Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Went to Phelps WMA range near Sumerduck today for the first time. Great place. Well kept with nice cover. Good solid benches, gun racks, and plenty of room. I was surprised to see target stands with clothespins. I sort of got the impression from reading the web page that they had stands, but wasnt sure. The range was of course busy and I waited about 30 minutes for a station - I think there are only about 7. By the time I finished there were 2-3 shooters waiting. A positive experience and I will use this range again especially considering its only an hour away. Btw, please check the web page for rules and directions. Rifles, ML, and shotguns only. No RSO. Shooters on the line police themselves.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/detail.asp?pid=17

I have used the Amelia WMA range several times. I don't think it is (was) as busy as you describe Phelps WMA range but it was not as close to the size population that's in NOVA. If Phelps is anything like Amelia is though, there are certain days that usage is light. If you can figure out those days you'll be set. Rapidan isn't much farther-

Well how did the muzzleloader shoot ?

Vahunter wrote:Well how did the muzzleloader shoot ?

Nice gun. Low recoil but that thing is heavy for a good reason. I got it zeroed at 50 yards and now need to check out different loads and distances. I used powerbelts to zero and started with nice 1 1/2" groups which gradually opened up to about 4 inches even spit patching after every 3 shots. Used 245 gr HP PBs, 100 gr 777 pellets and 777 primers. Started with 2 primer shots to foul the barrel and then shot 20 rounds.

When the groups started opening up the first shot after a spit patch was spot on. Next 2 shots not so. By that time I had played with it long enough and there were people behind me. Otherwise I would have scrubbed the barrel and cleaned it up a little. I could feel the crud ring on the last few shots.

Btw, Optima Elite .50 cal, 28" 1-28 barrel.

Moccasin wrote:I have used the Amelia WMA range several times. I don't think it is (was) as busy as you describe Phelps WMA range but it was not as close to the size population that's in NOVA. If Phelps is anything like Amelia is though, there are certain days that usage is light. If you can figure out those days you'll be set. Rapidan isn't much farther-

Unfortunately the only days I can go are Sat/Sun which covers probably 85% of all other shooters too. Also, thats a long drive for me. For that I should just go on down to Charlotte county and shoot at a real range...

I've used the Phelps range a number of times. It is a nice facility. I usually go on weekdays and there are seldom many people there. (I don't think I've ever been when there was no one else there. )

It is a nice facility. I sighted in my new 30/30 there about a week ago.

Real good range, plus if you have time after you sight in you can hunt within a couple minutes drive

Anyone been there recently? I am thinking of taking a gaggle (about 40) Boy Scouts out there for camping, fishing, rifle shooting and all around good fun! I'm guessing they are pretty busy on saturdays, and as the weather is warming up...(sigh)

I am hoping we can get these boys some time shooting targets. We'll have our own RSO, but they won't reserve the lanes for us. Any comments?

I've been there a couple of times and it is a very nice range. Covered with benches and racks. They only have about 8 lanes and it gets very popular in the fall. It is first come first served. You'll probably find the road impassible right now. I'd recommend a scouting trip first before you take your troop. The range has a backstop at 100 yards and provides target holders and clips. I recommend you take pieces of cardboard - about 2'x4' - stapler and clothespins for your targets. The range does not require an RSO and you are on your own. I've found the other shooters to be very friendly. I've visited a couple of times in the off season and only found a couple of folks. Btw, its rifle only. No handguns...link below...

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/detail.asp?pid=17

yeah, I saw it' rifle only. (I wonder why!) the only long gun I own is a BB-gun! (i like handguns..closer to the fun!) I plan on taking a 'recon sortie' sometime soon!

Remember, it's all for the boys! I'd rather be with a bunch of kids going out and having this kind of fun than have them going out gang-banging with MS-13 or some other crapload of thugs!

The primary purpose of the range is for hunters to zero rifles...I think they might also allow shotguns for patterning not sure though. You wont find any gangs out there other than target shooters and hunters...

well it was 70 boys. we camped at Sumerduck (Phelps WMA) and shot at a private range near cedar mountain. the boys got to shoot at least 3 times each, as well as shooting skeet. I figure over 2000 rounds downrange, not counting the shotgun shells. That was my Boy Scout troop.

Way to go Tom. This weekend was indeed beautiful...all i got to shoot was the breeze with the dogs as I worked in the yard...

Where is this at? I would like to try it out. Anyone know what the prices are? Thanks!