Rolled out bright and early this morning for the 2nd day in a row. Yes, I did not call ahead yesterday to find out that Triple N Shooting center 25 miles east of here is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Locals take note.
It is located about 5 miles south of 192 on 441 opposite the landfill. The only traffic out there are the "garbage brick" trucks going 75 with a full brick, a little faster empty. There ain't no turn lane so "careful luck" is essential. Probably 5 miles in you hear gunfire, the firing line is facing away from the road, all covered and still relatively new (the range officer pointed out several "overhead discharges").
The range office is staffed by nice, courteous folks and the counter is packed with copious amounts of range ammo in popular calibers. I didn't ask prices. First time you go there's a classroom style 12 minute rules/safety video, nothing new except location specific info. Get 'yer $13 wristband and "look for the guys in the red T shirts." I haven't been to a "controlled" range in a dozen years but the 2 guys on the 50 ft pistol range (only thing I did beside recon) were great. I made a couple errors, there are 2 "yellow lines" behind the firing line and at "cold range" you gotta have your target under your arm, no reaching for a fresh one in your range bag. Step over the 2nd line and they will notice. Target stands are 2x4 "sleds" with uprights and backers. My staple gun never came back from it's last "lend out" but they got tape dispensers every 10 lanes. Slide your target where you want it. Took me quite awhile to settle down, being FNG and having RSO walking back and forth behind me while engaged with targets. I didn't take pix because point shooting a Ruger MKII, Sig 226, 4" 15-3 and 2" 34-1 produced a mediocre, slightly upper left "pattern" about 6" across with all the guns. Considering the "abundant missage" on both sides of me (next time will go extreme left where crowd thins) I felt adequate. About 450 rds later I found that the range has to be hot to pack up. Sensible but I needed reminded. Last thing, after packed up was handed "Brass rake" and dustbin. I says "Thanks but I don't reload." After a puzzled look RSO said "You want to police the area." I did while thinking "every other range I go to is hoping I shoot and walk away." Overall, way better experience than I expected. There is a 25 yd pistol, 100 and 200 yd rifle, and "shotgun sports" (clays, 5 stand and probably trap and skeet) which I hope to eventually mangle. Last time @ TM ranch I got 55 out of a hundred. It's not too far from the Space Coast down to about Vero, east from Lakeland and down Hwy 15 from Orlando area. It is a right nice spot out in the country, something a city boy like me always appreciates. The weather couldn't be better for the next few months.
3 PSA's:
1)There is no "rule" about CWP holders. I disarmed before leaving the truck for the line. RSO said "I prefer" loaded guns not on person.
2) No .50 BMG. Blackpowder OK as the guy next to me (fortunately down wind) showed with every shot.
3) Plugs and muffs. I kept plugs in all the time, took off the muffs during cold range. They will call "eyes and ears" but should someone commence before you got 'em on, you won't ask "Huh?" for the next week. Joe
It is located about 5 miles south of 192 on 441 opposite the landfill. The only traffic out there are the "garbage brick" trucks going 75 with a full brick, a little faster empty. There ain't no turn lane so "careful luck" is essential. Probably 5 miles in you hear gunfire, the firing line is facing away from the road, all covered and still relatively new (the range officer pointed out several "overhead discharges").
The range office is staffed by nice, courteous folks and the counter is packed with copious amounts of range ammo in popular calibers. I didn't ask prices. First time you go there's a classroom style 12 minute rules/safety video, nothing new except location specific info. Get 'yer $13 wristband and "look for the guys in the red T shirts." I haven't been to a "controlled" range in a dozen years but the 2 guys on the 50 ft pistol range (only thing I did beside recon) were great. I made a couple errors, there are 2 "yellow lines" behind the firing line and at "cold range" you gotta have your target under your arm, no reaching for a fresh one in your range bag. Step over the 2nd line and they will notice. Target stands are 2x4 "sleds" with uprights and backers. My staple gun never came back from it's last "lend out" but they got tape dispensers every 10 lanes. Slide your target where you want it. Took me quite awhile to settle down, being FNG and having RSO walking back and forth behind me while engaged with targets. I didn't take pix because point shooting a Ruger MKII, Sig 226, 4" 15-3 and 2" 34-1 produced a mediocre, slightly upper left "pattern" about 6" across with all the guns. Considering the "abundant missage" on both sides of me (next time will go extreme left where crowd thins) I felt adequate. About 450 rds later I found that the range has to be hot to pack up. Sensible but I needed reminded. Last thing, after packed up was handed "Brass rake" and dustbin. I says "Thanks but I don't reload." After a puzzled look RSO said "You want to police the area." I did while thinking "every other range I go to is hoping I shoot and walk away." Overall, way better experience than I expected. There is a 25 yd pistol, 100 and 200 yd rifle, and "shotgun sports" (clays, 5 stand and probably trap and skeet) which I hope to eventually mangle. Last time @ TM ranch I got 55 out of a hundred. It's not too far from the Space Coast down to about Vero, east from Lakeland and down Hwy 15 from Orlando area. It is a right nice spot out in the country, something a city boy like me always appreciates. The weather couldn't be better for the next few months.
3 PSA's:
1)There is no "rule" about CWP holders. I disarmed before leaving the truck for the line. RSO said "I prefer" loaded guns not on person.
2) No .50 BMG. Blackpowder OK as the guy next to me (fortunately down wind) showed with every shot.
3) Plugs and muffs. I kept plugs in all the time, took off the muffs during cold range. They will call "eyes and ears" but should someone commence before you got 'em on, you won't ask "Huh?" for the next week. Joe
