Washington state question

I am getting fed up with Calif. Lived there all my life, almost 65 years. Currently in Sequim Washington on a fact finding run. Looking for a possible relocation area. We found a nice house, now need to check into medical.

I went to the local range yesterday. A big time shotgun set up. I asked if he had a pistol and rifle area. The owner took me around to the 25 yard pistol and 100 yard rifle areas. He asked what I shoot. I mentioned 45's and M1's. He asked semi or full auto. That was a good sign.

I have another day in the area. Does anyone know about other shooting ranges close by? Good gun stores?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim,

I left Washington in 1988, so my info is dated. With that said, there was a nice range in Bothell Washington (east of Seattle). In fact, that is where I took my first carbine (an un-messed with Winchester with all early features) and shot a 1.5" group at 100 yards, much to the chagrin of the rangemaster who had told me I was waiting my time trying a carbine at 100 yards! In general, if you go east of Seattle and up the hill as far as North Bend and Snoqualamie, you will get about 30% more sunshine than Seattle and west. Less rain, too.

It is in a place where the wind is not as bad as the rest of the Olympic peninsula. A banana belt if you will. Go 20 miles west and the wind blows you off the planet. My brother lives in Marysville just east of your location. He has a terrible time finding anyplace to shoot. Things to consider: It rains 200 days a year. There are so many ex-California liberals up there that it is a mess. Traffic near and around Seattle is far, far worse than LA. In many areas, using a wood stove anytime gets you a $200+ fine (see ex-Californians). There is a terrible meth problem up there centered in Granite Falls E/O Marysville. I would advise not making any decisions based on this time of the year. Come back in a few months and see what the weather is really like. If I sound pessimistic that is because my brother has been there for 30+years and knows the deal up there. I also was very seriously contemplating moving there at one time. My brother's experience and observation of how it has become California North changed my mind. I also have relatives that live in Gigs Harbor and Bellingham. You choice of Sequim is a good one.

To my knowledge, Full auto's or any of the parts are illegal in the state of Washington. You can have a suppressor. The west side is very liberal, so be prepared.

Jim, having lived in Washington, I actually prefer SW Oregon. My daughter lives in Medford, and my wife and I own a rental in Coquille (Bandon, Charleston, Coos Bay area). The state of Jefferson has VERY strong roots in the area. Less rain than Washington, cheap vehicle registrations, no sales tax. Class III friendly state. Property is also cheaper than Washington, last time I checked. Check it out.

I agree with Imarangemaster, SW Oregon is very nice country. So is Western
So. Dakota, where I am located, very firearms friendly.

Chuck

Come to Texas!, no state income tax, plenty of jobs and Sunshine. Gun stores in every town, and easy concealed handgun registration. You have hills, some Mountains, lakes, and Beaches on the Gulf Coast. Very Conservative State.

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Originally Posted by DaveHH

It is in a place where the wind is not as bad as the rest of the Olympic peninsula. A banana belt if you will. Go 20 miles west and the wind blows you off the planet. My brother lives in Marysville just east of your location. He has a terrible time finding anyplace to shoot. Things to consider: It rains 200 days a year. There are so many ex-California liberals up there that it is a mess. Traffic near and around Seattle is far, far worse than LA. In many areas, using a wood stove anytime gets you a $200+ fine (see ex-Californians). There is a terrible meth problem up there centered in Granite Falls E/O Marysville. I would advise not making any decisions based on this time of the year. Come back in a few months and see what the weather is really like. If I sound pessimistic that is because my brother has been there for 30+years and knows the deal up there. I also was very seriously contemplating moving there at one time. My brother's experience and observation of how it has become California North changed my mind. I also have relatives that live in Gigs Harbor and Bellingham. You choice of Sequim is a good one.

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Thanks for the input guys.

Just back. It is a nice, quiet little town. Even though it is in northern WA it get less then 16" of rain and 5" of snow a year. It's called the blue hole or rain shadow. Seattle is south east 69 miles but it's a two hour drive. Not worth it for the bad elements.

The shooting range is privately owned and he is relaxed with what you bring.

Dave, you'll like this. A house we looked at is on the 14th fairway of Sunland. Two car garage and a third for the golf cart.

Sequim, Washington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

My interests are the three G's. Guns, Golf, Gambling (Texas Holdem). Nice shooting range, live on a golf course, and there is an Indian casino 10 miles away. No state income tax.

I came away impressed.

So, you'll be closer to where I am, in the rain right now. Bring your rubber boots...

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

So, you'll be closer to where I am, in the rain right now. Bring your rubber boots...

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I went to Victoria a couple of years ago. I remember the noodles in a box cart guy was darn good. I heard he had expanded.

Yup...noodle box is huge here now. If you get settled and come over drop me a PM...we'll go unload some casings.

Jim, I can't tell you how happy we are in SW coast Oregon. It is gorgeous here. Medford? No thank you. I was there yesterday and all I could think of was Bakersfield! Housing is really reasonable here too.

Newport, Tillamook wonderful. The tides up there are unbelievable, waves, then no water for 1/2 mile, then waves again. Great air museum in Tillamook and a wooden blimp hanger that will blow your mind. You look up at the ceiling and there isn't a knot in it, millions of board feet of fir and nary a knot. Only drawback to the coast is summer tourist traffic. I agree about Medford; Ashland yes, Medford no.

Bill, where do you live? My daughter actually lives in Talent, half way between Ashland and Medford. I agree, Medford is too much city for me! My daughter is the taproom manager of Southern Oregon Brewery in Medford. Our rental/ possible retirement home is in Coquille OR, 17 miles inland from Bandon and Coos Bay. I LOVE that area!

I'm just south of Bandon in Brookings. This place is the best thing since they took the bones out of ice cream!