Though the outdoor range is open 12 months a year to members, certain activities counter the warm month usage with unique events held mostly indoors. One of these activities is a monthly “Simunition” shoot held in our clubhouse, beginning in September and ending in April.
The intent of these matches is to promote skills that are required for close range shooting and are in line with applications one may face should they exercise their right to concealed carry firearms.
Firearms used are altered actual firearms in which the slide and barrel are replaced so they cannot accept real life ammunition. This is done for safety, along with a rule that no live firearms may be present while this activity is occurring.
The ammunition is unique to these guns and are manufactured in conventional calibers like 9 mm and .223 (5.56x45) but are not able to be fired in regular firearms. The cartridges fire a relatively accurate projectile that can penetrate and mark a paper target. There is enough energy created to shoot the projectile and eject the empty casing, but hearing protection is not required as it is as loud as a cap gun. The only required protection is eye protection.
Scenarios are set up and shooters are not allowed to see the course they will fire. This is to encourage real action and reaction to situations. Darkness is always a factor and use of flashlight skills are developed. While one may assume to keep their flashlight on at all times, in reality that would also mark and expose the shooter to someone they are trying to protect themselves from.
In addition to low light conditions, other elements are often added to create realism and a better actual response from the shooter to better prepare for any situation they may face in real life. These can include loud noises, screams, gunshots, sirens and alarms on an auditory level. Flashing lights, obstacles and unique circumstances like having to shoot from your weak hand (in case your strong hand is disabled) are all added at various times to make a unique course every time.
Shooters begin the scenario by entering the shooting area accompanied by an RSO (Range Safety Officer) who escorts them. The RSO stays behind the shooter and is there to help observe and later give feedback on ways to improve.
The shoots are designed so that anyone can do them, there are no special physical skills required. Scores are based on hits and skill usage. Unlike shooting on our regular range where all projectiles head in one direction, this exercise/shoot allows 360-degree shooting possibilities more reflective of real life and often move outdoors to practice unique situations like needed to shoot from a car.
Fees are determined by the number of rounds fired and a sign up is required as the course needs to be reset for each shooter. Cost is usually between $15.00 and $30.00 dollars and shooters can leave when their course is done. It is a nice drop in and drop out activity that is fun and valuable without having to dedicate an entire evening to an activity.
Additional comments for this shoot:
The Sheboygan Rifle and Pistol Club, under the direction of the International Indoor Shooting Federation of America will host 21 shooters, of all skill levels, who will traverse a multiple of obstacles in a foreign environment, while manipulating firearms. This is an entertaining shoot for participants who seek to improve their proficiency with firearms, knowledge of safe movement, exercise of tactical flashlight, and focused verbal commands. You never know what is around the corner until you arrive.