Clothing:   Because shooting takes place from the verandah of the clubhouse, you are protected from the weather.   This means that everyday, normal casual clothing can be used. 

Ear muffs: Short term there is minimal hearing damage from these low power .22 calibre rifles. In the vending machine we have foam ear plugs for sale, and these are recommended to protect young ears.   After two or three shoots you will know whether you will be coming back regularly, and the first piece of shooting equipment to buy is a set of ear muffs. Check out what other people are using - Builder's Suppliers (eg Bunnings) sell ear muffs, but they are designed for continuous loud machinery noise. Shooting noise is a high intensity impulse, and ear muffs sold at specialist shooting stores may provide better protection. There are also electronic ones that allow you to hear normally, but filter out loud impulse noise.

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Mat: To cover the concrete floor shooting mats are available.   These have extra rubber sheeting under your elbows (basically front door mats). This gives some elbow padding, but bare elbows tend to get tender after a while.

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Jacket:  An old jumper, track suit top or coat helps. Long term shooters use a custom shooting jacket with major rubber elbow and shoulder pads.

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Jeans: Shooting is from the "prone" position, lying behind the rifle, facing the targets. The toes of your new high polish shoes may scratch, the elbows of your cute suede jacket wear quickly and jeans work better than dresses.

Shoes: You really need to be wearing shoes for Occupational Health and Safety reasons. If you slip over while walking across the lawn to replace your target, and you are wearing flip flops or no shoes at all ...... insurance is not going to cover you.

Glove: Competition shooters use a sling to support the rifle and a glove to protect their hands. These are not required for the telescope rifles.

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Hat: The range faces west into the setting sun. A hat helps shade your eyes, but remember it needs to fit around the ear muffs somehow - a cap works well.   At night the range is lit with spotlights and again a hat helps shade your eyes and also keeps light from behind you falling on the backsight.
 
North Sydney Small Bore & Air Rifle Club, Hornsby Rifle Range, Sydney, Australia 2077,   50 metres,  .22  prone Target Shooting Club.   Jul09 - Jul2011
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