False Bay Sports Shooting Club (FBSSC), famously known as "The Quarry," is one of South Africa’s most iconic shooting destinations. Established in 1898 as a sandstone quarry for the Simon’s Town Naval Dockyard, the site was repurposed into a shooting range in the late 20th century. Located within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, it offers a unique combination of historical industrial charm and world-class sporting facilities.
The facility is renowned for its dramatic landscape, featuring sheer cliff faces over 200 meters high that act as a natural and extremely safe backstop. Its elevated position provides shooters with panoramic views of the False Bay seascape and Simon’s Town Harbour. All shooting experiences are conducted outdoors but remain undercover, ensuring comfort during various weather conditions.
FBSSC is a premier multi-disciplinary hub, supporting 13 distinct shooting styles. The range infrastructure includes over 20 specialized areas, ranging from 120m rifle lanes to dedicated tactical "Tac Houses" and high-tower platforms for clay pigeon shooting. This diversity makes it a frequent host for provincial and national leagues, including SAPSA (IPSC) and SADPA events.
Key Shooting Disciplines:
Practical & Defensive: IPSC, SADPA, and the new Everyday Carry Competition (EDCC).
Clay Target: Sporting Clays (FITASC), Trap, and Skeet.
Precision & Fun: Rimfire Challenge (.22LR), Steel Challenge (SCSA), and Cowboy Action Shooting (WTR).
Specialty: 3-Gun Nation (3GN), ICORE (Revolver), and Multi-Platform Dimension Shooting (MPDS).
The club operates a sophisticated training ecosystem through several on-site academies. Beginners can access "New Shooter Orientations" (NSO), while professionals can engage in tactical CQB, low-light training, or competitive coaching for international championships. The facility also features a full-service gun shop, gunsmith services, and classroom facilities for firearm proficiency certification.
For visitors and corporate groups, FBSSC offers "experience packages" that allow individuals without prior licenses to shoot a wide variety of firearms under expert supervision. These packages include everything from 9mm pistols and AK-47s to high-caliber.50 BMG sniper rifles. The club's annual Open Day is a major regional event, drawing thousands of public visitors to experience the sport in a family-friendly environment.
Available Training & Services:
Academies: Arch Angels (Tactical), False Bay Firearm Training Academy (Proficiency), and Claybusters (Clay Pigeon).
Visitor Experiences:.50 Cal Experience, AK-47 Experience, and "Zombie Apocalypse".22LR sessions.
Event Services: Corporate team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and public holiday fundraising matches.
