Posted: 6/29/2011 5:58:32 AM EDT
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I want to make my first trip to Buffalo this Friday and would just like advice on what are the necessary things to bring, things to know about the range, etc.
thanks for the help! |
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You need to check in and pay at the office (building with ramp on the left). Depending on what you are planning to shoot, you need to bring targets, a stapler or tape, and your usual safety equipment. The rifle range is always staffed with a safety officer and will answer any questions you might have. I've never shot at the pit or the other ranges but the shotgun and pistol ranges take breaks from shooting when the rifle range calls a cease fire. |
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The pit does not stop when the other ranges do.
Be prepared to carry your gear a ways as parking can be a hassle if it's busy. I got lucky and was able to park under the tree by the shotgun range which is about half way between all the ranges. The range guys where pretty nice and understood that I had to make two trips to the car to bring the case, ammo, targets, etc for an extended stay at the rifle range. Bring a cooler with water as it's a hike back to the main building where they sell refreshments. (Or I think they sell bottles of water, don't remember now) Bring TP. There was a porta-potty near the range if I remember right, but other wise you have to drive/ walk back to the main building for the good plumbing. I'll add more if I remember anything but it's been a year since I've been down that way. |
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Aside from the normal things (hearing/eye protection), bring a staple gun to put up targets on the rifle/pistol range.
I would also suggest bringing water/pop/gatorade 20oz bottles full of water. You can give them a good throw far into the plinking pit so that you'll have something to shoot at. Sometimes it seems there aren't many targets left in there that haven't been shot to pieces and I don't exactly like shooting at dirt. |
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It's a nice range.
The rifle range is covered and has a concrete floor with benches. It has 50, 75 and 100 yard sections. You can only shoot seated at the benches... no standing or prone. Pistol range is seperate and is also covered. The pit area is not covered. You can shoot offhand standing and there are benches. If you arrive early before the range goes hot they will let you put stuff down in the pit to shoot at. No glass, paint etc. Great for plinking. No photos allowed. They are very strict about that. |
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thanks for the replies so far.
I do have 1 final question. a year or 2 ago a friend said he was banned permanently from there because someone in the group of guys he was with shot over a berm. Does anyone know how they actually go about banning someone? I asked if the took his name before he left and he said no. thanks |
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Quoted:
they have been getting more and more strict every year, almost worth not going anymore because you will be hassled by the range nazis. They also seem to discriminate towards younger people. A gun range should have strict rules. I take my son there and appreciate the range officer's dedication to weapon safety. I have found the range officer's to be very pleasant and helpful. I enjoy a safe shooting environment. |
| Out of the maybe 5 times I've been to Buffalo, I always have a nice experience by the pit. There is usually the same range officer there, a shorter stockier guy who is watching EVERYTHING. Makes me feel better about my surroundings with the eagle eyes behind me! There is another guy there, an older scruffier looking gentleman who can be very condescending and rude. He bounces around all over the place. I avoid that guy while I'm there and my range trips have been nice and pleasant as a result. |
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For me, NW burbs, it is a LONG drive, BUT it is well worth it.
You do not have to join, but you can. They offer 5 pays and the sixth visit is free. They are extremely safety conscious –– which I take to be a big plus. All the staff is very professional (most are really friendly). They allow rapid fire in the pits. There is typically at least one full auto on the line somewhere. They are very strict about: the 5 mph on the drives, no pictures, no over the flags on the berms. I have seen shooters thrown out and banned for violations. Harsh –– maybe, but I like a safe range and they warn you when you sign in –– Zero Tolerance to the rules. |
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I would go more often, but coming from the east, I80 construction limits this.
I echo the above comments. I normally shoot the 100yd rifle (wish there was a way to get 200yd in there) Pit is neat. Some debris is there to shoot at. Steel targets too. Handgun, shotgun, rifle all permitted at the pit. Difficult to retreive brass at the pit. You stand on old shells. Maybe you can find yours, otherwise shoot plinker ammo. I pulled into the facility from the road at about 10mph. I was promptly scolded. |
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Quoted:
For me, NW burbs, it is a LONG drive, BUT it is well worth it. You do not have to join, but you can. They offer 5 pays and the sixth visit is free. They are extremely safety conscious –– which I take to be a big plus. All the staff is very professional (most are really friendly). They allow rapid fire in the pits. There is typically at least one full auto on the line somewhere. They are very strict about: the 5 mph on the drives, no pictures, no over the flags on the berms. I have seen shooters thrown out and banned for violations. Harsh –– maybe, but I like a safe range and they warn you when you sign in –– Zero Tolerance to the rules. I'm in the same boat as you....NW burbs makes it a long trip... so I usually spend the day there... |