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Shooting Ranges

Rifle Shooting Merit Badge

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


Shooting sports are extremely popular with Scouts of all ages. Although one of the safest sports that Scouts can enjoy, it can be dangerous. It is the Council’s goal to provide exposure to the shooting sports in a safe, fun and educational way. Our goal is to develop marksmanship skills and safe gun handling practices in a safe, controlled environment.

 

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, Carolyn Cruson, by calling 203-876-6868, ext. 273. The Range Reservation Form 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 for 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.
  3. The ranges may be reserved for unit programs 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 Camp 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 and shotgun range can operate Saturday between the hours of 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, only.  No 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 type of certification that the Instructor(s) has i.e., rifle and/or shotgun. Privately owned guns will not be used at either range unless specifically approved in advance by the Camp Ranger.

  6. Only .22 caliber rifle and 12 gauge shotguns may be used on the range.

    NO EXCEPTIONS.

  7. 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.
  8. All trash/spent shells shall be removed to the camp dumpster.
  9. Guns will not be “left” or unattended at any time.
  10. At the end of the day, the Unit 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 left in the log book. 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 must provide their own resources to include .22 caliber ammunition and targets and 12 gauge shotgun shells and White Flyer clay targets. These items are available at several stores in the Torrington area:

  • Shot Gun: 12 gauge target loads only: 71/2, 8 or 9 shot
  • Rifle: .22 caliber long or long rifle, long is recommended
  • Clays: White Flyer biodegradable targets are REQUIRED to ensure proper functioning of the trap machine.