Rifle Colorado

[ExtremeDooty]

I got the job in Eagle Colorado and will be moving there in about a week. Looks like I'll be living in Rifle because the cost of living is better there. While driving around on BLM land I spotted what looked like a large outdoor shooting range outside Rifle. Does anyone know anything about this place?

I also noticed home made targets set up in a couple of places. As I understand it you can do pretty much whatever you want on BLM land. Is that true, and how do you know the difference between BLM land, State Park and private property? Nothing seemed to be very well marked.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I read that Rifle is named Rifle because a surveyor way back dropped his gun up there. On the map he was working on, he wrote 'Rifle' as a note to himself to remember where to go back and find his rifle. Apparently that note made it onto the official map and was marked as a town, and eventually the 'town' got founded there. I wonder if the surveyor ever retrieved his rifle?

I've driven through both Eagle and Rifle along I-70 when I've been out there. Very pretty area! I am so jealous of all you lucky Coloradians...I really want to move out there. I make a point of always mentioning that around here...heh.

Uh....as far as your BLM questions...I don't really know. It sounds like, at least in AZ, NM, WY, MT that you can pretty much setup and shoot away as long as you're being safe and not littering. I have a dark feeling that CO may be a bit different....but I'll let the proper CO Residents let you know for sure.

 

[Steve Smith]

Dagnabbed ousiders! It's "Coloradan" not Coloradian!

I know they have some matches in Rifle, good be a good range up there.

 

[JColorado]

Hi,

Colorado does not require landowners to post private land. You need to be sure of where you are. Read this article for more information.

I have found the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteere for Colorado to be essential if you want to find your way around Colorado.

You should also buy the Forest Service and BLM land maps from the USFS or the BLM. These maps usually show public and private land in very good detail. Be sure you keep in mind that there are many inholdings and discontinuouos parcels within the forests and BLM lands. You can usually find them in places like REI, Sportsman's Warehouse, or other similar type stores.

Good luck with your move.

 

[Kamicosmos]

It's "Coloradan" not Coloradian!

So, can I say that a Colorado-resident wannabe is a Coloradian?

 

[ExtremeDooty]

I know they have some matches in Rifle, good be a good range up there.

The place I saw was setup for matches. It was a pretty good spread. I'll check it out more once I get out there. The company I'll work for only believes in working 40 per week, I'm going to have to find something to do with the extra 20 hours I've normally worked.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

Yes they do run matches there, They are what we call friendly matches as they let you use just about anything you wish. I have never been to a match there but believe it to be from what I understand on the south west part of town. I think it is a private club and with most clubs on that part of the state it should be pretty easy to join I would think. They also have a private range in meeker just to the north about 40 minutes and a nice range at orchard mesa to the west your side of Grand Junction.

Here is a contact person for the matches anyway and he should be able to let you know anything else about the club.

Rifle Sportsman Club
Mike Grimm
P.O. box 944 Rifle CO 81650
970-876-2133

I hope this helps.

I do plan on retiring in that part of the state in about 5 years and for me its the Rifle- meeker area but Rifle is a bit better.
Good luck and welcome to the state and remember most folks you will meet are not from CO either.

Jon

 

[Mark8252]

BLM Land

To my knowledge you can legally discharge firearms in Colorado on BLM and in National Forests. I camp and shoot in National Forests all over Colorado and never have any problems. Be advised that shooting areas are designated and its your responsibility to find out where they are. Any National Forest Ranger can tell you.

 

[Zundfolge]

Dagnabbed ousiders! It's "Coloradan" not Coloradian!

I thought it was "Coloradoan" ... at least thats how the lady on the news refers to us.

 

[Coltdriver]

You can shoot anywhere in a National Forest that you want to as long as you are 500 feet away from a campground or a road. You can not shoot from or across a road. It is a courtesy to get 500 feet away from a trail and a good idea to be aware of where the trail runs so that you don't upset or hurt hikers. You can not legally shoot into a live tree. Finding a dead one for target practice is always easy. Some of the National Forests do have restrictions around crowded areas. You can go on the web and take a look or just call the local ranger.

I don't know about BLM land, they may have more rules.

Welcome to paradise