Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

SHMIV wrote:A previous poster opined that the state has no obligation to set up firing ranges. I agree that the obligation does not exist. However, I still feel that it is worthwhile to petition for public ranges in state parks. The land exists on each park, and a range does not run contrary the mission statement of the state park system.

Further, there exists public libraries, public swimming pools, public tennis courts, workout facilities, etc., etc. Why not a public firing range?

SHMIV wrote:Oh, by all means, Kreutz. I'd say petition on both a state and local level.

I read the OP's commentary to be somewhat of a rallying cry, amongst other things. I also think that the OP makes a valid case in pointing out that a lack of shooting options is a subtle form of gun control.

Sadly, I think that what has happened here in Virginia is that we've had so many people migrate from areas with heavily restrictive gun laws, and they have gotten involved at community levels and are trying to turn our communities into warmer versions of the ones that they've left.

My personal complaint is that there are no financially viable places for me to go shoot, and I know that I can't be the only one who can't afford membership fee's or the long drive to the closest range. Part of my purpose for joining this forum was to find others who might be willing to petition on a state and/or local level. And, perhaps the OP had similar thoughts in mind.

SHMIV wrote:I would have thought that up there in Roanoke, it would be easy to find a land-owning friend with a place to shoot, which eliminates the need for a range, lol.

The thing with me, all I want to do, once or twice a month, is shoot off a box of shells in order to familiarize myself with my gun, and stay familiarized. I'd probably go through a box of shells in less than 20 minutes, then I'd be done. I've also noted that some places don't seem shotgun friendly (I could be wrong). Considering that all I own is a shotgun, such policy presents a small problem.

zombiekiller57 wrote:I agree on the Range side. The regulations are tuff and the ranges are few but as far as gun rights go Virginia is not half bad, and it keeps getting better. Now we work on the regulation, Or go but 10 acres in the country

SHMIV wrote:I would have thought that up there in Roanoke, it would be easy to find a land-owning friend with a place to shoot, which eliminates the need for a range, lol.

The thing with me, all I want to do, once or twice a month, is shoot off a box of shells in order to familiarize myself with my gun, and stay familiarized. I'd probably go through a box of shells in less than 20 minutes, then I'd be done. I've also noted that some places don't seem shotgun friendly (I could be wrong). Considering that all I own is a shotgun, such policy presents a small problem.

thekinetic wrote: ... that's silver eagle which is a beautiful range up to 250 yards...

seeknulfind wrote:When I comes to range shooting, I know next to nothing. The last time I did much shooting was when I lived in Western New York where just about every township has a private Rod and Gun club. They all had ranges. Not many were set up for pistol ranges that I remember - NY is VERY unfriendly concerning handguns - you had (have) to have a permit to OWN one. I don't think they were hard to get in my county but I never went through the hassle.

Back on the range - the Rod and Gun clubs were cheap to join. A friend of mine, nearly as frugal as I am and not any wealthier, belonged to at least 3 that I know of. Funny thing, we'd go the the range to shoot together and we were often the only ones there.

So please, keep my own limited experience in mind as I comment here.

From what I've read, it seems a range master is often desired, if not required. For a busy range, I'd think this may be a good idea. But people cost money. So this would add significantly to the cost of any range.

Now about those regulations...

I don't know what they are but may I propose that no matter what they are we should not only be aware of them (and I'm sure some here are) but also be committed to working towards making it as easy as possible for someone to start, own and operate a good, safe range. I think this should be well within the interest of all citizens. Here's why:

We all know it's important to be comfortable and familiar with our weapons of choice. Few things are more dangerous than something that is easy to operate and easy to mishandle - an automobile, for example. BTW, IMO, automobiles are a much greater danger to society than firearms.

So how can responsible citizens become comfortable and familiar with firearms? It's a no-brainer - shooting. Thus to that end, ranges should be encouraged if not downright demanded by a sane society.

Two ways this can be accomplished is by requiring localities to provide safe ranges to practice or by easing up on regulations, paving the way for a proliferation of private ranges.

A third way would be to go the private Rod and Gun club route. This would've been easier to accomplish 50 years ago when property was more affordable.

Andy

SHMIV wrote:Further, there exists public libraries, public swimming pools, public tennis courts, workout facilities, etc., etc. Why not a public firing range?