Pennsylvania Shooting Clubs

[adv_rider]

Howdy -

I am looking at moving to PA in the next 1 to 5 years and was wondering if anybody has recommendations for some good shooting clubs or an area with a healthy competition scene.

I recently finished a very long term project (learning to ride a motorcycle ->fully rebuilding a motorcycle -> completing the Trans America Trail) and am starting to take a hard look at the next couple of decades. I am coming up on 42 and will likely retire in the next 5-10 years, so I am working out where I want to live long term and what interests I want to pursue.

I shoot or am interested in competing in:
Precision 3 position air rifle
Precision air pistol
Precision 3 position smallbore
Bullseye pistol
NM Service Rifle
XTC Rifle

I'd like to chase distinguished marksman badges in these disciplines. That should keep me busy and building skill for quite a while! After retirement I could also help out with coaching a youth team to keep socially engaged.

While I would prefer to get involved with a club that supports and offers matches in all these formats, I'd probably put emphasis on a club that has some long distance ranges for high power practice. I can likely practice non high power disciples at home if I get a big enough property.

Thank you in advance for any input.

 

[rwj]

Where in PA are you planning to live?

 

[adv_rider]

I am a bit open to that - though the preferred area is a box with Selinsgrove on the north side, Lancaster on the east, MD boarder on the south, and Altoona on the west.

I grew up in the greater Buffalo NY area and I've had my fill of harsh winters, so the Northern 3rd of the state is a little less attractive - nice state forests though!

 

[6fatrat]

Reade rang in fallen timbers is a great rifle range from 200 out to 1000, 1/2 hour scenic drive from Altoona.
Steve Bair

 

[joshb]

Take a good look at Texas. I moved to Kerrville and love it! Great people with Right leaning attitudes, easy winters, etc. I grew up in SE Pa, starting in the 50’s. Texas is like Pa. in the 60’s.

 

[Fuj]

I live up in the far north west in Erie Pa. on the lake. It's famous
for what you don't like seeing your from Buffalo. Huge fan of the
Bill's by the way. We have one of the best fishery's in the world
here, if your inclined. Shooting clubs, we have quite a few but they
are more Trap oriented. I'd throw a dart directly in central Pa. From
there you'll hit something going in any direction.

 

[Toptom]

I'm from south west pa. Seeing what your looking for I'd say ridgway they have a great club up there, I don't know any other recommendations. Local club to me only goes to 300.

 

[cmysix]

and you would willingly pick to live in a state that put Fetterman in office, you must have quite the retirement coming, thats another high tax state.

 

[1K6BRA]

As close to central Pennsylvania as you can finding nice place to live. All of these are within easy driving distance, Williamsport 1000 yard bench rest shooting, Ridgway rifle club has a myriad of different shooting disciplines from close in to 1000 yards, Reade range bench rest and F class to 1000 yards. If you choose to live in the center part of the state, you are still within easy driving distance to each corner of the state and a lot of different types of clubs and disciplines to participate in no doubt.

 

[rwj]

and you would willingly pick to live in a state that put Fetterman in office, you must have quite the retirement coming, thats another high tax state.

Retirement income is not taxable at either the local or state level in PA. Property based taxes vary widely based on location. Rural rates are typically low.

 

[Fuj]

Retirement income is not taxable at either the local or state level in PA. Property based taxes vary widely based on location. Rural rates are typically low.

And depending on your retirement income, you can get some property
tax money back thru the Pa property tax rebate program funded by the
Pa. lottery.

 

[adv_rider]

And depending on your retirement income, you can get some property
tax money back thru the Pa property tax rebate program funded by the
Pa. lottery.

Rwj and Fuj are correct. PA also has the clean and green program that can yield a nice reduction in property taxes for eligible ag use and forest reserve properties.

Moreover though I have just found PA to be a good fit. Close to family, great camping, pretty good dualsport riding, nice sportsman scene, close friends, climate with seasons,and a few fun cities. Also close enough where I can do in person and frequent pre move recon.

Every state has pros and cons and I think most states are what you make of them (though I'd probably avoid the ones that have no water, are not served by major insurers, or are top 5 in highest taxes). While I don't want to trash any state, Maryland has no natural lakes - and I'll be damned to live out my days in a state like that!

 

[adv_rider]

Anybody shoot at Palmyra Sportsmen outside of Hershey? They look to be a certified USA shooting training center and offer competitions or leagues in a number of disciplines I am interested in (though high power is reduced targets at 100 yards)

 

[adv_rider]

As close to central Pennsylvania as you can finding nice place to live. All of these are within easy driving distance, Williamsport 1000 yard bench rest shooting, Ridgway rifle club has a myriad of different shooting disciplines from close in to 1000 yards, Reade range bench rest and F class to 1000 yards. If you choose to live in the center part of the state, you are still within easy driving distance to each corner of the state and a lot of different types of clubs and disciplines to participate in no doubt.

Pulled up a gew pics or Ridgeway - dang, that is one heck of a Silhouette range!

 

[jghoghunter]

Mifflin County Sportsmen's Association

Central PA's most premier club, featuring 50 acres of well maintained ranges.

www.mifflincosportsmens.com

 

[pfiori]

As you noted, Palmyra has nearly everything on your list, it’s a great club for competitive shooting. For full distance XC, mid and long range, there are quite a few places within reasonable driving distance. Look up New Holland, Seitzland, Cumberland Sportsmen in New Jersey and Associated gun clubs of Baltimore.

 

[Fuj]

Pulled up a gew pics or Ridgeway - dang, that is one heck of a Silhouette range!

You'll want to try the VBR there !! And they have a rim fire version.....

 

[rwj]

Anybody shoot at Palmyra Sportsmen outside of Hershey? They look to be a certified USA shooting training center and offer competitions or leagues in a number of disciplines I am interested in (though high power is reduced targets at 100 yards)

Yes… they conduct the best falling steel pistol match in the country every spring!

 

[6MMsteve]

There use to be Mom N Pop Taverns every mile we stopped at several the first time we went tp ORG Penn 1000yd BRC... pool table in the back and Budwiser Beer I was amazed loved it

 

[TXJM]

Anybody shoot at Palmyra Sportsmen outside of Hershey? They look to be a certified USA shooting training center and offer competitions or leagues in a number of disciplines I am interested in (though high power is reduced targets at 100 yards)

Palmyra has a very active sb and air rifle program. You see palmyra shooters at the USA shooting events frequently. The club has even hosted ncaa attended matches in the past. Don’t know about the other disciplines.
Chip