Westcott Rifle Ranges
There are two disused full bore rifle ranges in the Surrey Hills near Westcott. At one time there was even a train station to serve the ranges.
Westcott West Range
The more recent range, built in 1916, featured a dog leg design allowing different distances from separate firing points without crossing a railway line. It ceased use in 1962 and the butts were demolished in 2007.
The range featured in a 1968 film — watch the clip on YouTube.
This photo came from John Crosse, the late President of Leatherhead Rifle Club, who used these ranges in the 1950s. The Surrey Rifle Association holds an annual competition named in memory of these ranges.
Walking the area today you can still find bullet impacts in the chalk and the occasional .303 round.
Westcott East Range
The earlier range, built in 1889, is described further below.
Historical images courtesy of the Surrey Industrial History Group, January 2009.