Information as at July 2023
The Balcombe Rifle and Pistol Club was first opened in November 1906 after meetings held earlier that year to form a committee, choose the site, plan then build the range.
We are affiliated with the NRA, NSRA, and shoot competitions with the West Sussex and Worthing leagues. We have also had members shoot with the Sussex County team.
When pistols were legal, 0.22 small-bore pistols were used in the range. We also had use of Paddockhurst sand quarry for full-bore pistols (plus 50/100 yard small-bore rifle), but the quarry re-opened, and so the outdoor range was no longer available to the members.
History
The South African campaign of the 1890’s, in which the weaknesses of British marksmanship were highlighted, awakened a more general interest in rifle shooting throughout Great Britain.
The value of accurate shooting received new appreciation. Before the campaign, young men (sport was, at the time, almost exclusively a male domain) had little opportunity of even handling a rifle, unless he belonged to one of the Military Auxiliary organisations.
Consequently, many of the newly formed volunteer army who went to South Africa had received little training in the use of weapons.
Lord Roberts inaugurated the Local Rifle Clubs which were formed to secure “The Defense of the Realm” and it is to him, and this objective, that most of the small-bore rifle clubs can be traced.
Meetings
The range is sited in Stockcroft road between the Victory Hall and the Parish Room.
The range is available to members at the following times:
- Mondays 7pm -9pm
- Thursdays from 5:30pm till 7pm for juniors, from 7pm – 9pm for adults.
Activities
The rifles we use are 0.22 live firing, two types:
- one is the standard bolt action ‘open site’ single shot rifle (normally used for prone deliberate target shooting at 25 yards)
- the other is a ‘light sporting rifle’ which has a spotter scope and ammo clip which self-loads up to 10 shots. This is normally fired from a standing position, rapid or deliberate at 20 meters.
We shoot mainly postal competitions, in which all members are strongly encouraged to take part. The year is split into summer and winter leagues.
There are also ‘shoulder to shoulder’ shoots with local clubs, home or away, which are normally followed by refreshments and maybe a drink!
We have outings to Bisley Ranges around 5 times a year, usually Thursdays, with a program of:
- Clay shoots in the morning (club shotgun available).
- A break for a picnic or hot lunch (there are facilities on site).
- Full-bore target shooting in the afternoon.
Membership and Costs
Rates for the year (1st October -30th September) are as follows.
£75 per member (£112.50 concession for couples) £37.50 for juniors.
(The juniors age range is from 12 year old until completion of full time education)
There is a £25 joining fee for adults and £10 for juniors.
Targets, use of club equipment and competition entries are included.
Ammo is on sale at cost price ranging between £3.00 and £7.00 per box of 50 rounds.
All equipment needed is available for members to use at the club.
We are also geared up for members with disabilities. Please pop by to find out more.
New members are always welcome.
The Committee
President: Mrs Greenwood
Chairman: Ian Pratt
Acting Secretary: Adil Kuzhi Kandathil
Treasurer: Jon Bell