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: a President, Vice President, Executive Officer, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, there are six Directors. The Directors are elected for three-year terms, the other officers are elected for one -year terms. Elections are held during the annual November business meeting. The club is affiliated with the NRA and the Minnesota Rifle and Revolver Association.

3. "What facilities do you have?"

The club owns about 220 acres slightly north of the Cannon River, between Hastings and Red Wing, Minnesota. The shooting range is placed in a north-facing valley, providing safety in all directions. The also owns land adjacent to the range to assure proper control of access to the range. The club has 20 targets suitable for high power shooting in a pit area secured by an earthen berm about 15 feet high. There are mounded firing lines at 200, 300, 500 and 600 yards. A separate 100 yard range range is located at the south end of the club property and has 4 shooting benches. There is a bench at 200 yards, and another at 600 yards.. There are storage buildings for the targets and range maintenance equipment. The range is available only for members and an occasional guest and is not open to the public.

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

The club has produced a number of nationally-ranked competitive shooters. The emphasis has been on NRA-type shooting, however there is growing interest in other types which can utilize the range facilities in keeping with the club's mission. These include silhouette, blackpowder cartridge silhouette, and single-shot rifle competition. There is no current scheduled activity in these areas, although some club members actively compete in these sports. These activities may be added in the future if there is sufficient interest.

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

Yes. Shooting is allowed 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 needs to be adapted with highpower shooters if they are present. To assist in developing long range wind-doping skills, most highpower shooters practice in pairs, with one being in the target pits marking the location of each shot after it is fired.

7. "How do I apply for membership?"

Complete the application form and submit it, along with $125.00, which covers the $25 initiation fee and $100 for the year's dues. Newly-elected members are classified as "Associates" for a period of one year, during which time they cannot vote in affairs of the club. Upon ratification of the general membership, after one year Associate Members become full members with full right to voice and vote in the business of the club.

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 purposes, and the contribution of a day of service to the club.

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

It is the members who operate and maintain the range, so all members are required, whether 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 here may be provided in small increments over a period of time. 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 shooting skills. Other groups, such as Game and Fish Clubs or Sportsmen's Clubs emphasize hunting. Some clubs promote trap and skeet, action shooting, or bullseye pistol shooting. Since North Star places significant emphasis on organized high power shooting, it is appropriate that applicants share this interest.

While the club is an aggregate of many people, the misdeeds of one reflect negatively on all. A single member through an act of carelessness or of lack of consideration for our neighbors could jeopardize our range. There are many who would like to ban firearms ownership by citing the example of a few misuses. We strive to be good citizens and responsible firearms owners.

11. "How is the club financed?"

Dues currently cover primarily taxes, insurance, and range maintenance. The range property is owned by the club free and clear. Special assessments are made from time to time to cover unusual expenses. Highpower matches conducted throughout the year provide enough income to cover the balance of range maintenance costs plus provide for periodic improvements and unforeseen repairs. Unlike a "fee for service" club where members fees cover all costs, the North Star Club relies upon its members for service and support in addition to annual dues. Currently, the Club has slightly less than 100 members. This membership size allows easy range use without incurring conflicts. Our intention is to maintain about this size to assure members can have a pleasant and uncrowded day at the range.

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

In general, members enter the range, lock gates behind them, sign-in, set targets, and shoot. If others 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. Range use coordination generally involves agreement on when a "cease fire" will be called so shooters can change targets. For safety reasons, no one is allowed forward of the firing line while firearms and ammunition are being handled. Firearms must be unloaded and either in a closed case or with a NRA-approved empty chamber indicator in place.

13. "What is a Highpower rifle match?"

A shooting event using center fire rifles firing at bullseye-type targets at various distances, including both slow-fire stages as well as rapid fire stages requiring magazine reloading and firing within strict time limitations. Matches usually start early in the morning and run until mid to late afternoon. From 50 to 100 shots are fired. Shooters use various predefined shooting positions, including standing, sitting, and prone. The course of fire may be an "Over-the-Course" event with firing at 200, 300, and 600 yards.

The NRA has recently established a "Mid Range" event, which is fired at 300, 500, and 600 yards. The North Star range is one of a very few in the mid west that can host these matches. "Long Range" matches are fired at 800 to 1,000 yards. North Star does not have a 1,000 yard range but has several 600 yard matches each summer.

14. "What sort of rifles are used?"

The NRA has defined several categories: a Service Rifle, an NRA Match Rifle, and "Any Rifle." A Service Rifle is an M1, M14, or M16. Internal parts may be specially fitted or altered to improve accuracy. An NRA Match Rifle is a center fire with metallic sights and a magazine capable of holding not less than 5 rounds. Any Rifle is a rifle with no restrictions on sights except that it must be safe and no larger than .35 caliber. Since many matches require the same rifle be used to fire all stages, most bolt action NRA Match Rifles have clip slots added for rapid fire reloading, and some have adjustable combs and buttplates to adapt to the different positions.

15. "What is typically used as a Service Rifle?"

M1's in 30-06 are fun to shoot but seldom competitive in terms of accuracy. A few M1's have been converted to 308 with some improvement in accuracy. Many shooters use the M14 and the civilian clone the M1A. Most are made by Springfield Armory and accurized by various custom gunsmiths. The M16, or civilian equivalent the such as the AR15 made by Colt, Eagle Arms, DPMS, and Olympic Arms, are often used.

16. "What is typically used as a NRA Match Rifle?"

Among bolt action rifles, the Winchester Model 70 accounts for about 80%, with the Remington Model 700 or Model 40X accounting for the balance, with a few Ruger and Savage rifles sometimes found. The bolt action rifles use conventional receivers which have clips slots added and often have custom triggers. Various AR15 type rifles have been modified with much success in 5.56 NATO caliber. Changes from AR15 configuration include a flat top to allow precision sights, a lengthened butt stock, and round handguards with sleeves to prevent sling induced barrel distortion.

Recent winners at National Matches have used 6 mm bullets in a shortened 243 Win case or the 22/250 case. Recent developments in bullet design have produced 22 cal bullets with wind resistance essentially equal to many 30 cal bullet/velocity profiles and the 5.56 NATO cartridge coupled with these Very Low Drag (VLD) bullets fired in AR15 type rifles are winning many matches.

17. "What is typically used as an Any Rifle?"

Many use action popular with bench rest shoots, such as Panda. The 6.5 x 284 is often used, along with some of the short magnums such as the 300 WSM. There is no need for a magazine. This rifle is used almost exclusively for long range shooting at 600 or 1,000 yards.. Various varmint and target scopes with adjustable windage and elevation knobs are used with magnifications ranging from 12X to 24X being most common.

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

Most shooters reload ammunition both for cost savings and to optimize accuracy. 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.

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

Here are several resources:

NRA.org
Zediker.com
Ok Weber.com

20. "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. There are several events in the upper Midwest during the summer months, as well as an event at the US National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

21. "Could I use my hunting rifle in a highpower match?"

Yes, the NRA has been considering such an event. Some shooters have adapted bolt action rifles to use a detachable magazine. Some are also using flat top versions of the AR15 with a scope.

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

Yes. You can use the area behind the 600 yard firing line for camping during multi day matches. Outdoor privies are available. There is no water or electricity available. Campers must be very watchful of children and pets when the range is in use.

23. "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 3/07