Shooting Near Eugene, Oregon?

[lwaldron]

There may be a move to Eugene, Oregon in my future. Are there any places to shoot there? I don't mean formal ranges, but places in the countryside to go out and plink. Like BLM land, that kind of thing.

Thanks.

 

[jrfoxx]

Yes, Willamette National Forest is like 30 minutes from Eugene to the west.I go there all the time.Theres also LOTS of BLM land scattered around.

 

[bobaloo]

EDIT - didn't see that you were looking just for rural land. Yes, there's lots of BLM land, but you're looking at a fairly good drive, 30-45 minutes at least from Eugene to find somewhere you won't be hassled, Eugene is getting pretty built up. And don't forget, it's Oregon, not San Diego, it rains 8 months a year. I think you'll find that a range with a roof over your head can be very pleasant much of the year.

Depending on exactly where you move I'll invite you to my range. It's 25 miles north of Eugene, but it's right off I-5 so it's easier than driving back roads, and it's a great facility. It's the Albany Rifle and Pistol Club, www.arpc.info, located just north of Brownsville, where I live. If you end up on the north side of Eugene or Springfield it will probably be closer than anything else. My daughter lives in Eugene and she comes back here all the time to shoot because she can't find anything nearly as nice within a decent drive.

The club owns about 40 acres of land around a butte, with the main (rifle) range on the west side and pistol bays on the north. All are covered, the pistol bays are set up as 7 minuature individual ranges, soon to be 12.

There's IPSC, Cowboy Action Shooting, 3-gun, bowling pins, Hipower, benchrest, blackpowder, full-auto and lots of other events always going on. Good attitude, very few rules, which boil down to "be safe and have fun", no "range Nazis" to be found.

Cost is about $75 per year for card lock access any time, and they ask for 12 hours of volunteerism during the year or pay another $75. If you have any questions give me a PM.

Eugene has some indoor ranges, I know of "The Baron's Den", and there is the Isaac Walton gun club there, which is an outdoor range I believe, a Google search on those should give you some info.

 

[lwaldron]

THX

Thanks for the responses.
Whether I'll be moving, or not, is still up in the air. But knowing there's someplace to go plinking makes it more likely I'll say "yes" if the job is offered.
I'm aware of how rainy it can be in the Willamette valley. I've visited before, and always been astonished at how fertile it is. A range might be a wise idea on muddy days.

 

[fjolnirsson]

You say you've visited before. Even so, be prepared for some culture shock if you move here. Not bad, just vastly different. It's the little things, really.
IMHO, a very good move.
I'm about an hour NorthEast of Eugene. Give me an email or a PM if you end up here.
As a matter of fact, you others in the area, I'm trying to set up a meeting for us THR folks in the area. I haven't started a thread in the rallying forum, but look for it soon.

 

[lwaldron]

?

Culture shock? What, no margaritas at the W.O.W. Hall?