City of Salford Shooting Club

The origins of the Club can be traced back to before the First World War. It was founded in 1907 and was called the Manchester City Rifle Club, with a shooting range at Moor Lane in Chorlton cum Hardy. The sepia photograph hanging on the wall of the Committee Room shows members in the rather formal Edwardian dress of the day, many of the shooters sporting bowler hats.

 

In 1956 there was a change of name and venue, with the formation of the Salford and Manchester Rifle and Pistol Club.  In 1972 a small bore indoor range for 25 yds range was established in Weaste near Eccles, at an ex-quarry alongside the Manchester Ship Canal together with ranges at 50 and 100 yds for full bore pistols of all calibres.

 

 

In 1986 the Ship Canal Company wanted the land in connection with the Salford Quays Development, leaving the Club without a permanent home. In October 1987, The Salford and Manchester members agreed to consolidate the Club with that of The City of Salford Shooting Club. The Club’s activities could be continued in part by use of a range in Charlestown, Salford.

 

Five years later and after a visit to a total of 47 potential sites with 4 representations to Salford Council, approval was received for a lease and then construction of Delph Range, our current facility in Worsley. Building took about eight months and the completion date of 27th Feb. 1993 is marked by the laying of the stone, which can be seen high in the wall adjacent to the car park. The Club gratefully acknowledges the financial help of our Patron, and the Sports Council for a loan which has now been repaid.

 

Other clubs and groups shooting at the range have included :-

 

Salford University Rifle Club

Sea Scouts from the Salford Branch have shot here with their NW area competitions taking place on this range.

Irwell Valley Shooting Club have use of the range one night per week.

 

 

Currently the Club has a membership of 70 and the trophies on the clubroom wall bear witness to their many successes in competitive shooting across the UK.