Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Ranges in the Winchester, VA area are scarce. Until recently I thought the only options were the IWLA or the Conservation range west of the city on Rt 522. But after doing a lot of searching for other ranges in the Winchester/NoVa area I found this place across the WV border: http://www.340defense.com/

It's on Rt 340 north of Berryville, 4 or 5 miles north of the VA/WV border.

I had my doubts about the place since it's kinda hidden, and the website offers various 'self defense' courses (can you say "militia?"), but checked it out anyway. I was pleasantly surprised. The property looks like an old estate that was used for a bit as some sort of quarry. There range is run out of a small room attached to a large, old, wooden house. However, it looks like the range owners have taken steps to renovate the property and it seems they are on the right track. This is what I found while I inspected the place....

4 ranges, all outdoor. 1 pistol (25 yards or so, maybe 5 lanes), 1 pistol/shotgun (50 yrds, maybe 3 lanes), 1 rifle (100 yrds, maybe 3 lanes), and 1 400 yrd range (1 lane). The 400 range has yard markers every 100 yrds but they don't want you shooting under 100 yards.

There are no ROs and you need to police your own brass, but the customers seemed friendly but safe, and the staff was helpful.

The "pro-shop" was little more than a walk-in closet but it doesn't really need to contain much. It's basically a small shop with a few new pieces and a few consignment pieces. The ammo stock is miniscule so you'd better bring your own.

The grounds were all gravel, rocks, and grass and place is buried in the trees. It is functional but with all the greenery it's relaxing too.

Only the 400 yard range has a permanent shooting table. The other ranges have wooden picnic tables. That may sound cheap and cheesy but at least the tables were in good shape.

Price is $35 per year, with $20 per person per hour. Else it's $300 per year for unlimited range time for an individual, or $400 per year for unlimited range time for a family.

All-in-all, it wasn't bad. The range could use better shooting stations (concrete slabs, permanent benches/tables, roofs) but what they have is sufficient. If you're living in the Winchester area and expect to only get out a couple times a year then this place is worth a look.

400 yards? Nice! They need like a "Visitor's Pass" Pay once and shoot all day. I think I would have trouble relaxing knowing the clock is ticking and my money is leaving.