Loudoun County Izaak Walton League

[Kotar]

I recently made two trips to the Izaak Walton League of Loudoun County rifle/pistol range.

You gain entry by either joining the club or by accompanying a member as his/her guest (see loudouniwla.org for details on joining).

The range is a at the far end of the club property, down a hill and surrounded by trees. Members keep the range very clean. The lanes are covered to protect you from the sun and rain. There are ample bench seats for taking breaks.

Upon arrival at the range, members sign in and guests fill out a release waiver (to be dropped off at the club HQ).

The club provides buckets for collecting spent shells, and brooms to minimize bending and duck walking as you pick up. Because it is outside, I recommend that you bring a bottle of water and some wasp spray.

I only paid attention to the pistol lanes, so those of you interested in the longer distances will have to wait for a future update or take a trip yourself.

The pistol lanes offer three shooting options: standing in a completely open lane; standing with a shelf in front of you (handy for resting your ammo, pistol, and clips while the range is cold); or seated. (The rifle range, I did notice, has one prone position platform).

I did not measure the distance to the pistol backstop, but I would guestimate the distance is 25-30 yards.

The range provides large metal-tubed frames for targets. They also provide 1x2 lumber (pre-cut to fit the frame) and cardboard for mounting targets to the frames. You can also find a staple gun in a chest behind the firing line. You are responsible for moving the target frame to your preferred distance in front of the backstop. There are no distance markers, so if distance is important, bring a tape measure.

Each member is trained as a RSO, a system which works well and creates opportunities for conversation and stories. The club takes safety very seriously. One recent safety addition is a set of "cold-range' flashing lights. Some of the range rules are posted at the entrance, all members are required to be familiar with all rules.

During each of my visits our group had the range lanes mostly to ourselves (these trips were during the week, in the morning). We were able to take our time and take frequent breaks to rest, check targets, try out each others handguns, and enjoy the morning. Each was a very enjoyable trip.

Once done, you sign-out, record the number of rounds fired in the log book, and then clean up after yourself (ex Boy Scouts do anyway, right?) so that the next person has the same pleasant experience. This is mostly picking up spent cartridges, emptying your bucket, and a quick policing of the area.

You won't find fancy automated target systems, but you will find (mostly) open lanes, a very nice environment, and like-minded enthusiasts. I recommend a trip!

- Kotar

[gunderwood]

Is it just me or do they really down play their rifle range? I don't see the max range listed anywhere and it always is called a "sight-in" range, implying it is for really low volumes of fire only.