SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 11 "It's always been a Benchrest range, predominantly for target shooting, which meant it was always single shot loading. However, we identifi ed that the rifl es could shoot clear off the range, so we've introduced magazine use now, so you can use your magazine to full capacity, provided the fi rearms are cleared before they leave the range." Due to the success of the Silverdale Range in attracting shooters, with shooters often having to wait on weekends for a vacant bay, the search is now underway to fi nd a second location within the Sydney metropolitan area. "Ideally, we would like to fi nd a suitable site to build another wholly owned and operated range," Sydney Branch Executive Offi cer Matthew Geracitano told us. "Whether that's an indoor or outdoor range, comes down to availability of land, cost and the requirements of the government. Certainly, our members would like to have another range made available that can operate, like this range, seven days a week. It's all about improving access to ranges for our members. We don't have a preferred location so long as it is within the Sydney basin, but it comes down to availability and affordability." For Geracitano, the diversity of shooting options holds more appeal for SSAA NSW members than geography or ownership models. "I think it's a combination of factors. Geography is certainly a factor, but with the job that has been done in the last two years in helping to boost the profi le of the range, we've seen an increase in numbers from all over Sydney. It's not unusual to see over a dozen shooters waiting for access to a bay, and that's testament to the job we've done in catering to the members' needs and desires. The fact it's open seven days a week gives an added appeal, so when members get a day off, or if they work shifts, they know they have somewhere to shoot and they don't have to wait for the weekend to come along. "It's also very diffi cult to compare St Marys (jointly owned by SSAA NSW and Sydney Branch) as a 50-metre indoor range, which operates until late, with Silverdale as a 200-metre outdoor range which only operates during daylight hours. Each range fi ts a niche group and caters well to different clientele." Until that new location is found, however, the focus will remain on upgrades and additions to Silverdale, with Mallen keen to get his hands on a new clay trap. "We have applied for funding for a new clay trap, and that's a project we have identifi ed which we believe would be a welcome addition to the range. The demand for clay targets is growing, and that's why we are looking at the new clay trap, to service our members." Andy, though, does have one major request of shooters who come to visit Silverdale. "Unfortunately, the nature of clay targets is that shooters will come out and shoot their rifl es all day, and then only use their clay targets and rush in the last hour. We try and remind members that they can shoot clays all day, and they don't want to create a logjam at the end of the day when everyone wants to use the clay trap. Feel free to use the clay trap all day long, and don't just wait until the last hour!" Silverdale Range hosts a variety of courses during the year, including deer butchering and caping, Safe Shooting courses every second week and on demand, along with Restricted Game Hunting Licence Accreditations as well as reloading courses. Silverdale Range is located at 395 Avoca Road, Silverdale, and is open seven days a week from 9am to 3.45pm, but closed on all public holidays, long weekends, the 3rd Sunday of each month (allocated for range maintenance) and all allocated competition days advertised in the Australian Shooter magazine. If in doubt, or you need directions, please call the range on 02 4653 1440.

• Cover