False Bay Sports Shooting Club

The Range is set in the historic Glencairn Quarry which has long since reverted back to nature, presenting beautiful, sheer cliff faces of over 200 meters in height, looking out to a seascape which encompasses the entire False Bay which is arguably the most idyllic and picturesque setting and largest back-stop any shooting range could hope for!

Opened around 1898, the Glencairn Quarry in Cape Town produced sandstone for major infrastructure, including the Simon’s Town Naval Dockyard, and operated until 1978. Initially managed by the Divisional Council, it was later operated by Strong and Moore before closing due to environmental concerns and tourism development.  

Operational Period: The quarry was established in 1898, potentially closing briefly during WWI before reopening.

Purpose: It provided crushed stone and rock for railway construction, road-building, and significant construction in the Simon's Town area.

Logistics & Transport: In 1900, a crushing plant and a railway siding were installed, connecting to the main line, though this caused traffic issues when crossing the main road. The siding was removed in 1957 due to road widening, after which road transport was used.

Closure: The quarry ceased operations in May 1978. Thereafter Strong and Moore re-equipped the workings and were still operating the quarry when it was finally closed in May 1978 due to environmental concerns and appreciation of the tourist potential of the area. Much of the rock that was taken from the Quarry was used in the building of the Naval Dockyard in Simon’s Town.

Current State: The site is often linked to the “Glencairn Barge” or “Quarry Barge” diving spot, referencing a small vessel once used for transporting rock across the bay. Today, the area is associated with the False Bay Sports Shooting Club (FBSSC) and is recognized within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area.  

https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/article/forgotten-railway-sidings-south-peninsula

The South African Practical Shooting Association (SAPSA) is the governing body of practic