NRA Press Release
(Issued by the muzzle energy working group on behalf of the Council 14th April 2008)

NRA/MoD agreement for civilian use of MoD ranges by clubs affiliated to the NRA

The NRA is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed a series of negotiations with the MoD and the resulting agreement will allow the continued use of MoD ranges by civilian shooters who are members of the NRA or of NRA affiliated clubs.

Whilst agreement `in principle' was achieved some weeks ago, the MoD placed a number of requirements upon the NRA and its affiliated clubs if it was to accept the continued use of its ranges by civilians. It has taken some time to finalise the precise nature of these requirements and the finalised document has had to be approved by a number of MoD committees. It was important that publication of the details of the agreement waited until the finalised document had been agreed at all levels on both sides.

The key changes for NRA members and members of affiliated clubs are:

There will be a standardised training scheme for all new shooters with clubs having to use the NRA Probationary Course structure or have their own scheme approved by the NRA.

All shooters will be required to have an annually renewed certificate, signed by their club Chairman, confirming that they are safe and competent to use the relevant type of firearm. This certificate will have to be available for inspection when shooting on an MoD range.

Both the NRA and affiliated clubs will have to maintain sufficient records to show that these procedures have been carried out, and periodic audits will be required.

Clubs will need to sign an agreement stating that they accept these requirements, they will take part in any investigation following an incident and they will require their members to assist fully in such investigation.

The timetable for implementation of these changes requires that the new probationary training procedures be in use by the 1st July 2008 and that the annual certification process must be fully implemented by the 1st January 2009.

Recognising that these are new requirements for clubs, the NRA is preparing a range of documentation to help them through the process. The NRA Probationary Course has been updated and will be available to clubs from the 1st May 2008. For the annual certification process, club Chairmen will be provided with guidance on certification of shooters and documentation to carry out this process.

Finally, the limit on use of firearms using ammunition with a muzzle energy greater than 4,500 Joules remains in place, but from the 1st May 2008, the introduction of specific procedures will allow this limit to be exceeded. By that time a sufficient number of RCOs will have been trained in the correct procedures and approved zeroing targets will have been distributed.

Whilst recognising that shooters have been concerned about the possible curtailment of their access to MoD ranges, these have been lengthy negotiations and it has been important to ensure that information was not released in `draft' form which may have needed subsequent updating. With the conclusion of the agreement, information packs will be sent to club Chairmen as soon as possible and these will include full copies of the agreement along with supporting documentation to help clubs to understand and implement the changes. This information will also be posted on the NRA website.

Subj: NRA RCO High Muzzle Energy Qualification Course - RCO HME Course
Date: 13/03/2008 15:57:02 GMT Standard Time
From: memsec@nra.org.uk
To: memsec@nra.org.uk
Sent from the Internet (Details)

Dear Club Secretary,

On the 1st April 2008, the MoD will lift the ban on the use of ammunition that generates muzzle energy in excess of 4500 Joules by members of civilian clubs. However, clubs must comply with the new control measures, which have been agreed between the MOD and NRA. These measures require the Range Conducting Officer who signs for the range to be re-qualified in order to supervise the new zeroing procedures, which must be carried out each time this ammunition is used on MoD ranges.

The NRA HME Course is a half-day bolt on course for qualified NRA RCO's, which will be run by specially trained NRA RCO Assessors. RCO HME courses can be held at Bisley and regionally, all requests for courses must be made to the NRA Training Department. The RCO manual will be amended to include the new procedures. This amendment will shortly be available to download from the NRA website: http://www.nra.org.uk. All qualified RCO's (HME) will receive a new photo ID showing their additional qualification.

Regional Course

The NRA will hold a regional RCO HME course at Altcar Ranges on the morning of Sunday 6 April (following the NRA Altcar Open day on 5 April). Any RCO who would like to attend this course should complete and return the application form to the NRA by 28th March. The cost for this course will be £25 per person which includes target and instructor fees. Initially we are offering 2 places per interested club, however extra places may be available so please let us know if you have more RCO’s that you want trained. Extra places will be on a “first come first served” basis.

Other regional courses may be held on request to the NRA: the course fee will be £15 per head (payable to the NRA). The club will also be responsible for paying the Assessor’s travel and subsistence and for providing suitable range (200x) and classroom facilities. A minimum of six candidates will normally be required for a regional course. Course at Bisley

There will be a RCO HME course at the National Shooting Centre, Bisley on Saturday 19 April (am). The cost for this course will be £30 per person. Additional courses may be offered as required.

To arrange a regional course for your club members please contact Maureen Peach on email: Maureen.peach@nra.org.uk or tel: 01483 797777 Ext 149.

To book a place on either the Altcar or the Bisley courses please complete the attached application form and send it together with the appropriate course fee to the NRA marked for the attention of Maureen Peach (RCO Support). If you require further information about the new training requirements please contact the Director of Training on email:training@nra.org.uk or tel: 01483 797777 Ext 150.

P J Farnan

Phyllis Farnan
Director of Training

Muzzle Energy Update

Jan 15th 2008 (More News)

As you are aware the MoD as a result of looking at Muzzle Energy rates for the new .338 sniper rifle made a proposal in October 2008 [Not my error here : Ed] to ban the use of all ammunition with a muzzle energy (ME) exceeding 3800J.

The way the military assess the safety of ranges is to feed the relevant data into a computer which then fires millions of rounds on a virtual reality range, which then estimates how many rounds could leave the range. A decision is then made as to whether the appropriate safety criteria are met or not. Initial predictions led the military to limit the use of all ammunition whose ME exceeded 3800J. Effectively, they had banned the majority of civilian shooters from using MoD ranges.

The NRA only became aware of the MoD concerns when we were informed that there were some difficulties at Altcar in the last week of October. The National Rifle Association immediately began to negotiate with the MoD as a matter of urgency, pointing out that the revised ME limit effectively banned all cadets and military snipers as well as most civilians.

A series of meetings took place between the Association and the MoD with the aim of keeping civilians shooting on military ranges. Initially the authorities were intransigent about allowing civilian shooters to shoot ammunition that exceeded 3800J muzzle energy. They were insisting that a series of measures be put in place to ensure that whatever was fired there was no chance that a bullet would either miss the stop butt and leave the range in free flight or, even worse, ricochet off the range floor and leave the range danger area in a totally unpredictable direction.

The Association argued against the muzzle energy reduction and the necessity to change on the basis that there was no proven problem based upon accident statistics.

At this point one has to realise, as the NRA did, that the MoD are managed not by the military but by Civil Servants, who are 'risk averse'. They have been brought up in a culture of Service Level Agreements, Risk Assessments, Health and Safety and have an adversity to any chance of Civil Litigation.

The view that strongly came across was that unless civilians were willing to meet the same or similar conditions as placed upon the military to use MoD ranges there would be a general restriction put in place which would effectively put an end to most full-bore shooting.

The discussions between the NRA and the MoD were lengthy and complex, with them setting the problems and us having to offer solutions. As a result of our determination to meet their needs, they gradually became more comfortable with our proposals and accepted most, if not all, of our opinions on key issues.

The most important matter was to get the MoD to reconsider raising the ME to a level that would allow most shooters to continue using MoD ranges as was our aim.

In early December, having re-examined the problem, the MoD agreed to an ME of 4500J, thus allowing most shooters to continue to use military ranges without the need for special safety procedures. In particular Black Powder and Muzzle Loaders were excluded through negotiation from the whole Muzzle Energy issue.

However the MoD is still insistent upon general conditions being in place to guarantee the safety and competency of all people shooting on their ranges, the details of which will be released in the near future.

To meet the MoD requirements (with little notice) we have had to create the procedures, and write or re-write course material, to ensure that by the beginning of the new season you will all be in a position to shoot as usual, albeit possibly with revised zeroing procedures.

The National Rifle Association has worked very hard and has been successful in keeping you all shooting, some as before, some under special conditions relating to the use of ammunition whose ME exceeds 4500J.

The NRA has had to accept full responsibility for all civilians who shoot on MoD ranges, in terms of their training, competence and behaviour to be able to reach agreement with the MoD. This is not a position we sought but in the interests of you all, and the future of full-bore shooting, we have had to accept the challenge.

Following a MoD meeting on 10th January 2008 the ME of 4500J was agreed, in addition to the general and special conditions allowing civilians to shoot on MoD ranges. Finalisation of the entries for JSP 403 Volume 1 (Responsibilities, Authorisation, Maintenance and Inspection of Land Ranges) will take place in April 2008.

Glynn Alger
Secretary General

Muzzle Energy Update

Nov 28th (Good News?)

Following a meeting with the MoD today the NRA is pleased to announce that there has been an agreement to raise the Muzzle Energy limit to 4500J with immediate effect.

This will mean that all shooters using Target Rifles, Match Rifles and most F Class Rifles will be able to shoot as normal.

Anyone using ammunition that exceeds the 4500J limit will be unable to shoot on an MoD range until new conditions have been formally agreed between the military and the NRA in mid-January 2008.

Going forward, the MoD has set a number of new conditions around the use of their ranges. These demand that the Association work in close partnership with other bodies and our clubs to ensure we meet the requirements of the military, to guarantee we can keep you all using ranges as normal.

Glynn Alger
Secretary General

Muzzle Energy Update

Nov 23rd

The change in muzzle energy rates downwards has been a challenge for the NRA, in that only a few weeks ago we were being told that no one would be able to shoot on a MoD range or at Bisley using anything in excess of 3800J, which would have had an adverse effect on most of our sport.

In the interim we have been negotiating hard with the MoD to get that level changed upwards and to agree conditions under which those that shoot disciplines where the ME exceeds the new limit can still do so.

As previously stated we believe we are close to getting this agreement in outline.

The Association has been under great pressure to release details of its discussions with the MoD. If we were to do this we would send many hares running because I have to remind you we do not have an agreement yet. At the same time if we were to leak details the MoD might well feel they were being put under inappropriate pressure, which would almost certainly blight the current negotiations.

I appreciate many of you are worried about the future of your sport but you are going to have to wait until we have a final agreement. There have already been examples of how things can go wrong with unnecessary unofficial interference.

At the stage we have a 'broad brush stroke' agreement, we will be involving our Shooting Committee, other bodies and experts to help us look at the detail of what needs to be done going forward to keep everyone shooting as before.

Glynn Alger
Secretary General

Muzzle Energy Update

Nov 20th

Another positive meeting has taken place involving the representatives from the MoD and the NRA who are responsible for negotiating a national agreement with the aim of continuing to allow civilians to shoot on MoD ranges.

The MoD has been informing the NRA what their requirements are. The NRA has been responding, giving options to meet military needs. Often these proposals have been accepted but on occasions we have had to go back to the drawing board.

Both parties have now agreed an outline proposal that will have to go through various technical and management committees that will be finalised on 10 January 2008.

The Association is quietly confident that if we, our members and our clubs are prepared to meet the conditions set by the MoD, civilians will continue to shoot on military ranges.

The details of the agreement and the actions required to meet military expectations will be released to all shooters during the next few weeks in time for the next shooting season.

On a negative note we were made aware that the various threatening messages communicated to military representatives from individuals and those purporting to represent shooting organisations had not been well received and had the potential to adversely affect relationships to the detriment of civilian shooting. An example of cause and effect are the current restrictions at Altcar that are in place as a direct response to 'local heroes' doing their best for shooting.

Further to this I was informed by the MoD representative that if people wished to verbally threaten their staff in future, those concerned will be banned from shooting on all MoD ranges (including Bisley).

Glynn Alger
Secretary General

Muzzle Energy Update

Nov 15th

A meeting was held today between the MoD representative and the NRA to discuss proposals which would allow us to continue shooting.

It was a very positive meeting which discussed what would have to be put in place if using a firearm with a muzzle energy exceeding the MoD proposed limit of 3800 joules. The NRA has asked that this limit be raised to sufficiently encompass the many and varied calibres that our affiliated clubs and members use.

These proposals will ensure the safe use of military ranges by civilians and should not be onerous or difficult to supervise. They will be presented to the appropriate safety group on 26 November 2007.

Following this very positive and informative meeting we will keep you posted as things progress.

Glynn Alger
Secretary General

Muzzle Energy Update Nov 14th

There has long been a relationship between the military and the NRA which dates back to the origins of the Association. However, over the last forty years that relationship has changed dramatically from one where the NRA was directly supported and subsidised by the MoD to one where the military are independent of the Association.

This has been a necessary change by the MoD as relationships and defence imperatives have changed. More and more the military are focusing on their core business, defence, and less on ceremonial aspects of their former roles.

The reason this has occurred is that along with other institutions the military have increasingly come under the control of central government who give direction not only at the policy level but sometimes operationally. The senior officers of our military in consequence have less control over decisions than previously. To be successful they have to deal with tight budgets and manage finite resources, while meeting the UK¹s defence requirements.

Currently our relationship with the MoD is good in that they use Bisley to shoot their national competitions for regular, reserve and cadet forces. Even here though they have to tighten their belts, cutting back next year on the length of their meeting, on cost grounds. The Army regularly use Bisley for training as well, all of which they pay for.

The ranges at Bisley are leased from the MoD on a long-term lease.

UK wide we have agreements with the MoD which allow civilian clubs affiliated to the NRA access to military ranges.

In terms of regulation the MoD has full authority to set the conditions for use of British military ranges (including Bisley) both in the UK and abroad.

Basically they are in a position to decide who, what, how, when and if any civilian will fire on a military range. As the acknowledge experts in the UK they also influence the conditions that are present on all other ranges. This is because the Police and Home Office are comfortable with military authority and advice. Going forward it is likely that any conditions that feature on a military range on the basis of safety will be required elsewhere.

In terms of the current problems with the lowering of muzzle energy levels, because of difficulties with the new .338, the military have conducted tests that show there is a potential as far as they are concerned for bullets to leave the range. On the basis of safety they have set the new 3800Jstandard. As previously notified we are currently discussing ways that civilians can continue to use MoD ranges using the firearms and ammunition as now.

It is essential that we maintain our relationship with the MoD going forward to ensure civilians can continue to shoot on military ranges. A good relationship is essential.

Unfortunately there are forces beyond our control, namely rogue shooters who’re not willing to accept the authority of the NRA to deal with this issue without interference in timely fashion.

I accept people are worried, but is it really a good plan to ring up the OIC at Altcar and give him a piece of ones mind then threaten him with legal action, when he is the individual who will decide who shoots there under what conditions. I think not.

Is it a good idea to put an allegation on the Prime Ministers website, blaming the Government for reducing the muzzle energy on MoD ranges? Then ask shooters to vote for the return to previous levels. The change in muzzle energy is nothing to do with the Government. The Government would not even have known about the change, even less been involved. However, they do know now. What if they decide to direct the MoD to stick rigidly to their decision and not allow anything to be shot over 3800J? Fortunately they probably have other things on their minds at present.

However, if this continues it will have the potential to sour relations between civilian shooters and the MoD generally. If this happens you will probably be still able to shoot on military ranges but only under 3800J.

The NRA is working hard to keep you all shooting on MoD ranges. To succeed we need your fullest support. We are being quite open about the discussions we are having and the probable implications of them. I accept some proposals are not popular but we have to accept the military own and control most of the ranges in the UK and have authority to set any condition they choose.

The NRA is hopeful of a successful outcome for us all.

Glynn Alger
Secretary General