The following items in BOLD are for sale to club members only (Collection only), all other items available to any FAC holders, unless not restricted in which case no FAC required.

50BMG RWS primers*	Location: North London member	Stock available: 1850	£30 per 50
50BMG Tracer bullets**	Location: Club secretary	Stock available: 30,000	£1.20 each
Peregrine .338 276gn monolithics	Location: Hertfordshire	Stock available: 200	£60 per hundred
Peregrine .338 270gb expanding	Location: Hertfordshire	Stock available: 200	£70 per hundred
705grn EP Monolithic bullets	Location: Club secretary	Stock available: 1000	£1.50 each
.338 SMK 300gn bullets	Location: Club secretary	Stock available: 1500	75p each
750gn AMAX bullets	Location: Club secretary (Warcop)	Stock available: 1000	£2.50 each
Loaded .50BMG tracer ammo	Location: Club secretary (Warcop)	Stock available: 1000	£4.50 each

* Primers are currently limited to 50 per member (1 pack)

** These are long burn tracers & tracer spotters, machine pulled and may show some slight marks from the removal process. They are clean and shoot very well, almost zero failure rate. Approximate tracer weight is 638gns.

MEMBERS RIFLES AND EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Barrett M99 50BMG for Sale (as of 08/04/2024)

Barrett M99 in 50 BMG 32” Heavy Barrel – Purchased from Dauntsey Gun 2017 Peli Case
IOR4–28x50 MRAD FFP – Purchased2017
Barre& Custom Bore Guide as supplied by FCSA

Tier One 40mm One Piece Mount
Hornady 50 BMG Press & Reloading Dies and Case Holder Hornady Press Converters for normal size dies
Die Spanner (home made)
Reloading Block (Home Made 10 Round)
Wilson 50 BMG Case Length Guage
Part Full Tubs RS78, E50 & 50BMG Powder
39 x Long Range Tracer as Supplied BY FCSA
26 x 50BMG Tracer Heads
100 x 750 Grain Monolithic Heads
27 x Tracer Bullet Heads
2 x Case Guard 50 BMG 10 Round Plas[c Cartridge Cases
2 x Custom 35 Round 50 BMG Metal Cartridge Cases (home made) 2 x Powder Funnels
1 x Chamfer Tool
250 x Muron 50BMG Primers
200 x Ruag Primers
1 x 50 BMG Cleaning Rod, jag & Brushes (not pictured) 1 x 50 BMG Case Length Trimmer
100+ 50BMG Brass Cases

Price £5500.00 for Rifle, Reloading Equipment, Consumables and Scope

Contact: 07769 676170

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ruger Precision .300 PRC Ultra long range rifle (For sale as of 21/09/2023)

Nearly New
This rifle was purchased to check out the capabilities of the .300 PRC cartridge. Having found it to be a brilliant cartridge, I am now having a rifle custom built. Hence the sale of this one. It has fired 100 factory rounds and 73 hand loads and been well looked after with no "Hot loads".
With factory rounds shot at 1000yds at Bisley on TR class target a score of 50 plus 6 V bulls with a wind of 8-10 mph was achieved. I have achieved a .437 MOA (centre to centre) grouping at 100 yds with hand loads.
Load Data is available should you wish it.
Complete with box, manual and accessory adapters and 2 x 5 round magazines £2150

Ring Andy on 07867 920677 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hensoldt (Zeiss Military) ZF 4-16x56 FF.

Mils clicks. (1cm@100m). Clockwise elevation (European spec). 34mm tube.

This is the proper military Zeiss offering, made in Germany but under Airbus Optronics ownership.

Complete with genuine Accuracy International one piece mount (28 degree cant).

Sniper Hider sunshade/lens cap (£200 on OPW) Spirit level (unknown origin).

Scope is barely used and in superb condition.

Glass is even better than schmidt & Bender.

Hensoldt’s are ultra rare these days and rarely come up for sale. Those who know their Hensoldt’s will confirm this.

They really are superior to the Schmidt’s, much as I hate to say.

£2,500 secures deal for scope and all accessories (this is how it came when originally purchased).

£2,350 without accessories. (Retail would be €3,500 if you could find one)

Contact Robin on 07973 622313.

Primetake Omega .338 Sniper Ammunition (listed 23/01/2024)

I have 1100 rounds of Primetake Omega Sniper .338 LM factory ammunition, loaded with the 300g Sierra HPBT bullet (#9300) to a length of 3.630”. They were loaded to be used in the AWSM.

I have shot these over a chronograph and obtained the following information for 5 rounds out of my AWSM with a 27”barrel.

816.4m/s, 816.7m/s, 813.6m/s, 807.3m/s, 820.1m/s. Note chrono was 2M from muzzle, tested on a sunny day with 24C temperature.

Average velocity is 814.82m/s

(Factory stated velocity is 808m/s)

SD of 4.79

They are packaged loose in 100 quantities

£365/100

Can be delivered on M6/M42/M40 or A66/A1M/M11, or M6/M1 corridors (when I’m travelling to Bisley which is normally once a month) or collected from North West Cumbrian or Bisley. You must have .338 on your FAC.

Telephone 07768761308 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

.50cal McMillan - ONLY £2000 SOLD

50 BMG Mc Millan rifle, 29". It’s a single shot bolt action with a Leupold Mk. 4 16X scope. Available with carry case and a full set of loading dies.

The rifle was purchased brand new by our member Peter in 1998, maximum rounds fired would not exceed 800.

Please contact Peter for further info.

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The following suppliers have worked hard to provide high quality large calibre equipment and components to the UK shooter, making what was once obscure a standard 'off the shelf' item.

Vortex optics need very little in the way of introduction, the FCSA are pleased to be using a range of their products, from Spotting Scopes to Range Finders and riflescopes, all incredibly good value for money with a warranty that is hard to beat. Not all optical products can meet the demands of HME target shooting, but so far Vortex hasn’t let us down (unlike Sightron and IOR). Vortex have also very kindly sponsored the club with equipment since 2018 and are a familiar sight at any of our bookings.

The FCSA UK have recently teamed up with Aim Fieldsports, and now use the fantastic Aim dragbags for all our club owned rifles. After testing and evaluating several options over the last few years, we decided that the UK designed Aim products are the best available for the larger rifle. No point protecting a £10K rifle setup with a cheap bag. More detailed review to follow.

Watch this space because AIM will be donating some of their top end kit as competition prizes!

Aim Field Sports® is a leading producer of hunting and tactical gear for all types of shooting from military and law enforcement to field and country sports.

Aim, design and develop exceptional gear with the emphasis on function and reliability. Aim tactical drag bags are made to be dragged or back packed in the toughest situations. All our products are built to last – one of the reasons we’re trusted by professionals.

Today Aim Field Sports® offers rifle bags in a range of sizes, colours and styles. Whether you are looking for a long sniper bag or compact specialist bag for your folding stock rifle, you’ll find it in our online store.

Optics Warehouse is home to the widest selection of quality Rifle Scopes and Mounting Systems available anywhere in the UK, as well as offering a huge selection of Red Dots, Night Vision and Thermal Gear, Spotting Scopes and Binoculars.

Based in Devon, Optics Warehouse was founded in 2005 with the simple, yet ambitious goal of becoming the leading name in the UK’s Optics industry.

Their team of friendly product experts boast a combined 75 years of experience in the industry and are on hand to provide expert advice should you require it.

Visit https://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/ NOW!

We are proud to announce our 2020 sponsorship of the UK 50 Cal Team and wish them all the very best for the upcoming season.

The FCSA UK shoots an annual championship competition system. To compete in the annual championship you must be a club member and have attended at least two FCSA UK events in each competition year. We try to keep competition to the summer months to reduce the risk of cancellations due to weather. If you require individual scores for any practice shoot then please contact a club official. Practice is conducted throughout the year at Javelin, Warcop, Lydd, Sennybridge and Eskdalemuir.

Above: Raton 2017, best results to date!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Due to increasing demand for specialist competitions we have split the FCSA UK competitions into 5 distinct sections, only the 50cal competition has separate sub sections that are segregated by rifle type.

Competitions 1 to 4 are specific to the UK using electronic reactive targets, these have been arranged to make best use of UK military field firing areas. The reason being that several training areas do not permit target checking between 0900 and 1700, therefore checking paper targets can be an issue.

Paper target 50cal competitions are a separate category and are conducted on particular ranges that provide unhindered access to the targetry such as Eskdalemuir, see section 5: "Classes of competition" below.

Anchoring of the rifle to the ground by any means is prohibited and the firearm must be free to be lifted straight up from the firing position.

Rests or bipods are mandatory for all competitions.

1. 50cal ETR practical competition (12.7x99mm only) [annual event]

1.1 Electronic reactive figure 11 targets are used at distances of 1000 yards, 1450 yards and 1760 yards. Exact distances are dictated by range conditions on the day, however will not be adjusted once the competition starts. Targets are provided by the club.

1.2 The shooter may NOT employ a spotter

1.3 Each competitor is to engage the 1000 yard target with 6 rounds in 60 seconds, the first shot is a non scoring sighter. The clock starts on the first report.

1.4 On immediate completion of the 1000 yard stage the shooter is to then engage the 1450 yard target with 5 rounds in 60 seconds (no sighter permitted)

1.5 On immediate completion of the 1450 yard stage the shooter is to then engage the 1760 yard target with 5 rounds in 60 seconds (no sighter permitted)

1.6 If the shooter fails to fire all 5 shots per distance stage within 60 seconds then the shooter must proceed to the next distance.

1.7 The rifle must be shot from either the prone supported, or fire-trench supported position.

1.8 Total time for all 16 shots is 3 minutes.

1.9 A magazine may be used but not charged until the timer starts.

2. .338 - .408 paper target competition. 1000 yards [annual event]

2.1 Rifles to be shot from the prone position, or from a fire trench. Benches or tripods are forbidden.

2.2 Only the NRA MR-1 600 yard target is approved for the 338/408 1000 yard competition.

2.3 This is a timed event. 11 shots in sequence to be counted and scored, maximum time permitted is 5 minutes for all 11 shots. The first shot is a non scoring sighter.

2.4 No assistance from a spotter is permitted

2.5 Approved calibres are currently: 338, 375, 408 (any variants)

3. Historic anti-tank rifle practical competition, 7.92mm - 14.5mm [300/600 yard annual event]

3.1 Any historic anti-tank rifle may be used (originally constructed between 1918 and 1945), no modifications permitted.

3.2 Rifle must be shot from the prone supported position, or from a fire trench supported. Benches or tripods are forbidden however bipods, mono-pods or skis are allowed but only if the rifle was originally manufactured with the support device used.

3.3 The rifles original sighting system must be used, whether that be iron sights or optics.

3.4 In an attempt to partially simulate a "practical" firing cycle this is a timed event. Magazines may be used, and one magazine may be charged before the competition commences.

3.5 Two 600 yard figure 11 ETR targets per competitor are to be used for this competition, (or 600 yard NRA target if accessible on the day). One is to be placed at 300 yards, the other at 600 yards. The 300 yard target is to be engaged with 5 rounds within 90 seconds. The shooter is then given 60 seconds to adjust sights and replace or recharge the magazine (assuming one is fitted). The 600 yard target is to be engaged with a further 5 rounds within 90 seconds. Total time for the event is 240 seconds.

3.6 Every shot to be scored.

3.7 Assistance from a spotter is permitted.

4. 20mm competition, 1760 yard / 1 mile competition [annual event]

4.1 Rifles to be shot from the prone supported position, or from a fire trench supported. Benches or tripods are forbidden.

4.2 Only the NRA 1000 yard target (72" x 72") is approved for FCSA sanctioned 1760 yard shooting competitions, this target is to be placed at 1760 yards from the firing point.

4.3 This is a timed event. 5 shots in sequence to be counted, maximum time permitted is 10 minutes for all 5 shots. Every shot to be scored.

4.4 Only turned brass, TP or TP-T projectiles may be used (target practice/tracer). Rifles and ammunition must be held on a section 1 firearms license. Ammunition must have a fixed projectile with percussive primer, no electronic primers. No recoilless rifles to be used, all combustion gasses must exit via the muzzle/ muzzle break/moderator.

4.5 Assistance from a spotter is permitted.

_____________________________________________________________________________

5. FCSA UK 50BMG CLASSES OF COMPETITION (based on standards defined by www.fcsa.org)

The following competition classes are those as defined by the FCSA (USA), however due to a smaller membership base, the FCSA (UK) has opted to hold all its competitions on a class 4 basis (hunter class, prone supported under 50lbs). Once sufficient numbers of potential competitors show interest in splitting into the separate classes as shown below, then the competition scoring system will be modified accordingly.

1. Light Class Fifty Caliber:

Shall be restricted to a rifle that shoots a .50 cal. BMG cartridge and is capable of chambering an FCSA approved chamber gauge that has a maximum outside neck diameter of .554 inches. The rifle shall be restricted to a total overall weight of thirty two pounds and eight ounces (32 lbs 8.00 oz.). The maximum weight of the rifle will include any equipment attached to the rifle that would be used by the competitor during the shooting competition. The rifle stock shall be restricted to a maximum forend width of three and one half inches (3 and 1/2 in.) The forend of the rifle will be that portion of the rifle stock toward the muzzle of the rifle, in front of the forward most retaining screw that holds the rifle receiver into the rifle stock.

The winner of a light class fifty caliber shooting competition shall be determined by the competitor with the highest numerical score of all record groups fired during the light class relays, except in the case of a tie. [US FCSA ruling, please see * below for UK competitions]

2. Heavy Class Fifty Caliber:

Any rifle that shoots a bullet with a diameter of .510/.511 inches and has a maximum overall weight of fifty (50 lbs.) Pounds. The maximum weight of the rifle will include any equipment attached to the rifle that would be used by the competitor during the shooting competition.

The winner of a heavy class fifty caliber shooting competition shall be determined by the competitor who has the smallest accumulated extreme spread (aggregate group) for all record groups fired during the heavy class relays, except in the case of a tie.

3.Unlimited Class Fifty Caliber Rifle:

Any barreled receiver that fires a bullet with a diameter of .510/.511 inches.

The winner of an unlimited class fifty caliber shooting competition shall be determined by the competitor who has the smallest accumulated extreme spread (aggregate group) for all record groups fired during the unlimited class relays, except in the case of a tie.

4. Hunter Class Fifty Caliber:

Competitors will shoot and compete from a prone shooting position with rifle equipped with bipods or supports as defined below.

Prone:

To shoot from the ground with the aid of an optional ground mat and/or blast sheet. The use of an earth-only trench for the bipod feet will be allowed. Anchoring of the rifle to the ground by any means is prohibited and the firearm must be free to be lifted straight up from the firing position.

Bipods:

Bipods must be able to fold forward or backward. The bipod can only provide two points of contact to the ground and must be mounted to the rifle forward of the trigger guard. Tripods are forbidden.

Rubber or non-metal feet are allowed. Spikes on the bottom of the bipod feet can be a maximum of 30mm long. Bipods that are of spike design must have a marking on each leg which is plainly visible 1.5 inches from the bottom of the leg's spike. The marking on the spike portion of the bipod is to ensure that the spike does not enter the ground to a depth exceeding 30mm. The 30mm is the depth limitation that a bipod can be driven into the ground during shooting. Rollers or track/rail devises are prohibited.

Rear Rest or Support:

A soft pliable bag may be used. Monopods are allowed. A monopod is any device attached to the rifle at any point to the rear of the trigger guard and used for the purpose of raising or lowering point of aim. The monopod must use a foot which conforms to the same dimensional requirement as a bipod foot but may not have a spike. The monopod must be attached to the rifle when determining overall weight of the rifle.

Rifle Weight:

Rifle in this competition may not exceed fifty pounds (50lbs) total weight in shooting readiness.

Chambering:

Any [50BMG] cartridge using a .510 - .511 projectile.

The winner shall be determined by the competitor who has the smallest accumulated extreme spread (aggregate group) for all record groups fired during the hunter class relays and recorded between July and June, except in the case of a tie.

* Distance: 1000 yards | Total number of shots on target:10 | Smallest group of 4 to count (Nov 2006 rule change) | No sighters | Time limit 30 minutes per target.

APPROVED AMMUNITION FOR 50CAL COMPETITIONS

1.Ammunition:

All ammunition used in FCSA sanctioned 50cal shooting competitions shall be of the “fixed” 50BMG design (12.7mm x 99mm)

2. Projectiles:

Acceptable projectiles are military ball, jacketed lead core, solid brass/bronze, copper driving banded turned steel or Tracer if range restrictions permit. The type of ammunition used in FCSA sanctioned matches is also governed by Section 1 UK Firearms licensing restriction.

3. Unsafe Ammunition:

Unsafe surplus or reloaded ammunition shall be banned from any FCSA sanctioned shooting competition. It shall be the responsibility of the match director or his/her designated NRA qualified range conducting officer to make a determination regarding the suitability of surplus or improperly reloaded ammunition. Poor quality surplus or reloaded ammunition displaying characteristics such as corrosion, damaged brass, improperly seated primers or damaged projectiles will not be allowed to be used in an FCSA sanctioned shooting competition. The round of ammunition should be easily chambered and the bolt closed by hand. The use of a hammer to close the bolt is forbidden in FCSA (UK) competitions although a hammer may be used to open the bolt.

APPROVED RIFLE EQUIPMENT

1. Rifle Rests:

A rifle rest is permitted to support the forend of the rifle. A rifle rest is also allowed to support the rear of the rifle. Rifle rests are restricted to the sand bag type made from soft pliable leather or a soft pliable material, filled only with sand. The rests cannot be attached to the rifle itself or connected to each other. Front and rear rests must be movable independent of each other. Neither rest is allowed to be attached to the shooting bench and the rifle must be able to be lifted vertically independent of the rest. Rifle rests shall not restrain the recoil of the rifle. Drag reducing tape may be applied to the surface of a rest.

2. Bipods:

Bipods are acceptable in any class of FCSA sanctioned shooting competition.

RANGE EQUIPMENT

1. Targets:

Only the NRA MR-1 600 yard target is approved for FCSA sanctioned 1000 yard shooting competitions. The mandatory use of one (1) specific target for use in sanctioned matches is to assure uniformity of information regarding group size and scoring records. Regional Matches may use other targets if the FCSA standard target is not available at the range where the FCSA sanctioned match is being held. If that occurs, all competitors must have the same target.

2. Wind Flags:

It is recommended that wind flags be used at all FCSA sanctioned shooting competitions. The placement of wind flags on the firing range during a shooting competition will be at the discretion of the match director. This does not preclude competitors from using and placing their own wind flags/wind measuring devices on the range during a shooting competition.

3. Benches:

Are not allowed for class 1, 2 and 4.

Archived articles

Rather than clutter up the website with masses of outdated news articles and information that may be no longer quite as relevant, we have moved all the 'historical' information to this page, in date order.

February 2015: BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW

Yet again, another success - 3 hectic days, 15 club members exhausted - a huge thanks to all those that sacrificed their weekend to make this the success that it deserves to be. This is the first year that we've needed to restrict new member applications, so apologies to anyone that didn't make the grade this time around, and a big welcome to those that did!

July 2014: World Championships, Raton - a brief write up by Mike Roberts

What a long 8 days, but hell, what an experience!

Firstly, I would like to thank those that helped make this trip the success, in particular, The Shooting Shed, Scot Country International, Extreme Performance, Sniper one and the FCSA(UK)

Three of us set of for New Mexico on the 1st July (The 4th team member left the week before to add in a family holiday in the US at the same time)

Arriving at Heathrow with the .50s was a slightly nerve wracking experience, especially when BA decided that they knew nothing about the fact we were travelling with firearms! (Despite the fact we had phoned, checked, re-checked and confirmed that they knew prior to us leaving!) - the problem was heightened by the fact that they deemed the .50s as weapons of war and not sporting rifles - now this next bit may come as a shock to almost everyone here, but if it was NOT for G4S things would have been a lot worse, their supervisor, a young lad of Gurkha upbringing (his dad is a serving British Army NCO), he went above and beyond and dealt with BA on our behalf in a very professional manner and had the problem resolved in no time - thanks to his determination and by skipping out all the "middle men" and going direct to the head of BA security at Heathrow.

Rifles finally checked in, after being x-rayed and inspected by customs and it was time to chill before the 9hr 50min flight to Denver. No issues at Denver at all, very pleasant US customs officer was more interested in the size of the chamber and thickness of the barrel than anything else! We were made to feel very welcome and whisked through both border control and customs very quickly.

On arriving in Colorado springs we located FCSA UK member and World Championship veteran Scott W, Scott was alreay loading his ammo in his hotel room!

We had set aside an extra day to get acclimatised, zero the rifles and stuff some ammo, this was made all the more easy by the amazing generosity of the stalwarts of the FCSA (US) who had brought with them a whole host of reloading gear for our use, presses appeared from everywhere, quickly fixed to tables and truck tow bars! - auto powder dispensers were pouring powder, whilst bullets were being seated with some incredible seating dies - made by one of the FCSA members - turns out almost all of them used dies made by Martin Listt!!

The 1000yd range was being re-done whilst we were there and just over half of the 100 firing points had already been redone - very nice setup indeed. So rifle zero's checked and adjusted (needed 1.5MOA off our UK zero's) it was time for a BBQ and beer - again spoilt rotten by our hosts.

First day of competition saw us at the briefing for 6am (yes 6am!) rifles weighed in and matches entered, 2 of us were shooting in all classes and 2 only in 2 of the classes, plus all of us were shooting in the Practical class (Yes PR with a 50!)

The PR took place at the 600yd point and consisted of 5 sighters (un marked) and then 15 rounds to score. The 15 rounds having to be shot in 10mins. Top honours went to the Barret team, who incidentally supplied all the ammo for the practical match!!

Friday saw the start of the match "proper" and it was again a 6am briefing for a 7am start, early starts were essential as by early afternoon the temperature was pushing well in to the 100s!!

The team shot well on the morning of the first day with Stuart shooting very consistently, along with myself - I was please to have shot 2 "greens" on the first morning (This is where the round goes through the previous spotting disc (1.5" circle disc) and our scores reflected on this. The wind was a total nightmare! - as those (Tim) who have shot at Raton will testify too, the wind flags all had a mind of their own! - flags to your right maybe showing a full value wind left to right, whilst the next flag would be blowing directly at you - no 2 flags ever blew in the same direction, with gusts in excess of 50mph being common through out the 2 days.

The afternoon of the first day saw Chris and Malcom swap roles (as they were only shooting 2 classes each they shot alternately, one shooting one pulling the targets!) - Stu and I had the luxury of having "paid" target pullers for our targets. That afternoon Stu continued to shoot well, but my rounds started going astray and I could not figure out why - there was no pattern to it. One would go left and then one go right! (elevation remained constant) - this knocked me back in the standings quite a lot.

Saturday morning after scrubbing my rifle until it shone, put my first relay all in the bull, Stu continued to shoot well and push hard. I stayed with him all morning and shot my smallest group of the match just before lunch an 11.2" group, the smallest of the British team and a very respectable group. After lunch things started to go astray for me again!! - I just could not figure it out and was starting to get frustrated, when after taking a shot I noticed the windage drum on my scope was doing its own thing!! - I left the point mid relay - eventually found my toolkit in the car and managed to solve the issue, allowing me to finish that relay with 3 more bulls and drag my scores back up!! - turns out the high temperature was causing the screw on the drum to come loose and let it rotate under the intense recoil of the .50s! - big relief it was not down to my shooting :-)

The team did well though, finishing strong - we took 3rd (Stuart G), 4th(Me!!) and 5th (Malcolm H) place in the international event, along with 5th(Stuart) and 6th(Me) in the Ironman competition (that is for those who shot in all 4 matches!)

Scott took 2nd in the International and 4th in Ironman! His shooting was very consistent and the experience of his previous WCs definitely stood him in good stead.

A very long hard weeks shooting - I shot just over 300rounds of 50bmg in 3 days of competition.

Mike

May 2014: UK 50cal team make preparations for Raton

This month a group of FCSA UK members are making their final preparation for the 50cal world championships, due to be held in the first week of July. Each participant is self-funding the trip, at considerable cost. These last minute preparations include a zeroing day at Orion training, where the team Captain Mike along with Stuart will travel over to mid Wales a day in advance to construct target frames ready for the remaining shooters. They'll also be pretty busy reloading the ammunition required for both this zero session, and the shoot in the US. The club would like to acknowledge the incredibly generosity and warm heartedness of Bernie Montanna at EP ammunition, for donating a considerable quantity of 50cal reloading components, as well as servicing and upgrading one of the Fortmeier rifles. Bernie is a major UK importer of 50cal components, as well as the Fortmeier rifles.

FEBRUARY 2014: BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW

Many thanks to all those how gave up their weekend to participate in the running of our FCSA stand, it was of particular significance because 2014 is our 10th year as a Home Office approved club! We were literally inundated for all three days, and in that time handed out a great number of information packs and membership application forms, in fact judging by the number of recent emails I suspect we'd ran out by Sunday!

July 2012: World Championships, Raton

Scott and Steve made the trip again this July, with impressive results. Steve came 2nd in the 'practical' shoot with a Windrunner, and Scott using his Nemesis rifle won 2nd place in the 'International' competition, 4th in the 'Hunter' class competition, 6th in the 'Unlimited' class & 8th in the 'Iron Man' competition! Scott has kindly written up a 'how to' guide for any UK 50cal shooter interested in attending the World Championships in the US, you can download a copy by clicking here.

16th MAY 2011: THE FCSA VISIT THE WMS FIREARMS TRAINING FACILITY IN WALES (2015 update - now re-branded as 'Orion')

This year we have two entries for the 2011 FCSA world championships in the USA, as such we needed to verify that our competitors rifles were up to scratch, with a suitable zero and a batch of consistently loaded ammunition. The WMS facility offers shooters access to multiple targets - including paper target screens. Common distances being catered for are 100M, 200M, 750M and 1000M, although the potential to go back to nearly 3000M exists.

We've had lots of requests for unbiased feedback on this facility, so here goes. If any member has anything to add then drop us an email.

The range facility appears to be very much 'work in progress', for example the firing point pictured below left is constructed from loose shale/rubble, which has a tendency to fly into the face of spotters under the severe muzzle blast of the 50cal, however this is much less of a problem with smaller calibres and can be reduced is a piece of carpet or similar is placed under the muzzle break area. Compacted earth topped with turf would be a nice addition one day. Firing points beyond 500m(ish) are little more than the hillside itself, which is fine for most types of shooting - just don't expect any wooden clad firing pits as per MOD ranges.

Due to its location, and the topography, wind is significant factor at times. Several visitors have since reported that the wind seriously tested their abilities, making the process of zeroing a new rifle & scope combination a little tricky at times - therefore I'd suggest you determine your zero before making a booking - this would no doubt help put the site operators mind at ease, knowing that the majority of impacts are going to be well within the target area. There is the option to zero at lesser distances, however at the time of writing I'm not sure if the targetry is suitable for 50BMG rifles.

"If you can shoot well here, you can shoot well anywhere"... this was a phase that was coined on more than one occasion. You need to be lucky with the weather to make the most of your booking. Some might argue that we should all learn to shoot well in any condition, which is fine for the military, but for most civilians who simply want to test equipment or ammunition then this is not necessarily desirable.

How does it compare to Sennybridge or Warcop? Well the big advantage of the WMS facility is that you have the option to check your targetry whenever you want (assuming any other party using the range is happy to cease fire). For military staff wanting to hone their tactical training then WMS is ideal. The only disadvantages are the firing points (although this does depend on your expectations), there are no ETR targets, but there are reactive targets in the form of steel 'gongs', so you at least get audible feedback, and the price - which might be a little prohibitive for some.

Above: view of target area from the 50 yard firing point

Above: View of the target area from the 1000 yard firing point.

26th/27th FEBRUARY 2011: FCSA CLUB OFFICIALS ATTENDED THE NEWARK SHOOTING SHOW

Our first shooting show attended as exhibitors!

Many thanks to all those people who put the hours in to make this happen, and to those visitors who expressed an interest and have subsequently joined our ranks.

http://www.shootingshow.co.uk/

OCTOBER 2008: VISIT FROM FCSA USA OFFICIALS TO WARCOP!

Barry, Chris, Reid and John

The FCSA (UK) were delighted to meet officials from the FCSA (USA), Reid Woodward, Barry Hamilton and Dr Bryan McCann, who attended not only our shoot at Warcop, but also made a quick visit to the FCSA (Swiss) to shoot in Switzerland.

After years of email and telephone dialogue between the 3 divisions of the FCSA it was a pleasure to meet our American counterparts. Barry laid down the gauntlet for us to attend an FCSA world championship competition next year, so better get reloading. (sponsors required!!)
Edit: May 2011: in fact we had two entries who did rather well, thanks Scott & Steve!

MARCH 2008: NEW MOD RULINGS ON CIVILIAN USE OF MOD RANGES.

VERY IMPORTANT!

NEW MOD / NRA RULINGS FOR CIVILIANS USING HME CALIBRES ON MOD RANGES (INCLUDING BISLEY)

The following is based on the information given by Mr Glynn Alger & Chris Web of the NRA during a meeting with Civilian clubs at Bromsgrove, on Saturday 8th March 2008.

1. The new "High Energy zero test"

We have been advised by the MOD at Warminster, and now the NRA (on the 8th March), that users of MOD 'Field Firing Areas' - now termed 'Live Fire Tactical Training Areas' (LFTTA) - are NOT restricted by the 7000 Joule energy and 2900 Meter danger area template limitations that will be applied to gallery ranges only.

A mandatory proof of zero test for 4500J - 7000J ammunition on gallery ranges has been introduced and is enforceable from the 1st April 2008, therefore a 'High Muzzle Energy' RCO must be present at each and every shoot where a rifle and ammunition combination that has a muzzle energy of over 4500J is used. The HME RCO will require that the appropriate shooters undertake a quick zero procedure at 200 yards, the HME RCO will then sign each target to indicate that the shooter has been cleared for that range, on that day, with that rifle - and can then proceed to longer distances than 200 meters. Unfortunately this proof of zero only lasts for that one day. Targets will be available for download from the NRA soon.

Not sure if your rifle is over 4500J? Click here for a simple ballistic calculator - print out the bullet drop table if you can't memorise it. Many ammunition types are over this limit, all you need to do is push a 170gn bullet at 2961 feet/sec and you are over the limit by 1 joule!

What happens if you get caught using ammunition which is over this limit on a gallery range and you are without your RCO HME signed and dated test target? Simple, an authorised person from the MOD will take a sample of your ammunition for expert testing, (not at the range) if found to be over the limit then you will be banned from every MOD range for life. We are still waiting for the exact procedure, we have been told that there will be no room for debate. (However, we have explained that any testing must be carried out using the same Rifle, as variations in chamber, barrel length etc., can vary the muzzle energy)

It is believed (although awaiting written confirmation), that if the range is less than 200 meters then no zero process will be required for those rifle/ammunition combinations that are in the 4500 - 7000J range.

The FCSA UK now has most of its RCOs 'upgraded' to this new standard (May 2008). If you are a member and a qualified NRA RCO but still do not have the HME qualification then please contact the club Secretary or Chairman ASAP.

2. NRA Safe Shooting System

From the 1st April the FCSA UK will begin a process that will certify each member as a competent and 'safe shooter', in accordance with new MOD/NRA requirements, we have until January 2009 to complete this task, after which it will be a mandatory requirement for all users of all MOD ranges, including Field Firing Areas.

Essentially all this will mean is that each shooter needs to demonstrate that they are capable of operating their rifle in a safe manner, the club Chairman will then sign each certificate accordingly, this will be renewed each year assuming the member can demonstrate the level of competency required by the MOD and NRA. This certificate is totally independent from the 7000J zero test as described above.

More information will be released soon, however copies of the certificate can be downloaded from the NRA website (we are informed).

3. Probationary Members

All new probationers will be expected to follow an NRA approved probationary membership training scheme (or the actual NRA version). Having now had a copy of the NRA 'Safe Shooters system, SSS, we can confirm that the training system is too heavily focused on Bisley shooters - 'F' class, TR etc, with little or no mention of the large calibers and true long range shooting disciplines, therefore the FCSA UK will be developing a more suitable training scheme, the aim being to provide safety training that is relevant to all calibres used by FCSA members, and takes into consideration safety factors which only come into place on LFTTAs, for example the use of tracer ammunition, coping with the increased recoil, danger templates based on hard or soft targets, identification of the physical landmarks used to mark the correct arc of fire, understanding and avoidance of unexploded munitions on LFTTAs*. The FCSA safety training scheme will need to be NRA approved. [Editor: As of 2013 it is NRA approved]

JUNE 2005 - LATEST NEWS FROM THE HOME OFFICE

Many of our members have been asking me for an update on the dreaded Home Office Consultation paper. So on the 19th April 2005 I contacted the Home Office in an attempt to find out what was happening with the consultation process, as we had all been expecting news in the 1st quarter of 2005. The reply I received was as follows there is no news, no action has been taken.

DECEMBER 2004 - STILL NO NEWS

Still waiting on a response from the Home Office, however following our AGM the club constitution is now available online.

SEPTEMBER 2004 - HOME OFFICE REVIEW OF FIREARMS LEGISLATION

Click here to read the official FCSA response to the Home Office

16 August 2004: We submitted our recommendations to the Home Office

Please follow this link. Read the Home Office consultation paper and then our response.

This is the reply we received from the Home Office two months later:

WHERE DO WE GO NOW?

Well we still need to increase our membership so may I suggest that we try and make contact with as many 50cal shooters and clubs in the UK, maybe using this site.

If you have the e-mail addresses of other 50cal owners please ask them to contact me.

For Sale - Updated 06 APR 2024