News and Events
18.12.2011
SHOOT DATES: The way shoot dates are determined has now been simplified. Previously, shoots were
held on the Saturday before the fourth Sunday to coincide with Smallburgh’s shoot dates.
Consequently, in months that started on a Sunday, our shoots were held on the third Saturday. As of
2012, all our shoots will be held on the fourth Saturday. There are obvious merits in this arrangement.
The only downside for us is that shooting may have to end slightly early on occasion in order to bring
the flags and signs in - these usually being left out for Smallburgh’s use the following day.
ARRIVAL TIMES: We would like to start shooting promptly at 2.00pm whenever possible. Therefore, if
you want to set out a target, please arrive at the range no later than 1.45pm.
ATTENDANCE RECORD: As a club we have to keep attendance records for insurance and administration
purposes. As part of our agreement with Smallburgh we must now maintain an additional log which
remains at the range. This means you will now need to sign-in twice each time you shoot. Pens are
provided :-)
11.08.2011
The Horsford range is now open again. As far as I’m aware, we’ll be able to shoot fullbore at 100 yards
as of the 27th August. However, there is still some work to do at the range. Until it is completed we
won’t be able to shoot pistols or LBRs.
Energy / velocity limits
100 Yards - 5007 Ft Lbs / 3000 Fps
50 Yards - 1050 Ft Lbs / 1600 Fps
Please pay close attention to the above figures and load accordingly. For example, it is quite possible to
exceed the velocity limit at 100 yards with a .223. It is also possible to exceed both energy and velocity
limits with a .44 Magnum at 50 yards. If you are in any doubt please ask. We have access to a
chronograph and will be able to test any loads you are unsure about.
Even though Horsford is not an MOD range, we must abide by the rules of Smallburgh and District Rifle
and Pistol Club. Their policy (quite rightly) is to have a qualified RCO at all shoots. Currently, we have
only one RCO. Please let me know if you would like to complete the RCO course.
A possible complication of the above is that the basic RCO course does not cover all types of firearm.
HME (high muzzle energy - over 3319 Ft Lbs) and black powder muzzle loading firearms require a ‘bolt-
on’ qualification. It is unclear as yet if we’ll be allowed to use the above types of firearm under
Smallburgh rules without the additional qualifications. I’ll try and confirm before the next shoot.
19.06.2011
The Horsford Range is now closed until the completion of works for fullbore at 100 yards. We have
been given no timescale but I’m anticipating a couple of months. Please check here for updates or
contact me at the club address.
22.10.2010
Welcome to the redesigned website :-)
27.09.2008
We have had confirmation that the Horsford range has been approved for fullbore shooting. There are
restrictions which still effectively limit use at 100 yards to rimfire and other low powered cartridges.
However, at 25 yards we are now able to shoot most calibres up to 7.62x51. Please look carefully at the
figures below:
Maximum muzzle velocity @ 100 yards - 2000fps
Maximum muzzle energy @ 100 yards - 350ft-lbs
Maximum muzzle velocity @ 25 yards - 2850fps
Maximum muzzle energy @ 25 yards - 2660ft-lbs
The ‘prone only’ restriction has been lifted and you may now shoot standing, seated or prone at both
100 and 25 yards.
While the new allowances still fall short of what many people had hoped for, this is an important
milestone in the history of the range. After many years of being restricted to smallbore, the return of
fullbore is most welcome. I am told that the leaseholders are now looking into modifications which will
allow for fullbore at 100 yards. This is probably several years away and will require much investment.
Our club will be contributing in any way possible and your continued support is very much appreciated.
30.12.2007
Following the departure of several members recently, we are now a club of 12. Home office guidlines
state that no fewer than 10 members are permissible for a gun club. We are hoping that the anticipated
return of fullbore will bring fresh interest, but if any of you know someone who might like to join,
please contact a club official.
06.02.2006
There is a new form for the sale/transfer of firearms and shotguns. Form WT7 is available from the
Firearms Licencing Department tel. 01953 424191/93/94. It can also be downloaded from their website
(see links page on this site) - enter a search for “WT7”. The downloadable version is in PDF format.
05.02.2006
Shoot dates for 2006 are now available. I will send an updated list to members as soon as possible.
Shoots are on the fourth Saturday with the exceptions of October and December which are on the third
Saturday.
27.12.2004
Shoot dates for 2005 are now available. I will send an updated list to members early in the new year.
Shoots are on the fourth Saturday with the exceptions of May and December which are on the third
Saturday.
07.12.2003
The new site is up and running. Unfortunately, the message page is barely adequate. This is down to
BT as they wont allow any complex message boards or forums (unless you pay extra for webspace).
I’ve had to adapt the guest book that they do allow. Because of this, I would ask that you notify me of
any out-of-date messages you may have posted, eg. something for sale that you have subsequently
sold. You can do this by posting another message requesting removal of the out-of-date stuff, or by e-
mailing me ( Richard Thacker) at the club address.
03.01.2003
Several people have expressed interest in having a clay shoot. If anyone has a clay trap we could use
or one of those tin can throwers, please let me (Richard Thacker) know. I've no idea as yet on numbers
interested or when we will have the shoot, but I hope to get something organised in the next few
months. Please contact me if you are interested, have any suggestions or if you have any equipment
we could use.
28.11.2002
Some good news. I've had a visit from the police firearms enquiry officer & it would seem we've been
misled about guest shoots. We had been told that it was necessary to inform the police at least 1 week
in advance of the names & addresses of any guests likely to attend. In fact, all we have to do is record
the details of any guests who turn up. This still means filling in a guest form, but it also means that you
can bring a guest to any shoot without prior notice. We are only allowed 12 guest days per year, but
I've told the police that as we only shoot once a month, we would like every shoot to be a guest day.
27.10.2002
I've recently checked the club records & it would appear that some members haven't attended for more
than six months. The club constitution states:
Any member, having not attended for a period of six months or more and having failed to contact the
Club to offer an explanation, may be subject to expulsion following a meeting of the Club Committee.
In any case, a member having not attended for a period of twelve months will automatically be
expelled from the Club and his/her absence and expulsion reported to the police.
The six month ruling doesn't really apply anymore as we no longer shoot twice a month, but the Club is
bound by law to report any member who hasn't attended for 12 months. That member might well lose
their firearm licence as a result.
24.06.2002
Club membership has now entered double figures, eleven to be exact. We still need new blood & if any
of you would like to bring a guest or prospective member, let me (Richard Thacker) know & I'll send the
relevant forms (dull but required by law) to you. Also, if you have any ideas about making club shoots
more challenging/entertaining etc. please contact me.
25.05.2002
More changes I'm afraid. We are now required to monitor the amount of ammunition used at each
shoot. This comes not from the police, but from the range owner, who has to replace sand in the back
stop after a set number of rounds has been fired. When you have finished shooting for the day, please
record your approximate usage in the space provided on the 'Sign-In' form.
27.04.2002
There is now an on-line guest information form. All you have to do is complete the form & submit it.
The results are automatically emailed to the Club address. You should receive a confirmation email
within 3 days.
21.04.2002
As you have gathered, the Club now has a website & a dedicated email address. The purpose is to aid
both administration & communication. We are now required to give much more detailed information to
the police with regard to who attends shoots, what guns they use & who they bring as guests etc. etc.
This unfortunately means lots of paperwork. The Guest Information form is of particular importance as
the police must be notified of any guest days & any attending guests well in advance. It is possible to
download this form & fill it out on a pc. You can then attach it to an email & send it to the Club. If you
are struggling to do this, contact Richard Thacker who will be more than happy to help. You are also
advised to read a copy of the Club Constitution to familiarise yourself with some of the changes in the
way we have to do things.
News and Events
The Gun Room
Rifle and Pistol Club
News and Events
18.12.2011
SHOOT DATES: The way shoot dates are determined has now been simplified. Previously, shoots were
held on the Saturday before the fourth Sunday to coincide with Smallburgh’s shoot dates.
Consequently, in months that started on a Sunday, our shoots were held on the third Saturday. As of
2012, all our shoots will be held on the fourth Saturday. There are obvious merits in this arrangement.
The only downside for us is that shooting may have to end slightly early on occasion in order to bring
the flags and signs in - these usually being left out for Smallburgh’s use the following day.
ARRIVAL TIMES: We would like to start shooting promptly at 2.00pm whenever possible. Therefore, if
you want to set out a target, please arrive at the range no later than 1.45pm.
ATTENDANCE RECORD: As a club we have to keep attendance records for insurance and administration
purposes. As part of our agreement with Smallburgh we must now maintain an additional log which
remains at the range. This means you will now need to sign-in twice each time you shoot. Pens are
provided :-)
11.08.2011
The Horsford range is now open again. As far as I’m aware, we’ll be able to shoot fullbore at 100 yards
as of the 27th August. However, there is still some work to do at the range. Until it is completed we
won’t be able to shoot pistols or LBRs.
Energy / velocity limits
100 Yards - 5007 Ft Lbs / 3000 Fps
50 Yards - 1050 Ft Lbs / 1600 Fps
Please pay close attention to the above figures and load accordingly. For example, it is quite possible to
exceed the velocity limit at 100 yards with a .223. It is also possible to exceed both energy and velocity
limits with a .44 Magnum at 50 yards. If you are in any doubt please ask. We have access to a
chronograph and will be able to test any loads you are unsure about.
Even though Horsford is not an MOD range, we must abide by the rules of Smallburgh and District Rifle
and Pistol Club. Their policy (quite rightly) is to have a qualified RCO at all shoots. Currently, we have
only one RCO. Please let me know if you would like to complete the RCO course.
A possible complication of the above is that the basic RCO course does not cover all types of firearm.
HME (high muzzle energy - over 3319 Ft Lbs) and black powder muzzle loading firearms require a ‘bolt-
on’ qualification. It is unclear as yet if we’ll be allowed to use the above types of firearm under
Smallburgh rules without the additional qualifications. I’ll try and confirm before the next shoot.
19.06.2011
The Horsford Range is now closed until the completion of works for fullbore at 100 yards. We have
been given no timescale but I’m anticipating a couple of months. Please check here for updates or
contact me at the club address.
22.10.2010
Welcome to the redesigned website :-)
27.09.2008
We have had confirmation that the Horsford range has been approved for fullbore shooting. There are
restrictions which still effectively limit use at 100 yards to rimfire and other low powered cartridges.
However, at 25 yards we are now able to shoot most calibres up to 7.62x51. Please look carefully at the
figures below:
Maximum muzzle velocity @ 100 yards - 2000fps
Maximum muzzle energy @ 100 yards - 350ft-lbs
Maximum muzzle velocity @ 25 yards - 2850fps
Maximum muzzle energy @ 25 yards - 2660ft-lbs
The ‘prone only’ restriction has been lifted and you may now shoot standing, seated or prone at both
100 and 25 yards.
While the new allowances still fall short of what many people had hoped for, this is an important
milestone in the history of the range. After many years of being restricted to smallbore, the return of
fullbore is most welcome. I am told that the leaseholders are now looking into modifications which will
allow for fullbore at 100 yards. This is probably several years away and will require much investment.
Our club will be contributing in any way possible and your continued support is very much appreciated.
30.12.2007
Following the departure of several members recently, we are now a club of 12. Home office guidlines
state that no fewer than 10 members are permissible for a gun club. We are hoping that the anticipated
return of fullbore will bring fresh interest, but if any of you know someone who might like to join,
please contact a club official.
06.02.2006
There is a new form for the sale/transfer of firearms and shotguns. Form WT7 is available from the
Firearms Licencing Department tel. 01953 424191/93/94. It can also be downloaded from their website
(see links page on this site) - enter a search for “WT7”. The downloadable version is in PDF format.
05.02.2006
Shoot dates for 2006 are now available. I will send an updated list to members as soon as possible.
Shoots are on the fourth Saturday with the exceptions of October and December which are on the third
Saturday.
27.12.2004
Shoot dates for 2005 are now available. I will send an updated list to members early in the new year.
Shoots are on the fourth Saturday with the exceptions of May and December which are on the third
Saturday.
07.12.2003
The new site is up and running. Unfortunately, the message page is barely adequate. This is down to
BT as they wont allow any complex message boards or forums (unless you pay extra for webspace).
I’ve had to adapt the guest book that they do allow. Because of this, I would ask that you notify me of
any out-of-date messages you may have posted, eg. something for sale that you have subsequently
sold. You can do this by posting another message requesting removal of the out-of-date stuff, or by e-
mailing me ( Richard Thacker) at the club address.
03.01.2003
Several people have expressed interest in having a clay shoot. If anyone has a clay trap we could use
or one of those tin can throwers, please let me (Richard Thacker) know. I've no idea as yet on numbers
interested or when we will have the shoot, but I hope to get something organised in the next few
months. Please contact me if you are interested, have any suggestions or if you have any equipment
we could use.
28.11.2002
Some good news. I've had a visit from the police firearms enquiry officer & it would seem we've been
misled about guest shoots. We had been told that it was necessary to inform the police at least 1 week
in advance of the names & addresses of any guests likely to attend. In fact, all we have to do is record
the details of any guests who turn up. This still means filling in a guest form, but it also means that you
can bring a guest to any shoot without prior notice. We are only allowed 12 guest days per year, but
I've told the police that as we only shoot once a month, we would like every shoot to be a guest day.
27.10.2002
I've recently checked the club records & it would appear that some members haven't attended for more
than six months. The club constitution states:
Any member, having not attended for a period of six months or more and having failed to contact the
Club to offer an explanation, may be subject to expulsion following a meeting of the Club Committee.
In any case, a member having not attended for a period of twelve months will automatically be
expelled from the Club and his/her absence and expulsion reported to the police.
The six month ruling doesn't really apply anymore as we no longer shoot twice a month, but the Club is
bound by law to report any member who hasn't attended for 12 months. That member might well lose
their firearm licence as a result.
24.06.2002
Club membership has now entered double figures, eleven to be exact. We still need new blood & if any
of you would like to bring a guest or prospective member, let me (Richard Thacker) know & I'll send the
relevant forms (dull but required by law) to you. Also, if you have any ideas about making club shoots
more challenging/entertaining etc. please contact me.
25.05.2002
More changes I'm afraid. We are now required to monitor the amount of ammunition used at each
shoot. This comes not from the police, but from the range owner, who has to replace sand in the back
stop after a set number of rounds has been fired. When you have finished shooting for the day, please
record your approximate usage in the space provided on the 'Sign-In' form.
27.04.2002
There is now an on-line guest information form. All you have to do is complete the form & submit it.
The results are automatically emailed to the Club address. You should receive a confirmation email
within 3 days.
21.04.2002
As you have gathered, the Club now has a website & a dedicated email address. The purpose is to aid
both administration & communication. We are now required to give much more detailed information to
the police with regard to who attends shoots, what guns they use & who they bring as guests etc. etc.
This unfortunately means lots of paperwork. The Guest Information form is of particular importance as
the police must be notified of any guest days & any attending guests well in advance. It is possible to
download this form & fill it out on a pc. You can then attach it to an email & send it to the Club. If you
are struggling to do this, contact Richard Thacker who will be more than happy to help. You are also
advised to read a copy of the Club Constitution to familiarise yourself with some of the changes in the
way we have to do things.
News and Events
