I am doing an assessment of a rifle range that has been in use since 1861. I
was wondering whether anyone can point to me a source of information on
rifle range design and practice as my oral history sources have noted that
ranges used to be different in the past but cannot say how or when. This
range has a concrete mantlett (concreted by the US Army in WWII) and metal
target hoists as well as the earthen butt. I have some evidence that the
mantlet and target hoists might have been introduced on the site in 1880.
There are only 11 rifle ranges on the Register of National Estate in
Australia but most of them are significant for their remnant natural
vegetation rather than any military history they may have.
Iain Stuart
Principal, Archaeology and Heritage Management
HLA-Envirosciences Pty. Ltd.