Fire Damages Hap Baker Rifle Range (MD)

[kingpin008]

Sounds like a plan. I'll be scouting the area out in the next couple days to figure out where I'm going. I have the sense of direction of a walnut, so I always drive to a place two or three times ahead of when I have to be there to cement it in my head.

So, I'll be bringing my SKS/ammo/cash/possibly the .45 for the season pass, etc. Do I need to bring targets or hangers or anything like that?

 

[MikeH]

Great news! I've been shooting at Cresap these months. I really miss Hap Baker for its more relaxed atmosphere and 200-yd positions.

 

[alucard0822]

just targets, guns, ammo, and cash, they do sell targets there for .25 ea, but they leave somthing to be desired.

I usually bring a pair of rifles and a pair of pistols, so 1 can cool while I shoot the other, Im thinking AK(official kingpin request) and 10FP, 1911, and 686. I miss shooting them enough I want to bring em all, but I would be stuck cleaning for days (not that I have a lot of stuff, but I really hate cleaning)

We will definitely have to make a habit of local THR get-to-gethers/shoots.

Cresap isn't bad, It was a decent orphinage for the past few months, and some nice folks are down the road in frederick.

 

[kingpin008]

Right on. I'll have to hit up the local fun shop tomorrow, I need targets and ammo. Not very fond of their price on 7.62x39, but I don't have time to wait for an online order. Ah well.

Since you're bringing a 1911, I'll bring my SKS (obviously), and my MK III & P22, and leave my .45 at home. Might as well - I've got over 10k in .22 bulk packs sitting in my ammo cabinet, compared to less than 1k in .45 ACP.

Hopefully I'll have a decent idea of where the place by this time tomorrow - my errands for tomorrow consist of having my fiancee drive with me to find the place, since even with directions I can't navigate worth a damn.

But yea, should be a good time. That AK is gonna be interesting.

 

[alucard0822]

Rifle range is up and running.

There are still a couple finishing touches to be done, but lead started flingin' today

See you there next wednesday Kingpin, im looking forward to it.

 

[kingpin008]

Alucard - we just got back from our first trip out there. It's farther than I thought from where we are, but not too bad at all.

Slight problem - I don't think I'll be able to be there Wednesday after all, due to some recent issues that have come up with my schedule. However - I remember you saying that you'll have 2 weekends off in a row after the 20th - do you think we could reschedule for one of those weekends? I'm sorry to have to switch things up so suddenly - I wouldn't have done it otherwise. If not, I totally understand.

Also - if you're cool with switching to one of the upcoming weekends, I'll be able to bring my fiancee with me, and possibly another shooting buddy. More the merrier, I figure.

Once again, sorry if I'm causing any problems, heh. I guess lemme know what you think, and we'll figure it out.

 

[alucard0822]

cool with me, I might be able to bring my GF if its on a weekend too. The big THR shoot is on 10-28 near cambridge, and this time I can make it, hopefully my GF and little brother can go. 10-20/21 is probably the best weekend for hap baker though.

 

[kingpin008]

Good deal. I feel like a jerk for breaking plans, but I'd rather that than just not showing up. I just finally realized that if I didn't make an appointment to see my advisor soon, I'd be SOL next semester when I try to register for classes.

Plus, I figure that a weekend is gonna be easier for everyone. Might be more crowded, but that's no big deal. Of course I don't know what a crowd is like at that particular range, so I could be completely wrong, heh.

I'm glad that it was as easy to find as it was. We avoided 795 completely, and just went 29 to 70, and so on. Lots of really nice relaxing roads that way. And then there it was, do a quick about-face and that's it. Many thanks for the directions.

 

[Threeband]

I've had a membership at Marriottsville for 20 years, and I've only been there about a half dozen times this year, although it's only ten minutes from my house.

One thing that really detracts from that place these days is how FUSSY they get about how you post targets. Last time I was there the RM claimed my target was too low, which it absolutely was not. I am not going to argue with the Man, so next ceasefire I walked down and re-posted FOUR INCHES higher.

He was satisfied.

And he was the GOOD RM. The other guy is...well, I'll stay on the High Road.

If I post one target high for offhand, and one low for prone, someone is sure to start lecturing me, and I'll have to stop what I'm doing, take out the Rule Book, and show them the Target Posting Diagrams, and explain why I've posted my targets the way I have.

Or if I'm shooting offhand, and want to try a few from the bench, I'll have to wait for the next cease fire to repost my target lower (rule book and tape measure in hand of course.)

Used to be I could swing by after work, and have the whole place to myself, maybe one or two other guys, and no RM. Just set up some targets and shoot. Relaxing as all git out.

Nowadays, the place can make me a frustrated wreck, and it is really a shame. But it sure does stretch out the ammunition. Fifty rounds can last all afternoon.

I've never shot at Hap Baker, though I stopped by to check it out a few years ago. Is it often crowded on weekends? I know there aren't as many positions as at Marriottsville.

How is it for positions other than bench? Offhand? Prone? Sitting? I recall benches at all the positions, which look like they might get in the way of someone standing on his hind legs to shoot.

I'd like the idea of meeting some other THR folks up there some time.

 

[kingpin008]

Threeband - see, that's part of the problem with the AGC clubs for me. For one, I don't think it's fair to ask prospective members to not only pay a set of dues and range fees, AND require them to join the NRA. I personally have issues with the NRA that I won't go into here, and as such I don't see myself joining any time soon for any reason. I will, however, be more than happy to join an alternate pro-RKBA group if membership requires such. But it's a no-go.

That to me says bad things. I'm a relatively new shooter, and definetly one who must work within a set budget when shooting. I simply don't have the means to jump through that many hoops year after year, and I'm sure I'm not the only one with the same issues.

I normally shoot at an indoor range (On Target in Severn) and they're fairly good about leaving you alone to do your thing - but you're limited to pistol-only calibers. No holsters allowed, no prone or benchrest positions and related options, however.

I'm excited as all get out to actually join the Hap Baker range, and be able to start putting rounds downrange in a nice outdoor setting. I think we could develop a real nice group of folks from around the area with a little coordination. If you're ever there and see a big dude in Dickies shorts and GLOCK ballcap with a bunch of tattoos, come on over and say hi!

 

[MikeH]

How is it for positions other than bench? Offhand? Prone? Sitting? I recall benches at all the positions, which look like they might get in the way of someone standing on his hind legs to shoot.

I don't know if they changed the rules or not, but they did permit offhand, sitting, and prone positions as long as you stick your barrel beyond the red firing line. But if you're shooting something extraordinarily loud, you may be told to shoot on the bench and inside the muffler box so the neighbors won't complain.

Shooting prone was practical only on the 2 long-range (100/200 yds) lanes. Anywhere else you'd only see the 25-yd target.

 

[kingpin008]

Quick question for Alucard, or anyone else who's shot there in the past - do they allow shotguns? Probably a stupid question, but figured I'd ask.

How about pictures? I've wanted to get some pics of my girl shooting for awhile, but my usual range doesn't allow cameras.

 

[Spot77]

Shotguns are allowed with slugs only if I recall correctly.

 

[kingpin008]

Good to know. Thanks Spot!

 

[Spot77]

Any time friend.

Also guys, don't forget about the big shoot at Delmarva on Oct 28th. So far we have about 35 people confirmed, some raffles and door prizes, and Norton is working on a new rifle or pistol competition for those interested.

The last 3 of these events have been simply AWESOME, with lots of great people and cool guns....even a bunch of full auto stuff.

 

[alucard0822]

Quick question for Alucard, or anyone else who's shot there in the past - do they allow shotguns? Probably a stupid question, but figured I'd ask.

How about pictures? I've wanted to get some pics of my girl shooting for awhile, but my usual range doesn't allow cameras

slugs at hap baker, 00buck at continental arms. There is also a nice public trap range on liberty road just east of 97 on the way to hap baker, open wed and fri nights.

There is no specific policy about cameras/camcorders (I wouldn't violate their policy to post pics), but just be mindful of where you point it, as gun folk tend to belive cameras steal the soul, uhh, yea thats it

There have been more than a few youtube contributions filmed there. The worst that would happen is Bill (range officer) would tell you to put it away if people are getting upset, or if it's unsafe (firing pistol in one hand, taking pics with the other), but most likely, he would help take a pic of you two.

And kingpin, the weekend of the 20th is a no-go, fun was about to happen, and work couldn't let that be, but I will definitely be at the great MD THR jamboree on the 28th come hell or needy clients.

 

[kingpin008]

Alucard - thanks for the extra info. I figured you wouldn't break rules just to post pics of the rebuilding efforts - just makin' sure I'm not stepping on any toes if I want to snap a few pics while I'm there. I'll definetly be respectful of other shooters, heh. I wouldn't want some amateur shutterbug clicking away at me while I shoot.

That's a shame about the weekend not working out - I'm sure we'll run into each other at some point. I wish I could make it to the shoot on the 28th, but unfortunately it's not gonna be possible for this year.

 

[chaim]

Its great to hear that it is open. I haven't shot my rifles in a LONG time (since the last Hap Baker THR rifle shoot that I made it to, what's that, 2 years or so now). I haven't had much time the past couple years and the drive from Columbia (about 45min) was enough to make it unlikely. Now, I'm living one exit or so from 795 on the Beltway and can be there within 25-30 I guess. I plan to be there a lot (possibly this coming Sunday). So, if you see a guy with a yarmulke, a big gut, red hair and a red beard (with just a little gray in the beard now), and a big smile on his face, say hi. If you don't know how to pronounce Chaim (the Ch is NOT pronounced like the Ch in chug, more like the H in hi), just call me Jeff.

 

[kingpin008]

It is a bit of a hike from Columbia, isn't it? That's where I'm coming from to get there. My fiancee knows the area more than I do, so she rode with me a few days ago to make sure I didn't get hopelessly lost (trust me, it's possible) and we were suprised how long it took. We did bypass 795 though, so that probably added a little time. Beautiful drive though.

Chaim - as you might have noticed, I was trying to meet up with Alucard there sometime soon, but both of our schedules are a bit tricky to get synched. If I see ya there, I'll definetly say hi - and if you see me, (big dude with dickies shorts, glasses, tattoos and either a black GLOCK or green Ireland ball cap) you're more than welcome to do the same. Haha, I also drive a rather...distinctive black Honda, so if you notice it in the parking lot, you know I'm there.

 

[chaim]

Kingpin, yeah it is a hike from Columbia. Some years ago I used to do the drive a lot, but the past 3-4 years life just became too busy. I also used to do Continental Arms in Timonium a lot since I like it better than On Target, that also stopped. Well, now that I'm in the Pikesville/Greenspring/Mt.Washington area I hope to spend a lot more time at both ranges (oooh, Continental Arms is the only indoor range I know that allows black powder- time to dust off the 1858 Remington clone and 1860 Colt clone). As for the car, I'm kind of embarrassed to say (and being in Central MD it isn't very distinctive) but if a late model black BMW 325i 4dr is in the lot I may be there. If you see the car and an Orthodox Jew who meets my description it probably is me, so please say hi.

 

[kingpin008]

Drive time aside, I'm pretty excited to finally be able to shoot at Hap Baker. I'm a member of On Target, but only because of the fact that there really doesn't seem to be any outdoor ranges in the area that aren't members only, trap/skeet/archery only, ridiculously far away, or a combination of all of those. I read about Hap baker awhile back, but it had already been damaged and I've just been waiting.

Shooting indoors is nice, but I want to be able to get some fresh air at the same time. I can spend a few hours shooting indoors, but some days you just want to pack up the car and make a day out of it. And rifles - I want to start learning to shoot rifles! Finally, the place to go is rebuilt and ready to go, heh.

 

[chaim]

Yup, agreed. An outdoor range to shoot rifles (without major membership fees and rules or without a really long drive) will be nice. I've had my AR for about 3 years now and only shot it 2 or 3 times- that's a lot of money in a gun that isn't shot (so much so, I have been thinking about selling it for that alone). My 30-30 Winchester 94 is my favorite gun of any (even over my .41mag) and it hasn't been shot for a few years. My SKS has a high fun factor. Man it sure will be nice (I'm almost drooling thinking about it)

 

[kingpin008]

Indeed. I've had this SKS for almost a month, and it's just sitting here waiting to be put through it's paces. The only other rifle I have is a 10/22, but that's been gathering dust since shooting it at an indoor range is a pain in the a$$ to say the least. I now have plans to take it down to the reciever, and rebuild it back to glory, with all new stock, barrel, and all the other doodads and whatnots that can be found for 10/22's these days.

I know you're planning on going shooting this coming Sunday, but if you're able to come out again on the 20th I think it'd be a good time to hang out and shoot. Either way, I'm sure there'll be quite a few THR meetups happening more often around here now that hap's back up and running.