Misplaced Pages

#886113

101-777: The ANZAC Rifle Range is a rifle range located on the Malabar Headland , Malabar , in the City of Randwick local government area of New South Wales , Australia. It is headquarters to the New South Wales Rifle Association, and hosts the annual NSW Queen's Prize shooting competitions. The range is located on land owned by the Commonwealth of Australia . attended by 1,300 competitors including teams from Great Britain, New Zealand and South Africa. 337,150 rounds fired. The following organisations are current or past users of

202-632: A Victoria Cross for Australia may be beyond the legislative power of the Parliament but he believed that the "naval and military defence of the Commonwealth" power under section 51(vi) of the Constitution gave the Parliament authority to legislate with respect to honours and awards. In accordance with normal procedure the debate was then adjourned. On 1 June 2001, Sid Sidebottom , the Member for Braddon introduced

303-482: A barrier. The firing line, usually marked red or orange, runs along the downrange edge of the shooting booths. Some ranges have motion detectors that can set off an alarm when a shooter passes this line during shooting. Target systems consist of a target object and optionally a target carrier system and a target control system. Some ranges utilise electronic scoring systems which do not require paper targets to be placed downrange. Targets for indoor ranges are usually

404-433: A canvas or hessian back on the larger long-range types. Most competitive targets are a solid black circle on a white background. The black circle may have scoring rings. Targets of other shapes may be used such as used in pistol (hand gun) target shooting. Reactive targets allow shooters to easily identify bullet strikes. This allows shooters to improve their skills by quickly being able to compare their aiming point and where

505-840: A cavalry unit. Initially they met in the Oxford Hotel located in Queen's Square. They then went on to train at Moore Park and the Malabar Headland. The Australian Light Horse have a historical attachment to the Malabar Headland which dates back over 100 years. The training for the Australian Light Horse involvement in the Reserve Forces Day Parade has been conducted at the headland for almost a decade. The Australian Light Horse Association provide Mounted Vice-Regal Escorts in Sydney for

606-425: A covered firing point are usually grass, often on a slightly raised, flattened mound. Outdoor ranges with a covered firing point are usually concrete or tarmacadam. Outdoor military range firing points are not usually covered and may have other configurations, e.g., sloping, a gravel base or hole in the ground. A "fixed firing point" or echelon rifle range is where the targets are located at the various distances with

707-558: A defined private area and to reduce potential hazard from misfires and prevent ejected cartridge cases from hitting/distracting adjacent shooters. Shooting booths are made of partitions or panels which can be acoustically treated to reduce the unpleasant effects of noise on surrounding bystanders. The booths are sometimes equipped with communication or target-operation equipment; target or booth lighting controls; shelves for holding weapons and bullets, or to prevent shooters from going downrange; and equipment for practicing shooting from behind

808-731: A group of rifle clubs who have been shooting Service Rifle competitions on the Malabar headland since 1923. The competitions are shot at 100, 200 and 300 metres in the standing, sitting, kneeling and prone positions. The firearms used were predominantly semi-automatic, such as the SLR, up to the ban by the federal government and bolt-action military rifles from WWI and WWII such as the Short Magazine Lee–Enfield (S.M.L.E.) No.1 and No. 5, The Rifle No. 4, various Mauser rifles and Springfields etc." The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia operated on

909-528: A half weeks, often under fire, until he was killed. However, in 1919, King George V decreed that no more operational awards would be made for the recently concluded war. In 1965, a campaign to award the Victoria Cross to Simpson resulted in his image with a donkey appearing on the obverse of the Anzac Commemorative Medallion that was announced in 1966 and first issued in 1967. Following

1010-404: A high retaining wall behind the target line called a backstop or stop-butt, comprising an earth mound, sandbag barrier or specially designed funnel-shaped traps to catch and prevent misaligned shots, errant projectile ricochets, or shots going beyond the bounds of the shooting range. Most outdoor ranges restrict the maximum caliber size and/or projectile energy based on the design specification of

1111-645: A loan from Australian businessman Kerry Stokes to help fund Roberts-Smith's then-ongoing defamation case. In 2023, Roberts-Smith was found to have committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Corporal Daniel Keighran of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on 1 November 2012 for actions in the Battle of Derapet ( Oruzgan province , Afghanistan) in August 2010. Corporal Keighran deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire, drawing

SECTION 10

#1732880768887

1212-536: A mark of the utmost respect for their act of valour." While it has been a tradition for many years to salute a Victoria Cross recipient the Australian Army Ceremonial Manual, Volume 1, Annex B to Chapter 13 states "Victoria Cross winners, unless they are serving commissioned officers in the armed forces, are not saluted". Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston saluted Trooper Mark Donaldson after he received his VC. Under Section 103, Subsection (4), of

1313-462: A minute of angle for this wind. Aligning the target at the 12 o'clock position or direction, with the 6 o'clock direction being directly behind the shooter, winds at 3 or 9 o'clock are equated to full value, winds at 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11 o'clock are equated to half value, and winds at 12 and 6 o'clock are equated to no value. The minute of angle correction (full value) is then commonly estimated as ((Range [meters] / 100) × Wind [mph]) / C , where C

1414-475: A paper sheet or piece of corrugated cardboard with a printed image, either a bullseye or a silhouette . Target carrier systems allow a range to operate more efficiently and safely by transporting targets between the firing line and the target line, so the shooter does not have to wait for a "ceasefire" and physically walk downrange to examine and set up the target. This is particularly useful on commercial and "self service" ranges. The target control system allows

1515-614: A prize of $ 100,000 and the Palma Trophy. The range also hosts the annual NSW Queen's prize competition. The Queen's Prize was originally sponsored by Queen Victoria in 1860, the competition has been held annually (with the exception of the war years) by "The Empire" countries and all states in Australia since 1878. "The Military Rifle Clubs Association (previously known as the NSW Citizens Forces Rifle Association) are

1616-491: A report highlighting the shortcomings of current occupational lead exposure standards and urged the United States Department of Defense to update its guidelines and practices for protecting workers from lead exposure on firing ranges. Lead and other pollutants are regulated by ventilation in a range. The configuration of the supply and exhaust air systems is critical for proper operation. Interlocks that enable both

1717-619: A rescue of more than 40 men. Since the end of the Second World War most but not all Commonwealth countries have introduced their own honours systems, separate from the British honours system . Commonwealth countries, when replacing the British Victoria Cross , George Cross and lesser decorations, created their own decorations for gallantry and bravery. The highest awards for Australia, Canada and New Zealand were named in honour of

1818-448: A rubber curtain through which the bullet passes and is then stopped by a metal plate. The rubber curtains help reduce ricochet or bounce-back of bullet fragments. Ranges without automatic target placements sometimes have galleries or trenches from where personnel lift and retract, mark and replace targets. Backstops need to be of sufficient height to capture the projectile intended for the target as well as any ricochet that may occur from

1919-466: A small leaf or another small light object can be dropped from shoulder height, and the object is then pointed at by the shooter; the angle between his arm and his torso can provide an equivalent wind speed estimation as a wind flag, although it will not be at the mid-range location along the bullet's trajectory. Lighting should be consistent in intensity, glare-free, and shadow-free. The shooter's vision down range should not be obstructed by lighting behind

2020-840: A smooth surface finish and are usually slanted slightly from up range (shooter positions) toward the backstops downrange to allow for better maintenance and cleaning. Indoor range roofs are constructed from steel joists or precast concrete panels with a smooth flat surface that will redirect misfired bullets, facilitate maintenance, and prevent lead buildup. Roof baffles are installed at a 25–30 degree angle to protect ceilings, lighting fixtures, ventilation ducts, and any other unprotected element from stray bullets. Baffles are typically constructed of armored plate steel covered with fire-rated plywood. Deflectors are similar to baffles, but are not usually covered with plywood; they can be installed either vertically or horizontally and are used to redirect stray bullets from unprotected fixtures and elements inside

2121-444: Is a constant. The constant C equals 15 for ranges from 100 to 500 meters, 14 for 600 meters, 13 for 700–800 meters, 12 for 900 meters, and 11 for 1,000 meters. For full-value winds, this full windage correction is used. For half-value winds, the minute of correction in windage given by this formula is halved; for no-value winds, no minute of angle correction in windage is required. Multiple flags are required for two reasons. First,

SECTION 20

#1732880768887

2222-465: Is a separate award, the Victoria Cross for Australia's appearance is identical to its British counterpart. Canada followed suit when in 1993, Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Canada signed letters patent creating the Canadian Victoria Cross . The Canadian version has a different inscription, as well as being cast from three groupings of metals. The legend has been changed from FOR VALOUR to

2323-728: Is an award for civilians; it is the second highest award of the United Kingdom honours system, ranking immediately after the Victoria Cross. Benjamin Gower Hardy (GC) Cowra NSW 4–5 August 1944 Rifle Club Chatswood Rifle Club Details TBA Rifle range Shooting ranges can be indoor or outdoor, and may be restricted to certain types of firearm that can be used such as handguns or long guns , or they can specialize in certain Olympic disciplines such as trap / skeet shooting or 10 m air pistol / rifle . Most indoor ranges restrict

2424-611: Is awarded for ... most conspicuous gallantry, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy or belligerents. Awards are granted by the Governor-General with the approval of the Sovereign . The warrant for the Victoria Cross for Australia differs markedly from the Imperial warrant. The new warrant does not specify any particular process for recommendations, though it

2525-537: Is determined by how often the range is used. Wet methods or a vacuum fitted with a high-performance particulate air (HEPA) filter may be used to clean. The risk of unburned powder accumulating necessitates the use of an explosion-proof HEPA vacuum. Victoria Cross for Australia The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest award in the Australian honours system , superseding the British Victoria Cross for issue to Australians. The Victoria Cross for Australia

2626-414: Is engraved with the recipient's name, rank, number and unit. On the reverse of the medal is a circular panel, on which the date of the act for which it was awarded is engraved in the centre. The ribbon is crimson, and is 38 millimetres (1.5 inches) wide. Although the warrants state the colour as red, it is defined by most commentators as "crimson" or "wine-red". The Victoria Cross for Australia

2727-524: Is expected that any recommendation will pass through the military hierarchy to the Minister for Defence . The new warrant also allows for "other persons determined by the Minister [for Defence] for the purposes of this regulation." Author Robert Macklin has speculated that this has opened up the field of eligibility to policemen and women or civilians during a terrorist act. He goes on to say that by "separating

2828-676: Is listed equal first with the British Victoria Cross on the Australian Order of Wear with precedence in Australia over all orders, decorations and medals. The decoration may be awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and to other persons determined by the Australian Minister for Defence . A person to whom the Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded is entitled to the post nominals VC placed after

2929-418: Is the "decoration for according recognition to persons who in the presence of the enemy, perform acts of the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent acts of valour or self-sacrifice or display extreme devotion to duty". The Victoria Cross for Australia was created by letters patent signed by Elizabeth II , Queen of Australia , on 15 January 1991 on the advice of Prime Minister Bob Hawke . It

3030-551: Is the highest award in the Australian Honours Order of Precedence . As such, it takes precedence over all other Australian orders and decorations , except the Imperial Victoria Cross , with which it shares equal precedence. This postnominal is valid only for the recipient and is not transferred to the recipient's heirs. "Tradition holds that even the most senior officer will salute a Victoria Cross recipient as

3131-555: Is used for national and international target rifle competitions, the most notable of which was the Australian Bicentenary Celebrations attended by approximately 900 competitors from Australia, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Channel Islands, Scotland, USA, Wales and Kenya in 1988. Two matches were held, The Australia Match (formerly The Empire Match) on 14 April 1988 and the US Palma Match on 16 April 1988 with

ANZAC Rifle Range - Misplaced Pages Continue

3232-519: The 2007 Australian federal election the Labor party came to power and there was speculation that the 2001 bills may be reintroduced. Historians such as Anthony Staunton, writing in the Australian Journal of Military History , have opined that the Victoria Cross for Australia should not be awarded retrospectively. It was announced on 13 April 2011 that 13 cases of valour would be examined posthumously by

3333-523: The Australian War Memorial for display with the eight other Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians at Gallipoli. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra currently holds 66 Victoria Crosses, 63 awarded to Australians—including Mark Donaldson's Victoria Cross for Australia on loan—and three to British soldiers; this formed the largest publicly displayed collection in the world, until the opening of

3434-585: The Defence Act Amendment (Victoria Cross) Bill 2001 . The Bill was similar to the Senate bill and Sidebottom also believed that the Parliament had power under section 51(vi) of the Constitution. Neither bill was again debated before the 2001 Australian federal election . Both Senator Schacht and Mr Sidebottom were members of the Australian Labor Party , then in opposition and the issue was included by

3535-746: The First World War , nine of them for action during the Gallipoli Campaign . Twenty medals were awarded for action in the Second World War , and the other medals were for action in the Second Boer War , Russian Civil War and in the Vietnam War . The last recipient was Warrant Officer Keith Payne , for gallantry on 24 May 1969 during the Vietnam War. Payne was awarded the medal for instigating

3636-624: The Latin PRO VALORE . Although one Canadian VC has been cast, none have been awarded. In 1999, New Zealand created the Victoria Cross for New Zealand , identical to the Australian and British Victoria Crosses, and this has been awarded once, on 2 July 2007 to Corporal Willie Apiata . The Victoria Cross for Australia is identical to the original design. It is a " cross pattée 41 millimetres high, 36 millimetres wide. The arms of

3737-597: The Shah Wali Kot Offensive in Afghanistan on 11 June 2010. This act has been described as similar to that of Edward Kenna VC. Corporal Roberts-Smith had previously been awarded a Medal for Gallantry in 2006, and upon receiving the VC became the most highly decorated serving member of the Australian Defence Force. In 2020, it was reported that Roberts-Smith had offered his Victoria Cross as collateral for

3838-742: The basement . The basic components of most indoor ranges consist of firing lines/lanes, targets and a bullet trap /"backstop" (which prevents stray shots and overpenetrations ). Design considerations may vary depending on planned use but they all must address the basic requirements for operating the range safely, and that is provide ballistic protection, safety controls, proper ventilation, acoustic isolation and appropriate lighting. Firing range walls are usually constructed of poured concrete , precast concrete or masonry blocks . The walls must be sufficiently impenetrable and provide adequate ballistic protection from stray shots and back-splatter. Floors are constructed from dense reinforced concrete with

3939-508: The natural ventilation of outdoor firing ranges, some outdoor ranges have ballistic baffles overhead, and concrete walls and structures on the sides that can cause the air to stagnate and lead to increase exposure to lead and noise. Consequently, operators of outdoor ranges might consider adding sound transmission barriers, absorptive materials, and natural vegetation to lessen noise emission. Fans pointing downrange can provide air movement away from shooters to lessen lead exposure. Oftentimes

4040-773: The ANZAC Rifle Range located on the headland site: Miniature aircraft have been flown on the Malabar headland since the 1920s. The Sydney Model Aero Club operated on the ANZAC Rifle Range from 1982 until their lease was terminated by the federal government in November 2011. The Malabar Riding School operated on the Malabar headland from 1993 until their lease was terminated by the federal government in November 2011. The riding school assisted local community groups, including seniors, at risk teens, local indigenous groups, people with disabilities, apprentice jockeys, Pony Club, TAFE and university students. They also participated in parades for

4141-497: The ANZAC Rifle Range to this day. The Full Bore range is used for the long distance, 300 metre to 800 metre, target shooting disciplines using precision target rifles fitted with aperture (peep) or telescopic sights. The term Full Bore refers to the military calibres including; .303 British, 7.62×51mm NATO / .308 Winchester and 5.56×45mm NATO / .223 Remington as sanctioned by the NRAA rules although other calibres are also used. This range

ANZAC Rifle Range - Misplaced Pages Continue

4242-605: The Australian contribution to the War in Afghanistan . On 2 September 2008 Trooper Donaldson was outstanding in the manner in which he fought during a prolonged and effective enemy ambush. On numerous occasions, he deliberately drew the enemy's fire to allow wounded soldiers to be moved to safety. As the battle raged around him he saw that a coalition interpreter was lying motionless on exposed ground. With complete disregard for his own safety, on his own initiative and alone, Trooper Donaldson ran back eighty metres across exposed ground to rescue

4343-416: The British Victoria Cross but are unique awards of each country's honours system. Commonwealth countries have their own Order of Wear which is published in each country's gazette or other publication. With the issuing of letters patent by the Queen of Australia on 15 January 1991, Australia became the first Commonwealth realm to institute a separate Victoria Cross award in its own honours system. Although it

4444-563: The Cross have raised edges. The obverse bears a Crowned Lion standing on the Royal Crown with the words 'FOR VALOUR' inscribed on a semi-circular scroll below the Crown. The reverse bears raised edges on the arms of the cross and the date of the act for which the Cross is awarded is engraved within the circle in the centre. The inscription was originally to have been FOR BRAVERY , until it was changed on

4545-529: The First and Second World Wars. Simpson's story has become an Australian legend. He was a stretcher bearer with the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance , Australian Army Medical Corps at Gallipoli during the First World War. He landed at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 and, on that first night, took a donkey and began carrying wounded from the battle line to the beach for evacuation. He continued this work for three and

4646-902: The Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir AC and for Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools of New South Wales (AAGPS, also known as GPS or Great Public Schools) is an association of mostly private boys schools in New South Wales formed in 1892 currently comprising King's School, Sydney Grammar School, Newington College, Saint Ignatius' College, St Joseph's College, Sydney Boys High School, Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore), Scots College and Armidale School. Several GPS Rifle Clubs have used

4747-968: The Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London during November 2010, which displays the 168 VCs owned by Michael Ashcroft and 48 more held by the IWM. Purchasers of the Victoria Cross for Australia are not permitted to transport the medals outside of Australia. The first Victoria Cross for Australia was awarded to Trooper Mark Donaldson of the Special Air Service Regiment by Governor-General Quentin Bryce at Government House, Canberra , on 16 January 2009. On 2 September 2008, Donaldson rescued an interpreter under heavy enemy fire in Oruzgan province during Operation Slipper ,

4848-465: The Malabar headland from 1975 until their lease was terminated by the federal government in November 2011. The SSAA range was located on the southern end of the ANZAC Rifle Range. This area provided facilities for shotgun clay target shooting, metallic silhouette and bench rest rifle shooting. The bench rest stands were used for sighting in rifles and for precision bench rest target shooting at 100 metres. The bench rest range facilities were demolished by

4949-678: The Malabar rifle range since the 1920s competing for the Rawson Cup, the NRA Shield, the Buchanan Shield and the GPS Premiership. Sydney Boys High School started with cadet shooting in 1883, they were granted permission to shoot at Malabar in the 1920s. Sydney Grammar School was founded in 1854 and used the Malabar rifle range until 2011. Scots College Rifle Club was formed in 1922 and has a membership of 60-70 members. Scots College continue to use

5050-1136: The NSW Rifle Clubs had enlisted for active service during WWI. The total number of Australian Rifle Club members who enlisted for WWII is believed to be between 33,000 and 38,000. The "Memorial Gates" are dedicated to the "Fallen Riflemen" of these wars. The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy". Private George Cartwright (VC) Near Peronne France 31 August 1918 4th Battalion Rifle Club Corporal Arthur Charles Hall (VC) Peronne France 1–2 September 1918 Coolabah Rifle Club Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler (VC) Merdjayoun-Damour, Lebanon 19 June – 6 July 1941 Manly Rifle Club Corporal John Hurst Edmondson (VC) Tobruk Libya 13 April 1941 Liverpool Cabravale Rifle Club Flight Lieutenant Rawdon Hume Middleton RAAF (VC) Italy 28–29 November 1942 Rocky Dam Rifle Club Captain Alfred Shout (VC) Lone Pine Gallipoli 9 August 1915 Australian Rifles Regiment The George Cross (GC)

5151-566: The Prime Minister. Both VC for Australia and original Victoria Cross recipients are entitled to the Victoria Cross allowance under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 . The original Victoria Cross was officially instituted on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria by royal warrant and backdated to 1854 to recognise acts of valour committed during the Crimean War . It was originally intended that

SECTION 50

#1732880768887

5252-464: The VC from its traditional roots the Hawke government can be accused, with some justice, of devaluing the honour ..." Subsequent awards of the Victoria Cross for Australia to the same individual shall be made in the form of a bar to the Cross. Where a person has been awarded a second or three or more awards, the post nominals "VC and Bar" or "VC and Bars" may be used. The Victoria Cross for Australia

5353-578: The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, the Australian Government pays a Victoria Cross Allowance to any service person awarded the medal. The act set this amount at A$ 3,230 per year. Since 20 September 2005, this amount has been indexed annually in line with Australian Consumer Price Index increases. This amount is in addition to any amount that the veteran may be awarded under the general decoration allowance of $ 2.10 per fortnight. The various forms of

5454-605: The Victoria Cross are inherently valuable, as was highlighted on 24 July 2006, when at the auctionhouse Bonhams in Sydney, the VC which had been awarded to First World War soldier Captain Alfred Shout , fetched a world-record hammer price of $ 1 million. Shout had been awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously in 1915 for hand-to-hand combat at the Lone Pine trenches in Gallipoli , Turkey . The buyer, Kerry Stokes , has lent it to

5555-411: The Victoria Crosses would be cast from the bronze cascabels of two cannons that were captured from the Russians at the siege of Sevastopol . However, historian John Glanfield has proven, through the use of X-rays of older Victoria Crosses, that the metal used for the Victoria Crosses is in fact made from antique Chinese guns, and not of Russian origin. The barrels of the cannon used to cast

5656-485: The Welsh Airgun Championships. Outdoor shooting ranges are used for longer-distance shooting up to or exceeding 1,200 yards (1,100 m). Training might also specifically require exposure to the elements such as wind, dust and rain. Outdoor competition shooting is preferred under benign weather conditions, although conditions may change, competition is only abandoned when safety becomes an issue. Outdoor ranges are designed to contain all fired shots. This necessitates

5757-409: The actual bullet impacted the target. Electronic scoring targets use an acoustic or optical system to evaluate the shot as it passes through the target frame. Service rifle competitions typically use the military-standard targets contemporary to the firearm's era. The same applies for the matches they shoot. Other target types include a metal plate that is knocked over by the projectile such as in

5858-488: The air rifle sport of field target or handgun discipline of IPSC, and stationary metal plates of scaled animal outlines on which bullet strikes mark as well as those that mark the paint which is painted over again after scoring. The butts or backstop is the area behind the target into which the shot impacts having passed through the target. Earth or sand berms are common, particularly on outdoor ranges. Vertical or angled steel plates with collectors are common indoors, often with

5959-468: The booths is general ceiling-level lighting and can usually be controlled manually or from the central controls. Lights downrange of the firing line are usually spotlights used to illuminate the targets at various distances downrange of the booths. Safety control systems are installed to protect the shooters during range malfunction or emergency situations. Such systems may include warning lights, alarm bells, and air-flow and filtration monitors. Due to

6060-403: The design and proper operation of an indoor ranges is the ventilation system. Proper ventilation reduces shooters' exposure to airborne lead particles and other combustion byproducts. Ventilation systems consist of supply and exhaust air systems and associated ductwork. Supply air can be provided through a perforated wall plenum or radial air diffusers mounted at ceiling height. Airflow along

6161-554: The design or management is not of a quality conducive to best practice. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health issued an Alert, that presents five case reports documenting lead and noise exposures, and examines firing range operations, exposure assessment and control methods, existing regulations, and exposure standards and guidelines. More information about reducing occupational exposures at indoor firing ranges can be found at NIOSH Firing Range topic page In 2013, The American National Academy of Sciences published

SECTION 60

#1732880768887

6262-505: The discharging of firearms in indoor ranges can produce noise levels of over 140 dB sound pressure level . To combat this, it is commonly recommended that those inside the range "double-up" ear protection by using both earplugs and over-the-head earmuffs , and to protect range bystanders from sound exposure. Depending on the range, prescription eyeglasses may qualify as eye protection. Indoor ranges can be particularly unsafe, due to high lead exposures and increased noise exposures where

6363-498: The exhaust air to the supply air system to conserve energy especially in extreme climates. The exhaust air is always filtered before being exhausted outside the building or recirculated to the supply system. Lighting in the range consists of control booth, uprange area, shooting booth, and downrange lighting systems. Control booth lighting is usually manually controlled and consists of general lighting and low-level lighting used during particular shooting conditions. Lighting uprange of

6464-538: The facility, others do not. Many jurisdictions have no such restrictions, regardless of whether one has a concealed carry license in jurisdictions where concealed carry is legal. Whether indoors or outdoors, all shooters are typically required to wear eye protection as well as hearing protection (ear muffs or earplugs) at all times when within the defined boundaries of the range. Employees and users are exposed to lead dust from bullets or cartridge primers, which can be inhaled or can settle on skin or clothing. Additionally,

6565-423: The federal government in October 2012. The pistol range is used for ISPC pistol and rimfire metallic silhouette competitions. The Long Bay Rifle Range at Malabar was renamed the "ANZAC Rifle Range" by the Army in 1970 to commemorate the Australian Rifle Club members who served during the two World Wars and the Korean Campaign. The National Rifle Association records show that as of 31 December 1916, 6486 members of

6666-560: The federal labor government in October 2012. The Smallbore Range was used by clubs associated with the NSW Smallbore and Air Rifle Association until their lease was terminated by the federal government in November 2011. The term "smallbore" refers to the 5.56 / 0.22 and 4.5 / 0.177 calibres, with the latter being predominantly air rifle. This range was used by shooters competing in the 50-metre bench rest, prone and three-position (standing, kneeling, prone) rifle shooting disciplines. The Smallbore and Air Rifle Range facilities were demolished by

6767-408: The findings of the panel and recommended the Queen posthumously award Sheean the Victoria Cross for Australia. On 1 October 2024, Richard Norden was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia for his actions on 14 May 1968 in the Battle of Coral–Balmoral during the Vietnam War . On 3 April 2001, Senator Chris Schacht , then a member of the Australian Senate , gave notice that on

6868-404: The fire away from an injured colleague and those who were attending to him. He is the third recipient, and the first non-Special Forces recipient, of the award. On 13 February 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that Corporal Cameron Baird of the 2nd Commando Regiment would be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. Corporal Baird had been awarded the Medal for Gallantry in 2007 and

6969-408: The firing lanes and all shooters. Control stations are usually constructed of concrete blocks with bulletproof observation windows. Backstops and bullet traps are used to absorb the energy from the projectile and capture it to prevent overflight beyond the range area. Bullet traps come in a variety of designs and are usually constructed of impenetrable metal plates. The thickness of the plates and

7070-497: The firing line should be no more than 0.38 m/s (75 feet per minute, fpm) with a minimum acceptable flow of 0.25 m/s (50 fpm). Air is typically exhausted at or behind the bullet trap. Some firing ranges are designed to have multiple exhaust points downrange to maintain downrange flow and desired velocities at the firing line. The exhaust system should be designed to provide minimum duct air velocities of 12.70 – 15.24 m/s (2,500 – 3,000 fpm). The equipment and designs for

7171-475: The firing line. The illumination should be bright enough to prevent pupil dilation, which lowers the shooter's visual acuity. Emergency lights for egress, "Range in Use" signs at the entrance, and exit lights are among the other lighting options. During repairs or cleaning, the lighting behind the bullet trap should be at least 30 foot-candles. Although some ranges require all weapons to be discharged, securely encased, and/or trigger-locked before entering or exiting

7272-436: The firing range such as doors, windows, and ventilation registers. Shields are constructed of plate steel and plywood. The central controls for the firing range equipment, communication, lighting, and security are housed in control rooms or stations. The range master, who is in charge of range operation and management, operates the controls. The control station must provide the range master with an unobstructed line of sight of

7373-541: The firing range's distance. Airflow at the shooting line can be unstable if it is not uniformly dispersed, allowing lead and other pollutants to be brought back into the shooter's breathing region. Supply air should be added as high as possible in the range. Due to the health risks of accumulated lead dust and combustion products, cleaning floors and horizontal surfaces on a regular basis is recommended, either explicitly or as an implementation of more general health and safety regulations for handling lead. The level of cleaning

7474-428: The huge amount of air being exhausted. Single-speed fans, not multiple-speed fans, should be used. To demonstrate proper exhaust system function, indicators (static or velocity pressure) for flow monitoring are a good idea. Outside air must make up for the lost airflow. The distribution of supply air is crucial in assessing the ventilation system's effectiveness. Air supply systems are designed to spread air equally over

7575-522: The interpreter and carry him back to a vehicle. Trooper Donaldson then rejoined his patrol and continued to engage the enemy while remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire. Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith MG of the Special Air Service Regiment was awarded the second Victoria Cross for Australia on 23 January 2011. Corporal Roberts-Smith was awarded the medal for single-handedly charging and destroying two Taliban machine gun positions during

7676-466: The lack of combustion gases negates the need for the high-performance ventilation systems required on conventional indoor ranges. Such arrangements are particularly common for major championships. Few locations could justify the expense of maintaining a permanent range with 80+ firing lanes, but such a range can be set up temporarily in large sports halls or exhibition centres. This is the approach taken by major European events such as InterShoot , RIAC and

7777-461: The last Australian to be awarded the (original) Victoria Cross for gallantry on 24 May 1969 during the Vietnam War . Unlike the original Victoria Cross where the announcement of the award may be followed some time later by the presentation of the award, the announcement of all awards of the Australian VC have occurred on the same occasion as the presentation by the Governor-General in the presence of

7878-678: The local RSL Clubs and other groups such as the Australian Light Horse Association and the Reserve Forces Day Parades attended by the NSW Governor and the Governor-General. The rifle range caretaker's cottage was built around 1890. The heritage cottage, horse stables and army huts were demolished by the federal government in October 2012. In the latter part of 1884 the venerable citizens of Sydney came together to form

7979-464: The lower power of most airguns, it is often possible to operate airgun ranges safely in multi-use and improvised spaces. This is particularly true of ISSF -oriented airguns which are limited to muzzle energies of 6ft-lb. Suitable ranges can be set up in sports halls or function rooms, using simple wooden backers, pellet catchers or lightweight ballistic curtains to protect the wall behind. Although safe handling practices for lead pellets must be followed,

8080-500: The marksman or woman shooting from the one firing point. The most advanced rifle range of this design was constructed for the Commonwealth Games New Delhi 2010. The firing point cover can be as simple as a tent, to a frame with only a roof (to keep off rain or sunshine) to a substantial building with appropriate apertures to shoot through. Civilian targets are usually made of paper or a plastic coreflute, sometimes with

8181-400: The materials used depend on the velocity and energy levels of the projectiles to be fired in the range. The majority of modern bullet traps are made up of angled hardened steel plates that redirect bullets into other metal plates, releasing their energy. The plates must be resistant to penetration, abrasion, and metal fatigue. The traps direct the spent bullets to a collection area in front of

8282-632: The medals are stationed outside the Officers' Mess, at the Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich . The remaining portion of the only remaining cascabel, weighing 10 kilograms (358 oz), is stored in a vault maintained by 15 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps at MoD Donnington , and can be removed only under armed guard. It is estimated that 80 to 85 more Victoria Crosses could be cast from this source. A single company of jewellers, Hancocks of London, established in 1849, has been responsible for

8383-582: The more remote areas common to outdoor ranges. Outdoor ranges for ISSF and Olympic shooting events often have heavily sheltered firing points to protect athletes, spectators and media from inclement weather as well as housing the sophisticated electronic target systems. Several studies of outdoor ranges have shown that prolonged exposure to lead and noise can cause health problems, particularly among employees and instructors. Due to their larger area and more "open air" nature, outdoor ranges need less cleaning and maintenance than indoor ranges. However, despite

8484-510: The next day of sitting he would introduce the Award of Victoria Cross for Australia Bill 2001 to award the Victoria Cross for Australia to certain persons. The next sitting day, 4 April 2001, Senator Schacht introduced the bill for three members of the Australian forces to be awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. The bill was read a first time and Senator Schacht gave his Second Reading Speech in which he said it could be argued that an Act conferring

8585-855: The person's name. The Governor-General of Australia awards the Victoria Cross for Australia, with the approval of the Sovereign, on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence , subject to review by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal . As at February 2021, five Victoria Cross for Australia had been awarded, two posthumously. The first was awarded on 16 January 2009 to Trooper Mark Donaldson , who had rescued an International Security Assistance Force interpreter under heavy fire in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan . Donaldson's award came almost 40 years after Warrant Officer Keith Payne became

8686-437: The production of every medal since its inception. Both the Australian and New Zealand Victoria Crosses are made from the same gunmetal as the originals. The original medal was awarded to 96 Australians ; 91 of these were received while serving as members of Australian forces; five were received by former members of the Australian forces who were serving with South African or British forces. Sixty-four awards were for action in

8787-414: The projectile striking the range floor. The height is determined by range distance, as well as the approved firearms - a range for unsupported or pistol shooting may require a larger backstop than a range exclusively used or prone or supported rifle where a greater level of accuracy is expected. Outdoor shooting ranges sometimes have wind flags, positioned between the firing line (where the shooters are) and

8888-552: The range master to control the operation and movement of the targets through a central control station in the control booth. Some ranges provide local control modules that can be operated in the shooting booths. Many smaller clubs or competition ranges may not bother with target carriers as shooters fire in timed details anyway, and match targets will be collected for scoring at the end of each detail. Electronic scoring systems are increasingly common on such ranges, which eliminate paper targets and manual scoring. A critical component in

8989-482: The range. Some target-shooting ranges have separate facilities devoted to the use of higher-powered firearms such as .50 caliber . Outdoor ranges may be partially enclosed and so have some features in common with indoor ranges, for example the British Armed Forces barrack range has a roofed firing point and normally has 360° walls. As its name suggests, it is generally found in military bases rather than in

9090-410: The recommendation of Queen Victoria, who thought some might erroneously consider that only the recipients of the Victoria Cross were brave in battle. The decoration, suspension bar, and link weigh about 27 grams (0.87  troy ounces ). The cross is suspended by a ring from a seriffed "V" to a bar ornamented with laurel leaves, through which the ribbon passes. The reverse of the suspension bar

9191-440: The same range is made available to both bow and gun shooters. However, there are many ranges that have been made available exclusively for archers , which lack the backstop to safely contain bullets The most popular types of archery ranges include 3-D ranges, field ranges and indoor ranges. The firing point normally is at a defined point on the ground, and on a civilian range will usually be level and flat. Outdoor ranges without

9292-526: The supply and exhaust fans to be working should be designed to ensure proper operation. The range's exhaust system eliminates dirty air. The air velocity down the range is determined by the exhaust flow rate, but it has no bearing on the airflow pattern at the firing line. A minor negative pressure in the range can be maintained by exhausting 3 to 7% more air than is supplied. The negative pressure of -0.04 + 0.02 inches water gauge should be maintained for ranges. Energy recovery systems should be considered because of

9393-453: The targets. Shooters observe these flags to make an estimate of wind speed, which is then converted into lateral minute of angle point of aim corrections or, alternatively, windage holdoff corrections. The flag method is the most common method used to estimate wind speed. A flag blowing in the wind will naturally blow away from the flagpole, with the angle of the bottom of the flag to the flagpole increasing with increasing windspeed. To estimate

9494-441: The then opposition leader Kim Beazley in his campaign in the following General Election. The awards were intended "to raise the profile and recognition of three ordinary Australians, who displayed outstanding bravery." The awards were to be made posthumously to John Simpson Kirkpatrick ("Simpson"), Albert Cleary and Teddy Sheean (Teddy Sheean was subsequently recommended for the award on 12 August 2020 ) for their actions in

9595-437: The trap or, for high-energy projectiles, at the back of the trap. Many indoor ranges provide additional spaces such as a cleaning room for weapons, a classroom, restrooms (including shower facilities), office areas, lounge area, or storage and maintenance rooms. Passageways are used to physically isolate the firing range from the adjoining areas. Some shooting ranges are equipped with shooting booths to provide shooters with

9696-405: The use of high-power calibers , rifles , or fully automatic firearms . A shooting gallery is a recreational shooting facility with toy guns (usually very low-power airguns such as BB guns or airsoft guns , occasionally light guns or even water guns ), often located within amusement parks , arcades , carnivals or fairgrounds , to provide safe casual games and entertainment for

9797-489: The ventilation systems are varied, most firing ranges have one supply and one exhaust fan, however, some have multiple supply or exhaust fans. Very often, the air-flow rate required by the firing range and space constraints for the fans dictate the number and types of fans. Most firing ranges have systems that supply 100% outside air to the firing range and exhaust all of the air to outside the building; but, some firing range ventilation systems are designed to recirculate some of

9898-598: The visiting crowd by prizing customers with various dolls , toys and souvenirs as trophies . In urban areas, most shooting ranges will be at indoor facilities. Indoor ranges offer sheltering from inclement weather conditions and can be operated around the clock under a controlled environment. Outdoor shooting ranges are typically found away from populated areas due to concerns of safety , noise pollution and soil contamination . Indoor shooting ranges are usually constructed as standalone structures, though they may be housed in larger buildings in isolated areas such as

9999-436: The wind speed closest to the midpoint of the range has the greatest effect on the projectile. In addition, the wind at one part of the range will not always be the same at another part. Wind flags are not always actual flags, sometimes streamers are used, small triangle flags, or even pinwheels. Factors such as the range length and expected strength of the wind determine the best type of flag to use. When no flags are available,

10100-413: The wind speed in mph, the angle in degrees between the bottom of the flag to the flagpole at the mid-range position between the shooter and the target is divided by 4. For example, an angle of 60 degrees between the bottom of a flag and a flagpole would be estimated as a 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) windspeed. The clock method is then used to determine full value, half value, or no value corrections in

10201-402: Was killed in Afghanistan in 2013. On 12 August 2020, the Queen gave royal assent for Edward "Teddy" Sheean to be awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. Sheean's case was reviewed three times, the first two reviews came up with conflicting advice. In June 2020, Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison ordered an expert panel to review the decision. On 10 August 2020, Morrison accepted

#886113