Any NC people here

[AWZ1287]

I just moved to NC (holly Springs in wake County). I have a couple of questions.
1. Does anyone know where I would be able to take my kids to practice with a child's size bow and arrow (not a powerful one or anything) and a bb/pellet gun? I know in NJ this was a no go, as bb/pellet guns where considered Firearms in the eyes of the law.

2. Are there any good places to go shooting (rifle/pistol). I was looking around and it seems like the ones around charge $20-25 an hour, which adds up to like $60-75 if you bring the family. The wake County training center is reasonably priced, but the hours are strange, and I heard they get pretty busy on the weekends.

 

[Sam1911]

In NC, as in almost all of the US, your own back yard would be a great place to practice with a bb gun and child's bow!

The fact that you have a publicly funded and publicly owned shooting venue provided as a function of your local Sheriff's office is SUCH a neat thing that I think I'd have to buy a membership there just to support the concept! The hours are a bit limited, though.

Many/most shooters who don't own enough land to use firearms eventually gravitate toward private shooting clubs and ranges. The benefits can be pretty worthwhile, especially compared to the costs of a few trips to a public range, and the limitations and hassles that come with them. Here's a web page that can help: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/BeforetheHunt/ShootingRanges.aspx

And here's a thread on another site with some suggestions and reviews: http://www.city-data.com/forum/raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-cary/278826-shooting-ranges.html

Good luck!

 

[maxxhavoc]

I don't think NC has a problem with BB guns or Archery. In SC, some counties/cities have local ordnances against BB guns, just to keep windows from being shot out.

Archery is embraced in both states. If your child may be interested in Archery, look to see if their school has a NASP archery program. Your state sponsors a tournament, so it is not that unlikely...NC Wildlife Resources runs it. It is a good program that uses standard equipment so there is no "money race." Even if they don't, I highly recommend the Genesis bow for kids. It is a compound bow that is easily adjusted to 10-20lb draw weight and is surprisingly accurate. The draw weight is consistent through the full draw, so the bow can be shot with proper form by anyone 3'6" (i think this is their figure) to 6'2" (max draw length is 30".) I am 6'5" and can shoot it well even though my measured draw is 31.5. So if your kid grows like a weed, the bow will still last their entire childhood.

I started by practicing handing it back and forth to my daughter (my 70# goes right through a youth target) and enjoyed shooting it with her enough to just buy my own used bow.

 

[AWZ1287]

Thanks I will look into the school programs. He has a bow and has been practicing at summer camp the last few summers in NJ.
I don't have much yard, I am currently living in a townhouse community. So I was hoping someone could recommend other places.

 

[Sam1911]

I don't have much yard, I am currently living in a townhouse community.

Yes, then you don't have a suitable "backyard" for that kind of thing. My suggestion there was more general and certainly not intended as a blanket endorsement! Even though BB guns and archery gear aren't "firearms" it will still be your duty to both follow the law, and take reasonable precautions not to harm anyone.

 

[Hangingrock]

Wake County the home for displaced Yankees. It takes three generations buried in the ground to be from here. I'm not from here either but I inhabit a rural county. Town house communities are prevalent in your are of residence.

You may or may not want look at the Lake Jordan area which parts are semi rural if your finances and employment location could/would allow it. Like most recreation areas finding the right place could be $$$.