merseapaul Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 Hi guys, had open fac for many years now stating "used for shooting vermin and ground game and zeroing on ranges or land that I have lawfully authority to shoot" which I assume is the norm. Would this cover me if I wanted to join a club/ use a range as a casual shooter just to test different ammo and practice as I have no interest in target/competition shooting. In the past I have just done this on my permission but is fair drive away as lost some recently and the thought of a wet winters evening in the dry plinking now and then to keep my eye in sounds appealing as I get older. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesj Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 As far as i see it you can shoot any where you think is safe. and it does say for zeroing at ranges was thinking of doing the same my self for the long cold winter evenings, if only i could find a nice warm indoor range that i could use the .243 at Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 yes the only thing you cant do is use section 5 ammo in scored comp (as far as I am aware only BDS gun club have this as special consent). An odd range also ban section 5 ammo from use in practice by all but its very rare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 Where in the country are you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merseapaul Posted August 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 Where in the country are you Witham in essex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moorvale55 Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 Just be aware that the range may not be authorised for expanding ammunition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merseapaul Posted August 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 Well I have found and contacted a local club to me, only a few miles away as well and despite being vetted and authorized by essex police to be trusted with shotgun and fac I have to do a six month assessment period by club and pay over £155 for the privilege. Don't know about annual membership or range fees on top of that. Also told as some of you guys said that few if any clubs will allow expanding ammo so defies the object. please don't get me wrong I understand they don't no me from Adam and want to assess me but six months and that money! I think I will be setting up my own range on my permission again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel100 Posted August 31, 2014 Report Share Posted August 31, 2014 As Secretary of a Home Office Approved Club and an NRA Club Instructor I can say that I've never heard of a range where it is illegal to use expanding ammo (for zeroing). The issue with ammo has nothing to do with the ranges BUT the law relating to the use of expanding ammo (which is stupid, stupid, stupid) does preclude use of such ammo for target shooting - which is a completely different thing to ZEROING. Unfortunately, some club officials don't read or understand the legislation properly. The six month time scale is not law; it is down to the club. If someone comes to our club with a certificate we'll assess them to see that they are safe and then make them a full member - we'd never dream of waiting six months in those circumstances. All I can say is that if you find clubs who are unwelcoming ... move on! Safe shooting Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted August 31, 2014 Report Share Posted August 31, 2014 the problem lies in the fact that some club officials like being "officials" it gives them a happy superior feeling in their little lives. Some are just great people doing their bit but its rare you meet any in between in my own personal experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merseapaul Posted September 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 As Secretary of a Home Office Approved Club and an NRA Club Instructor I can say that I've never heard of a range where it is illegal to use expanding ammo (for zeroing). The issue with ammo has nothing to do with the ranges BUT the law relating to the use of expanding ammo (which is stupid, stupid, stupid) does preclude use of such ammo for target shooting - which is a completely different thing to ZEROING. Unfortunately, some club officials don't read or understand the legislation properly. The six month time scale is not law; it is down to the club. If someone comes to our club with a certificate we'll assess them to see that they are safe and then make them a full member - we'd never dream of waiting six months in those circumstances. All I can say is that if you find clubs who are unwelcoming ... move on! Safe shooting Andy It's a shame the herts and essex shooting association have these rules as they are closest to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.