Rappahannock Pistol & Rifle Club

An NRA Gold Medal Club

Electronic Access to the Range

Overview

Continuing in 2011, access to the range will be controlled and monitored by an electronic card reader system.  All members who are current on their dues for 2011 will receive a special card, which is to be used only by the holder to open the gate on arrival at the range and again on departure from the range.  There is a card reader on the left just in front of the gate when you arrive, and another inside the range on your left when leaving.  Please present your card to these readers.   Unlike Membership ID Badges, new cards will NOT be issued every year, but if you do not pay your dues in a timely manner, your card will be deactivated and you will not be able to access the range. 

When you arrive, hold your card within three inches of the reader until it beeps.  The gate will open for one vehicle to enter: YOURS. The gate will stay open long enough for you to drive through and then will close automatically.  The next member must present his/her card to open the gate. 

There is no paper “log-in” when you arrive at the range.  This is done electronically.   When you have finished shooting, please record the numbers of rounds shot at each range on the forms at each range.  This is the same as what happens presently at the “log-in/out” box. 

When you leave the range, hold your card within three inches of the reader until it beeps.  The gate will stay open long enough for you to drive through and then will close automatically.  

This means that the gate will be closed while you are on the range. 

Access to the range will be time controlled.  The gate is programmed to open 10 minutes before shooting is permitted (0850 Monday through Saturday, and 1250 on Sundays), and will cease about 30 minutes after sunset. 

You are still required to visibly display your current Membership ID Badge when on the range. 

We hope that the following “FAQs” will be helpful. 

What do I have to do if I have other people in my vehicle?

Whether the other people are Club members or your guests, you do NOT have to do anything at the gate.  Just make sure you record the names and rounds fired for everyone in your party at each range. If someone does not shoot, please record their names also, just as is done presently.  

My guests are coming in a separate vehicle – can they use my card to open the gate?

No, this will not work.   It will be necessary for them to leave their vehicle outside of the gate and travel through the gate in your vehicle with you.   We strongly suggest you plan to meet up with your guests outside of the range.  There is plenty of parking around. The next FAQ may help you. 

If I open the gate from inside the range to let in my guests, will I still be able to get out of the range later?

Do NOT do this!   If you open the gate from the inside, you must exit the range and come back in again by presenting your card to open the gate.    HOWEVER, there is a significant time delay before you can use the card again, so you will have to wait a while before you can get back in.  

I am a prospective member but have not been voted in yet – how can I access the range?

You will need to make arrangements with an Officer to meet you at the range and let you in and out. 

What happens if I lose my card?

You will need to contact the Membership Officer to arrange for a replacement.  There will be a $25 fee for a replacement card. 

Can the emergency services access the range?

Yes.  They will have special access cards. 

What happens if there is a power outage when I am on the range?

If this happens, you will be able to manually open the gate.   It may take some pushing, but there is nothing to stop it.  When you have driven through the open gate, please push it closed.  Do NOT lock it in any way - it will lock automatically when power returns. 

What happens when there are matches or other special events?

No special arrangements are made for matches.  Just enter/leave the normal way. In other cases where there are large numbers involved, and the range is closed for general shooting, an Officer will have a special card that will hold the gate open for those arriving/departing for the event.  These persons will be required to log-in at the event. 

What happens if I am on the range after the 30 minutes after sunset and gate does not open so I cannot get out? 

Enjoy a night at the range, no cost!! 

 

PLEASE REVIEW THE UPDATED SAFETY REGULATIONS

THERE ARE SOME CHANGES