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2-Way Radio recommendations for Gun Range?

Wild Willy

Silver $$ Contributor
Want to replace the FRS radios that we use for our 600 and 1000 yard BR matches. Need to purchase 4 that are rechargeable, hoping someone can steer me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance...Bill Wood in Shingletown CA
 
My recommendation would be the BAOFENG , Model #UV82L . It's a dual-band and a outstanding programable two-way radio . We used these at Ben Avery for the recent RRRC / NRA 600 and 1,000 Regionals , and they work flawlessly throughout the Matches . And they are re-chargable , too . Five stars on these radios .
 
At Capitan we use Motorola RDU 4100, multiple channel, rechargeable lithium battery. Used them now for about 4 years and have had zero problems. Highly recommended.
 
Budget is limited so the BAOFENG UV82 on Amazon look like a good deal but don't want to be a lawbreaker...please elaborate
 
The frequencies that are used by that unit are only allowed to be used by a person licensed by the FCC. This is because of the frequency band and power used to transmit. The FCC can track you when you are using the frequency without a Call Sign and come by to talk to you.

The FRS radios do not transmit with very much power and on an frequency that is allowed by the FCC to be used without a license so they are legal for anyone to use. The issue is that the low power does not get you much further than line of sight. You should be able to pick up most any FRS radio and they will be compatible as long as you are on the correct channel. Most of them publish the frequencies used on their channels so you can be sure that they will work. We used them when we were doing convoys to car shows and they worked pretty good for that. Hope this helps.
 
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Midland GXT's. They work good at a 1000yds and sometimes better. They have a turbo mode which sometimes goes above legal wattage BUT they are spec'd at legal wattage.
Anything at or above 5 watts for GMRS or 2 watts for FRS you technically need coordinated and licensed. That is the issue with some of the higher wattage Baofengs.
 
Almost all construction companies and fire police use Motorola's. They have rechargeable packs. Not sure of the model number. Matt
 
Midland and Motorola make decent radio foress than $80, they are rechargeable also. Baofeng work, but are cheaply made. I had a set of Motorola that lasted years, batteries finally gave out, I replaced them with Baofeng, I have been through 2 set in 3 years. For the price they work but not as well built as others.
 
Take a look at the Motorola RM2050. No licensing required. We have been using them at our church for over a year with no issues or interference. Available from Home Depot for about $200 ea.
 
Have used marine radios on the farm to communicate between trucks and combine for several years. Also use a handheld unit Uniden two way vhf marine radio. It has 1 watt and 5 watt channels and reaches out very well. If you are on a coast or near big water probably not a good choice but here in the flatland works great.
 
Wild Willy said:
Want to replace the FRS radios that we use for our 600 and 1000 yard BR matches. Need to purchase 4 that are rechargeable, hoping someone can steer me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance...Bill Wood in Shingletown CA
Click to expand...
Whatever you do, make double damn sure the radios you buy are rated for unlicensed (FCC) civilian use. Yeah, you will probably escape the wrath of the FCC for a while but they will eventually show up at a match, confiscate the radios and hand summons to those people that are in possession of the radios.
 
My cell phone with ear buds works really well. Hands free and actual conversation made flag placing so much easier.
My big problem is having a bench buddy.
 
If you stay on the correct channels ; 1 thru 21 , there shouldn't be any "LEGAL" issues . But someone ALWAYS wants to push the rules , and then wonders why they got in trouble with the Feds . Ya just can't fix arrogant , or stupid . After several years of using these radio's on channel #1 , we haven't had any issues as of yet . Just sayin ....Ran into the same kind of "static" from the "HAM fan-boys" when I was running a multi-band radio in my Big Truck , even though I never went off standard C.B. channels . Whatever flips your switch .
 
What are the model numbers of your existing frs radios? If they are only .5 watt, then buying new ones that are 2 watt might be the best bet.
 
So, ranges are talking on an open forum about using radios that are NOT FCC TYPE APPROVED for the services they are using. Personal use out in the woods, or training for SHTF is one thing but risking range liability might not be advisable in this political climate.
 
I've had a ham license for 40 years. What you do on your own is one thing, but investing in improper comm equipment for a public facility is not the smartest idea I've heard today, and it's only 5 am here. Don't run afoul of the FCC if you can avoid it. And be aware a lot of hams are shooters, and tend to become aware of bootleg frequency incursions. Just sayin'.
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