Sportsman's Clubs

[sgtzach]

I have recently been trying to find a sportsman's club/ gun club in Northwest Ohio that has both indoor pistol and a decent outdoor rifle range for my M1. However, I keep running into the same roadblock---I don't know any members. I come from a non shooting family and most of my friends would rather drink and go to bars but after 4 years in the Marine Corps infantry all I want to do on weekend is get some range time in. Now I'm reloading 600-700 rounds a week but cant keep paying $18 an hour to shoot pistol and haven't round nay by the hour ranges for rifle. Any tips on ways/ things to say to clubs to convince them that I would be a good addition? I've have called several that have the facilities I am looking for but it all comes down to " you need to be sponsored"...any thoughts?

Semper Fi,
sgtzach

 

[bigalexe]

If these clubs have open ranges times I would go make use of them, take some time to BS with the RSO's and after a few visits ask about membership because you shoot there.

I find that the "Know a member" rule is there for the function of being able to deny anyone you don't know a background on.

 

[tooltech]

Some of the ranges around here have weekly or monthly pistol matches that are open to the public. That can help you get to know members.
I've been shooting in a monthly match at a range here, and have been building acquaintances, if not friendships. The only problem here is most of the ranges have multi-year waiting lists

 

[bigfatdave]

Where in NW Ohio? I'm a member at the oak harbor conservation club, we have a 25 & 50 yard indoor pistol/rimfire range and a 100 yard outdoor range, all pretty informal.

I hear good things about Gibsonburg's range, they're doing Appleseed shoots there if you want a preview. I know a guy there who complains about the hunting/range interfering ... apparently they have schedule conflicts.

I hear mixed things about the Issac Walton ranges, some people love them some people seem annoyed about scheduling there, too.

OHCC will occasionally have stuff scheduled, but it is published and if you forget you'll generally be invited to shoot with whatever event is on that afternoon. Once you're set up with indoor qualification you'll be able to roll in whenever you like, I have actually went in to shoot at 11pm and left at 2-3am while in between night and day shifts.

 

[sgtzach]

Thanks to all who replied. I am going to start looking for open matches and shoots and hopefully make some contacts.

@dave-- I'm in Toledo and have checked out Adams CC but they arent offering open enrollment right now and The New Sportsmans Club in Millbury seems fairly rigid on knowing a current member.

I just looked at OHCC. Looks like a fine club. What is your opinion of it? Good place to be a member at?

 

[oneounceload]

Go to your local gun shops and ask around. many clubs and ranges will have data there on shoots, memberships, etc.

 

[Tilos]

sgtzach: the same thing happening to me now

I've been moving a lot lately and dealing with this same thing.

The internet is your friend as most clubs have websites now.
I do drive-by's to check out different clubs of interest and go in a talk to anyone there.

This time, I went to a "practice" shoot, met and shot with club members, and got someone to sponser me.
This practice shoot was posted on the club website calendar and was for NRA silhoute.

Tonight I'm going to the BOD meeting to be voted on for membership.

Thanks for your service,
Good luck
Tilos

 

[Justin]

The suggestion to attend local matches and make contacts is a good one. Depending on how much effort you want to put into making a good impression, start attending local matches, but show up early and help with setup before the match and tear down afterwards.

 

[bigfatdave]

I just looked at OHCC. Looks like a fine club. What is your opinion of it? Good place to be a member at?

I like it, you'd have to make the call on the drive length, but 24/7 use of the indoor range and a 15 minute drive sold me.