Belmont Range

[Robin]

Hey all,

Belmont range, Might be a silly question to some, however as I have only shot from the bench and would like to do more , like shooting standing and/or in different positions like prone and kneeling, is this something that is allowed in the standing section of the range, my reasons are so I can simulate as if I'm in the field and wont have the benefit of having a bench with me.

[Bugman]

I would make direct contact with them and ask. Also make a note of who you spoke to, at what time etc. Nothing untoward, but just in case the wrong info is given out.
Others on this forum who regularly shoot there, may have some info as to what you want.

[rc42]

The Belmont shooting complex has multiple clubs and ranges but it seems clear that you are referring to the SSAA range.

In short, yes you can stand to shoot in the standing post area, you can use the post for additional support or stand free of it, you can also lie down prone or put one of the mobile benches there and shoot from that. Despite being longer targets can only go out to about 200m for normal shooting, some competitions can use the full range length of about 500m

[bigrich]

Hey all,

Belmont range, Might be a silly question to some, however as I have only shot from the bench and would like to do more , like shooting standing and/or in different positions like prone and kneeling, is this something that is allowed in the standing section of the range, my reasons are so I can simulate as if I'm in the field and wont have the benefit of having a bench with me.

maybe you should drive out to ripley for the feild rifle comp . it's pretty casual . i've been doing it for a couple of years now and it involves all the shooting positions you stated . third saturday every month, centrefire 12-2 , rimfire from 2-4

[Robin]

Hey all,

Belmont range, Might be a silly question to some, however as I have only shot from the bench and would like to do more , like shooting standing and/or in different positions like prone and kneeling, is this something that is allowed in the standing section of the range, my reasons are so I can simulate as if I'm in the field and wont have the benefit of having a bench with me.

maybe you should drive out to ripley for the feild rifle comp . it's pretty casual . i've been doing it for a couple of years now and it involves all the shooting positions you stated . third saturday every month, centrefire 12-2 , rimfire from 2-4

Sounds like something I would be interested in, what do I need to do to do this.

[bigrich]

Hey all,

Belmont range, Might be a silly question to some, however as I have only shot from the bench and would like to do more , like shooting standing and/or in different positions like prone and kneeling, is this something that is allowed in the standing section of the range, my reasons are so I can simulate as if I'm in the field and wont have the benefit of having a bench with me.

maybe you should drive out to ripley for the feild rifle comp . it's pretty casual . i've been doing it for a couple of years now and it involves all the shooting positions you stated . third saturday every month, centrefire 12-2 , rimfire from 2-4

Sounds like something I would be interested in, what do I need to do to do this.

PM SENT

[Robin]

Hey all,

Belmont range, Might be a silly question to some, however as I have only shot from the bench and would like to do more , like shooting standing and/or in different positions like prone and kneeling, is this something that is allowed in the standing section of the range, my reasons are so I can simulate as if I'm in the field and wont have the benefit of having a bench with me.

maybe you should drive out to ripley for the feild rifle comp . it's pretty casual . i've been doing it for a couple of years now and it involves all the shooting positions you stated . third saturday every month, centrefire 12-2 , rimfire from 2-4

Sounds like something I would be interested in, what do I need to do to do this.

PM SENT

Thanks

[rc42]

Belmont SSAA have rifle competitions too, maybe you could try both clubs and report back.
Personally I haven't tried the rifle comps at either but the Belmont ones are described in the link below and booked online, unfortunately, if you do book in they will publish your name for the world to see.

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/ssaa/events/&cat=3456/

[Aussie Bhoy]

Hi, newbie to the forum, and just recently getting back into shooting. Lots to re-learn. I have acquired 2 second hand rimfire rifles from a mate (17 HMR and a 22) and I have bought a brand new Ruger Ranch 223 (it actually is 5.56 on the barrel, but for simplicity should I just say 223?). I'm thinking of getting a lever action rifle next. I've made my first licensed visits to Belmont and Ripley's SSAA ranges in the last few weeks and I thought I would post about the experiences in each thread. I do have a couple of things I don't fully understand, maybe someone can help.

First off I have found the staff at Belmont SSAA to be friendly and helpful. I did my firearms course there as well. The location is easy to get to, and fairly handy to my home. They have pretty good facilities. Sadly because of covid there are a few extra rules in place at the moment so I haven't experienced attending a competition day or any kind of social event. They have a lot of info online, and a very easy to use booking system for using the range.

When I bought the 223, I didn't know that Belmont has temporary restrictions on non-pistol calibre, centrefire rifles with barrels shorter than 20 inches. Mine has a 16 inch barrel, so that was a bit of a blow not being able to shoot the brand new rifle that I was excited about. I see it is due to noise, but mine is only a 223, surely some of the 308's, 303's, etc that I saw being used are louder? And does temporary mean a few weeks, months, years?

I don't really get why the range is single shot, rather than firing using a magazine. When I did my firearms course at Belmont they had us load a Ruger American rotary 22LR magazine and fire the rifles using the magazine, not single shot. I would like in the future to get something like a Browning BL-22, or bigger, but using them single shot kind of takes away from what a lever action rifle is designed for. Also I was told that you couldn't stand to shoot in the benchrest area, and that this was because of the danger of ricochets. I'm a newly licenced shooter on my first visit so I didn't want to be a pain and question the RO's on everything so I never said anything. But I was also in the Navy many years back, and have some experience from back then with multiple firearms (SLR, Austeyr, F1, Browning Hi Power) so I don't see any great danger is using a magazine with a lever or bolt action rifle, or standing at a benchrest area. Ripley range allows both. We have plenty of rules and regulations already without having to make new ones up.

I'm in the SSAA obviously, but I don't really understand how the entire Belmont range complex works. I see there are other organisations and multiple ranges. Who is in charge of them? Do you need to join each club individually, are they expensive, are the rules different (and better)? Are their other good ranges in SEQ besides Belmont and Ripley SSAA that I should be looking at? Any info or advice would be appreciated.

[Gamerancher]

If you blokes want to try off-hand shooting, look into Rifle Metallic Silhouette. There are comps for air-rifle, rimfire, ( .22LR only ), centrefire ( > 6mm ) and black powder cartridge rifle.
There is also lever-action with 3 classes, rimfire, pistol cartridge ( in a rifle, think .32-20, .357mag, .44-40, .44mag etc ) and rifle. It used to be called Cowboy silhouette but that had connotations of playing "dress-ups", which we don't do. ( You can if you want, we'll just look at you differently... )

To answer your question of SSAA membership, it is a National membership with each member belonging to a home branch. You can nominate which branch you want to be your home or you will be allocated a branch according to your address. You can shoot competition at any branch that holds a shoot.
Disclaimer: I believe some branches/ranges add a membership fee of their own on top of the SSAA fee.

[rc42]

The Belmont shooting complex is leased from the government by Queensland Rifle Association, in turn, they sub-lease parts of the site to other organisations and clubs. Members pay to shoot at clubs and the clubs maintain their specific ranges and pay QRA to use the site. Most clubs have reciprocal agreements where members of other clubs can come shoot with similar fees but others don't so you'll need to ask them.

SSAA is single shot loading on the rifle range, double loading on the shotgun competition range and 10 shot loading on the pistol ranges, their club, their rules and they don't have to explain why to anyone, those that find it unacceptable don't go there. There are lever action and other competitions that will allow multiple loading, single loading a BL-22 would be a nightmare.

There was a noise survey last year that showed a huge jump in nearby noise levels around Belmont so restrictions were imposed on all clubs on the complex with SSAA having to try and make simple rules to prevent use of louder firearms, clearly they are far form perfect. Another survey is planned and rules will likely be updated following that.

I'd suggest to anyone that likes shooting to join a pistol club, it's a slow licensing process but you'll get access to semi-auto rimfire and centerfire and even larger calibers up to .45, great group of people in the pistol clubs too.

[johnboy357]

" I'm in the SSAA obviously, but I don't really understand how the entire Belmont range complex works. I see there are other organisations and multiple ranges. Who is in charge of them? Do you need to join each club individually, are they expensive, are the rules different (and better)? Are their other good ranges in SEQ besides Belmont and Ripley SSAA that I should be looking at? Any info or advice would be appreciated."

The Belmont complex head lease is held by the Queensland Rifle Association (Q.R.A.) All other clubs (including S.S.A.A.) are on Sub leases to Q.R.A. All the clubs have representatives on a "Sight User Group" for admin purposes. Most of the other clubs are specialist clubs - ie Pistol clubs, Shotgun clubs & Rifle clubs so it depends on what you want to shoot as to which club(s) you need to belong to. All require individual membership so you should contact them regarding fees.

S.S.A.A.Belmont have separate Pistol and Shotgun sections within their part of the complex . I know that to belong to their Pistol section costs extra but not sure about Shotgun or Rifle - contact the Office and ask. The following is from the s.s.a.a. web site

Fee Type Price Term Required?
SSAA National Membership $93.00 Annual Yes
SSAA Brisbane Joining Fee $80.00 Once only Yes
Annual Range Pass $260.00 Annual Yes (compulsory for Pistol Section Members but optional for rifle and shotgun)
Pistol Section Fees $40.00 Annual Yes

(Prices indicated are for adult members, concession rates may be available for Juniors, Pensioners and Self Funded Retirees)

[Robin]

Is there any advantage to having the annual range pass

[johnboy357]

Is there any advantage to having the annual range pass

It means that you do not pay each time you go so you do the math - if you go a lot then the annual Pass might be the cheaper option but if you only go say once a month then the daily fee might be cheaper - not sure what the day fee is

[AZZA'S HJ47]

I dont go to belmont unless i have to for the above stated reasons. It is a good range that could be so much more than what it is today. Currently having noise complaint issues i dont know if its the same with the qra ranges but frustrating to say the least.

I've never understood belmont they've always seemed to have had rules that no other range have in place. And for a range that one would think would want to grow the sport they seem to want to do the exact opposite.

Not to mention they are twice the price of ripley for the same thing. The cost of bringing a unlicensed person just pushes you away. If you haven't gathered i dont like belmont not do i like their attitued towards their patrons. I know its harsh but i wouldn't loose any sleep if the range were to close down but i just can't see the place having any benefit to the shooting community.

[bigrich]

I dont go to belmont unless i have to for the above stated reasons. It is a good range that could be so much more than what it is today. Currently having noise complaint issues i dont know if its the same with the qra ranges but frustrating to say the least.

I've never understood belmont they've always seemed to have had rules that no other range have in place. And for a range that one would think would want to grow the sport they seem to want to do the exact opposite.

Not to mention they are twice the price of ripley for the same thing. The cost of bringing a unlicensed person just pushes you away. If you haven't gathered i dont like belmont not do i like their attitued towards their patrons. I know its harsh but i wouldn't loose any sleep if the range were to close down but i just can't see the place having any benefit to the shooting community.

i've been to belmont about six times in the last four years . i don't mind the place, or the rules being different . but twice the staff were just flat out rude . the cost factor isn't going to encourage new shooters that's for sure

[Communism_Is_Cancer]

Belmont is a cesspool. Remember in 1996 how the QLD police commissioner was going to let QLD shooters keep self loading long arms for sports use but Belmont got federal grants for saying that QLD shooters don't want self loading long arms.

[in2anity]

Shoot Service Rifle. It covers the 3 positions and also teaches you to break under strict time pressures, as well as slow fire application. It’s got it all

[Wyliecoyote]

Belmont is a cesspool. Remember in 1996 how the QLD police commissioner was going to let QLD shooters keep self loading long arms for sports use but Belmont got federal grants for saying that QLD shooters don't want self loading long arms.

The only persons that were allowed to keep their self loaders were members of AARA, and those who did were mostly involved in international competition. As i understand it those rules have long been revoked but some members were in a position to leave the firearms in NZ.
The SSAA then advised that self loading 22LRs were able to be exempted for those shooting metallic silhouette. The problem was that the notification came well after the hand in deadline had passed.

[bigrich]

Belmont is a cesspool. Remember in 1996 how the QLD police commissioner was going to let QLD shooters keep self loading long arms for sports use but Belmont got federal grants for saying that QLD shooters don't want self loading long arms.

The only persons that were allowed to keep their self loaders were members of AARA, and those who did were mostly involved in international competition. As i understand it those rules have long been revoked but some members were in a position to leave the firearms in NZ.
The SSAA then advised that self loading 22LRs were able to be exempted for those shooting metallic silhouette. The problem was that the notification came well after the hand in deadline had passed.

interesting . semi's for rimfire silhouette

i like your avatar name too . so tell us , what are "ACME" brand rifles like ?

[Communism_Is_Cancer]

Hey Bigrich pistol rimfire silhouette is fun at 25m.

[Wm.Traynor]

I dont go to belmont unless i have to for the above stated reasons. It is a good range that could be so much more than what it is today. Currently having noise complaint issues i dont know if its the same with the qra ranges but frustrating to say the least.

I've never understood belmont they've always seemed to have had rules that no other range have in place. And for a range that one would think would want to grow the sport they seem to want to do the exact opposite.

Not to mention they are twice the price of ripley for the same thing. The cost of bringing a unlicensed person just pushes you away. If you haven't gathered i dont like belmont not do i like their attitued towards their patrons. I know its harsh but i wouldn't loose any sleep if the range were to close down but i just can't see the place having any benefit to the shooting community.

i've been to belmont about six times in the last four years . i don't mind the place, or the rules being different . but twice the staff were just flat out rude . the cost factor isn't going to encourage new shooters that's for sure

It's strange isn't it, how two people could have exactly opposite experiences. I have no complaints about the staff. Last time I went, one of them was a very nice young lady

[bigrich]

Hey Bigrich pistol rimfire silhouette is fun at 25m.

not into pistols mate , even more reg's than rifles . wouldn't mind a collectors license for cap and ball pistols but

[Communism_Is_Cancer]

Hey Bigrich pistol rimfire silhouette is fun at 25m.

not into pistols mate , even more reg's than rifles . wouldn't mind a collectors license for cap and ball pistols but

Firearms made before 1 January 1901 are classed as antiques and DO NOT require a licence or permit. You just need to contact weapons licensing within 14 days to tell them that you have possession of one.
https://www.police.qld.gov.au/weapon-li ... ue-weapons

[bladeracer]

Hey Bigrich pistol rimfire silhouette is fun at 25m.

not into pistols mate , even more reg's than rifles . wouldn't mind a collectors license for cap and ball pistols but

Firearms made before 1 January 1901 are classed as antiques and DO NOT require a licence or permit. You just need to contact weapons licensing within 14 days to tell them that you have possession of one.
https://www.police.qld.gov.au/weapon-li ... ue-weapons

If you want to actually use them you will have to licence them, you don't need a licence to merely possess or collect them.

[bigrich]

Hey Bigrich pistol rimfire silhouette is fun at 25m.

not into pistols mate , even more reg's than rifles . wouldn't mind a collectors license for cap and ball pistols but

Firearms made before 1 January 1901 are classed as antiques and DO NOT require a licence or permit. You just need to contact weapons licensing within 14 days to tell them that you have possession of one.
https://www.police.qld.gov.au/weapon-li ... ue-weapons

If you want to actually use them you will have to licence them, you don't need a licence to merely possess or collect them.

i think under a collectors liscense i can shoot them twice a year at a range in QLD . i've been told i need upgraded security , cameras . too much mucking around for me . i got enough rifles to keep me busy

[bladeracer]

i think under a collectors liscense i can shoot them twice a year at a range in QLD . i've been told i need upgraded security , cameras . too much mucking around for me . i got enough rifles to keep me busy

If they are licensed on a collector's licence you can shoot them at approved collector club shoots, in most states. If they're unlicensed antiques you can't fire them at all unless you first licence them.

[Communism_Is_Cancer]

No, under a collectors licence(QLD) if you have less than 30 weapons(their word not mine) at your premises a lockable rigid structure made of solid steal bolted to the frame or floor of a permanent building is suffice for secure storage.


Under a normal firearms licence you can have 30 A,B,C,D or 30 H before you need to upgrade your storage.

So I read that to mean you can have 29 A,B.C,D and 29 H and still be compliant with normal secure storage.

[Robin]

Too be honest, I'v never had a issue with the range officers, so far I have found them friendly and up for a good chat.
I would like to go to Ripleys however, I couldn't be bothered driving a hour just to shoot some paper.

[9.3x64]

Too be honest, I'v never had a issue with the range officers, so far I have found them friendly and up for a good chat.
I would like to go to Ripleys however, I couldn't be bothered driving a hour just to shoot some paper.

Yeah I am the same.