Southern Maine Shooting
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RugerBob
Member
Most have been closed off as to many dirt bags dumping thier trash at these places. I am in York county and found it just easier to join a club.
The last time I went to a sand pit it had old freezers and junk everywhere. That was 6 years ago tho. The land owner was made to go outta pocket and clean it up and thats why you will find them chained or blocked off.
The last time I went to a sand pit it had old freezers and junk everywhere. That was 6 years ago tho. The land owner was made to go outta pocket and clean it up and thats why you will find them chained or blocked off.
theautobahn
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Unfortunately I've found these to be mutually exclusive. I'm in York County and joined a club. I still shoot at a pit about 1/4 of the time, but the last time I went there were 30ish other people (big pit, so no issues there) - I would have left if I felt truly unsafe, but I felt like the proverbial long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs - too much going on to really keep an eye on everyone.
If you know someone who owns private land or a pit that's closed to the general public, that's probably the best bet.
TrickyDick
Member
I'm in the midcoast/southern area, and i can't find any good place to shoot that isn't too far or cost too much to shoot at...
There is a small gravel pit right near my house that I have been shooting at. I bring my targets and carry out. Someone just dumped a bunch of crap there, (Fridge, multiple TV;s & PC nonitors, paint, etc.). Probably will be posted soon :banghead::banghead::banghead:
I stopped going to pits because you never know if you're really allowed to be there or if some other idiots are there shooting in random directions.
Sanford Springvale Fish & Game Association is a great place to become a member. They have a Sanford and a Berwick range, the Berwick range goes out to 200 yds and has a skeet range/launchers. No range officers, very friendly.
ssfga.com
Sanford Springvale Fish & Game Association is a great place to become a member. They have a Sanford and a Berwick range, the Berwick range goes out to 200 yds and has a skeet range/launchers. No range officers, very friendly.
ssfga.com
RugerBob
Member
I have been with the ssf&g for 6 years now, and find it a great place to go thats safe and convienent for where I am. (sanford).
theautobahn
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I belong to SSFGA as well, but was shooting at a pit in Lebanon that was apparently just posted. I used to belong to North Berwick (which is only $40-$50/year, I believe), but they only have one "range" on their property so if they have an event going on (steel plates, skeet, IDPA, etc.) the entire range is closed. Sanford is worth the extra money, IMO.
oxide80
Member
I have run into thd same problem and I live in Gorham, usual try to find someone with private property, gun club, or something in the middle of nowheres....
theautobahn
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On 35? I've shot there twice with a friend. They have a 100 yard rifle range, a pistol range (might have been 10 or 25 yards, I honestly don't remember) and I think they have a fairly impressive skeet/trap setup, but we never shot that.
Everything I know is second hand so I won't repeat it, but I can tell you my friend is no longer a member.
That being said, with most "clubs", you can go to a meeting or two before joining and can usually get a feel for how the membership is, and probably more importantly, the officers.
TrickyDick
Member
my biggest issue with SFAG is it's way too expensive, that is only if I'm using it once a month. I've used the weekend trap range, but I just want a place that doesn't require me to jump through hoops and stand on 1 foot just to join. i understand the reasoning, but i have a very tight schedule, and there's *ZERO* time for just hanging out
theautobahn
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We were talking about Sanford and North Berwick tonight, coincidentally. Sanford is $100 plus an NRA membership ($10) if you don't have one. I think North Berwick is still $40. North Berwick requires you to attend a meeting (and range orientation) but Sanford does not. I wouldn't say that either requires you to stand on one foot and jump through hoops.
I did also confirm with a member of North Berwick that they're going to install a new pistol range so that the range isn't tied up when they do an organized shoot.
Cluster Bomb
Member
the local gun club where i am is Hermon and they require you to be an NRA member prior to becoming a member ontop of their member fees. I have heard some good things about them but you also have to pay for range time, $5.
This is why i made my own range out back, on my property and father and laws. nothing but trees and hills for like 36(his)-60(neighbors) acres (all dense woods). it is still work in progress but its going good. I have 4 lanes for pistols and one lane for 22lr with shooting gallery. Since id rather spend my money on ammo, guns, and targets.
This is why i made my own range out back, on my property and father and laws. nothing but trees and hills for like 36(his)-60(neighbors) acres (all dense woods). it is still work in progress but its going good. I have 4 lanes for pistols and one lane for 22lr with shooting gallery. Since id rather spend my money on ammo, guns, and targets.
mcdonl
Member
Im a member of Hollis and it is cheap ($60 a year) and has decent ranges and clubhouse. They are making improvements every year. Covered benches coming soon.
RugerBob
Member
The sanford club also includes the berwick range off wentworth rd.. Sanford has the pistol range and 1 of the rifle ranges enclosed for shooting and have wood stoves in them. They also plow the sanford one. The one they have in berwick has a 25yd pistol, a 50 yard pistol/rifle and 200 yard rifle. Plus trap every sunday at 9am in the summer. Joining SSF&G gives you access to both.
TrickyDick
Member
i was talking about scarborough, it's like $250 a year
A good club is worth every penny
I belong to Scarborough and before that, Falmouth, two of the most expensive clubs in Maine. When it comes time to pay dues I don't like shelling out all that cash but it is still the least expensive part of my hobby. A box of 45 shells costs more than an entire months dues. Belonging to Scarborough I have access to 5 utility ranges, a 600 yard rifle range and much more. I also don't have to worry about breaking any laws. Pick a club and join. Dick, the annual dues at Scarborough are $175. Rod and gun clubs need money not only for improving facilities but also for defending against those who would try to shut them down.
I belong to Scarborough and before that, Falmouth, two of the most expensive clubs in Maine. When it comes time to pay dues I don't like shelling out all that cash but it is still the least expensive part of my hobby. A box of 45 shells costs more than an entire months dues. Belonging to Scarborough I have access to 5 utility ranges, a 600 yard rifle range and much more. I also don't have to worry about breaking any laws. Pick a club and join. Dick, the annual dues at Scarborough are $175. Rod and gun clubs need money not only for improving facilities but also for defending against those who would try to shut them down.
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TrickyDick
Member
i've shot at scarborough for the weekend trap shooting, but on the membership form, it had 2 prices for whatever time of year you join. It's the nicest range i've ever been to, but about 45 mins from my house, and requires alot of commitment for "volunteer" work, which is hard for me having a 4 month old. when i do get free time, i dont want to waste it.
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