Attack On One Of The Safest Ranges I've Even Seen

Back in October 2011 I had the opportunity to take a class from Brian Searcy of TigerSwan. It was a fantastic class on a fantastic range. The range was set on a 1,000 acre property. It is one of the few ranges not on a military base that actually meets DoD safety standards. The danger zone is contained entirely within property controlled by TigerSwan.

Nonetheless, some Cumberland County, North Carolina residents want the range shut down despite being in the middle of damn near nowhere. I remember it being almost 10 miles from I-95 and almost a mile from the road to the range.

Frankly, I cannot conceive of any reason to try and shut down this range beyond some vague anti-gun hysteria. The land owners are claiming reduced property values, the danger of stray bullets, and noise which in my opinion is just a smokescreen.

TigerSwan has reapplied for an operating permit under new rules promulgated by Cumberland County. County Commissioners will vote on this permit on Monday, October 21st. Grass Roots North Carolina has issued a release and action alert which I have reprinted below. Having shot on this range, I'd urge everyone to assist TigerSwan in obtaining this permit. If TigerSwan is shot down by Cumberland County, it would mean no range in North Carolina is safe.

They talk about 'Gun Safety' but don't want anyone to practice and train...

The Second Amendment supporters responsible for developing Tiger Swan, a relatively new but well-used Cumberland County outdoor range, have done everything right. The operation was recruited by county officials in 2008 to locate in Cumberland County and began operations in 2010. After years of work and at great expense they have exceeded the numerous difficult requirements now required for establishing new outdoor shooting ranges. For their range they have:

• Obtained almost 1000 acres of agricultural land, five times the 200 acres required by county rules.
• Carefully and professionally engineered their site to contain all “Surface Danger Zones” on the property itself.
• Maintained access control.
• Secured liability insurance of $5 million, exceeding the required $2 million.
• Hired an engineer to plan and certify that the range to complies with EPA “Best Management Practices.

Since opening three years ago, a small group of residents has sued Cumberland County to revoke Tiger Swan's zoning, effectively “moving the goalposts”. Although this group cites concern over noise, danger from stray rounds, and unsubstantiated claims of reduced property values, it is clear what they are really attacking: the right to use firearms in Cumberland County.

While fighting in the courts, Tiger Swan has reapplied for an operating permit under revised County rules established by Commissioners in June, 2013. The Commissioners will meet this coming Monday, October 21 to decide if the permit will be granted.

Denial of this permit will eliminate training opportunities for citizens and law-enforcement officers, as well as cause a chilling effect on range development everywhere in the state. If this first-class operation can be “run out of town” by the gun grabbers, anyone can.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

• Email Commissioners. Tell them you support the range operated by Tiger Swan.
• Sign the petition in support of granting Tiger Swan's operating permit HERE or go to: http://grnc.org/tigerswan-range-petition
• Plan to politely attend the Commissioners' meeting this Monday, October 21, 6:30 pm, at the Cumberland County Courthouse, Room 118.
• Help GRNC continue to defend your rights by joining and/or donating HERE or go to: http://www.grnc.org/join-grnc/contribute

Contact Information

Contact Cumberland County Commissioners using the cut-and-paste list of email addresses below:
jkeefe@co.cumberland.nc.us; jcouncil@co.cumberland.nc.us; kedge@co.cumberland.nc.us; cevans@co.cumberland.nc.us; wmfaircloth@co.cumberland.nc.us; bking@co.cumberland.nc.us; emelvin@co.cumberland.nc.us

Sign the pro-Tiger Swan petition HERE or at: http://grnc.org/tigerswan-range-petition
Directions to the Commissioner's meeting at the Cumberland County Courthouse, room 118 are HERE or go to: http://goo.gl/maps/dV6MG

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: "I Support Tiger Swan Range"

Dear Cumberland County Commissioner:

Those opposed to the Second Amendment often cite concern about safe handling and adequate training as excuses to infringe on the right of citizens to bear arms.

At the same time these same groups attack efforts to provide training and practice by making it impossible for shooting ranges and training facilities to operate. They cannot have it both ways.

As you know, the Tiger Swan range has bent over backwards to comply with rules and regulations, and has safely operated in Cumberland County for years. This organization provides important training opportunities to both citizens and law-enforcement. It is in the best interest of both citizens and the County for this operation to continue. In addition, it is only fair.

I expect you to approve Tiger Swan's operating permit. I will be monitoring progress through Grass Roots North Carolina alerts.

Sincerely,