Deserted Rifle Ranges!

[K22]

I try to get out to the rifle range twice a week, even in the winter months. I belong to two clubs, one only 7 miles away, the other 12 miles so it's relatively convenient. I only shoot 10 rounds per range session, 5 at 100 and 5 at 200 yards just to stay sharp for upcoming varmint season and conserve components. Haven't done much predator hunting this winter.

These two ranges have been virtually deserted during the week. I would venture to say that after "sight in" for deer season, I haven't seen more than a dozen shooters at the range from late December until yesterday. Granted, I don't go on the weekends but in the past, I'd see at least 1 to 2 or more every time I went to the range during the week. With gas prices soaring, and ammo / component shortages, I imagine it will remain the same for the foreseeable future.

The good is that it's nice having the range without getting my eardrums crushed by muzzle breaks or being sprayed by flying case from semi-autos. The bad is that I miss the fellowship of fellow shooters although a lot of my buddies have passed on to the big range in the sky.

What about you guys - have you seen a significant decline in rifle range attendance?

 

[Gargoyle]

I always have too many equipment experiments and load developing chores going on in my range sessions that I don't want chit chat. I understand not everyone is like me though, but to comment directly at your post, I can bet you there will be even less people who want to spend the fuel to drive, and ammo is going to even more expensive with shipping costs rising. I'm properly caffeinated and still a debbie downer on this. Dang.

 

[joshb]

I just joined a range here in Kerrville, Texas. Portable “wobbly” benches at my cousin’s ranch weren’t working for me. I go on Thursdays to avoid the weekend crowd. There have been empty benches but always three or four guys shooting. Last time I went, the local skeet teams were practicing. It was nice to see 30-40 young kids enjoying the sport!

 

[JEFFPPC]

I shoot an air rifle at a local but out of the way indoor range almost daily. Business is very good there. Indoor 25 6 lane range is very busy. Lots of ammo being shot up. They are smart, 15.00 per month shoot all you want 7 days a week. They have ammo and getting more almost daily which they sell at a reasonable price. Lots of female shooters of all ages many coming with another women or by them selves. About half of them shoot better than lots of men. They are selling lots of handguns , I am surprised at how lots of older women are really into it. Went to the closest outdoor range, both these are 5 min from my home, Sunday so my wife could shoot her newest pistol and it was busy. Lots of parents with youngsters. It was good to see.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I feel very fortunate that I am a long time member of The Tomball Gun Club.

A membership in The Tomball Gun Club is worth it’s weight in great bullets.

 

[jpx2rk]

I belong to a range about 45 miles from the house, and use to go 2x/week, avoided the weekends like the plague. I usually did load development like most of the other "old farts" that were there as well. With the component shortage, some of the "regulars" stopped/slowed down showing up for the fellowship and BS. I might be there by myself, or one other guy. Next time all 8 benches would be full and 2 waiting for an open bench. With gas going up, I've not gone in a couple weeks, the weather has not cooperated either, BUT the guy who holds RF matches lives 2 miles from the house, so I just go over there when possible. I don't shoot CF at this range as it only has targets at 50 yds, but I need/want to some "messing around" with RF's, so it helps. Just have to monitor the RF ammo inventory to make it last as long as I can. LOL

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I haven’t noticed too much slowdown at my club due to components or ammo except I havent seen any AR or PCC high volume shooters in a while. Our crowd seems more weather related. If it gets “Texas cold” and breezy most of the old farts stay home.

 

[SS427]

Deserted and I'm loving it without the muzzle brake blasts and hot brass flying around. Still shooting $30/1000 primers, $25 per pound powder, $60/500 bullets and will be for quite a few more years. I drive a plug-in hybrid and can make the 50 mile trip to the range on about $1.80 of electricity. For the prepared these are good times.

 

[dfrosch]

I just joined a range here in Kerrville, Texas. Portable “wobbly” benches at my cousin’s ranch weren’t working for me. I go on Thursdays to avoid the weekend crowd. There have been empty benches but always three or four guys shooting. Last time I went, the local skeet teams were practicing. It was nice to see 30-40 young kids enjoying the sport!

Schreiner University has been very serious about the shotgun sports. Really love to see this being encouraged.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Good read.
My Club outside Bend Oregon has a lot to offer. KD Range to 1000 yards for Matches , Steel Shooting to 1367 . Practice Range to 550. Rim Fire Pistol etc.

The only trouble as stated above Dr. Strange-love shows up at the wrong times.
Rapped Fire Charlie Pepper my Truck with .223 Brass .

All in all a great Range .

 

[gambleone]

Our range in Western Pa has been flooded on & off so couldn't even get in. Besides that it seems to have
about the same numbers.

 

[varmintshooter]

I am a member of a range and have it to myself pretty much anytime unless there is a match going on. Most of my shooting is done at my buddies place though. The thing I have noticed most is there isn't much brass left laying on the ground anymore.

 

[Kittitas George]

I'm suffering from component shortages, so not shooting as much at the range. Saving up for sage rats.

 

[Lucky Shooter]

I've seen a trend at several ranges-----not very crowded
Friday afternoons, In many cases never see another rifle
shooter.

Happy hour competition ?

A. Weldy

 

[tommeboy]

I have not seen anyone at my range in over 5 years! But only 6 people have access to it might be why.

 

[FarmerDave]

Range I belong to on Eastern Shore, MD has been slow until you get a very nice day, then most every bench has a shooter. Seems no one stays long, and lots of chatter about ammo prices and shortage.

 

[bigstick6017555]

Like K22 I belong to two gun ranges with in three miles of my house, I have seen weekends that I was there from opening time till closing time and not a sole at the rifle range, maybe a few at the handgun range. When I do encounter anyone at the rifle range they do not seem to stay long just for a few rounds.The price, and availability of ammo and reloading components I feel is the cause. Nice in away but I hope it does not start to take a toll on membership.

 

[jelenko]

I always have too many equipment experiments and load developing chores going on in my range sessions that I don't want chit chat. I understand not everyone is like me though, but to comment directly at your post, I can bet you there will be even less people who want to spend the fuel to drive, and ammo is going to even more expensive with shipping costs rising. I'm properly caffeinated and still a debbie downer on this. Dang.

Interesting. When I'm at the range, I'm all business - simply going through practicing positions, load development or experimenting with equipment mods.
I shoot at a local club that is really a fish and game club. In the first few years I was there, several very nice fellows would come over and attempt to start up a conversation. No one comes over any more.
PS. I'm always polite and engage in a bit of discussion, but shortly just mention I need to get back to work due to a match coming up.

On components. I've over did on accumulation a bit. But, I'll whittle it down a bit as the weather gets nicer.

 

[JB10]

While i am stocked good on supplies i quit shooting often to conserve components. I used to go couple times a month. Last 2 years going about once every 5 months. Did still go out preditor hunting though. More gas used than components. Last few weekends stayed home due to fuel costs. Most hunting spots are at least 1 hour or more from my house.

 

[Perk]

I am the range safety officer . In the past when I get to the range I send most of it watching other shooters. How I get to shoot most of the time i'm there, nobody to correct on their use of weapons.