Shooting ranges that allow you to set up your own targets?

[DentThat]

I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of shooting at paper targets. Sure, if I want to practice my accuracy that would be nice, but for bringing friends to the ranges, it's much more fun for everyone to shoot at cans of tomato sauce or watermelons - you can actually see the bullet hitting the target! You can't even see the bullet hitting a paper target beyond 50 yards!

Anyone else agree with me?

What are your favorite targets to shoot at?

And are there any shooting ranges around Providence, RI that will allow me to set my own targets?

Thanks!

 

[robhof]

That's great, but many ranges don't allow because of the trash left behind. If everyone cleaned up after they shot bottles or cans then fine, but they don't causing extra cost to the range that adds up to higher range fees or banning of non paper targets.

 

[BigN]

Robhof is exactly right. If ever there were a bunch of hogs, there are many at the shooting range. We're not supposed to take private targets on our range but the other day I showed up and had to pick up splintered bowling pins all over the range. The place was a mess. That's why they don't allow it...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My nearest range is a Forestry Service range about 20 miles away. You can shoot anything you want -- provided the range isn't in use by an organized group (Ozark Muzzleloaders, Sheriff's Department, etc.) And people are good about cleaning up their mess -- and the Forrestry Service comes by about once a day to clean up what's left.

 

[david58]

Our range allows spinners, etc. You can also put clay pigeons out, but anything else can be shot ('cept bottles or glass) as long as it gets picked up. Stays pretty doggone clean.

 

[DentThat]

Oh ok, it's good to know that some ranges allow for this. They should definitely restrict glass targets because shattered glass in grass is quite the hazard.

I really need to find a range near Providence, RI that will allow custom targets. Anyone with info?

 

[8654Maine]

It's like 4 wheeling: a few bad apples ruin it for other abiding citizens.

Grrrr!!!

 

[Ian]

The solution is to buy land and make your own range.

I like steel. No mess, and is makes a nice CLANG and moves when you make a hit. I just picked up a handful of AR500 hardened steel targets to set up next weekend.

 

[Grey_Mana]

The insurance policy may limit the targets. The adjuster thinks "if we don't limit them to paper, is some idiot going to shoot at a parabola?"
For profit ranges want to make monkey; clubs want to keep costs down. Choosing a cheap insurance policy can come with compromises.

 

[gym]

Not many public ranges if any will allow this, while it may be fine funwise. It's dangerous and their insurance company would never allow it.

 

[LKB3rd]

My club allows shooting at anything that you clean up afterwards. Obviously it has to be safe (won't send rounds over the berms) and not glass.
I like shooting golf balls.

 

[gym]

We used to do bowling pins also, but they either stopped or closed.

 

[Tinpig]

I really need to find a range near Providence, RI that will allow custom targets. Anyone with info?

DentThat-
I can give you info about my range (100, 200, 300 yd. and pistol) that's close to Providence. It's in SE Mass. but I'm afraid it's paper targets only. We do get a lot of RI shooters.

Tinpig