Armory Sponsor
Posted: 7/3/2006 9:24:35 AM EDT
|
One of the clubs that I belong to is thinking about not allowing class 3 weapons anymore.. One of the things some of are working on is a certification course that proves you are capable of handling a full-auto gun.. I was hoping that you guys might have some suggestions or could tell me some special rules that apply to full-auto at your clubs.. Somthing that might make the Board of Directors change their minds and realize the full-auto isnt the devil.. Thanks |
| Class III isn't alowed at my range either. It's regulated by the family that owns it, a co-worker of mine is the son of the property owner. Years ago a LEO went out there and let loose with a MG. Neighbors started calling and complaining to the Sheriff. Owner made the rule of no MG's to keep the peace. |
|
The only reason Class III weapons were banned where I shoot is because the whole range is in a small canyon and according to the owner there was a problem with muzzle climb and class III weapons sending bullets over the canyon wall onto surrounding property. That is a some what plausible excuse to ban the weapons but I do not like the idea of banning anything that shoots more than 8 shots a deer season. James |
| THe club I beleong to has a "authorization card" for NFA shooters. The "card" is merely my BOD's way of verifying that the shooter can handle their equiptment ( plus, it lets us know who has NFA, so we can invite them to the NFA shoots ). I've never heard of anyone being carded, and doubt that it ever happens as the NFA guys kinda know each other someway. If it makes them feel better, and lets us shoot NFA, then it's all good by me. You may want to suggest to your BOD a card, to make the feel better. |
| Spring Valley range here stopped full auto because some guy opened up on everyones targets with an M60 and some shots went alittle wild (was told it damaged nearby property but unsure about that). Middletowns club stopped all full auto after quad 50's set the woods on fire burning 13-16 acres (obviously tracers started the fire but that was the end). Ranges seem quick to end full auto after just one bad experience. Joe |
Kind of silly, if you are going to require a proficiency certification card, then every shoting discipline should get one. Shotgun shooters are sending 12 30caliber bullets down range with 1 pull of a trigger, pretty much the same power of destruction as a 30rnd mag of an UZI and they don't have to safety qualify? |
|
We went thru the same BS here at our club. First it was, the 'noise' issue. Then it was the safety issue. Followed by the 'they'll tear up the target stands.' carp. All in all, it required first some education of the bubba's - ie., folks that legally own NFA stuff tend to be responsible since its pretty easy for LEO to find out who has them. The saftey issue was pure fantasy - the arguement would have sounded great from handgun control inc. after pointing this out, it pretty much died. The noise issue exists, but its no different than having a garand match or a IDPA/IPSC match. Its a f'ing gun range! The damage issue went away after, pointing out the simple fact that the holes are the same if shot with an m-16 or an ar-15. The cost of ammo generally keeps guys from shooting 2K every other day with their MG's I found that I spend a lot more time talking and loading mags when I take the mg's - otherwise it would be a 10-15 min outing and I'd be done. In the end, it came down to the younger guys vs. the older guys (as a generality). There is a vocal component of folks that dont like black guns or mg's - they also supported the AWB. Then there are the 2nd amend folks that think all restriction is crap. The third group (this is the key group to recruit to your cause) are the guys that mostly hunt (and own guns suitable for same), but they think black rifles/mgs are cool. They also found out that AWB really was a crock and they didnt like paying $80 for a glock mag. Basically, they understand the stupidity and wrongness of banning guns even if its not a real personal issue to them. They have their one evil ar and enough mags. They dont plan on ever owning an mg and theyve only once shot their ar fast one time and decided it was a waste of ammo. Get group #3 on your side forget about the trap shooters and bench rest guys - you'll never convince them to be truely 2nd amendment supporters. Its a winable fight, but get your act together and get your membership behind you. It took me 3-4 mos to get our clubs ban on FA overturned, but I did! I couldnt have done it with logic alone. It took the support of non-mg owners that understood WHY banning a type of firearm is wrong. We just overwhelmed the ducks unlimited crowd. |
|
The best solution is to get energetic and be a positive force in your club. Get on the Board of Directors. Organize club events (matches, demonstrations, etc). If you just want to show up and shoot and never contribute any time or energy to the club, then you're at the mercy of the Fudds. |
Exactly the point I was trying to make earlier! Get involved, try to fix the problem, try to fix it before it becomes a problem! |
exactly what i've done to our small club, i was voted on the board. Its run by 40-50 somethings and being only 21, i feel i'll bring alternative opinions to the table. we're working on adding an archery range for high school students, and i'm trying to think of other ways to get the younger guys out there, and get them to join. |
|
My cousin had the same problem with his club. Something you might want to look into is your club's insurance. Most clubs go through the NRA. If your club uses NRA insurance, let NRA know that your club is concidering "Banning" Class III. The NRA does not take kindly to a gun club banning guns. Even if your gun club isn;t insured through NRA they can be a very good source of help and information. At the next meeting display a M1A1 Thompson with a plack something like "I fought for your freedom and now you want to ban me?" It is a sad day went gun owner's want to ban guns. Good luck with the fight. Scott |
My Club uses an NRA-recommended insurer (and check with another) and /neither/ allows full-auto fire.  This is the biggest gun club in the state and it's disappointing not to have a place to shoot. |
Armory Sponsor