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Shooting Ranges

Rifle Shooting Merit BadgeIntroduction

This operating procedure prescribes requirements for the reservation and operation of the Camp Sequassen rifle range and trap shooting range.


Shooting sports are extremely popular with Scouts of all ages. Although one of the safest sports that Scouts can enjoy, they potentially can be dangerous. It is the Council’s goal to provide exposure to the shooting sports in a safe, fun and educational way. Marksmanship is a valued skill, but gun safety is a learned attitude which is the only goal for operating our ranges.

 

Access to the camp ranges and firearms is a privilege extended to qualified adult leaders to support the BSA programs. It is assumed that anyone permitted to operate a Council range will follow NRA/BSA procedures and give special care to the program resources (guns, trap, etc.). Anyone failing to meet these expectations will lose their privilege of operating the ranges.

 

Reservation Procedure

  1. The rifle or shotgun range must be reserved in advance through the Camp Registrar by calling 203-876-6868, ext. 273. The reservation form at Annex “A” must be filled out and filed at the Council Resource Center before a range may be opened.
  2. The reservation must identify a Range Instructor who has current certification, from either the National Rifle Association or a BSA National Camp School, and has completed the Camp Sequassen Range Instructor Certification Orientation. The certification must specifically cite qualification in the type of shooting planned e.g. rifle or shotgun. The Range Instructor must have a copy of his/her certification on file at the Scout Resource Center and be present on the range while it is in operation.
  3. The ranges may be reserved for a unit program from September through May. The ranges are not available during the summer camp season or when the entire camp is reserved or closed.

     

Reservation Operation

The following conditions apply:

  1. The range must be operated according to the NRA/BSA shooting sports standards. The registrar will provide a copy of the standards upon request. It is the Range Instructor’s responsibility to ensure the standards are met.
  2. A Certified Instructor must be on the range the entire time it is open. The ratio of instructors to shooters shall be 1 to 1 for shotgun and 1 to 8 for .22 caliber rifle.
  3. The .22 caliber rifle range can operate Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The shotgun range can operate from 9:00 AM – noon and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Saturday, only. No shotgun shooting is permissible on Sundays.
  4. The Range Instructor will have either cell phone or radio communications with the Ranger or Campmaster. A radio is available in the arms room, this radio is monitored by the Campmaster or Ranger. The radio or cell phone must be tested for reception before opening the range. Also, the red range flag must be raised when the range is in use and a First Aid kit, supplied by the unit, must be present.
  5. Access to the keys for the Arms Room will be provided by the Ranger or Campmaster. Gun selection is to be made according to the unit’s needs, availability of Certified Instructors and the level of certification that the Instructor(s) maintains.
  6.  Privately owned guns will not be used at either range unless specifically approved in advance by the Camp Ranger.
  7. Only .22 caliber rifle and 12 gauge shotguns may be used on the range. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  8. Guns must be cleaned and returned in person to the arms storage room. Cleaning supplies are available in the arms room or available from the Campmaster or Ranger. There is a $25 cleaning fee for guns returned un-cleaned.
  9. All trash/spent shells shall be removed to the camp dumpster.
  10. Guns will not be “left” or unattended at any time.
  11. At the end of the day, the Chief Range Instructor will fill out the daily log with any pertinent information i.e. gun malfunctions, shortage of resources, etc. The log sheet is to be given to the Ranger or Campmaster along with the range keys. A tag must be attached to any gun needing service. Tags are available in the Arms Room. Always check the range bulletin board inside the Arms Room for up-to-date information or guidance. 

 

Range Usage Fee

Use of trap or rifle range - $100 per day. A unit can reserve and operate both ranges simultaneously for $175 per day. Fee includes guns appropriate for the range and size of group.

 

Ammunition / Accessories

Units should provide their own resources to include .22 caliber ammunition and targets and 12 gauge shotgun shells and clay targets. These items are available at several stores in the Torrington area:

  • Shot Gun: Target loads only: 71/2, 8 or 9 shot
  • Rifle: .22 caliber long rifle
  • Clays: White Flyer biodegradable targets are recommended.