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Posted: 9/27/2005 1:30:54 AM EDT
Our own Virginia range can be a possibility and we have over
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:06:40 AM EDT
[#1]
Is it time for the yearly discussion on an ARFCOM range being purchased?
It would be nice if something like that could be done, but I think it would be a huge project. |
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:47:36 AM EDT
[#2]
And where would it be located. Personally, I think that is the biggest problem. I don't think there is one location that would satisfy enough members to get the financial backing it needs.
Great idea in theory though. |
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Posted: 9/27/2005 4:20:39 AM EDT
[#3]
I'm in for $1,000.00.....who's with me!?!?!
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Posted: 9/27/2005 4:29:13 AM EDT
[#4]
Also, how would it be different from other local (private club) ranges? I'm mainly asking because I haven't been to one...is it that none of the local clubs have long-range stations (other than Quantico)? Or just the club rules/arrogant range officers? One challenge would be ensuring the range is sustainable while still keeping access open for those who want to use it. Otherwise it would become another difficult-to-use club. Are there any national forests nearby? There was a decent range near Blacksburg (Jefferson National Forest), though it was only 100yds. |
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Posted: 9/27/2005 6:09:54 AM EDT
[#5]
there are a couple of things I pray for every day. This is one of them.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 9:17:34 AM EDT
[#6]
I'd join and pay a yearly fee...
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Posted: 9/27/2005 1:24:32 PM EDT
[#7]
Have it within 2 hrs of Nova and I'd be in.
When Ben Affleck moves in lets have him get 1000 acres and we can shoot @ his place. 
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Posted: 9/27/2005 2:32:03 PM EDT
[#8]
How would you all feel about leasing a place, similar to a hunt club lease. I know of a possible location in Orange County. If there is enough interest, I could talk to the landowner.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 2:46:35 PM EDT
[#9]
From the look of the map, Orange County would be about as far as Quantico for me. I'll put in with that.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:04:30 PM EDT
[#10]
GIT-R-DONE
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:05:52 PM EDT
[#11]
The possible sight I am looking at is in Unionville, about 25 minutes from Fredericksburg.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:33:05 PM EDT
[#12]
Folks I am talking about a Virginia club property that we own, no lease or other legal restrictions where anyone can dictate to us what we can shoot or kicking us out.
I for one am willing to put the time and sweat into making this happen and it would be located somewhere in central Virginia, I am searching for property for such a place since this has been a rub of mine for sometime now. We have attorneys, accountants, and others that would be instrumental in our cause to form a gun club in our favor. Also I know we have firearms instructors of every form on the board here so classes and a place to hold them would be possible here. Think big and start small. 
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:35:43 PM EDT
[#13]
Yes Sir!  I am beside myself on the lack of a range where it is feasible for most members to have a place to shoot, it would be a very intensive task and this is something that I want to see happen. |
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:36:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Looking at central Virginia. |
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Posted: 9/27/2005 3:56:01 PM EDT
[#15]
I think the leased property is a good idea for a "quick win." It could also gage interest prior to making an expensive investment.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 4:02:23 PM EDT
[#16]
You should probably look towards the south along the lines of Orange county or so where there is alot of wooded land out ther with good acerage.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 5:21:41 PM EDT
[#17]
That would be cool, says the new VA guy.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 5:30:01 PM EDT
[#18]
I think Orange County would be a good area as well. I'm about 2 1/2 hours from there.
I would like to see this happen as well. The only problem is that we have discussed this same issue since the Hometown Forums have been created. I don't think getting the land would be a problem. The real problem would be the cost, how much each individual would have to contribute. Who would be responsible for maintaning the property. The costs on upkeep of the property, taxes, and other costs that would come along with it. We would also need some kind of LLC for the place IMO. We would then need a board of directors or similiar governing body to run the club. There would need to be a formal club constitution or similiar to govern the club, it's members, and the like. There is a lot of work required for something like this. LRT, if you are willing to take the lead and get the ball rolling, I will help you in anyway that I can. |
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Posted: 9/27/2005 5:50:38 PM EDT
[#19]
Just a question: this would be closer than hite hollow right?
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Posted: 9/27/2005 5:54:37 PM EDT
[#20]
I live in Orange County and 2 acre lots are selling for any where from $75-110,000 right now. The tracts of land I have in mind are on farms. With taxes on the rise farmers are looking for more sources of income. I think these land owners would be more hospitable than you expect. Depending on the size of the club income for the owner could be any where from $2,500-$10,000 a year.
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Posted: 9/27/2005 6:28:40 PM EDT
[#21]
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Posted: 9/27/2005 6:45:57 PM EDT
[#22]
Point well made L-R-T or the actual land owner (don't forget about heirs) sells the land and all the sweat equity, land improvements etc. for the range are gone. To get the zoning needed, you need to be a land owner and be a part of the tax base to really impact a board of supervisors opinion, leasing land doesn't get you this. Outside of this is all the other politics associated with getting the zoning. Do you want to let the local LEO agency use the range on certain days etc...... Don't forget EPA mandates on managment of lead. IIRC the NRA has a group/consulting advice dedicated to opening ranges, I'll check on this and get back. One suggestion I would throw into the mix, by more land than ever would be used for the range as a buffer zone from encroachment. Blackwater comprises approximately 6000 acres. With all the development in that area neighbors still hear shooting. I think another Vriginia club is going through encroachment problems as a result of zoning issue (mulitple ranges versus a (single) range.) As a side benefit the buffer zone could be hunted by members. L-R-T you do think there wouyld be a corporation set up for the purchase to limit liability correct? One heck of an insurance policy will be needed that's for sure. |
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Posted: 9/27/2005 7:00:49 PM EDT
[#23]
Here's links to the information I mentioned was available from the NRA. Help is available to design and set up a range. Use the experts to provide some structure for the development of a range.
www.locktonrisk.com/nrains/clubs.asp main insurance page www.locktonrisk.com/nrains/rifleclubsapp.asp form has questions on it that show basics of what needs be addressed to obtain insurance. www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/development.asp Range development guide from NRA www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/technicalteam.asp Range technical team |
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Posted: 9/28/2005 8:38:24 AM EDT
[#24]
I'm in...
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Posted: 9/28/2005 9:58:10 AM EDT
[#25]
Count me in! |
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Posted: 9/28/2005 10:50:04 AM EDT
[#26]
I think gettin' in touch with the NRA is the way to go. I will write a letter (along with my resume!) this week.
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Posted: 9/28/2005 2:14:26 PM EDT
[#27]
Tag for more discussion.
Danny
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Posted: 9/28/2005 3:25:35 PM EDT
[#28]
Excellent questions have been fielded and I cannot answer all of them but I can find out someone that can.
After discussing this with numerous other gun clubs and shooting ranges, it is our best interest to: Incorporate Purchase property Start out small and work our way into hosting shoots and matches to provide funds to cover expenses. Build at least a 200, 300,500, 600 yard range to host everything from long range matches to rattle battles. This would be easy since the range is actually one range with various known ranges, think military rifle range. Most class F matches are 600 yard matches and they charge 25.00 per shooter and have up to 40 shooters. A potential of 1k per month for 100 dollars worth of targets could provide 900.00 dollars extra income per month for the range. Pistol range and the area to host 3 gun matches, pistol ranges are small and take up less room. I have more ideas. |
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Posted: 9/28/2005 6:35:11 PM EDT
[#29]
I'm in for the sweat equity too.
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Posted: 9/29/2005 4:00:55 AM EDT
[#30]
I hate dwelling on the negatives, but one thing that would bother me is *if* we were to get the land somewhere in Central VA, it is likely that some snobs in the area would mount a charge to shut us down with noise ordaninces and other BS. Other than that I would be up for contributing whatever money/time that I can afford to.
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Posted: 9/29/2005 4:22:47 AM EDT
[#31]
I know, one of us could make ammo and sell it there!  ETA: Maybe get grant involved in selling stuff at the matches? |
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Posted: 9/29/2005 4:04:14 PM EDT
[#32]
Keep in mind that hills and thick wooded areas offer good sound barriers. With lots of research, I bet the VA guys will find an ideal location. Damn, if I just had some money to contribute, otherwise I offer my BLOOD,SWEAT & TEARS if and when this becomes a reality. Good luck and Best Wishes, LRT.
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Posted: 9/29/2005 4:13:38 PM EDT
[#33]
screw NOVA you guys got the NRA range up there. We desperately need one down here in Richmond. There is literally no place to shoot rifles, and the only place to shoot handguns is really expensive.
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Posted: 9/29/2005 5:09:38 PM EDT
[#34]
Wow, quite a friendly attitude you have there! I think we should make you the range "greeter"! 
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Posted: 9/29/2005 5:31:38 PM EDT
[#35]
He speaks the truth. There's a private range in Mechanicsville, and some state run land with tubes you shoot through, other than that it's try to find someone with a big back yard. We could definitely use a good rifle range down here. |
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Posted: 9/29/2005 6:10:32 PM EDT
[#36]
So is your thought that if ARFCOM members got a range together that it would be open to the public? I am asking because you mention a private range in Mechanicsville (Blackcreek is the name). I strongly recommend that if this range were to ever come to fruition that the range be private and not public. My recommendation is based on leagal reasons - liability of unsafe shooters. If the range is private you can control who shoots there, if it is public you cannot. Personally, I would not invest if the range were open to the public. |
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Posted: 9/30/2005 9:23:15 AM EDT
[#37]
I'm a poor broke college student, but I would be more than willing to pay a yearly fee(not over $100 a year though) and to put my weekends into helping build it.
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Posted: 9/30/2005 1:23:50 PM EDT
[#38]
you also have cavalier, , i've been told of a club and range near ashland, black creek near the airport, a wma range to the east near the chick amelia (tubes and it sucks) rivanna to the west in c'ville and i am sure i have left out a few fact is there are a lot of "local" ranges depending on how far you want to drive, very few have over 100yd ranges where in central va are you thinking?? |
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Posted: 9/30/2005 1:56:36 PM EDT
[#39]
Orange County.
Sounds like fun! I'd be interested in joining! |
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Posted: 10/2/2005 2:26:18 PM EDT
[#40]
I was talking about amelia and black creek. I really don't want to drive to C-ville to shoot, considering it'd take a couple of hours to get there, burning up most of the morning driving (plus current gas prices...). I'm sure you haven't left out a few, since what you mentioned are all the known options within a 100 mile radius. Of course there will be private land ranges, those are word of mouth 99% of the time. Cavalier and Black Creek are great ranges, but have membership waiting lists, if you're not already on. Chickahominy WMA isn't bad, but the hours could be better and it's still a haul from central VA. |
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Posted: 10/2/2005 11:42:56 PM EDT
[#41]
I'm in for $1,000 up front to get it started and 60 hours a year sweat equity to keep it going as long as it's within 2 hours of the Hampton Roads area. When the Army sends me on my way in 3 years I'll just bow out and call the $1,000 range fees. My reccomendation however is to only allow people with a vested interest to shoot on the range, unless it's some type of match that was organized by a member. By vested interest I mean either money (amount would be decided when total cost is figured) or require X number of hours per month. In fact I like that period, if you required let's say 5 hours a month from every person allowed to shoot out there and had 50 people in on it were looking at 250 hours a month of maintenance hours. That would take care of all the grass cutting and wall building. Anyways if it get's the green light withing 2 hours of Hampton Roads let me know.
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Posted: 10/3/2005 6:11:59 PM EDT
[#42]
Same here. Money is tight but I can help in other ways. |
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Posted: 10/3/2005 8:06:04 PM EDT
[#43]
Count me in
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Posted: 10/5/2005 11:30:37 AM EDT
[#44]
count me in for $1000; need more, let's negotiate. there will be costs associated with not only land and legal and....it's gonna be expensive!
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Posted: 10/5/2005 1:27:16 PM EDT
[#45]
So we have atleast three guys who have pledged 1k a piece. Multiple said they would be willing to pay yearly fees or help with some money up front, and people who will put their blood and sweat into it. I think we could get this to work.
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Posted: 10/5/2005 6:15:11 PM EDT
[#46]
Talked to the wife.
A real range with some property is good for multiple reasons. I like the idea alot if it is at least 60 miles away from the National Capital Region. If incorparated and open only to the land owners unless specific activities have been set aside for paying visitors I can see shelling up to $5k in a property that has multiple uses. 100 owners at $5k a piece may be a worthwhile investment in a good location. If a suitable piece of property can be found I would not only be willing to put down money but also my time and sweat, I want to have somewhere that I call my own, to take the family in the future to learn about nature, shooting sports and maybe even camp out once in a while. |
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Posted: 10/5/2005 6:35:48 PM EDT
[#47]
1k? If this was possible within <2 hrs from Nova I'd easily put 5-10k in there. It sucks ass to drive 3 hrs to Hite Hollow to shoot.
I can just see after buying the land and after a 'shoot' the neighbors all complain and file some type of noise restraint.  That would suck.Therefore the solution is no neighbors and that is antithetical with <2hrs from Nova. |
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Posted: 10/5/2005 6:54:50 PM EDT
[#48]
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Posted: 10/6/2005 4:12:02 AM EDT
[#49]
same here that why i joined the IWLA in faifax until i found out that my kind wasn't wanted on their rifle range. I guess i'm a little confused over the incorporation issue and what my rights would be as a partial owner. |
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Posted: 10/6/2005 6:25:48 AM EDT
[#50]
If this is gonna happen 2-3+ hrs from NOVA, please consider a bunk house... nothing special, but somewhere to stay overnight to make a weekend of the visit.....
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