Where to shoot?

[nosualc]

I've been a member up at Del-Tone in St. Cloud, but it's bit of a trip and their range only goes to 200yds. They've also had some legal hassles this year which has closed their pistol and 200 yd range (which I know they're working on).

I'm looking for a place to shoot closer to the NW suburbs, preferably with some longer ranges, ideally out to 600yds or further. I'm primarily a rifle hunter, but have have dabbled in trap, sporting clays, handguns, and archery. I've had a little experience at longer rifle ranges, and a bit of very good training. I'd like to explore getting involved in f-class as a way to practice and have a bit of friendly competition.

Also, I have 2 boys nearing an age where I'd like to start introducing the shooting sports, So I'd also like to find a place that's family friendly.

All of the places that I know (ERSC, gopher) fit the bill are private but require a sponsorship, and I don't know any members. I don't have any problems fulfilling any membership requirements (including volunteering or improvement works), but I need to find some members to get started. Maybe some of you might be members or know members who could get me started.

Thanks in advance for any help.

-nosualc

[farmerj]

Gopher or Rainbow Sportsman's Club in Cokato

[LarryFlew]

Gopher doesn't have those super long ranges BUT it's only $35 a year membership and no other requirements for time etc.

[farmerj]

follow this link up and check out the ranges here.

http://www.mrra.org/hipower.htm

Think we are crossing different Gopher ranges.

The one north of Hutchinson doesn't do long rifle. The one up by Harris MN is host to a lot of long range matches out to 1000 yards.

http://www.grrc.org/

[hammAR]

Rainbow Sportsman's Club in Cokato....and if you join before Feb 1 you get their DADT shirt..............

[nosualc]

Sorry for the ambiguity, I was thinking of the Gopher range near Harris.

A member of the ERSC pm'ed me, and the ERSC would be ideal. Bad timing on my part to find a sponsor there, applications are due soon, and I'm out of town next week (and he's already spoken for).

I didn't know about the Cokato club. It sounds pretty low-key and family friendly. It's max is 300 yds, which is still plenty of fun. I'll probably send in an app there and keep trying on the longer ranges too.

Thanks much for all the quick replies guys, I really appreciate it.

-nosualc (Jon)

[Amithus]

If you are looking at getting into ERSC there is a topic in this same section that states ERSC is accepting applications even without a sponsorship. Looks like they will be finding sponsors for people. Just an FYI if you didn't see it.

[nosualc]

Thanks for the heads-up. I did see that, and talked with a couple of members offline (thanks guys).

Got my acceptance letter in the mail a couple days ago. Maybe see you at the orientation?

-nosualc

[Amithus]

I'm going to the one on the 19th. I'm 6'4" and about 290lbs. Can't miss me.

[nosualc]

Amithus, You have a PM