KY Gun Geek
07-03-2008, 21:36
BGSL is reopening ranges!
I'll get to the details in a minute, but a little background may be helpful.
First a little about me. I'm part of what has been called the "Range Committee" This is a bit of a misnomer, and probably implies more actual influence than we really have. We are 3 BGSL members, 2 Board members and one former Board member, who were asked by the President to act as an advisory board. We were picked because of our backgrounds in the shooting sports and our experience with BGSL. All are IDPA and USPSA shooters, 2 are NRA Highpower shooters - as well as lots of other disciplines. 2 are IDPA SOs, one has achieved a High Master ranking in High Power. The point is, we are NOT shotgunners, we regularly shoot in the pits, on the rifle range, and on the GP Range. We have been working out the details of the rules and range operational procedures.
I could probably write a book on all the details, 3/4 of which you would probably find irrelevant. So, I'll give you an update as to where things are now, and what I know our immediate plans to be, then stick around to answer questions. That doesn't mean I'll get into answering flames.
OK, so here the status right now:
1) BGSL has moved from a very "hands-off" approach to the ranges to actively managing them. A full time Rangemaster has been hired. This means that it is someone's full time job to make the ranges safe and successful.
2) Ranges will be open only when a range officer is present. This means limited hours for now, we are working through getting more ROs (paid and volunteers) to expand the number of hours. While range officers are effective, they are expensive - around $55,000 per year per range. With 4 ranges in question, we'd be looking at $210,000 per year to have ranges open regular BGSL hours.
3) Baffles are physical structures that will keep rounds from going off the property. We have started baffle construction on the GP Range, and have created 2 baffled bays in the Pits. The long term goal is to reduce the number of range officer hours necessary (and thus the expense). The approach is to invest in baffles to reduce the cost the putting ROs on the range, but baffles take time.
4) We recognize that (in general) better shooters are safer shooters - yes there are exceptions (both ways), but we're playing the odds here. That's why we've come up with a qualification procedure. This will allow folks who have mastered a particular discipline to shoot on the range most suited to that actvity. Qualification has 2 parts - a skill test based on the activities on that range, and a review of the rules.
SHOOTING OPPORTUNITIES
Pits
The Pits are open 8 hrs on Saturday & Sunday, as well as at least 2 4 hour sessions during the week. The exact hours my fluctuate so check the BGSL website.
Members with an orange pit pass and their guests may shoot in the baffled bays.
With a red pit pass, members may shoot in the regular pits. A red pit pass requires a particular IDPA or USPSA classification, or a minimum score on a classifier that is substantially the same as the IDPA classifier.
ALL OF THE REGULAR USPSA, IDPA, SASS, and GSSF MATCHES ARE RUNNING.
The Rifle Range
The 300 yard Rifle Range is open Saturdays & Sundays noon to 8, and usually one day during the week. Again check the website for specifics. There are no baffles on the Rifle Range, so Qualification (a skill test and rules review) is required to shoot here.
The General Purpose Range
There is a section of the range that is completely baffled. It is a 12 yard range that we call GP Handgun. Members w/o qualification, and guests may shoot hand guns here.
There is a 50 yard section (GP 50). This section has what we call the 1st baffle (steel in the roof) installed. With qualification, members can shoot here.
There is a 100 yard section (GP100). We are installing the steel in this area and therefore is not yet open. This should be open sometime in August.
The much disliked tubes are still installed on the GP 100 area, and will stay in place until baffles are complete.
Pistol Bullseye
This is a 50 yard range configured primarily for the Bullseye game. It is open ONLY for the scheduled Bullseye matches and a Bullseye practice on Wednesdays.
Ok - what questions do you have? Remember, I'm not going to get into a flame war, or the politics. If you are a member, come to the Membership, or BoD meetings and voice your opinion on those items.
I'll get to the details in a minute, but a little background may be helpful.
First a little about me. I'm part of what has been called the "Range Committee" This is a bit of a misnomer, and probably implies more actual influence than we really have. We are 3 BGSL members, 2 Board members and one former Board member, who were asked by the President to act as an advisory board. We were picked because of our backgrounds in the shooting sports and our experience with BGSL. All are IDPA and USPSA shooters, 2 are NRA Highpower shooters - as well as lots of other disciplines. 2 are IDPA SOs, one has achieved a High Master ranking in High Power. The point is, we are NOT shotgunners, we regularly shoot in the pits, on the rifle range, and on the GP Range. We have been working out the details of the rules and range operational procedures.
I could probably write a book on all the details, 3/4 of which you would probably find irrelevant. So, I'll give you an update as to where things are now, and what I know our immediate plans to be, then stick around to answer questions. That doesn't mean I'll get into answering flames.
OK, so here the status right now:
1) BGSL has moved from a very "hands-off" approach to the ranges to actively managing them. A full time Rangemaster has been hired. This means that it is someone's full time job to make the ranges safe and successful.
2) Ranges will be open only when a range officer is present. This means limited hours for now, we are working through getting more ROs (paid and volunteers) to expand the number of hours. While range officers are effective, they are expensive - around $55,000 per year per range. With 4 ranges in question, we'd be looking at $210,000 per year to have ranges open regular BGSL hours.
3) Baffles are physical structures that will keep rounds from going off the property. We have started baffle construction on the GP Range, and have created 2 baffled bays in the Pits. The long term goal is to reduce the number of range officer hours necessary (and thus the expense). The approach is to invest in baffles to reduce the cost the putting ROs on the range, but baffles take time.
4) We recognize that (in general) better shooters are safer shooters - yes there are exceptions (both ways), but we're playing the odds here. That's why we've come up with a qualification procedure. This will allow folks who have mastered a particular discipline to shoot on the range most suited to that actvity. Qualification has 2 parts - a skill test based on the activities on that range, and a review of the rules.
SHOOTING OPPORTUNITIES
Pits
The Pits are open 8 hrs on Saturday & Sunday, as well as at least 2 4 hour sessions during the week. The exact hours my fluctuate so check the BGSL website.
Members with an orange pit pass and their guests may shoot in the baffled bays.
With a red pit pass, members may shoot in the regular pits. A red pit pass requires a particular IDPA or USPSA classification, or a minimum score on a classifier that is substantially the same as the IDPA classifier.
ALL OF THE REGULAR USPSA, IDPA, SASS, and GSSF MATCHES ARE RUNNING.
The Rifle Range
The 300 yard Rifle Range is open Saturdays & Sundays noon to 8, and usually one day during the week. Again check the website for specifics. There are no baffles on the Rifle Range, so Qualification (a skill test and rules review) is required to shoot here.
The General Purpose Range
There is a section of the range that is completely baffled. It is a 12 yard range that we call GP Handgun. Members w/o qualification, and guests may shoot hand guns here.
There is a 50 yard section (GP 50). This section has what we call the 1st baffle (steel in the roof) installed. With qualification, members can shoot here.
There is a 100 yard section (GP100). We are installing the steel in this area and therefore is not yet open. This should be open sometime in August.
The much disliked tubes are still installed on the GP 100 area, and will stay in place until baffles are complete.
Pistol Bullseye
This is a 50 yard range configured primarily for the Bullseye game. It is open ONLY for the scheduled Bullseye matches and a Bullseye practice on Wednesdays.
Ok - what questions do you have? Remember, I'm not going to get into a flame war, or the politics. If you are a member, come to the Membership, or BoD meetings and voice your opinion on those items.