Nansemond-Suffolk Shooting Club

The Nansemond-Suffolk Shooting Club started in October 1982 when founder Robert A. Davis discovered metallic silhouette shooting and decided to build a permanent range. Located on a former sand quarry adjacent to Lake Cahoon Road in Suffolk, Virginia, the club has operated from the same site for over 40 years.

The club hosts NRA-sanctioned silhouette matches the first Sunday of every month at 10:00 AM. Non-members can compete for $5 per relay; members pay $3. These aren't invitation-only events—anyone can show up and shoot.

Pistol & Rifle Silhouette Matches use standard metallic silhouette targets (chickens, pigs, turkeys, rams) at measured distances:

Competition divisions include: - Hunter's Pistol (NRA sanctioned, .22 rimfire and larger) - Smallbore Hunter's Pistol (.22 rimfire only) - Smallbore Silhouette Rifle (.22 rimfire, metallic sights or scope) - Smallbore Cowboy Silhouette Rifle (lever action, pump, or semi-auto with tubular magazines) - Smallbore Hunting Rifle (metallic sights or scope) - Pistol Cartridge Lever Action Silhouette Rifle (25-20, 32-20, .357 Magnum, .44-40, .45 Colt, etc.) - Plinking matches (bench rest and offhand, non-NRA sanctioned)

The range supports competitive shooting at 25, 40, 50, 60, 75, 100, 150, and 200 meters, plus a dedicated 15-yard pistol-only berm. Multiple shooting stations and swinger targets accommodate the variety of competitions.

The club limits membership to 60 shooters. New members must:

1. Attend an open silhouette tournament or club meeting as a guest 2. Get sponsored by a current member 3. Complete an application (90-day process) 4. Demonstrate understanding of safety rules and range etiquette during shooting events 5. Wait for a membership opening and vote approval

• •Membership Costs: $150 initiation fee, $100 annual dues.

Monday–Saturday: - 8:00 AM to dusk: .22 rimfire only - 10:00 AM to dusk: All centerfire calibers under 50 BMG, black powder

Sunday: - 10:00 AM to dusk: .22 rimfire only - 1:00 PM to dusk: All centerfire calibers under 50 BMG, black powder

The club enforces comprehensive range operating rules reviewed and updated regularly. Key safety requirements:

• •Cold range protocols when anyone is downrange
• •No centerfire rifle ammo on metal silhouette targets (velocities over 1900 fps prohibited)
• •Shotguns permitted at designated stations only—prohibited on target boards and pistol pit frames
• •Prohibited ammunition: Armor piercing, tracer, incendiary
• •Prohibited firearms: Automatic weapons (each shot requires separate trigger pull), centerfire rifles .50 BMG or larger
• •No glass, ceramic, or clay pigeons as targets
• •Glass bottles and live ammunition must be removed from range property

"Anyone who notices a range safety rule being broken can call a cease fire, cold range." Safety is everyone's responsibility at NSSC.

Range Address: 689 Lake Meade Dr, Suffolk, VA 23434

Mailing Address: PO Box 146, Suffolk, VA 23439

• •Club Meetings: First Friday of each month at 7:00 PM at Bethlehem Ruritan Club (140 Manning Rd, Suffolk, VA)

For membership status and new applicant availability, attend a club meeting or silhouette tournament.