[csd4682]

I live near Charlottesville VA, the only shooting range that I am aware of is the Rivanna shooting club. Are there any ranges within 30-40 miles other than the Rivanna one. I hear the Rivanna one is fine but it takes an act of congress to get in and due to a busy schedule I just dont know if I could always make the mandatory meetings held monthly. I am looking for a more relaxed setting.

[Eric F]

clarck brothers is a 45-1hour drive north in opal, black creek in richmond I know there is somthing in town ad there is a big idpa match there next month, I will try to find out where and get back to you, I am going on my 3 day so look for it tuesday

[tacweapon]

not sure if you are looking for pistol or rifle but there is the public ranges in the national forest the closest I can think of is Hite Hollow near Staunton

[737Driver]

I was a member at rivanna when I lived in charlottesville and while it does take a bit of effort to join, after that it was a nice, easy club to belong to. Never very busy and nice folks. Unless they have changed the rules you only need to attend 2 meetings to join, the first to introduce yourself and submit the application and the second to join. They don't have to be consecutive months, I think I went back for the 2nd meeting 3 months later due to my work schedule and they were fine with it.

[chris in va]

Not central VA, but if you have a 4wd The Cove Campground has a 'junkyard' range on their property where anything/everything can be shot at. Got an old boiler? Bring it. Hard drives, bowling pins, Tannerite, full auto, whatever.

Located in Gore VA.

[Rmac58]

Cavalier will be closer to C'ville than Black Creek.
There's usually IDPA, among other, matches once a month at Black Creek.
But both of these are probably too far away, and neither are public.

[snead888]

black creek isn't taking any new members, called them today. Like the range though

[cpttango30]

Dude Look for an IWLA in your area. I belong to one up north here in Stafford. It is very lid back pay your dues come out and work if you want to. Attend monthly meeting if you want to. Mine cost $100 a year + a $100 entry fee.

http://www.iwla.org

There is on in Staunton-Augusta Chapter Churchville and Rockingham-Harrisonburg Chapter Harrisonburg, VA

[twigs]

Unless they've changed the rules recently, Rivanna doesn't have mandatory meetings other than the initial two: one where you are introduced and the later one when you are voted in.

For the $100 a year you get an indoor range, trap, skeet, bullseye, rifle, plinking, and practical pistol ranges. IDPA and Cowboy Action shooters each have monthly matches and they've recently started ICORE matches.

It's a great club. The people are very friendly and helpful to new shooters. The costs are low because most of the work is done by volunteers. Members are expected to chip in some time to keep the place up.

Check it out at http://www.rrpc.org/

[bluestarlizzard]

rivanna needs refrences. thats always been my sticking point with them. my dad refused to join because they can be a bit country clubish.

[Unisaw]

bluestarlizzard, if you need a reference, let me know and I'll PM you with the name and email address of a friend who is a long-time member. I belonged to Rivanna while I lived in Charlottesville and it is a very good club. I don't agree that it is like a country club. I saw all types of people apply for membership and get in. Like most clubs that rely on volunteers to keep dues low, there is a core group that does more than its share of the work. However, my experience was that the core group was not snobbish at all.

[ZeSpectre]

Top gun indoor range near Harrisonburg (pistol only).
Nice enough place and not well known/crowded most of the time.

[JohnBT]

www.blueridgeshooters.com/directions.html

It's probably closer to 50 miles, depending on which side of C-ville you're on, but it's a nice ride down Route 11 to Vesuvius in Rockbridge County. Or, you can cut across through Montebello or Buena Vista. We'd always go into Lexington for a meal before heading home.

I shot there for years and it's a nice friendly little place on the side of the small river valley. And it was cheap and not crowded. My father and I finally let our memberships lapse last year when he moved from Stuarts Draft to Harrisonburg.

There's a 100-yard range, a pistol pit, a trap machine and a few buildings - including a cinderblock outhouse.

A few pics - www.blueridgeshooters.com/Gallery/

John

[SaltH2OHokie]

Bluestarlizzard: Knock me over with a feather...describing something in Charlottesville as being "country clubish"?

Next you'll tell me that they have college football games in that town that people wear ties to go watch... ;)

[JohnBT]

Do tell. :) John, VPI Class of '72.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/150/349879596_3a11f73b94.jpg?v=0

[openseason]

When I lived in Charlottesville, Hite Hollow near Augusta Springs was the best option I found. It may be free, but it's still a long drive and can get awfully busy. I shot at Rivanna a few times with UVA's rifle club and thought it was nice, but agree that the membership process is intimidating.

I'm sad to hear that Black Creek isn't accepting new members, since I'm moving to Richmond and was planning to give them a call. Are Amelia and Chickahominy WMA ranges the only thing left for rifles?

Cavalier R&P has a three year wait according to their website. Does anyone know about the Conservation Park of Virginia?

[thunderstorm]

Here is a good link for finding ranges

http://find.mapmuse.com/re1/interest.php?brandID=SHOOTING_RANGES

[Rmac58]

openseason, I'm glad I joined Black Creek when I did.
I inquired at Va. Conservation Park, and have driven by, looks very nice, country club? It would seem, a bit more expensive than BC, but if you join, invite me for a shoot!
When I called, they have open shooting Wednesday's and Saturday's noon to five, I think, otherwise, you have to be a member.

[Tpr0811]

It is a little further than you requested but take U.S. 33 west. Just after you cross into W. Va. look for the sign. Covered benches etc.This is a public range in the GW National Forest. On the north side of 33 about 2 - 3 miles from the hard road.

[JohnBT]

"I'm sad to hear that Black Creek isn't accepting new members"

Call January 1st or 2nd. Current members are given a chance to renew at the end of the year and then Mr. Young offers the vacant slots to new members.

John

[Navy joe]

It is a little further than you requested but take U.S. 33 west. Just after you cross into W. Va. look for the sign. Covered benches etc.This is a public range in the GW National Forest. On the north side of 33 about 2 - 3 miles from the hard road.

That's about 25 miles from me, don't worry, it will be closed soon due to idiots shooting the signs, trashcans, etc. and/or drinking lots of beer while they shoot. That's a haul from C-ville though.

[openseason]

John, thanks for letting us know. Maybe one hour drives to Amelia aren't in my future after all.

[bluestarlizzard]

bluestarlizzard, if you need a reference, let me know and I'll PM you with the name and email address of a friend who is a long-time member. I belonged to Rivanna while I lived in Charlottesville and it is a very good club. I don't agree that it is like a country club. I saw all types of people apply for membership and get in. Like most clubs that rely on volunteers to keep dues low, there is a core group that does more than its share of the work. However, my experience was that the core group was not snobbish at all.

i actually have 2 people who would give good referances. and as for country clubish, well, i can see it.