Range Practice is getting outrageous.
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Phydeaux642
Member
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- Jul 16, 2007
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I shoot at an indoor range where you can join for $75.00 per year and I can shoot anytime that I want. I would rather shoot at an outdoor range where I can practice some defensive type shooting, though. The range I shoot at only allows slow fire (two seconds between shots). I can bring my own ammo and keep my brass, although, I haven't started reloading yet.
Oh, and I use paper plates for targets. One hundred plates for $2.00 and I add circles and a big x with a magic marker.
____________________
"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
Oh, and I use paper plates for targets. One hundred plates for $2.00 and I add circles and a big x with a magic marker.
____________________
"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
No, they are not. As evidenced by my experience at my favorite range.
They are an additional expense that serves no useful purpose, unless you chose to act like an ass -- I have never seen anyone acting like an ass at JCGC.
People act responsibly, mindful of the safety rules without the need for a range nanny and life goes on.
-T
annielulu
Member
American Shooters here in Las Vegas is $10.00 for the range. I get WWB at Wal Mart and bring my own internet targets.
Keeps things real cheap.
American Shooters on Boulder Highway is not only the cheapest range to shoot at, they are super friendly, knowledgable and don't try to soak your cash from you.
Also, for $50.00 yearly, you can join the Boulder Rifle and Pistol club which is about 20 minutes from Vegas and shoot all you want outdoors.
Quite reasonable here in Vegas if you do your homework.
Keeps things real cheap.
American Shooters on Boulder Highway is not only the cheapest range to shoot at, they are super friendly, knowledgable and don't try to soak your cash from you.
Also, for $50.00 yearly, you can join the Boulder Rifle and Pistol club which is about 20 minutes from Vegas and shoot all you want outdoors.
Quite reasonable here in Vegas if you do your homework.
jakemccoy
Member
I never buy ammo at the range, too expensive. I make my own targets too at about $.03 per target. I replace the target after every magazine. I know exactly which round hit where and when. There's no guessing as to what needs to be corrected. My range time is efficient. I can get out of there after just 100 rounds and having accomplished a lot.
Problem Solved
There is an outdoor range in Vancouver across the river in an old gravel pit about twenty minutes out of Portland. Prices are exceptionally good. I would still like to be shooting there. It was a better range than anything I can find here in Tennessee as far as convenience, price, and all around presence. I cannot remember the name but it is in the phone book. Email me if you cannot find it and I can look at a map and give you directions.
There is an outdoor range in Vancouver across the river in an old gravel pit about twenty minutes out of Portland. Prices are exceptionally good. I would still like to be shooting there. It was a better range than anything I can find here in Tennessee as far as convenience, price, and all around presence. I cannot remember the name but it is in the phone book. Email me if you cannot find it and I can look at a map and give you directions.
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Cost of ammo?
Your M&P .40 S&W is costing you double what I pay to shoot my M&P 9mm. Ammo cost was a deciding factor in my choice of caliber for my M&P pistol. (Some choices let you shoot more, and other choices let you complain more.)
If you are shooting 500 rds/month and switch to 9mm, the savings will pay for another M&P in 6 months. (How long have you owned your .40 S&W?) The S&W rebate is still good thru Jan 31 if you want to jump on a 9mm.
Reloading?
The economics of reloading are fodder for debate. Regardless, reloading is tougher to justify economically if you are shooting cheaper ammo to begin with. But if I were going to reload, I'd look to buy a complete used set up from someone who is getting out of it -- one stop shopping at much less than new prices. (In fact, I was a shotshell reloader for several years when I shot skeet or birds every week, but that's a different deal than pistol ammo.)
Your M&P .40 S&W is costing you double what I pay to shoot my M&P 9mm. Ammo cost was a deciding factor in my choice of caliber for my M&P pistol. (Some choices let you shoot more, and other choices let you complain more.)
If you are shooting 500 rds/month and switch to 9mm, the savings will pay for another M&P in 6 months. (How long have you owned your .40 S&W?) The S&W rebate is still good thru Jan 31 if you want to jump on a 9mm.
Reloading?
The economics of reloading are fodder for debate. Regardless, reloading is tougher to justify economically if you are shooting cheaper ammo to begin with. But if I were going to reload, I'd look to buy a complete used set up from someone who is getting out of it -- one stop shopping at much less than new prices. (In fact, I was a shotshell reloader for several years when I shot skeet or birds every week, but that's a different deal than pistol ammo.)
kd7nqb
Member
Your point is not a bad one, but at that range 9mm is 13.95 a box. I normally pay 11-12 dollars a box for .40S&W the price inflation is what is bad. Oh and dont get me wrong I love my M&P enough that I will grab a 9mm in the compact soon enough.
Good clarification. I was a bit apples-n-oranges with the math, but agree that the savings are still significant.
The 9mm compact is what I have. I'm not an experienced handgunner, but just shot my 3rd IDPA and learn at each event. The M&P has been flawless at practice and at IDPA. It's my CC weapon and I feel well equipped and on my way to being better armed.
The 9mm compact is what I have. I'm not an experienced handgunner, but just shot my 3rd IDPA and learn at each event. The M&P has been flawless at practice and at IDPA. It's my CC weapon and I feel well equipped and on my way to being better armed.
armoredman
Member
I shoot at an open, free, public range. I built my own target stands from scrap lumber, used moving boxes for the cardboard, I reload, and cast for two calibers. Targets are printed out from the Internet. My cost is gas only, about a 15 minute drive. I have to buy the powder, primers, etc, but that's once in a while.
I do have to go during the weekdays to avoid any weekend weirdos. Met a bunch of very nice people at this range, too.
Back when I paid for eveything, I remember forking out $7 for range fees, plus another $2 for ear and eye protection, and at least $20 for 2 boxes of 9mm ammo, plus $1 each target. Gah.
I do have to go during the weekdays to avoid any weekend weirdos. Met a bunch of very nice people at this range, too.
Back when I paid for eveything, I remember forking out $7 for range fees, plus another $2 for ear and eye protection, and at least $20 for 2 boxes of 9mm ammo, plus $1 each target. Gah.
donttellthewife
Member
kd7nqb,
or any other person in the local area, heck for that matter if your just passin thru town.
Please PM me for contact info and I'll give you the dime tour of the Johnson Creek Gun Club as my guest. I have been a member for 10 years or so, If your so inclined, I can also give you the benefit of my minor reloading skills.
There are no range officers per say, being a member makes you a range officer. Imagine that, adults with guns, being trusted to be adults with guns.
Granted this is not for everyone and the range is rather on the old side but I like it there.
Hope to hear from you, Ron
or any other person in the local area, heck for that matter if your just passin thru town.
Please PM me for contact info and I'll give you the dime tour of the Johnson Creek Gun Club as my guest. I have been a member for 10 years or so, If your so inclined, I can also give you the benefit of my minor reloading skills.
There are no range officers per say, being a member makes you a range officer. Imagine that, adults with guns, being trusted to be adults with guns.
Granted this is not for everyone and the range is rather on the old side but I like it there.
Hope to hear from you, Ron
Won't let you keep bass that you bought???!!!
Quote:
I meant to mention that the range has also now been more picky about turning in your brass back to them. I use to at least justify that at least I could keep my brass for when I start reloading.
kd7nqb,
Ask the range owner/manager if you buy ammo from them, are you buying the whole cartridge, or just renting the brass? I think it is frigging ridiculous that they make you give them back the brass that you pay for!!!!!
Quote:
I meant to mention that the range has also now been more picky about turning in your brass back to them. I use to at least justify that at least I could keep my brass for when I start reloading.
kd7nqb,
Ask the range owner/manager if you buy ammo from them, are you buying the whole cartridge, or just renting the brass? I think it is frigging ridiculous that they make you give them back the brass that you pay for!!!!!
The Annoyed Man
Member
That doesn't seem like that out of the ordinary. Yes, it's a lot of money to spend in a short amount of time, but it doesn't seem unusual for a range trip for those of us poor souls have neither a large piece of land or easy access to a BLM range, and who don't reload.
K3
Member
Wow.
You should ask if they are charging you for just the primers, powder, and bullets when you buy ammo from them. I'd look for somewhere else to shoot. I also wouldn't shoot at a place that has those policies like 'If the brass hits the floor, it's ours'. I bought it. It's mine.
armoredman
Member
Ditto. What I pay for is mine, and if I want my brass, I will go get it.
I keep reading aboutthe weird and goofy rules at all these indoor ranges, and I am sooo glad I never had to deal with those!
I keep reading aboutthe weird and goofy rules at all these indoor ranges, and I am sooo glad I never had to deal with those!
BobbyQuickdraw
Member
My shooting bill is pretty high too.
Range Fee: $13 with purchase of ammo
Range Reloads: 9mm - $10 for 50
Factory Loads: .45 50 for $16 or 18, forget
Targets: .60 each
Gun Rental: $12-20
I rent a gun almost every time to try out new things. That will stop this year as I'm purchasing some new toys that I've tried out. But I always take my Glock, then rent something to test.
So it all depends on how much I shoot, but spending like $40 isn't uncommon if I'm just shooting 9mm. One day I went for some afternoon delight and spent $65 on 1 Target, 1 box of .45, 1 Springfield 1911 Rental ($20), and range time.
I'm considering becoming a member, but it is pretty expensive. I'd have to go at least 4 times a month, I think, to make it worth it. Sometimes I only go like twice a month, but I've never gone more than 5 times in a month. I work long hours so only get to shoot on the weekends.
BUT as for advice to cut cost, if you dont want to reload yet, buy ammo in bulk quantities. Its one big hit, but you can shoot for months. Cabela's sells ammo cans and some ranges will sell cases at a discount. Wal-Mart in some states (CA WalMarts dont make a habit of carrying lots of ammo in my area).
Although that can backfire. One day I bought 500 rounds of 9mm with the intent of taking a big portion home for the next trip, but me and my buddy burned through like 300 or so and figured "What the heck" and burned through the rest.
Range Fee: $13 with purchase of ammo
Range Reloads: 9mm - $10 for 50
Factory Loads: .45 50 for $16 or 18, forget
Targets: .60 each
Gun Rental: $12-20
I rent a gun almost every time to try out new things. That will stop this year as I'm purchasing some new toys that I've tried out. But I always take my Glock, then rent something to test.
So it all depends on how much I shoot, but spending like $40 isn't uncommon if I'm just shooting 9mm. One day I went for some afternoon delight and spent $65 on 1 Target, 1 box of .45, 1 Springfield 1911 Rental ($20), and range time.
I'm considering becoming a member, but it is pretty expensive. I'd have to go at least 4 times a month, I think, to make it worth it. Sometimes I only go like twice a month, but I've never gone more than 5 times in a month. I work long hours so only get to shoot on the weekends.
BUT as for advice to cut cost, if you dont want to reload yet, buy ammo in bulk quantities. Its one big hit, but you can shoot for months. Cabela's sells ammo cans and some ranges will sell cases at a discount. Wal-Mart in some states (CA WalMarts dont make a habit of carrying lots of ammo in my area).
Although that can backfire. One day I bought 500 rounds of 9mm with the intent of taking a big portion home for the next trip, but me and my buddy burned through like 300 or so and figured "What the heck" and burned through the rest.
Cougfan2
Member
kd7nqb, I've been to Brown's camp once with Jeepmor. Didn't see anything unsafe, but saw some unwise things, i.e. people shooting without hearing and eye protection. It's about a 45 min. drive from Hillsboro where I live.
CountGlockula
Member
Range Safety Officers
RSO are needed, especially for the newbies. Not everyone who owns a firearm know the 4 gun safety rules.
RSO are needed, especially for the newbies. Not everyone who owns a firearm know the 4 gun safety rules.
The range I am a member of charges $175 for 15 months or $225 for a family membership. Buying their ammo is only required if you rent their guns (which is $6). Purchasing their targets IS required at $1.00 for large and .50 for small. They recylce outside air so shooting reloads/lead is not a problem.
scurtis_34471
Member
I pay $140/year in range due for my family, which gets us unlimitted access to a nice 50-yard outdoor pistol range. Targets at the range are 10/$1. Target backers are $1 if you can't find a used one that isn't too shot up. I 100 round boxes of WWB at Walmart: ~$16 9mm, ~$22 .40 S&W, ~$28 .380 ACP. I shoot about $40-50 of ammo about twice a month.
silverlance
Member
1. Volunteer to be an RSO in exchange for free membership with single guest priviledges.
2. Be wary of indoor ranges with poor ventilation. If you have a peculiar sweet golden taste in the back of your throat when it's time to leave, it is also probably time to think carefully about lead poisoning. Many indoor ranges cut corners on this.
3. There has got to be an outdoor range where you can shoot. I drive 90 minutes each way to get to my range.
2. Be wary of indoor ranges with poor ventilation. If you have a peculiar sweet golden taste in the back of your throat when it's time to leave, it is also probably time to think carefully about lead poisoning. Many indoor ranges cut corners on this.
3. There has got to be an outdoor range where you can shoot. I drive 90 minutes each way to get to my range.
sm
member
I was discussing quality practicing of skill sets with firearms with a member of THR Staff on the phone today.
I mentioned the quality practice using .22 rimfire, he mentioned the quality practice using no ammunition.
WE do both ourselves as do those we know in personal lives.
Quite a few folks ingraining quality skill sets with rifle, shotgun and handgun, and not using live ammunition.
This THR Staff member and I are near in age, and both grew up learning to shoot and getting range time with no ammunition as well.
Funny how some things stand the test of time...
I mentioned the quality practice using .22 rimfire, he mentioned the quality practice using no ammunition.
WE do both ourselves as do those we know in personal lives.
Quite a few folks ingraining quality skill sets with rifle, shotgun and handgun, and not using live ammunition.
This THR Staff member and I are near in age, and both grew up learning to shoot and getting range time with no ammunition as well.
Funny how some things stand the test of time...
AirplaneDoc
Member
$40/year range membership and shoot anything you want. Only downside is it is a little farther than I would prefer to drive, but I can live with that.
I am glad ta see others comment about the confiscation of brass you bought... like bloody hell I'd give them what I paid high to begin with...
The range fees and target fees I have NO issue with. A business is a business and all the costs that are there that most guys who work for other do not see are real. And the guys that own it and work there should be able to have similar pay and benefits as others and that is a cost. Funny how those with the best benefits etc expect a lot of others to work without so they can play!
I find that most who whine at costs of entertainment have bennies etc. The rest of the folks are used to doing without... then again thats just an observation.
The range fees and target fees I have NO issue with. A business is a business and all the costs that are there that most guys who work for other do not see are real. And the guys that own it and work there should be able to have similar pay and benefits as others and that is a cost. Funny how those with the best benefits etc expect a lot of others to work without so they can play!
I find that most who whine at costs of entertainment have bennies etc. The rest of the folks are used to doing without... then again thats just an observation.
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