looking for a rifle range

[Carl_Spackler]

i'm having trouble finding an indoor or outdoor rifle range in town and was wondering if anyone here has any recommendations?

range requirements:

- must allow rifles

- must have either a 50 yd, 100 yd or 200 yd shooting lane

- doesn't require membership

I looked at the Oakdale Gun Club site and they have what i'm looking for, unfortunately, there's a waiting list to be a member and in order to be a member you have to be a member of the NRA. I know during the summer months they allow the public to shoot on Saturdays and Sundays but i'd like a range with more flexibility.

can anyone recommend a good rifle range close to Minneapolis that doesn't come with any strings attached?

[Hammer99...]

The only place I know of is Bill's North. But thats in Circle Pines.
http://billsgs.com/

[speedy396]

Burnsville has an indoor rifle range but if I remember correctly it's shy a couple yards to 50.

[Thunder71]

Bit of a drive, but a nice club offering everything you are looking for - I'm a member here but you can be a member for a day for $15 I think it is.
http://smsclub.org/

[RAGGED]

I for one like the strings, it's really nice to have your own home away from home. Elk River Sportsmens Club may have openings still, great club, but of course there are a few strings attached.

[Steelheart]

Bit of a drive, but a nice club offering everything you are looking for - I'm a member here but you can be a member for a day for $15 I think it is.
http://smsclub.org/

I attended the Appleseed Shoot there last spring. It's a great facility and I think the membership was reasonable.

But yeah, it'll be a bit of a drive for the OP.

Steelheart

[45Badger]

Gopher campfire has what you want. $35 annual membership, low hassle factor, no waiting list. It's 45 minutes west of western burbs.

[smurfman]

Forest Lake gun club may be an option. You need to be a member and the fee may be a little steep but it is only a bit over a half hour from the airport. Drop me a PM if you would like to check out the facilities as I can maybe arrange a meet to show you the site. Shooting ranges go from 25 yards out to 400 yards plus there is trap, skeet, and 5-stand available if you do a bit of shotgun shooting.

[TRW407]

As 45Badger suggested, Gopher Campfire is an option! I think it only has a 100yrd range though. This may be too far of a drive but Rainbow Sportsman club in Cokato is about 50-55 minutes from me on the south west side of lake minnetonka. $40 for an annual membership and no strings attached after that. 100,200, and 300yrd rifle range (though not at the same time) plus rimfire and handgun ranges. Very friendly crew! Unfortunately it is underwater now though...

[Carl_Spackler]

thanks for the recommendations, everyone. there are some nice choices for sure but membership costs and distance will be a huge factor for me. I kinda like the Southern Minnesota Sportsman Club that Light Artisan posted, but it would be a hike from Mpls.

[farmerj]

As 45Badger suggested, Gopher Campfire is an option! I think it only has a 100yrd range though. This may be too far of a drive but Rainbow Sportsman club in Cokato is about 50-55 minutes from me on the south west side of lake minnetonka. $40 for an annual membership and no strings attached after that. 100,200, and 300yrd rifle range (though not at the same time) plus rimfire and handgun ranges. Very friendly crew! Unfortunately it is underwater now though...

I would consider the Rainbow Sportsman's Club before Gopher. Range to 300, pistol, black powder, trap and archery ranges.