[sbvx67]

Hello all I was wondering if there is anyone around here from the Dallas
Ft Worth area.:)

[TechBrute]

Yes, there is. We have a Yahoo group, too. A small group of us went to SHOT, and we recommitted to more range time once the weather warms some.

[Dean1818]

Frisco, Texas here

[crawfobj]

Dean - right next door to you in The Colony.

Wish I could have gotten in on that Shot Show trip!!!

There's quite a few DFW folks that I've come across here.

[Ed4032]

Plano Texas here !!

[griff383]

South Arlington checking in

[Crowbar Muldoon]

Welcome to THR, sbvx67. Dallas here.

[jeadams]

Wylie, TX here!

[.308 garand]

Rowlett, TX here!

[capreppy]

Just joined. North Fort Worth (Saginaw).

On here and a few other places to learn about reloading.

I just got a SA XDm .45ACP. Love it and try to go the range as often as I can, but finding ammo is getting harder and harder (and more expensive).

[bp_cowboy]

Sachse, TX

[dogtown tom]

Plano, TX here!

[xcgates]

San Antonio here, and wat 'choo talkin 'bout TechBrute?!?

'Round these parts it's already the middle of spring! Heck, I was out on the loading dock picking up new equipment, and was it was quite warm and sunny!:neener:

(Transplanted from the salt/rust belt)

[TechBrute]

Haha gates...

I will shoot in most any weather, but the most successful large group shoots we've had in the past have been in fair weather.

[neoknight88]

West, TX here. Not exactly DFW but close enough to get up that way.

[griff383]

It would be nice if someone had some land near here that we could go to and have a shoot and BBQ.

[xcgates]

Well to be honest I really shouldn't be talking, work and my motorcycles have taken up all of my time, and all I've had time to do is bicycle out to a nearby pit and pop off some .22LRs out of my new pistol.

And I live near a range. Go ahead, berate me, I deserve it.:uhoh:

[of-47]

North Richland Hills here

[fletcher]

Midcities area here.

[Hypnogator]

Lewisville, within an easy drive of Cabelas, Cheaper Than Dirt, and Bass Pro! :D

Soon to be moving to Lake Fork -- still in the area.

[Jdann24]

Garland, TX. Just joined.

[bhawk45]

One more from Wylie!!

Doug

[dallascj]

Richardson here.

[DFW1911]

Dallas!

[capreppy]

Anyone going to the FT Worth Gun show next weekend? I'm going on Saturday around 9am with a couple of buddies.

I'm specifically looking for Primer / Powder & bullets if I can find them cheap enough. Just started reloading and am trying to find a good cheap bullet for my SA XDM 45. Currently have 100 MG 230gr JHPs & 100 Hornady 230gr XTPs enroute. The XTP's are a close substitue for the Hornady 230gr HAP which is what I'm really looking for.

I'll be working those loads up on Sunday and hope to take them to the range the following Monday to see what works best in my weapon.

[animator]

Richardson here.


Where do you DFW guys get together and shoot? On any given weekend (regardless of weather) I'm out at Gibson's.

[rbernie]

I usually shoot at Garland Public Shooting Range, but can occasionally be found at Targetmasters. I used to shoot at The Bullet Trap in Plano, but a couple of years ago they instituted some new range rules that effectively keep me from being able to shoot my handloads there....

[TechBrute]

The guy who runs Gibson's did his best to offend several people in our group. He threatened to call the cops about one of our SBRs and wouldn't let one of us shoot his 30-06 BAR, claiming that it was a .50 and he could recognize it because he used one "in the war." add to that his and his wife's general attitude of "we really don't want people to actually shoot here", and we thought we would oblige them. One of our members got attitude at the front desk because be wanted to use a credit card to pay his range fee. The wife made some comment about not shooting if he couldn't afford it. We haven't been back as a group since. We had a few decent shoots at TDSA, but the owner really didn't keep the property up enough to justify the $150 yearly membership. I think like 20 of us joined one year and then just got tired of broken plate racks, eternal mud, chiggers, etc, and didn't renew the following year.

So far, our best track record as a group is with Winchester Gallery in Fort Worth. They would usually give us the whole second building to ourselves. That pretty much limits the long gun shooting, but it is a decent environment with the lounge right outside the lanes. There are usually enough handguns to go around.

[jiphillips]

Arlington here.

[Deltaboy]

Johnson County just south of Fort Worth.

[txgolfer45]

Far North Dallas.
I usually shoot at either Elm Fork, Dallas Pistol Club or Garland Public Range.

[animator]

The guy who runs Gibson's did his best to offend several people in our group. He threatened to call the cops about one of our SBRs and wouldn't let one of us shoot his 30-06 BAR, claiming that it was a .50 and he could recognize it because he used one "in the war." add to that his and his wife's general attitude of "we really don't want people to actually shoot here", and we thought we would oblige them. One of our members got attitude at the front desk because be wanted to use a credit card to pay his range fee. The wife made some comment about not shooting if he couldn't afford it. We haven't been back as a group since. We had a few decent shoots at TDSA, but the owner really didn't keep the property up enough to justify the $150 yearly membership. I think like 20 of us joined one year and then just got tired of broken plate racks, eternal mud, chiggers, etc, and didn't renew the following year.

So far, our best track record as a group is with Winchester Gallery in Fort Worth. They would usually give us the whole second building to ourselves. That pretty much limits the long gun shooting, but it is a decent environment with the lounge right outside the lanes. There are usually enough handguns to go around.


Odd, as I've had the exact opposite experience at Gibsons. I'm on a first-name basis with Doris and Frank, and have never really had any issues with them. I guess it just comes with being a regular there, and them knowing I'm not one of the countless *******s they have to deal with--I've seen several out there, and I wouldn't want to have to deal with it either. I've personally experienced my fair share of unsafe weapons handling by some of the people out there, so I can understand their frustration.

On the other hand, I've seen a lot of exceptionally nice people out there as well, have exchanged emails with some, and have spent countless hours sitting back in the chair BS'ing about guns or just about anything, instead of shooting.

There have been several times where myself, and maybe a small group that's with me have been the only ones there, and Frank has come out and said to just do whatever we wanted, and he'd start calling the lines once anyone else showed up.

I will admit they can be a bit rough with people they don't know. I try to warn any newbies I take out there about it, but so far, no one I've taken out there has had a bad experience.

I do remember Frank mentioning one time about a group of guys out there with SBRs, and him asking them to put them away because he was unsure of their legality. That prompted a friendly discussion between him, myself, and another "regular" out there that lasted for the duration of the shooting session regarding SBR laws. I've sense seen people shooting SBRs, rifle-caliber pistols, and I've seen a few suppressors and belt-feds out there as well. I've asked about any weapon restrictions, and aside from no rifles on the pistol line, and no shotguns, the only restriction he mentioned that aren't posted was no full-auto. Leading me to believe he'd allow a select-fire weapon as long as it was set on semi-auto. I've never taken a select-fire weapon out there though, and one has ever asked if any of mine are select-fire. (they're not)

As far as the .50 goes, I did ask about the possibility of shooting a .50 on the 200 yard range once, and was not told no. I didn't get the impression that he'd be overly excited about it, but he didn't flat out say it was prohibited.


As a friend of mine put it after his first trip out there, "A few ma'ams and 'sirs' go a long way with people of that generation..." Treat them as you would being a guest inside their home, and I don't think you'd have any issues. I haven't in the 7 or 8 years I've been going there. But I do feel bad about ya'll negative experience.


To make a long post longer, I've found that buying ammo from Frank, and not saying a word about the price is a good way to keep in good standings. Yes you can buy it elsewhere and for less, and I'm sure they've heard it a thousand times, but I just tell myself that he's in the business to make money, so I try to help him out if I can, even if it costs me a few dollars more per box. I don't buy ammo every trip out there, but I'll buy a box or two every so often, even if I don't need it, just to support the business. And any time I bring a friend out to shoot any of my guns, they'll usually buy all the ammo they want at the range.

And again, I do feel bad about anyone having any negative experiences out there, and I would hope that it would be an isolated event.

[TechBrute]

As a friend of mine put it after his first trip out there, "A few ma'ams and 'sirs' go a long way with people of that generation..." We are well aware of that, and were very respectful, right up to the point that we left. I might add that we were toting a few people from "his generation" in our group, as well.

If he just wants a few "regulars" up there and wants to be "rough on newbies," that is his perogative. I can assure you, however, that he will not get many new "regulars." Everyone is a newbie at some point, and everyone deserves respect. The only person being disrespectful during that trip was him. I, like yourself, would hope it is an isolated event, but the damage is done. I hope it isn't normal, because despite the fact I probably won't ever come back, I don't want the range to close.

I, for one, am not going to drive 45 minutes to have the owner of ANY establishment, range or not, to act like they do not want me there, if I had any other alternative.

Also, the guy that he was giving most of the flak to is a mod here, and way too classy to speak up about this, I assume.

[TexasRifleman]

Odd, as I've had the exact opposite experience at Gibsons. I'm on a first-name basis with Doris and Frank, and have never really had any issues with them.

This had nothing to do with manners. We could not have been more polite.

I'm the one who he threatened to call the FBI about when he saw my SBR. He demanded to see my tax stamp as he threatened to call the Feds. I also was told that my BAR was not to be fired on his range because .50's would damage the backstop and he knew it was a .50 since he carried one "in the war".

I can understand being wary of the legal issues around SBR's but he clearly knew the law because he asked to see the tax stamp specifically. I had no problem showing him a copy, I carry it around in the gun case. But the attitude was the problem. He treated me like I was guilty until I could prove my innocence. I have a hard time believing he sees so many illegal SBRs that he has to take that stance. As I was opening the case he came literally running out the door screaming "whoa whoa whoa, that's not legal".

I got the feeling they wanted people who would come to the range, shoot 10-20 rounds sighting in the deer rifle, then leave. I think saying they are "not black rifle friendly" would be putting it mildly. And we were in a large group prepared to spend lots of money so it's not that either.

Gibsons is on my "never ever even if it was the last range in Texas" list. I don't know if he was just in a bad mood that day or what but I have never been treated worse at a public shooting range and I'll never go there again. There are too many places to shoot to tolerate being treated like that.

It's a shame too. It's a very nice range, good location, fair pricing, etc. I just cannot believe how bad we were treated that afternoon.

I'm not too classy to speak about it LOL. But I'll tell the truth that's for sure.

[TechBrute]

Well, when you "assume".... :D

[animator]

Again, I feel bad that ya'll have had bad experiences out there, since mine have all be exactly the opposite. I've never been given a reason to not go out there, even though Garland Shooting Range is within 5 miles of me. It is definitely disappointing to learn of ya'lls bad experiences.


It is a good range as far as ranges go--kept nice and clean, and overall well-maintained. I've picked up buckets of brass from there as well. Something I've talked about Frank with on a number of occasions has been about how he's going to deal with 190 running right through his parking lot. The place is definitely going to change in the next couple years, and I hope it does not have to close.


As far as military rifles go, it's something I've never experienced a bias toward. He's mentioned a few times how he's noticed the number of military rifles showing up at the range has noticeably increased over the past few years. I've taken my home-built FAL, G3, VZ-58, and numerous AKs--most of which were still bare-metal 80% builds and never been given any trouble over them. Once he asked me what I was shooting, because he couldn't see any markings on it or a serial number and didn't know what it was--I was shooting a home-built RPK on an 80% receiver, so there were no markings.


But I do agree that he's always shown more interest in bolt-guns or "hunting-rifle" rimfires over any military-style rifle. And he can talk for days about reloading and black powder.


I will say that the only person I've ever had any negative feelings toward has been a younger guy that occasionally is working there... I think it may be their son or maybe grandson, I don't know how old he is. I've never had any personal issues with him, but he always seems to have an "I'd rather not be here" attitude towards pretty much everything. Not sure what that's about, but again, I've never had anything personal against him.

[john5036]

Oh... uhh...

Southern Dallas county here...

I normally shoot at Bullseye in Duncanville, Elm Fork (rifles), Alpine in Mansfield (meh, too strict, but probably because they were busy... I got verbally warned for "rapid fire" on a "one-one thousand *bang* two-one thousand *bang*" rhythm.)

[Roughneck08]

Fort Worth here. I shoot at Alpine Shooting Range.

[griff383]

For those of you in and near Fort Worth there is a range in Haltom City just a mile or so SW of the Northeast Mall in Haltom City. Its a private club, annual dues are $75 and the RO's are all volunteers within the club. Most of them are old timers but love to share their knowledge and time. I have learned alot from them and they have also helped fixed any problems I have come across. If anyone wants to check it out I would be more than happy to take you.

http://www.haltomcityrpc.org/

[Pawdog]

<----South Hunt County, near Quinlan.

The only range I've used since moving here in 04/09, has been Wiley's, south of Wills Point. It's a 30 minute drive for me, but the owners have a really nice gun shop there, anything you could want, and the range has never been busy when I've gone. The owners are friendly and didn't appear to have "attitudes."

The range is small, but accomodates rifles or handguns. There's also a Terrell gun club closer to me, but their membership is kind of pricey. Haven't been there yet though.

[capreppy]

I shoot @ Alpine when the weather isn't so bad (like this last week definitely qualified as indoor range time.

I didn't get a chance to shoot indoor either as the weather was just plain BAD.

[TexasRifleman]

For those of you in and near Fort Worth there is a range in Haltom City just a mile or so SW of the Northeast Mall in Haltom City.

Interesting. Are they "non traditional" firearm friendly? Any of those rapid fire restrictions that are getting so common?

[griff383]

Are they "non traditional" firearm friendly? Any of those rapid fire restrictions that are getting so common?


I dont see alot of "non-traditional" firearms although I have seen a few SBRs and some pistol ARs. But, then again Im not there all the time. As far as Ive seen, if you respect the RO and the range no one really cares what you do or bring to shoot, except, IIRC full autos. I saw a "Navy Seal" with a M1A Socom run through 2 or 3 magazines in a matter of seconds and no one seemed to care.

[Deltaboy]

I am going to have to fenture up into Fort Worth sometime to shoot.

[Bvhawk]

Gun Barrel, Tx here

[ekgandj]

I guess it just comes with being a regular there, and them knowing I'm not one of the countless *******s they have to deal with--I've seen several out there, and I wouldn't want to have to deal with it either. I've personally experienced my fair share of unsafe weapons handling by some of the people out there, so I can understand their frustration.

As a person who has owned a business and been in the customer service business for years, it makes no sense to me why a business owner would purposefully offend or be even the slightest bit rude to potential long term customers. If you are the only business on the planet that offers a service then you can do as you want. We have too many choices here in DFW for gun ranges and gun shops for someone to be a jerk the first time I walk into a place for me ever to come back. If they are tired of the hassle , then get out of the business.

Have I ever been there, no, but based on a regular customers actual words on how they treat new customers, then I am glad I know what kind of people they are, they will never get the "hassle" of a new customer.

[franko07]

<--- south fort worth

I shoot at greatsouthwest gun

[TechBrute]

I hope everyone in the area is taking a moment to sign up on our Yahoo! Group. The link is in my sig line. It's kind of quiet at the moment, but a few extra people sure wouldn't hurt the quality of discussion.

Has anyone had a chance to check out the range on (I think) Division in Grand Prairie? I think it's some shooting and archery place. I saw it as I drove by the other day but didn't have time to stop in.

[franko07]

The range on division(mainstreet) is my new favorite, it's like being at home

[TechBrute]

Frank, what kind of facilities do they have? It's not that close to my work (south Dallas), but it's not that far from home(near Joe Pool).

[franko07]

It's got a full very well lit and ventilated pistol rifle range and also a archery range with a large selection of firearms for sale. All employees are also Pleasent to deal with and on the ball.

[TechBrute]

Good to hear. I might try to get up there soon to try it out. What's the fee there? And do they have a website?

[franko07]

http://www.greatsouthwestgun.com/
all info is on website

i purchased a level II membership since i work right around the corner and go over there all the time, so im not 100% on what it costs to shoot normally

[DocJones]

So, I've been lurking on THR every now and again; decided that it was time to get an account and be official.

I usually shoot pistol and AR's at Bullet Trap, skeet at Alpine-always looking for a good range buddy!

[TechBrute]

Outstanding, Doc, welcome to THR!

Thanks for the info, Frank, the website sure looks great. I might try to stop by over there this week, if I have time.

[griff383]

I heard Alpines sporting clays is like golf with a shotgun. I think its around $30 for 10 stages with 10 birds a stage. Ive shot trap and done the manuals there, not to bad but I dont think I could ever do pistol or rifle there... heard way to many horror stories.

If anyone wanted to get together and bust some clays my shotgun would appreciate it. Its been begging me to go out and play for a few weeks now.

[TexasKid]

Gainesville Texas here. I usually just go shoot at the red river.

[orionengnr]

Lewisville TX here. Usually Bass Pro or DPC.
Gibson's once during a THR get together probably four years ago.

[Seminole]

I'm fairly new to the southwest Fort Worth area.

[bsam4me]

Another s.arlington mansfield here.

[EHL]

Found this thread using the "search" tab. I was looking for good FFL's to use for transfers in the DFW area. Guess I'll report in though. I've been here in Fort Worth for the last year and a half. I love this place! (came from Idaho)
P.S. if anybody can help me with my original query, please pm me. Thanks!

[TechBrute]

PM sent.

[aw93332]

Downtown Dallas here... Up for a group range day anytime. Usually go to Gibson's as they allow FMJ and have something out past 100yds. Never had a problem with anyone there and have met some friendly people as well. Any other range suggestions are great as well as..

I'll check out that yahoo group as well when I get a chance.

[45-70 Ranger]

Before retiring from the P.D. up in Ft.Wworth area, I was a member of that range in Haltom City. The folks there were really nice people and were always very good to young shooters that were guests of a member and almost always went out of their way to help them. Been 10 years since I was up there, but I don't feel that things have changed that much. The range was just south of 121 off of Carson St. as I recall next to a landfill. I assume that is the range we're talking about?

I guess I'm blessed. I live out in the woods and have my own range. Can get 80 yds., but for 100 yds, I gotta open the gate and watch for the horse and the calves:uhoh:

Oh, what mall? I remember Haltom City as being kinda small town when I was in that area.....

Wade

[griff383]

Your right, its off of Minnis Dr and Highway 121. Im not too sure if a group thing would work since its a private range. I can take a guest or two but a whole group might be frowned upon with only one member.

[Billmanweh]

I think Gary is a member over at Haltom City, you might ask him how it is

[Billmanweh]

the indoor range over by Cabelas is supposed to be open next in March

www.shootsmarttx.com

[nofishbob]

Hi-

I am in Copper Canyon.

I am a member at the Terrell Rifle and Pistol Club.

Its a great place, just wish it was closer!

When I want less of a drive and am willing to spend more money, I also go to Elm Fork, Quail Creek, and as a guest, Grand Prairie Gun Club.

Bob

[JANDCBEAR]

Southwest Fort Worth here!

[Txhillbilly]

Johnson county.

Alpine's not too bad if you go early during the week.I do a lot of ammo testing there,but I wish there was a longer distance range closer to Ft.Worth.

[capreppy]

Fort Worth Gun Show this weekend.

Question: I read here (http://fwgunshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/GunShowRules.pdf) (#8) that no gun powder is allowed at the Will Rogers Center. Are they really saying no one can sell Hodgdon's / Winchester, etc?

I was really hoping to find a 1lb canister of Hodgdon's HP-38 as Cabela's is currently out and I want to break in my Hornady LnL with it :( Might have to make a trip to Alpine to go to the range and get some powder.

Certainly not going to buy a gun or ammo there (probably WAY over priced). I was going this weekend specifically to look for Powder, Primer (if cheap enough), & bullets to work up some loads with.

[griff383]

Im going to the gun show too, probably wont buy a gun and definitely wont be buying ammo. Me and a buddy decided that there are 3 good deals on guns there, you just gotta find them. The only thing I am buying for sure if I see it, and it isnt ridiculously priced, is a metal trigger guard for a Savage.

[TechBrute]

A lot of people like to complain about the gun shows in Dallas, but I think we have it great. If you go to either the market hall show, or the FW show, you'll find some of the best prices available to you. Walmart, Academy, or Cabelas might beat some of the low end prices, but if you aren't looking for the bottom of the line mossberg or Ruger 10/22, then you'll do well.

Also, you need to shop the ammo, but one of the ammo places sells ammo by the case for better than you can find it online.

Can't speak to the powder issue, but it sounds like you may be out of luck, unfortunately.

I'll be there on Saturday morning. I have a couple pistols to sell and I have a bit of a shopping list.

[griff383]

Whats on your list(s)?

[TechBrute]

Glock Mags (different calibers)
Ammo
FN SCAR (maybe)
Holster

Plus, I just like to look around and buy stuff on impulse. :)

[capreppy]

Glock Mags (different calibers)
Ammo
FN SCAR (maybe)
Holster

Plus, I just like to look around and buy stuff on impulse. :)
My wife wanted to go to keep my "impulse buys" in check (or rather significant leash), but she has to work :)

I'm mostly looking for reloading components and to "window" shop. If they have SA Mags (XDm .45ACP & 1911's), I might pick up a few.

I've got a large reloading component order ready for Powder Valley, but need a couple of weeks to ensure that what I want is correct. Really having a hard time finding Hodgdon's HP-38 though.

[griff383]

I was getting an order ready for Powder Valley too, want to split hazmat?

[speaksoftly]

Currently in Texarkana but moving to Ft. Worth for law school in the fall.

[TechBrute]

Wesleyan?

[ZedRemy]

New member from Rockwall Texas. good to see so many DFW residents here. I normally shoot at garland public but haven't tried many ranges out here.

[Greybeard]

My wife sometimes thinks I live at private little indoor range in southern Denton County.

[Johnonthebass]

New to the forums and recently bought my first firearm to boot. I live in Plano. I've only shot at The Bullet Trap. Customer service there is hit or miss but all in all I've had good experiences there.

[TechBrute]

Welcome to THR, John, and to gun ownership!

[Dokkalfar]

I get around the area, mix of east Plano (Murphy) and North Dallas (SMU).

[Zero Knives]

Checking from Allen. I usually shoot at GPSR and love it there, but I'm thinking about getting a membership at the Bullet Trap since it's close to my office...

[Johnonthebass]

Hey Zero as long as you shoot more than once a month a bullet trap membership definitely pays for itself. I'd recommend it.

[TechBrute]

I went to Great Shouthwest Gun last night. Not the biggest or fanciest range around, but the guys that work there were a pleasure. It's only a few minutes from my house, so it's probably going to be my default place to drop 100 rounds on a weeknight.

[franko07]

about what time where you there?i was there but left about 6:45

[TechBrute]

I met my friend there right at 7:30. I guess I just missed you.

[griff383]

what are range fees there?

[TechBrute]

what are range fees there?

http://www.greatsouthwestgun.com/pricing-membership.html

The short version is that it's $16.50 and you can buy that down with various memberships.

[griff383]

Those prices arent too bad. When the weather was not so favorable I was considering heading up there to check it out.

[mt_goodrich]

Checking in from Godley...actually live out in the country and closer to Cleburne. Waiting on my CHL...been 45 days :(

[TechBrute]

Welcome, Goodrich, I think anything under 60 days is pretty reasonable given their past record.

[mt_goodrich]

Yeah....however, I have been over on Texas CHL Forum and folks have been getting their in two to three weeks. :(

Guess I am just jealous!!!! :)

[jester_s1]

West Fort Worth here. I've lived here 8 years and haven't found a range that I really like yet. It's all slow fire, no holsters, and rifles on the bench only. Any of you guys around the metroplex know somewhere better that doesn't require a membership?

[RyeDaddy]

North Fort Worth/Keller here! I shoot at Haltom City Rifle and Pistol club regularly and the positive helpful attitude of the volunteer range officers haven't changed a bit. Still not a member as the $400 initiation fee is too much for us right now, but I go as a guest of my father in law, and it's my favorite place to shoot. Shhot Smart was mentioned as well, it opens in March. It's supposed to be a great range, according to my father in law, who will be one of the range officers there(my wife will also be working the counter). We have alot of choices here in DFW, and I'm thankful. Lots of ranges, lots of gunshows, and I live right near Cabela's and Cheaper Than Dirt, it's a virtual shooter's paradise.

[jkingrph]

Jacksonville, Tx here. I do my shooting at East Texas Rifle and Pistol club, just south of I-20 at Longview. That drive is about half the distance to Dallas(in the other direction)

[wtxj]

New Here.

Texas Rifleman: don't know where you live in the FW area. Have you ever been to Parker County Sportsman Club? Out near Poolsville.
That's where I shoot, 25 to 250 yards, pistol, trap and skeet machines etc.
Lot of good guys out there. Have the military matches 4 times a year.
It is a membership type deal.


Oh west of FW area.

[Deltaboy]

Yeah....however, I have been over on Texas CHL Forum and folks have been getting their in two to three weeks. :(

Guess I am just jealous!!!! :)
They seem to drag their feet for us in Johnson County!

[mt_goodrich]

Delta....you are about the fourth person to say that.

[TexasRifleman]

Texas Rifleman: don't know where you live in the FW area. Have you ever been to Parker County Sportsman Club? Out near Poolsville.

I have not been there, thanks for the info. I live on the South side of Ft Worth. I found a membership only range down close to Cleburne and it's a great place too. Private ranges are the way to go for sure it seems.

[TechBrute]

TX, is Highvel a member there, too? I can't remember who the second person I'm going to need to bribe to sponsor me is. :)

[TexasRifleman]

Yes, and beard boy too :)

[Deltaboy]

Delta....you are about the fourth person to say that.
Cause it seems to be True!

[tackstrp]

i joined the Parker county club, rifle pistol shot gun After the one time membership . $100 then $35 a year . get a key to the gate, most of time i am there alone.
http://www.parkersportsman.com/newsletter.htm

[Billmanweh]

I'd really like to check out the Haltom City range sometime. I guess it's the closest outdoor range to me here in Watauga.

[Deltaboy]

There one near Cleburne but I don't know much about it. It is private and they keep it hush hush almost like a Masonic Lodge.

[Billmanweh]

I think I'm going to join the Haltom City range. I stopped by yesterday to check it out and it looks good. Less than 20 minutes from me as well.

[capreppy]

I will probably be joining the Haltom City club as well in a month or two. One of the guys on this forum took me for a few hours a couple of weeks ago and I had a very good time. Quite different from the public ranges I normally go to. We're going this Friday. Only thing holding me back is the $300 initiation fee. I just spent a boat load on reloading equipment and components so wife told me in a month or two.

[dickttx]

Pretty new to this forum. Now live in the country around Tioga, but have a house in west Ft Worth and are trying to get moved some day.
Would like to find a place to shoot in the west Fort Worth area.

[capreppy]

Anyone recommend an outdoor gun range in Dallas? My wife and I have to "hangout" in Dallas during the day so want to go to the range. We normally shoot at DFW Gun Range, but it is indoor and want to shoot outdoor tomorrow.

[rbernie]

Garland Public Shoting range is outdoors. I believe that Alpine is also an outdoor range.

[capreppy]

I'll give Garland Public a looksy. My wife and I shoot at Alpine once in a while. Won't do a weekend trip there again anytime soon. Went on a Sunday two weeks ago. Way too busy and a little disorganized.

[rbernie]

Garland is my usual range, but it's pretty busy and disorganized on weekends as well. It didn't used to be this bad, but since 2008 or so there has been a very observable uptick in weekend shooters....

[capreppy]

This is why I prefer to go during the week but my wife's schedule doesn't always allow for that. We'll check Garland anyway. We have to be there anyway might as well ge some range time.

[franko07]

Elm fork is in Dallas on Luna rd it's nice.

[dickttx]

Did an online search for Fort Worth shooting places and it showed Fort Worth Rifle and Pistol Club on Silver Creek Road. Since that is very near my house, I drove out there. The sign on the gate said "Hip Pocket Theater". Is there still such a club?

[wtxj]

Hip Pocket was or is a couple of old time hippies that put on plays few times a year. Don't know if they are still out in that location or not. Try the phone number. If no answer go out on the weekend see if anyone is there.

Parker county sportsman club has the monthly new memembership meeting in the morning at I think 8:30 am, takes about 2 hours to go through.
They do have a web site that will explain all and location. I live 32 miles away, so you may live near 199 and lake worth. Shouldn't be too long of a drive.

[bsam4me]

Anyone a member at Arlington Sportsmans Club? Its members only and you have to have a sponsor. Looking for one

[john5036]

Went to the Gun Show today at the Irving convention center. Nicer than I thought it would be. Figured that the venue being brand new wouldn't be that much of a draw for vendors because of other established shows in the area, but the vendors were plentiful and there was a great selection of things to help the good RKBA exercising. Anyone else go?

Anyways... about local ranges in the southern half of DFW:

For a good outdoor range in Dallas, I would also recommend Elm Fork Outdoor Range. Over the last two years, they've made some really nice improvements and added some variety for shooters. Alpine Range in/near Kennedale is another decent range, but the restrictions on shooters takes the recreation away from the experience unless you are primarily focusing on a more serious practice. Plus, like previously mentioned... it gets crazy and unorganized. At Elm Fork, each time I've been there they've had full-time ROs, and they are flexible within reason to let you have some fun (three-shot rapid fires with two second breaks) as long as you clear it with them first (sometimes they won't, but it's a judgment call not so much on you, but the type of shooters you might influence). I have no reason to suspect Alpine ROs might be reasonable like that too, but the times (albeit few) I've been there, ROs are either invisible or not there, and we shooters have taken the initiative to call a cease fire to let new arrivals get set up, especially on weekends.

In summation, both Elm Fork and Alpine are decent outdoor ranges with my personal preference being the staff at Elm Fork. Alpine has a decent facility and the gun shop staff are great people, but the range staff (if around) are very strict and it might be off-putting in case you have to deal with them. Elm Fork is a larger shooting area, so weekend crowding gets mitigated pretty well, but the full-time ROs helping facilitate space/shooting lanes are what really redeems the experience during crowded moments.

[Pawdog]

Yeah, I was at the Irving show Saturday also. I was also surprised by the amount of vendors, but not by the crowds. Good selection of firearms, ammo, and accessories like you said.

I picked up a DE 1911 C, at about $50.00 under normal retail. Hope to get to the range this week and try it out.

I've been going to Wiley's Gun Shop near Canton, as it's the closest range to me, and usually not busy.

[rhp997]

Southwest Arlington

[jae011]

Fort worth

[grumpy66]

I'm up near Gainesville.

Try Quail Creek just north of Texas Motor Speedway.

[St.Zu]

Frisco here. Mainly go to garland public due to proximity to the house and cost. Anyone know a closer range? I shoot an AK74 and a Sig 522 and a cz 85b.
Richard

[CZDave]

North Fort Worth here and also like Quail Creek Range just north of TMS.

[LeonCarr]

Keller/Fort Worth border. ShootSmart is open and it looks pretty nice from the pictures:

www.shootsmarttx.com

I spend most of my time at Greybeard's range in beautiful Copper Canyon:

www.dentoncountysports.com

[animator]

I can't help but notice on the shoot smart website, the cycling images on the main page show a pic of a boy holding a handgun, being handed a magazine, with his finger on the trigger...

[Walking Dead]

Bullet trap in Plano is a good range.

[St.Zu]

Bullet trap is too expensive!

[paragrouper]

Keller/Fort Worth border. ShootSmart is open and it looks pretty nice from the pictures:

www.shootsmarttx.com

I spend most of my time at Greybeard's range in beautiful Copper Canyon:

www.dentoncountysports.com
Likewise, I spend most of my time at Denton County Sports. They have an excellent facility for CHL's to improve their skills.

www.dentoncountysports.com
Private Palace for Pistol Proficiency

Although 'Palace' may be a slight exagerration.

[klash545]

fort worth here

[Dr Dave]

Cleburne, Grand Prairie but want to move back to Irving here.

I wish that range on Division in Grand Prairie had been open when I worked down the street just east of there; I would drive right by it on the way home and we were all looking for a place to go shoot at lunch. Oh well.

Alpine was OK for me but Elm Fork is my new home. My brother-in-law and I do the awesome sporting clays course(s). Read somewhere the course was ranked second or third in the country and I can tell you it's nice. They have all the shotgun sports: trap, skeet, ATA, wobble trap, 5-stand, sporting clays and practice stands. It's 467 acres. Here's their website: http://www.elmfork.com/

50 targets on the sporting clays course is $26, but you end up paying an additional $10 for the golf cart. highly recommended, check out their site!

They're big on women's sports, too.

[franko07]

I do most of Elm Fork's graphics on their 4 wheelers, shotguns,golfcarts and cars.

The facility is Very nice and they are dedicated to what they are doing over there

[Dean1818]

I go to Magnum Sports in Sanger

Not too far from Frisco......but wish there was one closer

10 bucks

[popper]

Garland Range is close to Murphy.

[doc.lonestar]

Fort Worth has a few different ranges that I visit - took my chl class at On Target (good prices for chl and range use). Not a fancy place but they have what I need - an indoor range lol. Shoot Smart look promising and may end up heading up that way this weekend. Alpine is okay but not a big fan when I was there a few years ago.

Side note - Shopping wise I love the fact that Cheaper than Dirt is here off 820/35w and they allow you to shop off of the catalog while in the store (at catalog prices). That and Cabellas has just about everything else.

[muledriver]

Marble Falls Free range here if you get your chl with us .You can use it any time, privet range egwalkerchl@gmail.com

[St.Zu]

Oh man I love Lake LBJ. My grandparents lived in Kingsland, I had some great summers down there! I remember when Marble falls only had a dairy queen.

[JDBoardman]

Grand Prairie here.

Been shooting every Sunday at Great Southwest since they opened. Nice folks running the place. Would like to find and join a private rifle range, preferably one nearby and with longer than 100 yd range. Need to get my long range rifle skills back and practice for Garand matches.

[TechBrute]

Agree that the GSW peeps are top shelf. It's not a real big place, but they'll let you shoot like a big boy if you ask nice.

[griff383]

We do CMP matches at our range, Haltom City Rifle and Pistol range (http://www.haltomcityrpc.org/). After what I did last friday with my Garand I might compete in the next one.

[rbernie]

I have a friend that lives in McKinney and wants to find an outdoor range with clay throwers (not formal skeet/trap) that's closer to him than Garland. Anything up thataway?

[franko07]

does anyone know if i can shoot federal matchking ammo at Elm Fork on the 100 yard range

[Dr Dave]

Ask Elm Fork here:

http://www.123contactform.com/contact-form-douglasksteele-152381.html

[LeonCarr]

If somebody would build a 100 yard INDOOR rifle range up here in DFW they could be a millionaire in about five minutes. Yeah I know the ventilation system would cost an arm and a leg and the building would be the size of a football field, but how many people in this thread alone have mentioned they are looking for a 100 yard range?

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[capreppy]

I would be willing to pay a small premium to shoot at 100 yards indoor (avoid the heat and wind amongst other things). A football field however is pretty long and have an enclosed area that long and quite a bit wide is a bit of a challenge :D