Where can I shoot in southern CA?

[theavocado]

Howdy

Im looking for some empty land where I can go and just do some plinking
(.22, .30-06, shotguns)......I am in the Temecula area.......

Any ideas?

I dont want to have to pay for the range....any BLM land east of town? Is it as simple as getting out of city limits and earshot?

Thanks

 

[thefitzvh]

Well, it's a drive, but Orosco Ridge is where i used to go. it's east of escondido, past the wild animal park.

That's about all i know of in that area. Sorry i couldn't help more.

Do a google on it, and you can find a website that lists whether it's open or not (it occasionally closes because of inclement weather... dirt road leading up to the top gets pretty nasty when it rains.


James

 

[Creeping Incrementalism]

In California, you can shoot on Nat'l Forest land and BLM land if there are no summertime fire restrictions, and if there are no county/other local ordiances against it. No shooting across roads, water, or in established campsites. Here is a good resource: http://www.socalcamping.com/shooting/shoot_info.html

In Riverside County you can only do target shooting in the Eastern half of the county during daylight hours, on NF/BLM land, or private land w/ landowners permission. Here's a link: http://www.clerkoftheboard.co.riverside.ca.us/ords/500/514.htm

As this issue if very local, also try asking local gunshops about off-range shooting, and look on the websites of various National Forests and BLM districts. Also, try http://calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php

 

[DesertShooter]

Wide open spaces in the desert! Do a search for BLM-Southern California, and find out which BLM office is nearest to you, then go to their web site.

I've been shooting in the BLM territory that was used by General George S. Patton for training the 3rd Army. It's near Chiriaco Summit, which isn't far from Palm Springs, just off of the 10 Fwy. You can get into most of the good spots with just about any vehicle, but a few require 4-wheel drive. It's nice out there right now, down to about 85 during the day and 45 at night.

It's best to get an up-to-date check on BLM land, for they sometimes have "closures" in certain areas. The last one was for hazardous fire conditions, and the one before was due to a desert tortoise having been shot to death.

 

[Creeping Incrementalism]

I've been shooting in the BLM territory that was used by General George S. Patton for training the 3rd Army. It's near Chiriaco Summit

How would you say that spot compares to Mecca Hills? And does it take any longer to get to from the Palm Springs area?

And have you checked out the Patton Museum? There is an Mp-44 hanging on the wall.

 

[kungfuhippie]

palm springs

Go down the 10 toward Indio, and take the Palm Springs exit (hwy 111) go down past the rent a quad place and the mini mart, there is a dirt road to the right that heads up into a closed canon that I and my friend and many others use for plinking all the time.

ON google earth
Latitude: 33°52'43.72"N
Longitude: 116°35'45.32"W

Anyone else got an idea (coordinates maybe)

 

[theavocado]

Thanks for the replies.....I was hoping for something within a half hour drive.......all of those places are at least an hour away.

Maybe Ill call the local BLM office

 

[railroader]

kungfuhippie, you shoot there but is it legal? Is that BLM land? I just ask because I would hate to be the one that gets my guns confiscated because I was shooting on private property or where it just isn't legal. Mark

 

[Squawker]

Preferably at Nancy Pelosi!

 

[kungfuhippie]

it's not blm land

but rest assured, the owner has been contacted by, not me but I have spoken with those who have, he doen't care. It is county jurisdiction, not city so you're safe also. (if you turn on the city boundry on google earth you can see... I have never had any problems and have shot there for over a year. many saturdays (when it's not too windy or hot) you will find 10-20 people there exercising their rights.

This is what I've been told, but I must warn you and others to use at your own risk...don't just believe what you read on the net, of course, if you're asked to leave they won't take your guns, unless they are illegal.

oh and if you want to find blm land...you can overlay their maps (found on line with a search) on google earth (yes I have stock in google) it works great for when I go jack rabbit hunting, just be sure to check with the office too for specific closures or rules.