That’s the message Trevor Gulvin is sending out as the Donnybrook Smallbore Club’s new range nears completion.

For Trevor, it is all about safety first. “Proper procedure has to be followed,” he said.

Trevor has shot competitively at target shooting, while his son has previously represented Australia in small bore at the Regional Pacific Games in Brisbane. He also shot at the NRA national title in Camp Perry, Ohio, and is now trying to qualify for an Olympic event.

Competitive shooters aim at paper targets, and it is law all over Australia that no animals are killed on shooting ranges.

One of the major safety measures taken during a shooting competition is for a string to be inserted into the chamber after a round to show there are no pellets. This empty chamber indicator (ECI) is inspected on each gun before it can be returned to its place.

Trevor said that in Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) events, there are three shooting positions; prone, standing and kneeling or sitting.

“You use different rifles for different events,” he said.

The Donnybrook Smallbore Club’s new range will also cater for people who can’t physically hold a rifle up with bench rests.

Trevor said that there were 20, 50 and 90 yard disciplines with shooting, and that minimal movement can put a shot in a different place – making shooting a precision sport.

The new ranges in Donnybrook are ready to shoot on and footings are in place.

Facilities including toilet blocks and sheds are yet to be erected.

Club President John Mighall said that the new range is outdoors and will cater for a much wider range of events though to 100m.