will remove my reply asap. sorry again !!!

Rosahane

2011 wrote: »

I am sure you will enjoy yourself there.

I could never get a straight answer on costs though. Perhaps a member here could enlighten us?

Call up and ask! you will be very welcome, have a look round and see just how much is on offer. You will be pleasantly surprised:cool:

PM any of us if you want to arrange:)

pedroeibar1

I've no dog in this fight.
I once called to Hilltop on my way back from a call in Wexford; just arrived, said I usually went to Courtlough for a few rounds of clays, asked would he mind if I had a look around. Guy I took to be boss told a younger guy to bring me around, could not have been more helpful or polite. Good sales talk, heavy on the pistol stuff though, indoor range, etc. when all I wanted was to see the clays set-up.
I would go there to shoot no prob.
P.

It wasn't me!

Is there centrefire rifle (not gallery rifle) shot up in Hilltop at all?

N.O.I.P.

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Is there centrefire rifle (not gallery rifle) shot up in Hilltop at all?

Another Hilltop member here, there is no centrefire rifle shot in hilltop at the moment but Pat has expressed an interest in developing a centrefire rifle range so heres hoping

It wasn't me!

N.O.I.P. wrote: »

Another Hilltop member here, there is no centrefire rifle shot in hilltop at the moment but Pat has expressed an interest in developing a centrefire rifle range so heres hoping

Good stuff. Would be very nice to have a decent zeroing range closer to home.

N.O.I.P.

2011 wrote: »

The best way to find out to be honest.

What does it cost for membership and "green fees" ?

Yearly membership is under 250 can't remember exact figure had my eyes closed when i was paying oh and theres no range fees for members.

N.O.I.P.

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Good stuff. Would be very nice to have a decent zeroing range closer to home.

The downside is I'll be all out of excuses for not buying a fullbore rifle

It wasn't me!

N.O.I.P. wrote: »

The downside is I'll be all out of excuses for not buying a fullbore rifle

There's never been a good excuse!

Vegeta

Hey folks there have been a number of reported posts on this thread.

A person is allowed give their opinion as long as they do not make accusations or use over the top derogatory language.

Vegeta

2011 wrote: »

Commercial interests and shooting sports are never a good mix IMHO.

I know that at the time it was not against the law, but I do not think it was good for the sport to rent pistols to people that did not hold a firearms certificate.

Just my view!

Now this comment is more difficult

Is this a general comment, not directed at any range in particular?

2011 can you clarify please?

rrpc

Vegeta wrote: »

Now this comment is more difficult

Is this a general comment, not directed at any range in particular?

2011 can you clarify please?

Up until the Firearms (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, it was quite legal for a club to hold restricted firearms under an authorisation.

And for them to be used under the authority of section 2(4)(d) of the firearms act.

Depending on the conditions of the authorisation of course.

So 2011's post is prefectly OK unless you don't agree with his opinion.

Jonty

Pat in Hilltop is sound when he gets to know you. first rate facilities.

vixdname

Jonty wrote: »

Pat in Hilltop is sound when he gets to know you. first rate facilities.

Have you not read any of the previous posts.
WHY Jonty do you think its ok for the owner of a business that you are keeping in business and keeping food on his table, for him to be able to be ignorant or gruff to you and "When he gets to know you" or you "earn his respect" he may deem you worthy of a civil word.
Its people like you who are willing to be belittled or disrespected by these ignoramouses that are responsible for putting these people on pedistals and are willing to accept being treated like that all because "Sure he is what he is"..I'm sorry mate, but thats not a viable excuse for being a pig to paying clients and that holds for every and any business

pajero2005

vixdname wrote: »

Have you not read any of the previous posts.
WHY Jonty do you think its ok for the owner of a business that you are keeping in business and keeping food on his table, for him to be able to be ignorant or gruff to you and "When he gets to know you" or you "earn his respect" he may deem you worthy of a civil word.
Its people like you who are willing to be belittled or disrespected by these ignoramouses that are responsible for putting these people on pedistals and are willing to accept being treated like that all because "Sure he is what he is"..I'm sorry mate, but thats not a viable excuse for being a pig to paying clients and that holds for every and any business

Hello again all. Great to be back:D

On this topic, I don't know the man in question but maybe his attitude towards potential punters could be explained by him wanting to "vet" people wanting to use his facility. This would seem to be the case given that members of the Hilltop Range seem to have no problem with him "once he gets to know you".

After all we are dealing with firearms here and I'm sure he is paying a decent chunk of money out each year for insurance and just wants to be sure he is taking on members with a good knowledge of firearm safety, not some trigger happy clowns out for tom-foolery!!

Just my out-siders view, for what its worth.

pedroeibar1

vixdname wrote: »

Have you not read any of the previous posts.
WHY Jonty do you think its ok for the owner of a business that you are keeping in business and keeping food on his table, for him to be able to be ignorant or gruff to you and "When he gets to know you" or you "earn his respect" he may deem you worthy of a civil word.
Its people like you who are willing to be belittled or disrespected by these ignoramouses that are responsible for putting these people on pedistals and are willing to accept being treated like that all because "Sure he is what he is"..I'm sorry mate, but thats not a viable excuse for being a pig to paying clients and that holds for every and any business

Boring boring boring. You've too much time and keep repeating yourself.

Read my post #30 on bottom of page 2. Like to comment on that?:rolleyes:

dCorbus

I am not a member of Hilltop so cannot comment on the day-to-day running and personalities involved in the range and club.....but

I have shot at Hilltop on a couple of occasions and have never found the "staff" to be anything other than helpful.

In fact, it was at Hilltop where I first shot my very first rifle (and that's not so long ago) - The experience made me want to continue with my shooting and the rest remains to be written in the history books!:D:rolleyes:

So, all I can say is that my own experiences in Hilltop have been good and enjoyable.

Others may think or have experienced otherwise. But not knowing the various personalities involved, I cannot honestly, and am not going to, debate that matter. I'll leave that to others better informed to address.

As one of the previous posters said: Best to go up there and see for yourself and then make your own decision.

Rosahane

vixdname wrote: »

Have you not read any of the previous posts.
WHY Jonty do you think its ok for the owner of a business that you are keeping in business and keeping food on his table, for him to be able to be ignorant or gruff to you and "When he gets to know you" or you "earn his respect" he may deem you worthy of a civil word.
Its people like you who are willing to be belittled or disrespected by these ignoramouses that are responsible for putting these people on pedistals and are willing to accept being treated like that all because "Sure he is what he is"..I'm sorry mate, but thats not a viable excuse for being a pig to paying clients and that holds for every and any business

I'm afraid you have lost me there!

You are making a big assumption in that an obviously disgruntled person is correct in his attempted character assassination. Actually if you read ALL the posts you will see that people are talking about gunshop owners generally.

Not sure I agree with that either as I don't remember any bad experiences in such establishments, unlike motor dealers, but that is neither here nor there.:rolleyes:

Certainly not the case in Hilltop:D

IRLConor

I've had to do a bit of pruning in this thread.

Please stay well inside the charter in future.

derek_g34

I'm a member of Harbour House Sports Club and have visited Hilltop on numerous occasions to practice and compete. I would consider Hilltop home from home. You'll find it hard meet a friendlier or more helpful bunch of lads or ladies.

bazza888

is harbour house open to new members?and what type ranges do they have?

Jonty

vixdname wrote: »

Have you not read any of the previous posts.
WHY Jonty do you think its ok for the owner of a business that you are keeping in business and keeping food on his table, for him to be able to be ignorant or gruff to you and "When he gets to know you" or you "earn his respect" he may deem you worthy of a civil word.
Its people like you who are willing to be belittled or disrespected by these ignoramouses that are responsible for putting these people on pedistals and are willing to accept being treated like that all because "Sure he is what he is"..I'm sorry mate, but thats not a viable excuse for being a pig to paying clients and that holds for every and any business

Yes I have read the posts. I don't put him up on pedistals like you said. Why don't you meet fire with fire i.e. gruffness with gruffness, you might earn some respect.

I'm not a member in Hilltop, just shot sporting there weekly for about 6 months with 2 mates.

I hate that expression "people like you". You don't know me.

Jonty

pajero2005 wrote: »

Hello again all. Great to be back:D

On this topic, I don't know the man in question but maybe his attitude towards potential punters could be explained by him wanting to "vet" people wanting to use his facility. This would seem to be the case given that members of the Hilltop Range seem to have no problem with him "once he gets to know you".

After all we are dealing with firearms here and I'm sure he is paying a decent chunk of money out each year for insurance and just wants to be sure he is taking on members with a good knowledge of firearm safety, not some trigger happy clowns out for tom-foolery!!

Just my out-siders view, for what its worth.

I'd agree fully here. An awful lot of people that wouldn't be familar with licensed shooting go up to fire shotguns

vixdname

pedroeibar1 wrote: »

Boring boring boring. You've too much time and keep repeating yourself.

Read my post #30 on bottom of page 2. Like to comment on that?:rolleyes:

Dont you mean post #26 on page 2 and no i wouldnt like to comment on it

vixdname

Rosahane wrote: »

I'm afraid you have lost me there!

You are making a big assumption in that an obviously disgruntled person is correct in his attempted character assassination. Actually if you read ALL the posts you will see that people are talking about gunshop owners generally.

Not sure I agree with that either as I don't remember any bad experiences in such establishments, unlike motor dealers, but that is neither here nor there.:rolleyes:

Certainly not the case in Hilltop:D

Actually Rosahane, if YOU had read all of the postings here you would have seen that it was I that brought up the subject about gun shop owners and range owners in gereral so before you tell someone else to read all the postings before making a comment, then maybe you should too

vixdname

Jonty wrote: »

Yes I have read the posts. I don't put him up on pedistals like you said. Why don't you meet fire with fire i.e. gruffness with gruffness, you might earn some respect.

I'm not a member in Hilltop, just shot sporting there weekly for about 6 months with 2 mates.

I hate that expression "people like you". You don't know me.

There you go again talking about "Earning Some Respect" I dont want to have to earn anyones respect before I'm treated decently in their establishment.
Respect can be earned with general conversation and banter over time and isnt something that I feel you should have to do earn before you treated civily.
again I'll reiterate that I'm not talking about any one individual here , i'm just talking about a small minority of business owners in the firearms trade.

Dvs

Hello Vixdname,
Perhaps you should stop digging now,
the hole is deep enough.

You say earning respect is not important,
You have done yourself no favours with your comments in this thread.


Dvs.

bunny shooter

Dvs wrote: »

........You have done yourself no favours with your comments in this thread....

I disagree

I agree range owners/operators have to run a tight ship as the first mistake/problem in the current climate could be their last. I agree a range owner/operator should "vet" visitors/members but there is no excuse for bad manners from either the range owner/operator or the visitor/member. I myself have been spoken to and all I did was keep my mouth shut and learn from it.

I have seen people on ranges who did stupid things to argue with the RO when they have been advised in a civil way that their actions are in contrvention of the rules. This is totally unacceptable IMHO. The RO's job is hard enough without people making it harder !!!!!!

Only recently a lad transgressed and was spoken to by the RO. I witnessed the incident and the subsequent warning which the individual recieved which was in no way uncivil in any way to which the transgressor proceeded to belittle the RO in front of other club members. If I was that RO I would be looking for some sort of sanctions against the individual !!!!! If you do something wrong and are spoken to about it you have to accept it, learn from it and appreciate that the RO is only doing a job, which has to be done.

Maybe people on ranges such as RO's are gruff or unfriendly because they have a lot of pressure to deal with ensuring everything runs safely and people that have not proven themselves as safe & responsible 'cause them unecessary worry? I know I have been on ranges, military & civilian, and I have been very worried by some of those around me with firearms.