Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Fellow Shooters;

I am looking for input on the best places to shoot in the Northern VA area. Although I grew up here, I was away for many years and just recently moved back from Arizona. I have been searching past messages here and checking out websites, reading range rules etc. but thought I would ask you folks in the know.

What I am trying to do is pick one range that could best meet my shooting needs, does not matter if private or public, and cost is not a major concern. I was getting into 3-gun before I hurt my knee, so I’m looking for a range where I can shoot the following:

-Benelli M1semi auto; Winchester pump shotgun
-SA M1A semi auto; Para FAL semi auto;
-2 .45 autos

In that light I’m trying to consider the following criteria:

-Can you shoot from the draw/holster?
-Do any of the ranges allow suppressors? I don’t have one but considering getting one. However if I can’t find a place that allows one, no sense in going through the hassle.
-Which ranges allow buck/bird shot at targets, or are slugs allowed?

I realize some ranges may be problematic due to crowds at night and on weekends, and while I prefer outdoor, indoor is fine. I live in the Centreville area and if I can drive to it in 30-45 minutes, I would consider it. I want to start checking out places this weekend, so any responses are appreciated.

Thanks, Joe

Well first off welcome back, I don't know of any outdoor ranges within the specified 20 to 30mins except for the Fairfax Rod&Gun Club it is for members only and I believe there is a 2 yr waiting list, there is of course the indoor NRA it has 15 lanes 50yds pistols and rifles up to 30-06 they do have electronic programable action target holders it a very nice range well managed and has fair prices, another close by indoors is the Blueridge Arsenal great staff (mainly off duty LEO's) they have 10 pistol and 10 rifle lanes, they also have a large supply of rentals lots of ammo and pretty good selection of guns for sale. As far as outdoor range there is Range82 but it's a bit of a drive and it is members only but it's a far annual price here is a link to those sites, I'm going to join Range82 here in a month or so I live fairly close by to it, let me know if you think you might join up.

http://www.range82.com/
http://www.blueridgearsenal.com/
http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/nrahqrange/

Try Clarke Brothers - they are just south of Warrenton on route 29 - you can shoot any gauge or load of shot you want - outdoors.

The last time I checked, the NRA Range lets you shoot any rifle up to and including the .458 Win Mag. Slugs in shotguns only. They also allow shooting from the draw. Sharpshooters in Lorton is pistol, pistol caliber rifle, and all shotgun, including bird shot. Blue Ridge Arsenal has a monthly IDPA match, and occasionally does a 2-Gun match. Black Creek has a monthly 3-Gun match http://www.dominionshootingrange.com/bc3g/ but they are near Richmond. It is worth the drive, though. They also hold a monthly steel match. Clarke Brothers has an outdoor range, but you have to buy their ammo to shoot there.

Where in NoVA? If you're in the Chantilly/Herndon/Reston area then the places mentioned are the right ones. If you're in the Winchester area then there's a few different choices.

All;

Thanks for the answers, is anyone familiar with the Isaac Walton folks in Centreville? I am near there...

I've shot at Isaac Walton before, as a guest. nice range, specially for the location. it was a few years ago, so my recollection of it may not be perfect, but there were 3 or 4 outdoor fields of varying ranges from 25 to 100 yards. i'm pretty sure the member i went with said there was a waiting list.

i live down the road from Clark Bros, and it's fine for testing out a gun before you buy or zeroing in a scope but I don't believe they like draw fire or anything more than basic shooting.

there's also a public range in Summerduck but it's seated rifles only.

i need to get to Range 82 and check it out sometime, thanks for reminding me. their website is a bit dated, haven't seen much info about them otherwise.

papasan wrote:I've shot at Isaac Walton before, as a guest. nice range, specially for the location. it was a few years ago, so my recollection of it may not be perfect, but there were 3 or 4 outdoor fields of varying ranges from 25 to 100 yards. i'm pretty sure the member i went with said there was a waiting list.

i live down the road from Clark Bros, and it's fine for testing out a gun before you buy or zeroing in a scope but I don't believe they like draw fire or anything more than basic shooting.

there's also a public range in Summerduck but it's seated rifles only.

i need to get to Range 82 and check it out sometime, thanks for reminding me. their website is a bit dated, haven't seen much info about them otherwise.

Izaak Walton in Leesburg is not as crowded, but it's about 50 min or so from C'ville.
For all-out shooting, look for the Cove in Gore, Va. It's about 90 mi west in the foothills. For about $100 you can camp out and shoot AnYTHING.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]