NRA - any chance of a proper online range booking facility?

[Rearlugs]

I was just wondering whether there was any likelihood of the NRA/NSC adding a basic range booking page to their website? I mean by that a web page where you can see "live" availability of range slots, and then simply click and book a vacant one.

Currently there just seems to be the online bid system, which just enters data into an email. This gets answered - eventually. If its a "decline", then you have to have another wild stab in the dark, and so on.

I've just had a typical user experience over this Bank Holiday weekend. Something had cropped up at short notice on Thursday, so i wanted to book a Short Siberia slot for Saturday in order to set up a rifle. I entered a bid form on Friday. Now there are four potential options (100/200, am/pm) but there is no way of knowing what is available. However, the range office was of course closed, and the range bid wasn't answered until - Saturday evening.

It was a "decline", but helpfully included the link to the "range availability" PDF, which is "updated weekly". This was, of course, out of date - the slot I had bid for was shown as green/available. I expect that the vastly over-subscribed Short Siberia was in fact full, but if it wasn't then thats another potential range fee needlessly lost.


OK, now I accept that I should really anticipate my range requirements several months in advance, and book accordingly. However, life isn't really like that, and, in these days of universal e-commerce, it seems a bit daft that there isn't the option of a "live" system where availability can be checked and bookings made then and there.

[bradaz11]

you should be able to do it on the same day if you like, if there is space, theres space afterall. It shouldn't be too hard to show a live copy of their booking system, but you only have to look at their website and its content / updates to see their internet presence isn't a priority

[Maggot]

Unfortunately it is human operated so whatever they try it will never be perfect.

What I do (that tends to work) is I give them a bell, ask if they have a target available when I need it, then apply online....referencing the conversation on the request.

Has only failed once when they told me I could have 100 on a friday then realized the mistake when we got there to shoot. Its like most things, it will eventually be more or less problem free I expect. Given my past experiences with software packages being delivered into local authorities etc, the NRA are doing exceptionally well by comparison.

[davidh195]

I expect that the vastly over-subscribed Short Siberia was in fact full

I'm sorry to say only lanes 1 to 5 + 8 were occupied AM didn't look at the allocation board though was a bit late.
Was A nice morning.

David

[artiglio]

It used to be a system that worked well, booking requests confirmed or declined quickly. BUT this year its become a bit of a disaster, as per Maggots reply, ring first speak to them and see whats any good for you ask them to pencil it in amd then make the booking online.
If you have too many problems emai the main range man, Richard Wells ( i believe)

[RDC]

The NRA really need to get with the times and embrace a better website with decent online booking facilities.

Even more rediculous when they make you book online when actually in the range office. Just tell me if I can have a lane, I'm stood in front of you!

[bradaz11]

The NRA really need to get with the times and embrace a better website with decent online booking facilities.

Even more rediculous when they make you book online when actually in the range office. Just tell me if I can have a lane, I'm stood in front of you!

so they make you use the request system when in the range office?

[RDC]

I know that sounds like I am being petty. However they wouldn't take my booking at the desk, they had to come round to the punter side and show me how to book online, which probably took more time than just doing it themselves. I then had to walk over to the desk for them to then say if it had been accepted or declined.

[bradaz11]

thats just jobsworthyness

although they could see it as showing you, so you can do it at home next time

[knewmans]

I would think a fully online system would be difficult as they have to reconcile all requests with arranging safety zones on the range