2021 Range Build Diary
Pinnbrook range transformation
Building on Success
Following the successful 2020 Scott Langley range upgrade, the committee turned attention to the Pinnbrook ranges. These twin ranges - Pinnbrook Left (prone rifle) and Pinnbrook Right (multi-purpose) - are the heart of traditional target shooting at Pinhoe TSC. Built in the 1980s, they needed modernization while preserving their classic character. This is that story.
Project Overview
Project Name:
Pinnbrook Range Modernization
Timeline:
February 2021 - September 2021
Budget:
£65,000
Project Lead:
Richard Thompson
January 2021: Planning & Design
January 12th - Scope Defined
Committee reviews condition of both Pinnbrook ranges. Pinnbrook Left (prone rifle) needs target system upgrades and new shooting mats. Pinnbrook Right (multi-purpose) requires complete refurbishment including new backstop, lighting, and ventilation. Decision made to tackle both simultaneously.
Planned Work - Pinnbrook Left:
- • Electronic target system (5 firing points)
- • Professional shooting mats for prone positions
- • Improved lighting (maintain character lighting suitable for prone)
- • Fresh paint and minor cosmetic updates
- • Enhanced ventilation
Planned Work - Pinnbrook Right:
- • Complete backstop replacement (safety upgrade)
- • New LED lighting system
- • Ventilation system installation
- • New target frames and holders
- • Firing line improvements
- • Full redecoration
January 28th - Funding Secured
Grant application to Sport England successful - £30,000 awarded. Combined with club reserves (£20,000) and planned member fundraising (£15,000 target), project is financially viable. Member fundraising campaign launches.
February 2021: Preparation
February 5th - Member Fundraising Success
In just one week, members pledge £18,000 - exceeding target! Several life members make substantial donations. One anonymous member donates £5,000 specifically for the electronic targets. Incredible generosity from our shooting community.
“These ranges gave me 40 years of competitive shooting. Giving back to ensure the next generation has even better facilities is the least I can do.” - Anonymous Donor
February 15th - Contractors Selected
Devon Build Ltd (who did excellent work on Scott Langley range) selected for construction. Target Systems UK returns for electronic target installation. Continuity and established relationships should ensure smooth project delivery.
February 22nd - Range Clearance
Member volunteer day. Pinnbrook Left cleared and all equipment catalogued and stored. Pinnbrook Right completely emptied - discovered some memorabilia from the 1980s behind old target frames! Items preserved for club archive.
February 28th - Ranges Closed
Both Pinnbrook ranges close for renovation. Estimated downtime: 6 months. Scott Langley range and other facilities remain operational, but capacity is reduced. Some competitions rescheduled.
March - April 2021: Major Work Begins
March 8th - Pinnbrook Right Demolition
Old backstop carefully removed - surprisingly well-preserved after 35+ years. Backstop rubber recycled where possible. Old target frames stripped out. Range looks bare but exciting to see blank canvas for improvements!
March 22nd - New Backstop Installation
Modern rubber backstop installed in Pinnbrook Right. Latest ballistic rubber technology provides superior bullet capture and much longer lifespan than original. Should last another 40+ years with minimal maintenance.
April 5th - Electrical Work - Pinnbrook Left
Electrical installation for electronic targets begins in Pinnbrook Left. Running cables to each of 5 firing points. Challenging work in confined space, but electricians do excellent job with minimal disruption to range structure.
April 19th - Ventilation Systems
New ventilation installed in both ranges. Modern HVAC systems replace inadequate original ventilation. Will maintain air quality during busy sessions and remove any lingering propellant residue. Quieter operation than old systems too.
May 2021: Electronic Targets Arrive
May 3rd - Target Delivery
Five Megalink electronic targets for Pinnbrook Left arrive. Same system as Scott Langley range for consistency and ease of training. Installation begins immediately.
May 17th - Target Installation Complete
All five targets installed at 25 yards/metres for prone rifle. Networked to central scoring system. Initial tests show perfect alignment and accuracy. The Pinhoe Trophy competition will be spectacular on these targets!
May 24th - Lighting Upgrade
LED lighting installed in both ranges. Pinnbrook Left gets specialised low-intensity downlighting suitable for prone shooting (bright firing line, dimmer toward targets to reduce glare). Pinnbrook Right gets full bright LED system. Both ranges now have excellent, consistent illumination.
“The new lighting in Pinnbrook Left is perfect for prone shooting. Bright enough to see clearly, but doesn’t create glare off the sights like the old fluorescents did. Huge improvement!” - James Parker, Prone Team Captain
June - July 2021: Refinement
June 7th - Shooting Mats Installed
Professional-grade shooting mats installed at all 5 firing points in Pinnbrook Left. High-density foam provides comfort for extended prone sessions. Non-slip backing prevents movement during recoil. Shooters testing them report dramatic comfort improvement!
June 21st - Pinnbrook Right Target Frames
New modular target frames installed in Pinnbrook Right. Adjustable height, easy target changes, suitable for multiple disciplines. Versatile design allows range to be quickly reconfigured for different shooting styles.
July 5th - Painting & Cosmetics
Member volunteers tackle painting. Both ranges receive fresh coats in club colors. New signage installed with range rules, safety information, and club history. Looks professional and welcoming.
July 19th - Final Systems Integration
Pinnbrook Left electronic targets integrated with club-wide network. Scores from any range can now be displayed on any monitor. Coach can observe multiple shooters across different ranges simultaneously. Technology really enhancing our training capabilities!
August 2021: Testing & Certification
August 2nd - Soft Opening
Selected members invited to test shoot both ranges. Feedback overwhelmingly positive. Minor adjustments made based on shooter input (lighting intensity tweaked, mat positioning refined, one target recalibrated).
August 9th - Safety Inspections
Official safety inspection by independent assessor. Both ranges pass with zero issues raised. Backstop tested and certified. Electrical systems certified. Ventilation measured and approved. Professional validation of quality work.
August 16th - RCO Training
All Range Conducting Officers receive training on updated ranges. New electronic target systems, safety features, and emergency procedures covered. RCOs enthusiastic about improved facilities and new capabilities.
August 23rd - Final Preparations
Last details addressed. Equipment returns from storage. New range logs prepared. Celebration event planned for reopening. Media invited to showcase renovated facilities.
September 2021: Grand Reopening
September 4th - Official Reopening!
Grand reopening event attended by over 80 members, local councillors, Sport England representative, and local media. Tours of both renovated ranges. Demo shoots showcasing electronic targets. Testimonials from long-time members emotional as they see ranges transformed.
Sport England Representative’s Comments:
“Pinhoe TSC is an exemplary model of how grassroots sports clubs can modernize while preserving their heritage. These facilities rival those at national training centers. Your members’ commitment to investment in quality facilities ensures target shooting will thrive here for generations.”
September 11th - First Competition
Club championship prone rifle event - first competition on renovated Pinnbrook Left. 32 competitors enjoy shooting on the new electronic targets. Scores notably higher than previous year - possibly due to better lighting and comfortable mats allowing better concentration!
September 18th - Fully Operational
Both ranges now fully operational with regular schedules. Bookings immediately surge as members eager to use improved facilities. Positive reviews spreading - already receiving inquiries from neighboring clubs about facility tours.
September 30th - Project Closeout
Final project meeting. Came in £2,000 under budget (£63,000 final cost). Savings primarily from volunteer labor and bulk purchasing with 2020 project. Excess funds allocated to maintenance reserve. Project completed on time and under budget - rare achievement!
Project Outcomes
Pinnbrook Left (Prone)
- ✓ 5 electronic targets at 25yd/m
- ✓ Professional shooting mats
- ✓ Optimized prone lighting
- ✓ Enhanced ventilation
- ✓ Networked scoring system
- ✓ Fresh decoration
Pinnbrook Right (Multi)
- ✓ New ballistic backstop
- ✓ Modern LED lighting
- ✓ HVAC system
- ✓ Modular target frames
- ✓ Upgraded firing line
- ✓ Complete refurbishment
Impact Metrics
7
Months Duration
£63,000
Final Cost
450+
Volunteer Hours
40+
Years Expected Life
Member Feedback
“I’ve been shooting prone at Pinhoe for 30 years. The renovated Pinnbrook Left is better than ranges at national championships. The electronic targets have transformed my training - I can see exactly what I’m doing wrong immediately.”
- David Wilson, Life Member
“Pinnbrook Right is now incredibly versatile. We use it for action air one evening, sport rifle the next, and gallery rifle the third. The new target frames make changeovers quick and easy.”
- Sarah Mitchell, Range Officer
“As a new member, I’m amazed by the facilities. I visited other clubs before joining, and Pinhoe’s ranges are leagues ahead. The investment in quality really shows.”
- Tom Harrison, Member since 2021
Looking Forward
With both major range renovations complete (Scott Langley 2020, Pinnbrook 2021), Pinhoe TSC now has some of the finest small-bore facilities in the South West. The electronic target systems, modern climate control, and thoughtful design position us well for hosting regional and national competitions.
Future projects focus on smaller improvements: outdoor range enhancements, clubhouse updates, and ongoing equipment maintenance. The foundation is solid; now we build on it.
Thank You
Grateful thanks to Sport England for grant funding, to all members who donated financially, to volunteers who contributed hundreds of hours, and to our contractors who delivered quality work on time and budget. This achievement belongs to the entire Pinhoe TSC community.
Visit Our Ranges
Interested in shooting at our renovated facilities? All ranges are available to try through our Give it a Go programme or for visiting shooters by arrangement.
Experience Our World-Class Ranges
Shoot on our renovated ranges with electronic targets and modern facilities.