Joining a New Gun Club

[glenwolde]

Having moved frequently over the last decade I can appreciate the issue. I've had to adapt to whatever was available. I was an outdoor guy for a long time because that's what was available. There are a lot more indoor ranges now than there used to be.

In Texas the heat gets to be a problem in the summer. When we were in Illinois it was the cold in the winter. I'd rather shoot outdoors in 98 degrees than 18 degrees.

I've gradually migrated indoors only, though there is an outdoor range 30 minutes away if I decide I need one. There are two indoor ranges within 2 miles of me. It helps that I only shoot handguns. Being retired I go during the week and I am frequently the only one shooting. Yesterday there was one other guy.

Shooting has never been a social thing for me so I have no wants other than a place to shoot. Frankly, if there's more talking than shooting I'd go somewhere else. That would drive me nuts.

 

[white cloud]

Here in S.C. there are a lot less ranges than you might think. There are some nice outdoor ranges run by SCDNR but they are usually rural and most don't have a range master. I have seen some really bad safety infractions at these ranges and don't go there.

Fortunately we own a farm and have our own range.

 

[Goldstar225]

I used to go to the state game & fish range, about a 45 minute drive. In good weather it tends to be crowded. About three years ago I joined a private club. $75.00 a year as a retired LEO. It about an hour drive for me. It has a little over 400 members but since I go during the week I generally have the range to myself or at most one or two other shooters.

 

[H Richard]

I guess I'm lucky. I belong to 4 ranges. 1. Private outdoor range out to 100 yards, within 10 minutes of my house. 2. Indoor (basement of local Jr High School since 1932) limited to 22RF and only one evening a week during the school year. 3. Trap and skeet range within 5 miles and I'm there every week weather permitting. 4. Outdoor large range, big enough to have in the past hosted National and International IPSC/USPSA championships, and rifle to 600 yards with pits, and 200 Meter general purpose range, and steel target action pistol range. Within 30 miles of my house. My annual membership fees for all 4 total $205.

 

[dave1918a2]

Good You found a club within a reasonable distance. Hope You get in. I have to travel 3 miles to My regular club, 10 to a trap club, and 17 to the other rifle and pistol club. Costs $60 a year for all. There are more clubs within 50 miles, but why bother. Game and Fish is building a new club within 40 miles. Cost now exceeds 17 Million. Should be nice once it's done.

 

[GypsmJim]

I have been a member of several clubs over the years. I have been at my current club for 48 years.

We have 100, 200, 300 yard rifle ranges, 25, 50 yard pistol ranges, a combat range, trap and skeet, target and field archery, 50 yard "plinking" range, 2 fishing ponds and a 24/7/365 indoor pistol range.

Annual membership is $40 and there is no range fee.

NY is a gun restrictive state. Yeah right. I know people that moved for more freedoms, but then found out they have no place to shoot anyway, or the only place has a $20/hour range fee.

 

[H Richard]

I have been a member of several clubs over the years. I have been at my current club for 48 years.

We have 100, 200, 300 yard rifle ranges, 25, 50 yard pistol ranges, a combat range, trap and skeet, target and field archery, 50 yard "plinking" range, 2 fishing ponds and a 24/7/365 indoor pistol range.

Annual membership is $40 and there is no range fee.

NY is a gun restrictive state. Yeah right. I know people that moved for more freedoms, but then found out they have no place to shoot anyway, or the only place has a $20/hour range fee.

You have a nice range set up. As good as mine is I'd love to have a couple fishing ponds available.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I can step outside and shoot anytime I want, but boy do the neighbors get upset! There's a water tower across the little valley from my back porch that I would love to try hitting with the .44 Revolver. Maybe before I move I'll give it a shot. (They're used to bullets flying over in that 'hood.) It's about 1/4 to 1/2 mile, and I believe if I aim to the top I should get a hit.
we had a cottage up in Crawford Co. when I was growing up, dirt road, surrounded by woods & fields. I never knew how
good I had it! No way, though, was Dad gonna get me a handgun! I never even got to shoot his K22, even with one bullet in the gun.