Reopening a closed range

[Gaz]

The old barrack range at RAF Uxbridge has been sitting derelict for a couple of years now. I have a half-assed idea (and at this stage it's no more than that) of recommissioning it, for use by at least two local clubs. One of them is firmly on board with the idea, possibly with a view to adopting it as their home range.

So far I know this much about it:

• There are plans to build a housing estate on part of the site. The range is on the very edge of the area they're planning to build on. (the rest being green belt)
• It's a barrack range with a covered firing point.
• The RAF dug out the stopbutt when they left but the rest of it seems to be intact.
• It's listed by the local council ("historic structure dating from the 1920s" or something) and as far as I know the developers aren't planning to build over it.
• It was cleared for centrefire rifle (5.56mm) back in its day, but it sat unused for a few years before the station closed. Duty rumour was that the back wall was found to be a few inches too low to qualify as an NDA range.

I know it'll take time and patience and will probably need oodles of cash to get it to the point where rounds can be fired over it again. My questions are, how much time and how much cash?

I'm guessing it'll need a few tons of sand, a professional survey, insurance, local council support and (crucially) the support of the developers. What else have I missed?

[IainWR]

You are missing:

The advisory report from your National Governing Body stating that the range meets currently accepted standards of safety within stated limits.

Call me at work

Iain
Firearms Manager
National Rifle Association

Iain.Robertson@nra.org.uk
01483 797777 ext 154

[saddler]

If it dates to the 20's then it will have been passed for 303 & 7.62 in the past as well as pipsqueek 5.56

[Polchraine]

The old barrack range at RAF Uxbridge has been sitting derelict for a couple of years now. I have a half-assed idea (and at this stage it's no more than that) of recommissioning it, for use by at least two local clubs. One of them is firmly on board with the idea, possibly with a view to adopting it as their home range.

So far I know this much about it:

• There are plans to build a housing estate on part of the site. The range is on the very edge of the area they're planning to build on. (the rest being green belt)
• It's a barrack range with a covered firing point.
• The RAF dug out the stopbutt when they left but the rest of it seems to be intact.
• It's listed by the local council ("historic structure dating from the 1920s" or something) and as far as I know the developers aren't planning to build over it.
• It was cleared for centrefire rifle (5.56mm) back in its day, but it sat unused for a few years before the station closed. Duty rumour was that the back wall was found to be a few inches too low to qualify as an NDA range.

I know it'll take time and patience and will probably need oodles of cash to get it to the point where rounds can be fired over it again. My questions are, how much time and how much cash?

I'm guessing it'll need a few tons of sand, a professional survey, insurance, local council support and (crucially) the support of the developers. What else have I missed?

I know a couple of local councillors - don't know if they are pro/anti/neutral, so if you need an intro let me know.

The local MP is actually PRO shooting - again someone I know and could facilitate an introduction.

[meles meles]

Might be able to ride the wave of post Olympic popularity too ! Have you considered applying for a Lottery Grant ?