[DWS1117]

I see all these other places and other fellow THR'ers getting together and was thinking that I had never seen anything about a get together for THR'ers from the H-town area.

If anyone is interested post your suggestions.

The national forest range will be opening soon. It is a little bit of a drive for most, but it is free and just about anything goes. Rapid fire, class 3, most any target (as long as you clean up after yourself). Did I mention it is FREE?

[Fish Springs]

Sure, why not. There may be a PR oportunity here.

Would you be open to a bit of a NFS PR gambit--scheduled, organized, polite shooting with the end in mind of reversing the current 11 month a year closure?

The Forest Road 208A "range" is restricted due to late night Class III events and people not picking their trash after shooting. It was a fun place to take beginners, iin the woods and it is free.

The shotgun only range at Liberty Hill is also closed 11 of 12 months out of the year due to shooters not honoring the shotgun-only status of this site. Too bad as we used the site for youth camp clay target shooting.

PM if you get any additional responses or maybe we have a get-acquainted shoot at Carter's and do a little planning.

[DWS1117]

I would be open to either of those. The reason that I hesitated to mention Carter's is that it is so spread out. It would seem difficult to have a "get together" at a firing line as long as a football field. Also, if some want to soot the shotguns that range is even further away. it seems difficult to have a group type setting.

If it would be at Carter's, more than likely it will be on a weekend. You are famliar with the large crowd that is there on a weekend right before deer season?

My second reason that I didn't Carter's is that it is not my personal favorite place to go even though it is only 5 miles from my house. I think the $6.00 per shooter & per gun is a bit steep. If you take mroe than a pistol or couple of rifles + ammo (iffin you don't get it elsewhere or roll you own) it can easily be $50- $60 to shoot. Maybe its just me (or just the luck of when I was there), but I have always either run into to the bubba types. The ones that think that iffin it ain't a huntin rifle you don't need it. It isn't always like that.

As far as the forest goes, I would do just about anything, legal that is, to convince those nuckleheads at the NFS to keep it open year round. From what I have seen, it is the people that they open it up for a month for that are trashin the place. the serious shooters always seem to clean up thier junk when they are finished. It is the hunters (hunters don't take offense this is NOT a flame against hunters. I hope to become one someday myself) that come out there with the real eastate or election sign that they took from some corner, fire thier 3 shots, call it good enough, and leave leaving thier trash behind.

[CleverNickname]

I'm up for it. I'd rather not do Carter's because of the no-machineguns rule there.

[Fish Springs]

Well DWS1117,

Looks like you've got three interested people. The run to the forest range is not bad so let us know what you have in mind. I am also am in the Spring area--about 10 miles from Carter's.


BTW I'll be at Carter's this next Sunday morning shooting a couple rounds of Skeet. It is a busy place but there are some nice slots to use and we have met some fine people there. On Sunday AM we get there at 8:30 or so and are ready to shoot by 9:00, break some clays and get out before the place gets crowded and the entertaining idiots start to show up. Friday afternoon--1:00 to 3:30 or 4:00 is also a good slot for an "off site seminar".

On another note, there is a Turkey shoot next Saturday at Kuykendahl and 2920 (the Methodist Church on the North-east side of the intersection). The scouts that host this as there annual fund raiser could use some support. There is a thrown clays game, and a static "closest BB" shoot at which one can find some good barbeque and pick up your pumpkins.

I love having a shooting game going on the side of FM2920!!!!

[DWS1117]

CleverNickname:

How does the forest range work for you? Do you have other place that you prefer?

What days are good for all of you? Sundays are usualy bad for me because that is my Monday at work. I wil be taking some vacation time in early November so I may have a Sunday free then. Thursdays through Saturdays are best for me.

[CleverNickname]

The SHNF range works ok. The only downside is it's like 40 miles away from me.

[Fish Springs]

Saturday and Sam Houston work for me--also about 40 miles.

Calender matching may be interesting maybe the 3rd or 4th Saturday in October.

What do you propose to shoot?

[DWS1117]

I am open to suggestions for any place to shoot. It just seems the place that will offer the most freedom.

As far as what I will shoot. Nothing fancy. I'll probably bring my Yugo Mauser, Yugo SKS if it is working by then, Mosin M38, SA 1911, CZ 75, and a couple of .22 rifles if they are back from having finish work done.

What will you be shooting?

Also I am going to ask a mod if we can post this in the general discussion section seeing as how this forum generats so little traffic. I know there are more THR's here and around Houston that would probably like to attend.

[Fish Springs]

DWS1117,

Good idea to move this to a less obscure location on the site there should be more than three of us on this site.

What to shoot?

I think I may have been shooting too much skeet this year....so lets go with rifled bores (unless I get carried away and bring the patterning board too)

How 'bout a Springfield, an Enfield, a Mauser and a pistol of some kind?

I have semi-useful portable shooting bench and a chronograph if that will help to make things more interesting.

What are your thoughts on targets, duration of stay and food?

I've tended to make a day of it, and be fairly self contained, unless the range is shoulder to shoulder or occupied with the unsober or un-safe.

[DWS1117]

I am up for just about anything for targets. I have a target stand I use for paper. Usually carry milk jugs with colored water or different sized fruits. Have to sacrifice at least one watermelon. I have a small 4' folding table that I bring.

I am up to making a day. Will bring a cooler with some nonalocoholic drinks and food for the day.

I PMed a mod about moving this thread to general. I explained that being where it was that it wasn't getting seen due to that face that noone comes to this forum.

[DWS1117]

A mod gernerously allowed a link to this thread from General Discussion. Hopefully we can get more interest now.

Thanks Preacherman!

[StephenT]

Hey DWS,

I've always wondered about that "free" range in the national forest, so I'm definitely interested. It's up in Conroe around route 105, isn't it? Can you provide some detailed info on how to get there. I'd be coming up I-45 from Houston. While I'm there, I'll use the opportunity to visit the shooter's station, where they've got a decent selection and good prices.

[synoptic]

The free range opens this thursday. It is open from 8 to 5 (unless they changed the times this year). I live 15 minutes away from there so I'll definitely show. Weekends get incredibly busy, so getting there early, even before shooting is allowed, is a good idea. An easy up canopy or something of the sort is a good idea as well.

[DWS1117]

StephenT:

The range is located inside the Sam Houston National Forest. It is about 20 minutes north of conroe. Its a nice drive after you get out of conroe. I will be going up this friday and will take better note of driving directions so I can post those. Maybe someone else can provide clear directions before then. It is really easy to get to.

[Thumper]

I'm in...somebody PM me when anything's decided.

[synoptic]

DWS, when on Friday are you going?

[DWS1117]

I'm not quite sure. I will probably try to get there around noon - noon thirty.
I'll be the fat guy with the silver Saturn SUV.

[synoptic]

alright, depending on how long you're there I may see you. We're leaving the school about 2, so it'll be 2:15 by the time we get there. I'd be there a lot earlier except my firends don't get out of class till 1:50

[huaco]

I might be up for a drive up there from the west side of Houston on a weekend day so please post some more detailed directions or even coordinates if you have a GPS. I looked at a few maps and forest service websites but none showed or mentioned a range. I met several THR members at ASC a couple of years back and really enjoyed it.

[DWS1117]

I won't be at the forest today after all. I mande the mistake of answering the phone and now I am sitting here at work.

The rest of you, what date is good for everone for the shoot?

[Fish Springs]

Same problem here--ASIC vendor selection day and a build in the ditch. Best I can do is look out the window (My office window looks in the general direction of FR208A and this range) It would be a wonderful day to be out shooting.

Don't forget the BSA Turkey Shoot at the Methodist Church at the intersection of 2920 and Kuykendahl on Saturday--shotguns only, ammo provided. $1.00 per shot--closest bb to the center wins a turkey--good chopped beef sandwiches on sale too.

We will be at Carter's on Sunday morning shooting Skeet--most likely on Skeet 1 Range--if any one wants join us. I'll be the fat guy in a Shotgunworld T-Shirt with a Winchester X2 working on not missing the crossing birds:rolleyes:

[wally]

Pick a date and post good driving directions.

We all can find I-45N to Conroe, post details from the I-45 exit and on. Hard to get everyone to agree on a date, so find one a few can agree on and post that time and date. I'll be there if I can.

Probably a 80+ minute drive for me. About the same drive for me as to my buddy's ranch in Columbus, but it'd be nice to have another alternative for shooting my Thompson SMG.

I'm commited to the Texas RenFest the weekend of the Oct 9th.

--wally.

[drj3828]

Count me in I am like the other fellow I live about 20 min. from the shooting area. Just post a date and time and I will try to make it.
Dennis

[synoptic]

Alright, I went out there friday afternoon and did some shooting. Here's the deal...

The area has gotten overgrown, where it was once all gravel and shells, there are now 3 foot weeds, so wear pants and boots when you go. A machette may not be a bad idea either in case a bush is in your line of fire.

Shooting is allwed from 9am to 5pm. Weekdays aren't too bad, but if you're going on a weekend, get there early, maybe 8 or so, the range gets really busy on saturday and sunday.

The sun is REALLY hot, take something to shade yourself, or at least to keep your guns out of direct sunlight

Take a truck if you've got one. The dirt roads aren't bad, but trucks seem to like them more than cars.

Bring water or gatorade.

Technically, targets are only supposed to be paper or clay. This rule hasn't really been enforced, but occasionally on the weekends the rangers will come out and watch everyone, it would be a good idea to at least have some paper and clay targets available to use.

Bring trashbags, try to haul off more than you brought in.

Keep a gun on your hip. If you're out there alone, there have been some instances of robberies out there. If you're out there with a group, just be sure to have a pistol on you when you go down range, on very few occasions (never actually seen it, but heard form friends) some idiot will fire while you're down range.

Keep an eye on everyone else there. They're not all the brightest, or safest. If the latter is true, it'd be a good idea to back off the firing line and wait for them to finish.

As for directions, I come from the back way and can't remember how to get there from houston. So hopefully someone else can give directions.


With a big group going it would be a good idea for some of us to get there even earlier than 8. If a few of us went we could set up an area, maybe a grill, and just hang out till everyone shows up. If anyone has an easy up, or a canopy of some sort, those are great for keeping the sun off.

[DWS1117]

Thanks for the update. Hopefully I can make it out this Friday. Looks like we are getting some interest. I bet this is going to be a lot of fun.

Right now it looks like My vacation will be the first 2 weeks of November. How does either the first or second Saturday or Sunday work for everyone?

Saturday may be better for some folks. If we do it on a Sunday some may not be able to get there too early due to attending church.

[synoptic]

The second saturday of november is best for me, I'll be at renfest on the 6th.

[TXBera]

Can't make it myself but have been there when I lived in Huntsville.

From Houston, I-45 N, take the FM 1375 exit right after the weigh station. Turn left on 1375 you should pass the Ranger station. Keep going till you see a sign that says Stubblefield Lake. Turn right at the sign. go straight till you get a fork in the road. Take the dirt road not the asphalt one. You are now on FR208. Keep going about a mile down you should see FR208A. That is the range road. and it should have a big brown range sign stating hours and a phone humber.

From Huntsville, I-45 S, it is the same directions.

Safe Shootin'!

Dave

[DWS1117]

Thanks for those directions.

synoptic :

So Saturday November 14th works for you? That date sounds good for me.

How does that date work for everyone else?

[Thumper]

Anybody going to Gunstock?

[synoptic]

Saturday would be November 13th

What is gunstock?

[Thumper]

Here ya go synoptic.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=1&f=127

[synoptic]

Thanks Thumper

[DWS1117]

Saturday would be November 13th

Yeah, yeah. So my calendar is broken. Fine Saturday November 14th! It still works for me,

[huaco]

Hey Thumper where ya been? We met a couple of years back at another THR get together at ASC. I got all excited about Gunstock last year but didn't make it. Now that you have brought my attention to this year's episode and since I need to make an aunt/uncle's 50th on the 16th in Waco I'm seeing some possibilities. Are you signed up or thinking about it?

[Thumper]

I'll definitely be there. I was loading some .45 ACP before the game just for the occasion.

[synoptic]

This thread seems to have died. Anyone still up for a shoot? My weekends are quickly filling up, but I could definitely go out the morning of the 13th for a while, or we could figure out another date that everyone is happy with.

[Thumper]

Quite a few of us will be at Gunstock in Waco this weekend.

If you can come up, even for an afternoon, it'll be worth it.

[synoptic]

If I didn't have to study or do homework, and it was a little closer, I'd go. But, this weekend is dedicated to studying and programming :(

[DWS1117]

I am still up for it! I have been spending time reloading ammo and buying more guns to shoot.:D

The 13 is perfect for me!

[Detritus]

this still on??

got that weekend off from work and want to make sure things are still in order before i head out on the morning of the 13th (long drive for me)

[DWS1117]

Can't say for other's, but I will be there. Got my vacation for that week. Been loading .45 ACP and making sure everything is working. Even making a list to make sure I don't forget anything.

I will be showing up about 7 - 7:30am and picking a spot.

[wally]

The 14th also conflicts with the HGCA gun show at Reliant Center.

I've got to go to Portland, OR that Sunday so unless everything fall into place I won't have time to go up there, its about an hour and a half drive for me.

--wally.

[DWS1117]

So who's in or still interested?

Those that are planning on going, post what you will be driving or something about you so we can recognize you.

I will be the fat, bald guy with the silver Saturn SUV. My plan is to get there early (about 7 am) and set up on the far right.

Also, anyone interested, I will be up there for a few hours sometime around 2:00pm this Wednesday the 3rd.

[DWS1117]

I still plan on being there.

[Detritus]

i'm still having to mull it over, frankly it depends on how the rest of my week goes. as of right now i have NO ammo for any of the guns i had intended to bring, i just found out that Century is out of stock of PMP .303 ammo :banghead: and i won't have a chance TILL saturday sometime to hunt up more fodder locally for my enfeild OR my 1911. and i'd feel rather dumb showing up for such a function with only an old slightly cranky 10/22 and half a brick of ammo.... :(

so i'm having a real debate here on whether i'll go or not, probably will depend on how my better half feels at "god-awful-Thirty" in the morning when we'd have to get up to make it to the range in reasonable time.


please do try and convince me to make teh effort, right now i'm rather bummed, and ticked at CIA as well ofr not informing me in a timely manner of their out of stock.

[DWS1117]

Well, you can pick up .22 anywhere and its cheap. I will be bringing several hundred rounds of .45acp and would be willing to share. That is if you don't mind reloads. Nice light loads. Nothing even approaching hot loads. I could also spare a box of 7.62 x 39 to put throught the AK. I will have several guns to shoot and share. The only thing I don't have a lot of ammo for is the mosin. I will only have about 2 boxes for that.

I hope you decide to make the trip. It is a very long drive for you. It would be nice to get meet some of the people that post here. It is also always nice to see other's shootin irons. Call me a gun voyeur.

[DWS1117]

If anyone still interested. I will be at the forest range tomorrow morning about 7:00 am.

[wally]

Did it work out?

Gonna try it again?

14th was a bad time for me as I had to go out of town and just got back last night.

--wally.

[DWS1117]

It would appear that it wasn't a good time for most. I was the only one there. Oh well. I had a fun day anyway. Always a fun day shooting.

I am still up for anything anywhere. My only bad day is Sunday.

[wally]

So how was the range?

Can you shoot steel plates or 2-liter plastic bottles? Or is it really paper targets only like someone posted a while back? If paper only, what distances are available and how do you mount your targets -- backing boards provided or are we on our own?

Just questions to see what it might be like.

Its kind of a long drive for me, I'm a member of PSC Range, a very nice private range & shooting club, but its paper only except for matches, so I'd like to find a place to shoot reactive targets from time to time.

--wally.

[DWS1117]

The range isn't the prettiest place. As far as targets or backing, your on your own. It is posted that only paper targets are allowed, but plastic bottles are very common targets as well. There are almost always a couple of propane bottles that some have brought out to shoot and lots of people, not just shotgunners, bring clays. I took about 50 bottles out last time. Just make sure you take a garbage bag and clean up after yourself. My usual target selection is bottles and paper. I pack a little mtm target stand. They're cheap.

There are 3 small berms set at approx. 25, 50, and 75 yards. There is no range master or any type of supervision so again, your on your own. Just be safe and be aware of others and you'll be fine.

As far as steel, it goes with the on your own thing. You could bring them, but thats on heck of a load.

If you feel like going some day let me know and I will meet you there. or we could meet somewhere ( i live in Spring) and you could follow me there.

[wally]

DWS1117,

Send me a PM next time you plan to go out on a Sat morning and I'll join you if I can.

Might be easier than trying to organize an outing to make a PM list of interested persons and send out a message a week or two before you plan on going out there.


The rest of the year is pretty much out for me. My steel targets are swingers so they are not too hard to setup or heavy to haul -- I usually take them to by buddy's place in Columbus, about the same drive, but I-10 W is horrible right now!

--wally.

[one-shot-one]

i would not mind being on a pm list for this.