[trbon8r]

Hi,

I'm a California resident that will be visiting the Tampa Bay area on the weekend of 9/30 to 10/3. I'm hoping you all might be able to suggest shooting ranges where I could get in a little target practice. This will be my second trip to Tampa. The wife and I are considering moving there sometime next year, and I'd like to check out the shooting scene while I'm there.

I've seen the website for the Manatee Gun Club and I would kind of like to check that out. I'm considering packing my match Garand along for the trip since service rifle shooting is my first love. Not sure if that will work though considering all the gear that I would have to take on the plane with me. Barring that, I would like to visit a good indoor range and maybe rent a gun. Any suggestions would be appreciated. :)

[dmrcflyr2]

There are several ranges in neighboring Pinellas county.

The Wyoming Antelope club http://www.antelopeclub.org/ Outdoor

Knights Shooting Range: 12000 US Hwy. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33762 Phone: 727 546 4447

Bill Jackson's: http://www.billjacksons.com/ 9501 U.S. 19 North
Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
727.576.4169

There is also a LE range but I have never been there. I am a member of Bill Jackson's.

Have fun and enjoy the area.

[JohnMyakka]

There is also an indoor range, Take Aim, in Sarasota County on RT 301 just south of University Pkwy.

[iiibdsiil]

Knights Shooting is supposed to be nice.

[workingstiff]

I'd definately go to Knight's. It's pretty close to Tampa, just a quick trip accross the bay on I275. I'ts indoors (Wyoming is outdoors, no rapid fire allowed) Knight's is also air conditioned. (Bill Jackson's has no AC in the range.) Knight's has rifle and pistol lanes, ample supply of rentals including full autos and has fair prices. Bring your own ammo or buy theirs - they're actually friendly to customers!

You won't be dissapointed at Knight's and no I don't work there. Just probably the nicest range I've ever been to. Just moved to Tampa about 6 months ago from Michigan.

Although not previously mentioned, I'd steer clear of the range on N. Dale Mabry. Not a real friendly experience and too many bullet holes!

[tttuac]

Shooting Sports Incorporated
7811 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33614-3219
(813) 933-3000

I haven't been there but I know someone who goes there and he said there is a wall of rentals to pick from.

There is also two in Pasco and The Hernando Sportsman's Club in Brooksville. They close early as they are an outdoor club.

Have fun.

[Nimitz]

knights is to expensive for my tastes and to far away.

shooting sports was mentioned...but not what I expected to be said.

dunno what the posters history is but i've always always had good experiences there...never a problem the RO's are nice, and helpful to new shooters and such.

just wish it was AC in the range...maybe it is but its hotter than hell.

Chad

[iiibdsiil]

I went into Shooting Sports and they were, well, not exactly the most friendly people. They did have a crazy amount of rentals, if you could get someone to help ya. They quoted me like $350 for a Mossberg 500A, bwhahahahahahaha. I told em I can pick em up for $225 all day in S FL he told me to go down there and get one then.

[0007]

"Tampa Bay area" covers a whole lot of territory. Could you be a little more specific as to where you will beand how much range time do you think you will have? Knight's is a little expensive but very nice with Title III stuff for rent. If you are in the St. Petersburg area, the St. Pete Police Pistol Club is pretty nice.

[Gannet]

I'm a complete newbie, so keep that in mind. :)

I just took a combined CWP and self-defense pistol course at Knight's. I loved the place. Clean, air-conditioned, ventilated, friendly staff. They allow all weapons, including Class III, and up to .50 BMG. 25 yard pistol and 50 yard rifle ranges. Open 7 days, and until 10 on Friday and Saturday.

Rental handguns are mostly Glocks and CZs, with a few others thrown in. Quite a few Class III weapons for "demonstration" (rental). They have rental long guns, but I don't know what they are.

Rental rates may be high. I haven't been to other places, so I can't say. Here's a sample:

Handgun rental, including an hour of range time and 50 rounds, is $33.50. Long gun is $37.50, and the amount of ammo included depends on caliber. Pistol rental alone (buy range time and ammo separate) is $7.50

Range time alone is $12.00 an hour if you buy at least $15.00 of ammo. $17.50 an hour without ammo purchase. $20.00 for two hours, with $20.00 ammo purchase.

Only ammo purchased from them can be used in rental guns, and I can't blame 'em. You can shoot reloads on your own stuff, but you have to sign a waiver.

Between the heat and the mosquitos, I'm more than happy to pay the rate for indoor and air-conditioned. I'm very glad this place is here, although I do intend to check out some of the others as well.

Good luck, and hope you have a safe and fun trip.

[P5 Guy]

The Manatee Gun and Archery range is my favorite. I also belong to the St Petersburg Police Pistol Club. I've been to the Dade City range and Wyoming Antelope club too.

[trbon8r]

Thanks for the replies.

0007 I have to do some business on Friday, then I have all Saturday and Sunday to play. I'll have a rental car with unlimited mileage so any direction within an hour's drive of downtown works for me. :)

I looked at the Wyoming Antelope Club site. It looks interesting, but there isn't much info about the range itself. What is the maximum distance on the rifle range there? Can I presume it's open to the public? Thanks.

[P5 Guy]

Wyoming is open to the public. They have 100, 50, and 25 yard lines.
The rules at WAC are non-members must single load all rifles. Members can load 3 rounds to test function, but ask the ROs first.