Shooting Holiday!

[andym79]

Wher I live, all handguns are banned, rifles are almost impossible to get hold of and shotguns are difficult unless you are a farmer or very good friends with one.

I am looking to go on a shooting holiday to the states, primarily for target shooting but perhaps a little hunting!

Which states would be the best to allow a Brit to go shooting at a range?

Are there any states where a non American can drop in for the day a shoot a club gun on a 25 yard handgun or 50/100 yard rifle range?

Are there any states where a non American can go hunting with a borrowed rifflle, I am assuming the answer to the second question is no?

The only place in Europe I can do these things is Switerland, but I would rather visit the states, mix it with a site seeing trip. I have spent a fair bit of time in the South West and loved it, but it would be nice to see another area.

Any advice would be great!

 

[JamisJockey]

I'm going to bet that Utah and Arizona fit the bill. Your sight seeing could include the Grand Canyon, Zion's NP, maybe Canyonlands and Arches too.

The verdict I just got from one of the local shops is yes, you can come and range rent to shoot. So, come to Utah. Enjoy the real west. If its winter, go ski. Go check out the parks. We even have at least two ranges here in the Salt Lake area that rent FULL AUTO firearms for range use (Caution, they eat ammo fast, that gets spendy! That, and the grin can be permanant)
http://www.totallyawesomeguns.com/
http://www.impactguns.com/store/


Also, I belive there might be some places in Phoenix and Vegas if you're so inclined to stay in either of those places, maybe some of those locals can chime in.

 

[Fly320s]

In no particular order:

Arizona
Texas
Florida
Utah
Virginia
Tennessee
Idaho, Montana, Colorado.
Pretty much all of the southern US.

You may find it easier to decide which states you want to avoid when it comes to shooting. Most of the northeastern US, Illinois, and the big cities of California probably don't cater too much to tourists looking for range time.

There are many indoor ranges in Arizona and Nevada, especially around Las Vegas, that cater to tourists. There are some more in Orlando, Florida if you are thinking of dropping by to see the big Mouse.

Once you decide where you would like to visit post a message here at THR. I'll bet many of us would be happy to take you to a range, myself included.

 

[entropy]

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, except the poo-eatin' grin you'll get from firing full auto at one of the ranges there (I forgot the name. ) There's one around here, in Minnesota, called Armored Fire that rents FA weapons, and at most ranges round here, you'll be welcome. Most guys I know would be glad to let you fire their guns. I shot trap with a guy from Northumbria, and my best friend is a resident alien born in Ireland of British parents. (Though you'd never know it. He moved here from Ireland when he was 8, and sounds just like any other Minnesotan, eh? But when he asks for the spanner... )
If you end up coming to the Twin Cities area, (Minneapolis/St.Paul) , PM me. I'd be glad to go shooting with you.

 

[andym79]

Thanks a lot JamisJockey, as I said, I have been to the southwest. I spent 3 weeks in Utah and I absolutley loved it . I visited Bryce, Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. So i missed some real oppurtunities in the UT!

There is no way I am ruling Utah out, my wife keeps on say I want to go back to Zion, "I can't blame her" . It could be a multi purpose trip!

I have an open mind as to location, as I understand it most of the north east apart from Vermont is quite strict (is Maine?)! :banghead:

I would like to see the South East (Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Keentucky, Tennesee), the Appalachians.

Thanks Fly320s, I just might take you up on that!

So is Tennessee ok with foriegners shooting at ranges?

But then I would also like to visit the North West and the rockies (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington).

Have not ruled out the Mid West either, (hopefully I will be moving to Manitoba) Thanks for the offer entropy, I just might come in on a NWA next year!

I think you guys are right I need to decided on a group of four or five states I want to visit and then ask!

What about hunting, do you need to be an American?

Do you need licences for any of your guns, or does it depend on which state?

 

[Mornard]

Welcome to America-Land of the free...

Andy M -

You're going to love the difference. I checked with the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources, and all you need is a non-resident license. Additionally, if you were born after 1979, some states may require proof of hunter safety training.

No one in America cares if you shoot with or hunt with a borrowed gun and no one would check. I visit GB yearly and have passed up shooting - my preference would be either roe or red deer stalking - because the gun issue is a major difficulty. I have seen grown men grow faint at the suggestion there may be an estate gun I could borrow, rent or otherwise utilize. When we go, we're there for a couple weeks at least and I don't want the issues involved with hauling guns around with me. That would soon become the focus of the trip.

I believe you will enjoy and appreciate the difference here, and Manitoba isn't so bad either...

 

[Andrew Rothman]

Federal law states that folks with a non-immigrant visa (such as a tourist visa) may NOT "possess" a firearm, with a few narrow exceptions, including hunting with a hunting license.

The meaning of "possess" is the million dollar question, but for all practical purposes, borrowing or renting a gun to shoot at a range isn't likely to be a problem.

 

[thereisnospoon]

Alabama is beautiful in the summer, except for the heat and humidity and the tornadoes and hurricanes, but I digress.

If you make it to the States and you end up anywhere near B'ham, Alabama get me an e-mail and I'll take you to our local range and you can shoot to your hearts content.

We have 25 yard pistol all the way out to 600 yard rifle ranges and we are incorporating a 1000 yard rifle range this year (weather and funds permitting).

The second saturday of every month is IDPA, the 4th Sunday of the month is Hi-Power rifle day. There is a variety of other competition matches the other weekends.

Here's a link to the club website

www.scssa.org

[Yakov Smirnov voice] America...I love this Country[off/Yakov Smirnov voice]

 

[P95Carry]

Andy - PA would be no prob re range shooting - sure that one of us on the forum could fix you up with that.

Hunting tho - not so easy. Partly cos you need to be PA res' to get licence and - seasonal aspects.

Buck starts early December. There are I think a few ranches offering private on estate hunting but your check book would have to VERY fat to exploit those.

 

[Justin]

I've run into British shooters in both Indiana and New Mexico. Most recently for the Rocky Mountain 3 Gun match. Nice bunch of guys, all wearing polo shirts with the Union Jack on the back and the word "EXILES" emblazoned above it.

 

[MachIVshooter]

But then I would also like to visit the North West and the rockies (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington).

Washington and Oregon are not as gun-friendly as other Western states.

And you forgot Colorado. In addition, if you want a direct Flight, Denver has an international airport. Wyoming and Montana do not.

Most public indoor ranges will let you rent, but some require at least two people over 21. This is due in no small part to the folks who have rented guns, waited till the range was empty, and committed suicide. Causes all kinds of greif for the range, and increases their insurance premiums.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[oneshooter]

Just one word says it all......TEXAS

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[coonan357]

don't waste your time coming hereto Illinois , you have to have a firearms card from the state to use any range now and alot of ranges in the chicago area are enforcing it .

 

[Bob R]

I live close to Glacier National Park in Montana. If you come this way, make sure to let me know. I have guns, a 500 yd range available, coyotes that need to be shot, a place to lay your head and fill your tummy.

bob

 

[pete f]

minnesota, rural michigan, wisconsin, the Dakotas, montana, any one of these states are pretty laidback. you ask nicely here and there and someone might invite you to go deer hunting or birdhunting, go west into the Dakotas and Montana in the late spring and some varmint hunting looney will beg you to try out their new gun and try for some 500 yard shots on prairie dogs. up here, we really do not worry about who has a gun in the field. in town at a range, you might get questioned, but I took a french foreign exchange student out for a day of pheasant hunting, the DNR ranger who stopped us said it was illegal for him to hunt without a license, but understood the bind we were in, and let us go with a warning. Then he asked the boy if he liked shooting the shotgun, and when he said yes, asked him if he wanted to shoot a glock. so here we are on the side of a road and the guy showed my guest how to hold and shoot two shots out of his glock. kid beamed all the way home.
like i said things are differfent when you get away from the cities.

 

[andym79]

Thanks Bob R, I might take you up on that. I think 500 yards would be too much for a beginner like me.

Do you go to the range often?
What guns have you got?

Same question to: thereisnospoon please.

 

[Old Dog]

Washington and Oregon are not as gun-friendly as other Western states.

Huh? That would be news to this Washington resident.
And we've got two gorgeous mountain ranges, no lack of decent outfitters and guides, lots of outdoor ranges, plenty of indoor ranges (in the Puget Sound area) and any number of friendly THR members willing to play host ...

 

[Bob R]

Andy,

For pistol, you can choose from a .22 Ruger all the way up to a Desert Eagle .50, with several stops inbetween.

For rifle the .22 applies but we can only go up to 8mm (Hakim). There are more stops between the two in rifles than there are pistols. We would of course break out the Enfield Jungle carbine, just because.

You don't have to start at 500 yds, the range I use (two actually) have distances as short as you want to try, up to 500yds.

You could always plan a nice tour of the Northwest part of the country, I am sure there are several THR members that would love to show you their neck of the woods, and get some shooting in at the same time.

bob

feel free to stay in touch via email [email protected]

 

[andym79]

Thanks Bob R. I have emailed this to you as well (I don't know how often you check your email, so I am posting here), I am thinking of a trip perhaps next summer.

Do you have a .308 rifle or someting there abouts? Not that I am fussy, I would love to shoot whatever.

As far as I know you can not shooting in National parks, is that right?

Can you shoot in State parks or National forests?

Is there plenty of game in Montana, it being the size of the UK and Ireland and having only ~ 900,000 people. I bet it a real nice place to live (apart from the cold winters, but they hey I want to live in Manitoba!).

Are they quite liberal with gun law in Montana?

Of the topic a little is it true the State highways there have no offical speed limit?

Whereabouts in Montana do you live? Near Helena or further north?

So at one of the two ranges, they wouldn't have a problem with a guest? Or me shooting 100 yards with a rifle and 25 with a handgun?

Do you do any plinking? Could be funny trying to watch a Brit hit some cans with a .22!

 

[andym79]

Any states to avoid like the plauge?

Anyone else interested in having fun trying to teach a Brit the finner points of shooting?

I still can not decide for sure on what part to visit!

The suggestion of more than one state with more than one host shooting partner is appealing. Contacts would be good right now!

I guess it Might be a good idea to centre a trip around an international hub, but then in most of the states the driving is pleasurable and it does not seem too much hasle to drive 1000 miles.

I guess the hubs would be Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Miami, Boston (for Maine and Vermont)(I am ruling out San Francisco, Los Angles, New York, Chicago, DC on the basis that those areas are anti gun?)

 

[Ginger]

One thing you will need to look into is the Hunter Safety issue. Here in Colorado you simply cannot get any kind of hunting license without showing your Hunter Safety Education card (or whatever we call it, it's blaze orange, I know that). A lot of states require this.

Maybe the British consulate in the states you are interested in visiting would know the answer.

BTW - Colorado has terrific hunting and friendly gun laws (except Denver/Boulder). We are celebrating Labor Day this weekend by enjoying the opening of dove season.

 

[iamkris]

andym79

Don't necessarily rule out Chicago. It isn't the great firearms mecca that others expereience but we have our own abilities. Great city to visit, eat, shop, party, listen to blues, etc. I live in the northern suburbs and travel 40 minutes north into Wisconsin to my range for formal shooting e.g., benchrest, single load on the rifles. We can also head out to Buffalo Rock range (~2 hours) where there are no restrictions like that. If you came here I could set you up with the following out of my own collection. Other's could also contribute, I'm sure.

Happy to show a Brit what firearms are all about...I've done so with several foreign-born co-workers. I'm an NRA certified instructor.

Handguns:
· FN HP-SA-SFS, 9x19mm
· Para Ordnance P14.45 LDA Limited .45 ACP
· Bulgarian Makarov 9x18mm
· Tanfoglio Witness Tactical II .45 ACP
· Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt
· Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt
· Auto Ordnance 1911A1 .45 ACP
· Ruger MkII Target .22LR
· Pietta 1851 Navy .36 cal

Shotguns:
· Lanber 2097 12 ga
· Mossberg 500 Persuader 12 ga
· Remington 1100 12 ga
· Winchester 1897 12 ga

Rifles:
· Henry lever rifle 22 LR
· Mauser K98, 7.92x57mm
· Romanian WASR-10, 7.62x39mm
· Springfield M1A Loaded, 7.62x51mm
· CZ V22 AR upper 22 LR
· Tikka T3 Hunter, .300 WSM
· Fazerkley Lee-Enfield No 4 Mk 1/2, .303 Brit
· Springfield (Remington) 1903A3, .30-06
· DPMS/J&T M4A4 5.56x45mm
· Swiss K31, 7.5x55 Swiss
· Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Billy Dixon .45-70 Gov't
· Mosin-Nagant 91/30 7.62x54R
· Springfield Armory M1 Garand .30-06
· Mosin-Nagant M44 7.62x54R
· Yugo SKS 59/66A1 7.62x39mm
· DSA STG58A Type 1, 7.62x51mm
· Rossi M92 .45 Colt
· Mauser 98K Israeli/Czech .308 Win
· Mossberg 46(a) .22 LR
· Mannlicher-Berthier Mle92-27 8mm Lebel
· Springfield 1873 Trapdoor .45-70 Gov't
· 1864 E Robinson .58 cal

 

[entropy]

I see travel in your future, andym79, maybe to several States in the US. If you decide to swing through here (MN & WI), here's what you'd be able to shoot at my range. (Yes, it's practically my own range. A nice sandpit area at my -in laws farm.)

Bear in mind this list may grow between now and then:

Mosin Nagants a plenty (1899 Finnish M91 to 1952 Polish M44)

SKS

No.1 MkIII SMLE

Remington 870 in 12 or 20 gauge

Star BM 9mm

Charter Arms Cadet .22 revolver

8mm Turkish Mauser

Rock Island Arsenal M1911A1

And maybe a few others I need to work on yet.

And I bet White Horseradish wouldn't mind coming out with a few of his guns, too.

 

[andym79]

Thanks entropy and iamkris!

I might take you up take you up on that offer!

I have been pleased with the number of offers to go shooting!

What I am thinking is two weeks holiday (vacation) sightseeing and all that and getting in four days shooting perhaps in different places with different people. Anyone else, offers would be most appreciated!

 

[Chut1st]

Before you make a final decision, let me put in a plug for Tennessee (home of Oleg, that should tell you a lot!). Very gun and tourist friendly with lots of ranges, public and commercial, indoor and outdoor.

Several years ago, a friend brought some visiting Japanese executives to a local public range. They all had a "blast" and one in particular developed quite a fondness for a Smith and Wesson Model 29, the famous "Dirty Harry" pistol. After each shot, he'd look at his buddies with a huge grin and say "Crint Easwood!" Made my day, too.