Westport Ma shutting down gun club.

[Knob Creek]

As reported by GOAL and others there is a Warrent on the town meeting that will shut down the Fall River Club. The Junior shooting program and Boy Scouts will be no more. The article states that you would need permission from the Selectman for hunting and target shooting.

 

[MisterHappy]

Not to argue but it says:

6504.
EXCEPTIONS
This By
-
Law shall not apply to t
he lawful defense of life or property, to any
law enforcement officer acting in the discharge of the officer's duties, to the
use of firearms at any military exercises, or on any established rifle range
.

http://www.westporttownmeeting.com/5-3-16 ATM 5th Draft (002).pdf

Did I miss something? It appears that the bylaw is a "written permission" for hunting deal, which is not uncommon

 

[tk421991]

I've shot at FRGC quite a lot and it doesn't have a rifle range, just shotgun fields and an indoor pistol range. What is the legal definition of "rifle range" in Mass?

 

[MisterHappy]

There isn't a codified definition - in theory, you can make a range in your back yard (unless there is a town prohibition on discharge of firearms), or inside your house, and be exempt from setback requirements. IIRC the Manchester-by-the-Sea guy a few years back was charged, as part of the laundry list with unlawful discharge, but he had a "range" in his attic, so that was dropped. Along with most of the rest, such as possession of a double-edged knife (legal in your home).

The MGLs say, "Target, trap or Skeet range," IIRC.

 

[Orion2k]

What is the legal definition of "rifle range" in Mass?

Anything that the politicians or the police want it to be at the time you have to interact with them.