Buggys and Carts
How to safely move between stages During the match
Manatee Gun and Archery is a cold range, meaning that no firearms are to be loaded until instructed. Between stages, you will need to transport your firearms in a safe manner. Many utilize a beach buggy or modified baby buggy to maneuver between stages. There are example photos below showing each style. Baby buggies can easily be modified to accommodate all necessities to complete the match. Many of the build sheets are available online to do a home build as an alternative to a turn key setup to fit your exact needs.
Utilizing the trunk of your car or truck bed is allowed as well. Same rules as all others apply, be aware of your muzzle and be courteous to other shooters.
Please use common sense when handling firearms and we ask that safety is utilized in abundance. We at FM want you to have a good time, use your safety while you shoot, too.
You want to be safe when removing your firearms from the buggies, point them in a safe direction, away from people.
Ideally you will want to point your unloaded firearm at berm when drawing it in preparation for your turn.
Never point a firearm at another participant at the match, flagrant breaking of the rules will be met with a zero tolerance policy.
Utilize chamber flags for long guns so you and other participants can be sure that your firearm is safely unloaded. If you need one the main office sells them, ask a friend, or use a spent casing but however you do it, show your firearm is safe. You can safely load your firearm when you are instructed by your RSO at the line. Firearms should be stowed and not handled unless at a safe table or against a berm.
Larger buggies, SXS, Polaris/CanAM are allowed and encouraged.
There are strict speed limits and no reckless driving will be tolerated however they can be a fantastic way to transport a large amount of gear for multiple shooters.
There is not a great distance between each stages as shown below, the total distance traveled is approximately 900m, not very far. The multigunner can choose to use a two rifle backpack and holstered pistol and walk the distance if need be. If you have questions about the viability of your method of transportation between each stage, let us know and we can likely help.
We hope to see you on the range soon enough. There is no wrong way to transport your gear other than unsafely. Almost every multigunner has had to experience hauling their gear by hand. One can gain firsthand experience with alternative choices & custom builds at the match to see what suits them best for their needs. Some like to be over prepared and bring the kitchen sink. My first match I brought 1,000+ Rounds of 9mm. I had no idea what to expect! Some are so dedicated the trunk of their SUV or truck bed is a fully custom 3-gun gear storage and transportation setup. You do not need a fancy cart, Polaris or custom trunk to shoot well. Some of the best shooters have a backpack with 2 long guns and ammo boxes in their hands between stages. Just because someone has the best gear does not make them the best shooter. Show up with your gear and shoot the match. You will learn more each and every time you come out. Nobody started out perfect and I am years into this sport and learn new things all the time.
Adam J Seidel
