New to Upstate NY/ Albany Area, Looking for Like Minded Shooters in the Area

[Critter183]

I recently moved from CT to Middleburgh, NY, and I don't know too many folks here or where the good ranges might be. I own and shoot rifles only, for now. I never wanted to ask for permission to own handguns, and don't want to risk jail time just yet. hehehe

I'd like to join a good gun club in the area with a decent rifle range. I like to shoot between 100 and 300 meters, and further if range has the facilities for longer distances. I used to belong to the NorthWest CT Rod and Gun Club and the Northwest CT Sportsman's Association ranges in CT. Both required sponsors to become members. I imagine clubs in NY are the same. I have no one that can sponsor me for membership at any clubs here in NY at the moment.

My preferred method of bullet propulsion is through one of my AR15s or my .308 bench rest rifle. I do have some old military rifles that I like to play with as well, like a Savage SMLE, 8mm Mauser, 7MM Spanish Mauser, Remington Model 1917, Russian SKS, etc.

So, any upstaters on this board?

Jim

 

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Greetings Critter183,

Welcome to the wonderful part of New York State that is not New York City.

If you are looking for a range in the Albany area, you might want ot check out Watervliet F&GPA which is actually in Colonie. They have a General Membership meeting on 11/9 at 7PM.

If you become a member, then after about a year of membership in good standing you can pettition to use the back ranges which go out to (I believe) 1,000 yards. The regular rifle range is 125 yards deep.

I hope this is what you are looking for.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

 

[Critter183]

Thanks Prof! I'll have to go have a look.

Does one need a sponsor to join?

Jim

 

[Critter183]

OK, just found it on their website. Sponsor needed.

 

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Critter183,

There are usually one or more old timers at every meeting that will sponsor almost anyone. Just show up at the meeting early, be friendly, chat about your favorite rifle/pistol/shotgun, and before you know it, someone will be offering to sponsor you.

Good luck.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

 

[learn2shoot]

Bethlehem Sporstman's club

I lived in Albany a few years back.

I think the rifle range is better there than at the Watervliet (307 yards). You need a sponsor, but not hard - E-mail me privately and I will see what I can do.

 

[Critter183]

SCOPE (Shooters Committee on Political Education)

Hey, I played carpetbagging protester a few years ago, and went to Albany from CT for a SCOPE demonstration against the NYS assault weapons ban.

To bad Pataki signed it into law, the fugger...

 

[Critter183]

I may have to look into both ranges. If I can eventually get onto the back range and shoot 1000 yards, Watervliet is a must, but in the mean time 300 yards will keep me happy at Bethlehem.

I belonged to two clubs in CT. One had a pitiful 100 yard range, but was close to the house and no one ever used it. It was nice for playing with new acquisitions and for taking the kid to a range where she wouldn't have to listen to the big boomers. She likes to shoot her .22s but doesn't like the heavy stuff, yet. The 2nd range had a 285 meter range and super heavy duty benches on a thick concrete slab for serious shooting.