1. "What is your purpose?"

The Club's purpose is to promote the art and science of accurate shooting and accurate rifles. Among the founding purposes of the Club is to "encourage, promote and sponsor, organized and supervised shooting matches". Organized and supervised shooting events are characterized by having a predefined course of fire, definitions of the firearms to be used, targets of some standard dimensions, and compiling of numerical scores.

2. "How is the Club organized?"

The club was incorporated in 1960 in the State of Minnesota as a non-profit corporation. The club is managed by a group of officers and Board of Directors. Elections are held during the annual November business meeting. The club is affiliated with the NRA, CMP and the Minnesota Rifle and Revolver Association.

3. "What facilities do you have?"

The club owns about 220 acres slightly north of Red Wing, Minnesota, just off Hwy 61. Our club has a 20 point KD (Known Distance) rifle range suitable for High Power Rifle matches and practice with mounded firing lines at 200, 300, 500 and 600 yards. We also have a separate 100 yard general purpose range with shooting benches. Access to our range is available only for members and their occasional guests. It is not open to the public.

4. "The club seems heavily oriented to highpower shooting. Why is that?"

Our club was founded by competitive shooters for the propose of honing their shooting skills and hosting matches. Our club has been home to and produced a number of nationally-ranked competitive shooters.

Our emphasis has always been on NRA Highpower Rifle shooting. There are currently no scheduled activities in other areas, although some club members actively practice these sports. Activities may be added in the future if sufficient interest arises.

5. "I enjoy plinking with my collection of old military and hunting rifles. Can I do this at the range?"

Yes. Shooting is allowed but only at paper targets and only those targets set in range-provided frames. The club does not allow tracer ammunition, frangible targets, or targets placed in non-designated areas. Keep in mind that many summer weekends have scheduled matches and many shooters practice during weekdays, especially in the afternoons.

6. "I enjoy shooting my hunting/varmint rifle at long ranges. Can I do this at the range?"

Yes. Long range varmint or hunting rifle shooting is allowed and encouraged.

7. "How do I apply for membership?"

Applications for membership are accepted during quarterly business meetings. To be considered for membership, applicants are expected to show up in person and introduce themselves to the membership, submit a completely filled out application form, proof of NRA membership, a copy of their Permit to Purchase or Permit to Carry and all applicable dues.

New members are considered conditional during their first year and are not eligible to vote during business meetings. Conditional members are accepted into full membership at the end of their first year by a vote of the membership.

8. "What are the benefits and responsibilities of membership?"

Among the benefits are the use of the range and the ability to learn and share marksmanship skills with other club members. The responsibilities include strict observance of firearms safety, conformance to the club's rules and purpose, and the contribution of a day of service to the club.

9. "What is considered a day of service to the club?"

It is our membership who operate and maintain our range, all members are required, either with service or additional payment, to contribute. There are three primary areas of service: first in providing support for matches. This involves spending a day, usually starting at 7:00AM continuing until late afternoon, performing various match management duties and administrative work. A second area is range maintenance, including lawn mowing, equipment maintenance, fence repair, painting, and brush cutting. Service may be provided in small increments over the year. A third area is participation in the scheduled range maintenance days, one typically in late April, another in late August.

10. "What does the club look for in a member?"

1) The applicant has interests consistent with club's stated purposes.
2) The applicant is likely to make a positive contribution to the club.
3) Assurance to existing members that new members are safe, informed, and responsible shooters.

The North Star Rifle Club is primarily interested in rifle accuracy and marksmanship skills. Since North Star places significant emphasis on organized Highpower rifle competition, it is appropriate that applicants share this interest. We strive to be good citizens and responsible firearms owners.

11. "What are the procedures for range use?"

Members are allowed to use the range facility 7 days a week all year with winter use depending on snow and road conditions. Members are required to sign in and out, lock gates behind them and clean up after themselves. If other members are present, the newly-arriving member should determine how their plans will integrate with those in progress. There is no provision for range "reservation", and scheduled events such as matches or workdays always take precedence over other use.

For safety reasons, no one is allowed forward of the firing line while firearms and ammunition are being handled. Firearms must be unloaded and cased or have an NRA-approved empty chamber indicator in place.

12. "What is a Highpower rifle match?"

A shooting event using center fire rifles firing at bullseye-type targets at various distances. Matches usually start early in the morning and run until mid to late afternoon. From 50 to 100 shots are fired in a match.

The courses of fire include:

Over-the-Course match, with firing from the Standing, Sitting and Prone positions at 200, 300, and 600 yards.

Mid Range Prone match, fired from the prone position at 300, 500 and 600 yards.

13. "What sort of rifles are used?"

The NRA has defined several categories:

Service Rifle - A M1, M14, M16 or their civilian counterparts.

NRA Match Rifle - A center fire rifle with metallic sights and a magazine capable of holding not less than 5 rounds.

Any Rifle - A rifle with no restrictions on sights except that it must be safe and no larger than .35 caliber.

F-Class - A scoped rifle fired from the prone position with either a bipod or rest.

14. "What else is needed for highpower shooting?"

Besides an accurate rifle you will need quality ammunition. A spotting scope is helpful although some shooters begin shooting using binoculars to assist them in scoring. A shooting coat, glove, and sling are important, as well as the combination stool and pack which allows the shooter to carry and store equipment while on the range.

15. "Where can I find out more about competitive shooting and equipment?"

Here are several resources:

Highpower Brochure

F-Class Brochure

NRA.org

CMP.com

16. "Could I use my vintage military rifle for match shooting?"

Yes, the popularity of vintage military rifle events using the M-1 Garand, 1903 Springfield, 1917 Enfield, and various Mauser designs is growing. While there are no vintage matches scheduled at North Star, there are several events around the upper Midwest during the summer months, as well as events at the US National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

17. "Can the range be used for camping?"

Yes. We have a dedicated camping area. Outdoor privies are available, however there is no water or electricity. Campers must be very watchful of children and pets when the range is in use.

18. "Can my spouse be a member?"

Yes. For an additional $1.00 per year, you can have a "spousal membership", which provides access to the range without your presence. This type of membership has no voice or vote at meetings and no other privileges or responsibilities. A full membership can obtained using the procedures described above.

Rev 8/13