Rifle ranges/clubs

I would have thought that those clubs that are able to put the necessary corvid safety measures and procedures in place would have done so by now and will at least be operating as close to normal as is possible. Those clubs that utilise MOD ranges may find it far less easy to introduce a safe method of operation especially with the 6 person restriction on numbers currently in place on MOD ranges.
 
NSRA seems to be stopping clubs from opening

That may have something more to do with the majority of clubs affiliated to the NSRA being indoor ranges. The guidance from the NRA is slightly more helpful but not so in the case of MOD ranges that clubs may hire possibly because of obstacles put in place by Landmark/MOD.
 
Cawdor Rifle Club were going to re-open but decided not to. As for new memberships they said that will be a while longer than general range days too so I patiently await their re-opening :)
 
Most outdoor clubs (eg Pickering in N. Yorks) have restarted but with online pre-booking, ceilings on numbers, Covid-19 social distancing, sanitising radios and butts gear, and elimination of on-range furniture and documentation. (eg sign-in and rifle/calibre recording as part of the pre-book procedure). No visitors, open days, non members. The ban on more than six people from different households meeting still applies and appears to be going to apply for some time. However, those operating the range, eg doing butts duty, sentry, RO etc are classed as 'workers' and are in addition to the max of six and on relay changeovers shooters swap roles with workers and vice versa, it being recommended that a written record is retained. All this is on top of risk assessments and recorded effects of mitigation actions (eg sanitising chairs and concrete benches, access door handles etc between relays) on perceived risks which have been done in advance of reopening. Pre-booking often involves time slots with arrival to be no more than xx minutes beforehand and shooters must depart the range as soon as they finish shooting, rifles are cleared and gear packed. Rules on each relay (car) parking in different places may apply too and arrivals wait in their cars without fraternising until an RO instructs them to move to the firing point.

Indoor (including covered firing points on outdoor ranges which are classed as 'indoor' spaces) should reopen after this Friday if they can meet the safety requirements set out for indoor gyms and suchlike as to space per shooter, sanitising all fixtures between relays, use of face-coverings and suchlike. This will also involve pre-booking and no non-members, car parking controls as appropriate.

The MoD and NRA have (or nearly have) come to an agreement on civilian use of MoD ranges and civilian bookings are being accepted by Landmarc for fixtures from 1st August under the pre Covid rules about those able to book ranges and use them, but now with additional risk assessments and procedures as to how social distancing and target sanitising et al will be done. Landmarc is it is reportedly accepting booking for parties of up to 30 and nobody yet knows how this ties in with the overall rule of it being illegal to allow groups of more than six to congregate. Presumably, as for weddings and cricket matches, the MoD has secured this figure as an exception to the general rule. Again, pre-booking applies.

So, shooting for existing club members has either restarted or will shortly do so, but it is in a very strange and much restricted way with additional planning and greater site supervision needed and other things you'd hardly consider such as where comp fees or range use fees are involved, exact amounts being put into a jar to avoid handling cash (except subsequently, but I presume notes are left for some days for virus particles to die and coins are washed.) If they exist, range house use is banned except where range access is involved and then with all connecting doors kept locked. Toilets can be used, but again with mitigation procedures.
 
Wot Laurie said. We're just looking into how we can operate within the Landmarc requirements but are confidently expecting to be back onto MOD ranges after Aug 1st.
 
I've been to Bisley twice. 600yds last Sunday and 300 yds McQueen this coming Sunday. Keep apart, use the sanitizer and no club rifle sharing. Works fine.
 
Same as Laurie said for Rossendale Fusiliers.
Great deal of work put in by Committee/Members to allow this to happen. Thanks to all.
Ken.
 
Not quite the right area for you but our club in Nottinghamshire is up and running now almost as before just with distancing on the point and in the butts. We aren't using the indoor range though at the minute.
 
Landmarc is it is reportedly accepting booking for parties of up to 30 and nobody yet knows how this ties in with the overall rule of it being illegal to allow groups of more than six to congregate.

In Wales there was an update to legislation allowing a limit of 30 people taking part in a sporting event provided by qualified or responsible persons.

"""We are making changes to the regulations to allow larger gatherings outdoors of up to 30 people where these are organised and supervised by a responsible person. This will allow sports and leisure activities, such as fitness and dance classes, to take place outdoors, as well as collective worship. This will include charities, businesses, and sports clubs and a risk assessment will need to be carried out."""

This is how the ranges based in Wales under legislation are able to operate. ie Orion Range and the restart of PRL.

 
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Superb set up at Gardner’s new 2K Range

Shot a competition there at the weekend and was very impressed with the layout and targetry

Staff very pleasant and approachable and safe practices monitored at all times

Ace place
 
That may have something more to do with the majority of clubs affiliated to the NSRA being indoor ranges. The guidance from the NRA is slightly more helpful but not so in the case of MOD ranges that clubs may hire possibly because of obstacles put in place by Landmark/MOD.
We (Chippenham Rifle and Pistol Club) are affiliated to both the NSRA and NRA, and opened under our own covid-19 risk assessment and procedures.
We don't have (yet...) an indoor range just outdoor ranges (rimfire only), 50m (24 FPs) and a 100yd (12 FPs).
We set up a booking system using Reservio to manage numbers on site - with a third of our FPs available, to maintain social distancing.
 
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