1860 Rifle Club

1860 Rifle Club promotes a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment for all members, and neighbouring clubs. Safety is our highest priority, every shooter, whether part of 1860RC or one of the adjoining clubs, plays a vital role in maintaining it. Our members act as an extra set of “eyes and ears” in support of the fully trained and qualified Range Control Officers.

The club is affiliated with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and is also Home Office Approved.

Our members meet monthly at the Altcar rifle ranges, shooting primarily centrefire rifles, with occasional rimfire sessions. Within the club, members enjoy shooting sports in many ways:

Some compete in regional and national competitions.

Others use range time to refine their skills for stalking or wildlife management.

Many simply value the chance to enjoy their firearms in a safe, relaxed, and sociable atmosphere.

History of Altcar

History Of Altcar Range And 1860 Rifle Club:

In 1859 this country was, once again threatened with invasion by a Napoleon. Consequently, on 12th May of that year the war office issued a circular letter to the Lord Lieutenants of Counties permitting the formation of Volunteer Rifle Corps under the Act 44.

Thus the 5th Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps was formed, the unit with others where faced with the problem of where to practice rifle shooting. Major Bousfeld arranged for a camp for his corps on Crosby shore, which lasted for one month in August 1860.

The shooting practice took place at temporary calico targets. The markers were stationed a few yards to the right or left of the line of fire and quite unprotected by any form of mantlet. A committee in Liverpool was formed for the purpose of raising money to clothe and equip a Liverpool Artillery and Rifle Brigade. This plan was abandoned and it was decided that the unspent money (£800) would provide a rifle range for the use by all Liverpool units.

So on Saturday 28th July 1860 one target and a firing point at 1100 yards were available. The first round, from an Enfield muzzleloader (.577inch) was fired by the Right Honorable the Earl of Sefton. Hightown range was now open. Further targets and firing points quickly followed, by August 25th there were fifteen targets and by the 15th September twenty firing points from 100 to 1100 yards were available.

Ammunition Restrictions

Please be aware that new regulations introduced by the Defence Ordnance, Munitions & Explosives Safety Regulator (DOSR) now prohibit the use of 6.5 mm calibre ammunition (e.g. 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, and other 6.5 mm variants) on MOD purpose-built firing ranges, unless the range has been assessed and approved under reduced-template or full-template ballistic safety criteria.

This ban is formalised in DOSR Regulatory Notice DOSR/RN/2024-06 – Use of 6.5 mm Ammunition on MOD Ranges (November 2024).

If you intend to use 6.5 mm calibres on MOD ranges, please check with the relevant Range Safety Officer or consult the full regulatory notice for range-specific approvals.

Read the full DOSR Notice (PDF)

Safe Handling Principles

Fundamental rules (always):

1. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.

2. Treat all guns as though they are loaded.

3. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

4. Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

5. Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.

Additional essential principles:

6. Know your firearm. Learn how it operates (loading, unloading, safeties, magazine removal, how to clear malfunctions).

7. Use correct ammunition. Only use the exact calibre/type the firearm is chambered for.

8. Wear protection. Always use eye and ear protection when shooting or near shooting activities.

9. Safe storage. Store firearms and ammunition securely (locked and separate), inaccessible to unauthorized persons and children.

10. Never rely solely on the safety. Mechanical safeties can fail — follow the fundamental rules even with the safety engaged.

11. Check the barrel. Ensure the barrel is unobstructed before firing.

12. Clear before cleaning/handling. Always visually and physically confirm the firearm is unloaded before cleaning, handing to someone, or storing.

13. No alcohol/drugs. Never handle or shoot a firearm while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or certain medications.

14. Transport safely and legally. Follow local laws for transporting firearms (unloaded, secured, separate from ammo where required).

15. Supervise novices. Provide competent supervision and training for new shooters; get professional instruction.

16. Maintain the firearm. Regular inspection and maintenance keep it safe and reliable.

17. Report malfunctions. If a firearm behaves unexpectedly (misfire, hangfire, failure to extract), follow safe malfunction procedures and get it checked by a qualified gunsmith.

18. Range/conduct rules. Follow range commands, local rules, and emergency procedures.