Range day tomorrow....

[imarangemaster]

Well, I finally caught up on "honey-doos" and scheduled an afternoon at the local range.

The first thing I am going to shoot is the transitional Winchester M1 Carbine. I battle-sighted it out in the boonies, and bounced some pine cones at varying distances, but this will be the first range fire of it. I will see how my lousy 61 year old eyes do at 100 yards with iron sights! Also shooting my 5.56 1/7" twist GUU-5/P carbine build, my newly acquired AR-7 .22 LR survival rifle, and my Taurus Millennium 9mm every day carry weapon.

I'll post some pictures.

Information

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[ChipS]

I have wanted an AR-7 since they were made by Armalite back in the 60's but there was always something more practical or pressing to blow my money on. I would be interested to see how accuracy holds on paper after the barrel has been removed and replaced. I think they are just plain cool. ChipS

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I would think around 4" at 100 yards all day long on your Winchester.

I'll be looking for you accuracy report on the AR-7. A friend has one and it will get dinner if needed from close range. But out past 25 yards or so it really starts to spread out. The light weight and pack in it's own stock is very attractive.

I have always liked the M6 Scout having 22 hornet and .410. But it has been in and out of production. Currently out of production again and pricey.

A bit heavier is the Ruger Takedown. Not the awkward feel of the AR-7 or M6 Scout. Same great magazine and much better accuracy. Though $100 more then the AR-7's $270 tag it would probably be my choice today.

Nice to have choices.

[imarangemaster]

The range where I was going was Nevada County Sportsman's. It is a private club that has the range open to the public Sundays, 12-5. I got there at 12:05. There was not a single parking spot, and throngs of people were lined up 4 deep at each position waiting for their turn to shoot! It was like a Fourth of July picnic with kids, bikes and a general zoo like atmosphere. I decided that waiting untold hours to get a 20 minute turn was not my idea of a good time.

Members can shoot anytime. trouble is, memberships are limited (to about 150 families, if I remember correctly), and cost about $5,000 when one comes open. Usually just passed down to future generations, and seldom outsiders get a chance to buy in.

I Decided to wait until midweek and to go 20 minutes farther up Hwy 20 into the Sierra and find a USFS road to drive up and find a place to shoot. Weekends in the Sierra, it is wall to wall flat-landers getting their nature fix.

[ChipS]

rangemaster:

Now that's high class shootin'!!!! I'm sure my little Kentucky club is not near as polished but we have a nicely appointed clubhouse and about 10 good heavy benches. I've never seen more than about 5 benches occupied and anyone can join for $150 and re-new for $75 a year to shoot rifle, pistol and trap. I hesitate to ask what kind of 'greens fee' they charge the unwashed on Sunday afternoon. Is everything in California this expensive now? Please get us reports on the Winchester and the AR-7. Good luck and good shooting.

[imarangemaster]

Sadly, many ranges and gun clubs in Kalifornia have succumbed to the energetic efforts of anti-gunners teamed with leaf lickers (rabid environmentalists). Ordnances have been passed and they have gone out of business forever. Places to shoot have all but dried up. California Dept. of Fish and Game has an unmanned range at Smartville, between Grass valley and Marysville that is open. It is a nightmare, however. People being stupid, sweeping others with loaded weapons, people walking down range while people are shooting, etc. In Southern California, BLM is even trying to close areas of desert to shooting, because it causes lead contamination....

[ChipS]

rangemaster:

I didn't think about the war on firearms in Kalifornia creating a shortage of safe ranges to shoot at. I understand Governor Moonbeam claims he is a shooter! You have my sincerest sympathy. We are spoiled here in Kentucky because we enjoy almost limitless freedom to responsibly shoot and hunt. The Sheriffs Offices and State Police are very helpful and supportive in issuing CCDW permits for a very reasonable processing fee to law abiding citizens. Heck, if you don't own and shoot a gun in Kentucky most people look at you funny (well maybe not so much in progressive Lexington and Louisville). Good luck and safe shooting. ChipS

[shadycon]

In Va. I can shoot out my back door! But I built me a 100yd. range with 8x8 shooting shack in my back woods.GK

[imarangemaster]

The 20 acres of property I owned 2000 to 2007 about 5 miles from here was surrounded by 1000 acres of BLM. I bulldozed a 100 yard rifle range and 25 yard pistol bay below the house. I miss those days. Now I hav half acres in a rural neighborhood. Can't even shoot a gopher now!

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I live in California. It's not as bad as some may think. The range I go to is owned and operated by five clubs. You can join one of the clubs for $50-$75 a year. As a member when you want to shoot at the range it is $7. If you are a non club member it is $14. I go mid week when the traffic is light stay as long as I want.

I was curious, $5,000 seems awfully high, so I just called Nevada County Sportsman. They have two primary classes of membership, 200 Full Members and 50 Affiliate. Sounds small until you realize it is in Nevada City, California with a population of only 3068. And I'm sure surrounding people raise that number some.
There is a waiting list, or you can purchase a transfer membership from an existing member. Current sales price for a FULL membership range from $500-$800. With Annual Dues of $125 and complete 24 hours of volunteer work for the Club each calendar year.

Affiliate Memberships may also have a waiting List. Annual Dues: Currently $50 per year. Complete 6 hours of volunteer work for the Club each calendar year. Affiliate Members and their guests must pay full range fees of $8 per person for Rifle/Pistol, Trap and Archery.

For imarangemaster Public shooting is on Sundays at a charge of $8 per person.