Who has used the Vandalia Range & Armory rifle range?

Just wondering who has shot their rifles at the VRA indoor rifle range. Every time I go there I keep forgetting to ask if I can take a peek at the rifle range (I have shot the pistol range many times), I was just wondering how it is and how the computerized scoring system works and what to expect. I'm finally going to get a chance to take my AR to the range and zero it!

It is okay. Small, bunker-like and loud. I don't like the lighting, the target is lit but the "tunnel" is kind of dark...makes it hard to see your front iron sight. They don't allow AK variants or sks either. The scoring system works well, a small monitor in your booth shows where you hit.

well that pretty much sums it up....is the pistol range still "scary busy" that place was always packed.....I stopped going in there....

Yea, and the range officer every time I've been is a grouch...definitely one of those retired leo types who still relishes authority. Insinuated that he was ready to shoot anyone who flips out or whatever life threatening situation someone would try in a room full of armed customers. And to top it off when my father who grew up farm shooting and isnt that used to the rules of polite range society didn't keep the muzzle of his empty pistol down range to show me a problem, I got yelled at...I guess it was because I'm in my 20s and therefore a "punk kid". Granted, dad did break the rules, (the muzzle was pointed at the little table in the booth, not wildly muzzle sweeping people...he's not THAT bad) but why yell at me when i was standing 10 ft. Away empty handed. That's why I stopped going haha. Sorry...had to vent

Ok so I should be able to zero my rifle no problem then. I was just confused because I wasn't sure how the target system worked (don't need to bring targets). And yes it is very busy at times especially when they have an NRA first steps class or a CCW class. I try to go on Saturday morning usually between 10 and 11, there usually isn't to many people there at that time. And they just expanded the parking lot so you can find a spot now even when they are busy.

Yep. There's only 5 lanes IIRC, so I'd go on a weekday if possible as there's less chance it's full. I wears plugs and headphones and still find it uncomfortably loud if there are others shooting.

I hated it. Someone beside me was firing a 30.06 and the blast gave me a headache after 3 rounds. If you go, wear double ear pro. You pretty much have to fire from the standing position with your rifle on a rest.

Also, either I had the worst shooting day of my life, or their target system is off. My under 1 moa Remington 700P was a 4-5 moa gun the day I went. I would not trust a rifle I zeroed there.

I'm no help but I have shot in the pistol range but have not shot in there rifle range. But I have heard it is very load and to use double hearing protection.

OK so I went to the the rifle range today I I have to say that it wasn't to bad for my first time. I was luck in that no one else was down there so it was just me and the R.O. The shooting positions are below ground compared to the shooting lane so it is like being in a trench, when 100 yds of concrete and "targets" down at the other end under mediocre lighting. I though the targeting system was good I didn't have any real problems with it and it seemed to be accurate enough. I did not bring a rest to the range so I was kind of planting my mag on the concrete shelf in front of me and spreading my legs enough to get inline with the sights. After figuring out where the gun was hitting and adjusting my sights I was grouping inside the 7/8 ring with the occasional pulled shot. But of course being the dumb ass that I am I didn't check the range first to see if they had any rifle rests there, so when my time was up I turn around and what do I see but 3 rests sitting against the wall right behind me. All in all I would go again on a rainy day or if I didn't want to drive very far.

P.S. Oh yeah and the rifle ran great too! M&P 15 ORC, MI flip up HK style front sight, removable 6/3 rear sight, and Pmags.

So the target is a sensor that shows where you are hitting? You don't put a paper target up?

Nope, no paper. I guess the system senses the vibrations from a bullet strike.

You have a screen beside you that shows your hits.

I got an email yesterday the rifle range was closed for repairs. If you are thinking of going, better call and see if they have opened it again.

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