ramsgateanddover@yahoo.com

Ramsgate 1957 & Dover 1900 Rifle Club

About us

We are a very small private shooting club located on the east Kent coast, overlooking the northern end of the English Channel. We can be found in King George VI Memorial Park, located on the cliff top midway between Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs and Winterstoke Gardens, Ramsgate, Kent.

The range runs from west to east, with shooters experiencing everything from very bright sunrises, strong coastal winds and at times, dense sea fog!

About the 'smallbore range' area

In 1804, East Cliff House was brought by Viscount Elphinstone, who was then Admiral of the Red George Keith Elphinstone, 1st Viscount Keith. The Admiral found the house a useful place to sally forth to the Channel Squadron, which protected the coastline and the Downs.

He had an underground passage built down through the cliffs, to gain access to the beach, which was close to a flint bank that went out to sea, as well as a private jetty he had built, where a landing stage had a rowboat that would take him out to his fleet.

The 'beach end' of the tunnel is still visible on the cliff face, at the far end of the east cliff promenade. It's now completely closed off with brick work. It was a large opening, enough to permit the passage of the horse and rider.

As a member...

As a private Club, all members are expected to help with general range maintenance (grass cutting/shrub trimming/leaf sweeping), target frame repairs, building works and general cleanliness (removal of rubbish and the removal of paper/plastic/brass for recycling). We run 'work parties' throughout the year. With suitable training, members are also encouraged to become Range Wardens and Range Conducting Officers.

Air Rifle

We shoot Air Rifle, from a dedicated 5-bay air-weapons shooting hut, to paper targets located outdoors at distances of 10m, 20yds, 25yds and 50yds. Normally shot from a seated benchrest position, from off-elbows or with a bipod/front rest (depending on the competition being shot).

The air rifles are normally pre-charged (PCP) which are refilled from a scuba tank, or break-barrel/underlever 'springer' rifles.

We mainly shoot non-FAC rated (sub 12ftlb) .177 calibre, with domed pellets.

Air Pistol

We shoot Air Pistol, from a dedicated 5-bay air-weapons shooting hut, to paper targets located outdoors at a distance of 10m. Normally shot single-handed from an unsupported standing position.

The air pistols are normally pre-charged (PCP) which are refilled from a scuba tank, or of a break-barrel/cocking lever design.

We only shoot non-FAC rated (~ sub 6ftlb) .177 calibre, using flat-head diabolo pellets.

Target Rifle

We shoot Target Rifle, from a dedicated 5-bay smallbore shooting hut, to paper targets located outdoors at distances of 25yds, 50m and 100yds. Normally shot from a prone position, off elbows, with a rifle sling and a specialist shooting jacket.

The target rifles are smallbore single-shot bolt-action with a .22lr calibre, using dioptre/ring sights.

We shoot the rifles ONLY with subsonic ammunition, as per the range licensing permission. No tracer, supersonic or hypersonic ammunition is permitted.

Sporting Rifle

We shoot Sporting Rifle, from a dedicated 5-bay smallbore shooting hut, to paper targets located outdoors at distances of 25yds, 50m and 100yds. Normally shot from a seated position, with a front bipod.

The sporting rifles are smallbore single-shot bolt-action with a .22lr calibre, using telescopic sights and fitted with a maximum 10-shot magazine. The rifle MUST be fitted with a suitable sound moderator.

We shoot the rifles ONLY with subsonic ammunition, as per the range licensing permission. No tracer, supersonic or hypersonic ammunition is permitted.

CO2 Pistol

We shoot CO2 Pistols, from a dedicated 3-bay shooting hut, to paper targets located outdoors at a distances of 10m and 20yds. Usually these are shot single-handed or double-handed from an unsupported standing position. This range is still be commissioned.

The pistols are normally powered from replaceable CO2 cartridges and we shoot ONLY .177 calibre lead pellets.

The use of BB's is NOT permitted.

Fullbore Rifle

Although fullbore is not authorised to be fired on the Club ranges, we do organise shoots for Club members at external shooting ranges, where fullbore calibre rifles are permitted. These include the MOD ranges at Hythe and the national shooting complex at Bisley, Surrey. Distances shot can range from 100yds to 1200yds. Club rifles are available, but are only for use by full members of the Club.

Competitions

As well as numerous internal competitions for various Club trophies and for Championships in air rifle, air pistol, sporting rifle and target rifle events, we also take an active part in external postal competitions, such as those run by the Kent County Smallbore Shooting Association (KCSSA), The West Kent Rifle League (WKRL), The Hendon League and The Cambridge Leagues.

Range Safety

Access to the range is restricted to full Club members and to prospective probationary members only. No casual access is permitted. All probationary members must successfully complete a period of suitable training. The length of the training course can vary, but is usually 6 months/12 attendances for those new to the sport of target shooting.

We do not hire out the range or it's facilities.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Ramsgate 1957 & Dover 1900 Rifle Club, please send an e-mail to the Club address:

ramsgateanddover@yahoo.com

Please ensure you let us know your shooting interests and if you have any previous shooting experience; do you hold an FAC or an SGC, have you any formal shooting qualifications, such as RSO, RCO, Club Instructor or Club Coach?

Your e-mail will be forwarded to the Club Membership Secretary who will let you know the availability and timeline of future prospective probationary member training courses.

We usually conduct probationary member training on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Each session starts at 10am and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.