Posted: 5/10/2009 11:11:30 PM EDT
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I've been reading the site for a while, had an account for a while, thought I'd introduce my self.
Rfizzle is the name 
Owned many AR's, my first was a Ban era Bushy. Have a few now, love guns, love to shoot. Member on a few other gun related sites. Don't post much here except EE (a lot more people to sell to), read a lot though. So here is my "Range Question", I grew up around Boulder, and would sometimes shoot up Left Hand. Is there anywhere (National Forest) west of Denver? Just looking to go shoot a little and don't feel like paying for it. Also most ranges aren't set up for any kind of shoot and move, and a few don't even like you to practice reloads 
I guess any cheap shooting range suggestions would work too. I really like the freedom of National Forest, occasionally when I go north to see the In-Laws I head out to the grasslands. (and I pick up my brass and other peoples trash, I still want to know who shoots a TV/Computer/ETC and just leaves it?) And as far as Left Hand goes I'm with you guys, it's crap now. I can remember going shooting with my Dad as a kid and it was never great up there but never this bad. I can't believe the trash, and the people up there. The last time (years ago) I went up I thought I was going to get shot, I swore to never go back. I went up only because a buddy had just bought a new gun, we almost got shot about ten times. Thanks in advance. |
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Tough question. Most likely any of the official Forest Service ranges are going to look like trash and have too many dangerous shooters around.
And if they have safe shooters, they will probably get nervous if you try shoot and movement around them. You might just want to find a secluded place in the National Forest with a good backstop and pretty far from homes. |
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Hi, another n00b here (but am active on Survivor's SKS boards. My name is Bill, and I'm getting back into shooting after a couple of years off due to deployments, college and Darth Real Life. But in the last year or so, I've picked up a few new guns and the wife is really pushing me to get out and shoot more... (and she wants to do a bit of shooting herself).
I live near GMFSC, but really don't like their prices, and their service seems... iffy at best. So, like Rfizzle, I'm lookiing for some better places to go shoot. I have gone through most of the threads here, and it seems obvious that LHC and Rampart are no-gos due to yahoos. So, if anyone want sto help out a new guy, I would certainly appreciate any guidance in where to go shooting. I know that many of you probably don't want to publicly post your spots, so if you want to PM me, or meet me ahead of time, LMK. I'm game. Or if nothing else, can anyone tell me if any of these spots are still good? Thanks! |
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Quoted:
I shoot in Pike National Forest. Thanks, that gives me a start... I've found this bit of info on Pike: Recreational Shooting on the South Platte Ranger District of the Pike National Forest The South Platte Ranger District does not have a designated shooting range on Forest Service land. For the closest designated Forest Service shooting range, please see the Rampart Shooting Range on the Pike's Peak Ranger District. If you are looking for a place to target shoot on the local national forests and grasslands, here are some helpful hints to make your experience safe and enjoyable. In general, recreational shooting is allowed on most National Forest System lands. However, discharging a firearm is always prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, a cave, across or on a road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage. (36 CFR 261.10(d). Areas closed to target shooting on the South Platte Ranger District of the Pike National Forest include: All of Rampart Range Road area north of the Douglas County Line. (see below) Slaughterhouse Gulch area west of Park County 43. (see below) Think before you shoot: Please consider using non-toxic, biodegradable clay pigeons. They decompose on contact with water (i.e. rain and snow). Fiber wad shot shells are a good idea, too. Please pick up all litter including spent shells and take them home with you. Don't shoot trees! Watch for livestock! Pick a safe spot with a good backstop. Look around before you shoot.....People can appear suddenly in your sights. Rampart Range Road recreational shooting closure Recreational shooting had been an ongoing problem for many years in the Rampart Range Recreational area of the South Platte Ranger District. The area receives a tremendous amount of use with OHV and dispersed recreation at Devil's Head. Though most recreational shooting enthusiasts choose their sites wisely, some do not. In 2001, the forest supervisor for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands signed a closure order for recreational shooting in and around the Rampart Range Recreational area due to the increased risk to public safety, regular occurrence of vandalism, and rise in public concerns. This closure remains in effect. This closure does not include the portion of the Rampart Range Recreational area on the Pikes Peak Ranger District near Colorado Springs. Please view the map to see the area involved. If you have any questions or concerns regarding shooting in the South Platte Ranger District, please call our office at (303) 275-5610. Exceptions: Persons hunting with a valid Colorado hunting license; or persons operating a paint-ball gun. Slaughterhouse Gulch recreational shooting closure On Dec. 3, 2004, the forest supervisor of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands issued an order prohibiting the shooting of firearms in the Slaughterhouse Gulch area of the Pike National Forest, between Bailey and Harris Park, Colo. The closure order is effective for five years and was initiated as a result of an increasing number of complaints of unsafe shooting practices that posed a risk to life and property. The closure was implemented following the receipt of numerous individual citizen complaints; U.S. Forest Service and Park County law enforcement officers’ observations of unsafe shooting practices; and discussions between U.S. Forest Service officials, area residents and Park County elected and appointed officials during a Nov. 17 Park County Commission work session. The Park County Commission lent its full support to the U.S. Forest Service immediately enacting the shooting closure. The closure order makes it unlawful to discharge a firearm, air rifle or gas gun in the closure area. Exceptions include any person possessing a current and valid Colorado State hunting license and who is actively involved in hunting during an open season, and any person discharging a gas-operated paint ball gun. Also exempt are Federal, State, or local law enforcement officers in the performance of an official duty. Slaughterhouse Gulch Road and Forest Service Road 101, that help define the 6,900-acre closure area, are roughly north-south running roads that are generally within one-half mile of private land. (See Map) The impacted area boasts several miles of all-terrain-vehicle, motorcycle and four-wheel drive accessible roads; horseback riding and hiking activities; and numerous residences that surround this area. Violations of the closure order prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. (16 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C.3559 and 3571). It looks like I'm going to have to make a run up and do some scouting this weekend... 
Anyone want to go shooting on Sunday? |