DonovanM Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 There's a decent range that's 20 minutes away, or a freaking awesome range that's 40 minutes away. I'm torn. The freaking awesome range is a much, much better value than the decent one. But it's twice the commute time along a route I've driven a million times before. I'm only planning on going on like Sat and/or Sun mornings, 1 or 2x a week. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Taliani Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I'd probably go with the better range. Then again, we travel over an hour virtually every weekend for matches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonovanM Posted September 26, 2012 Author Share Posted September 26, 2012 I'd probably go with the better range. Then again, we travel over an hour virtually every weekend for matches. That is true. Every single match here (save a small one) is roughly an hour away, either due to traffic before it starts or due to distance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperman Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 If you ever plan to try and hit the range after work, that extra 20 minutes could make a difference. I know I've only got a couple of weeks left before the days get too short for me to make it to the range after work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul-the new guy Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 closest range, other than indoor is 45-50 minutues furthest that I shoot at with any regularity is 2:20 or so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritinUSA Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I don't have membership at my local range so I can't practice there, which is a shame as its about 500 yards from where I live Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shooter115 Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 Since we bought a place out in the country a couple months ago it takes me about 30 seconds to get to the range in my backyard (though my ammo bill has gone up significantly). If I want to make a trip to our clubs 400 yard range it's a lengthy 4 mile jaunt. If I need something longer it's a 30 minute drive over to really nice 600 yard range. Sorta lucky in that area I guess, perks of living in the sticks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRobson Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I walk about 50 steps out of the back door But in all seriousness I would drive to the better range. This past weekend I drove about 2 hours to a range and it was way worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert King Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 My practice range, good up to about 800 yards, is right from my back deck. But, I have to drive about 80 minutes to attend a match. I would go to the closest range that meets your needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 (edited) There's a decent range 20 minutes away, or a freaking awesome range 40 minutes away. Donovan, two questions: 1. what's so great about the "awesome range"? All I do at my range (in my backyard) is shoot. It's NOT awesome, but it's decent 2. How many miles is the "awesome range"? Any tolls involved? If it's 20 more miles, you're spending $8/day for gas alone. I'd rather spend the $8 on another box of ammo or two/week. I always go with "decent" and cheaper, over "awesome" and expensive, but that's just me. Edited September 26, 2012 by Hi-Power Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Harrington Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 I drive 45 minutes one way to the gun club and I do it at least two days a week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 about 35-40 minutes to my club. But in rush hour with traffic it's generally just not worth trying to get to after work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h4444 Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 Last house I lived in was a small acreage in Rural Iowa. I bought about 4 acres,,,,then someone bought the 140 acres behind me. And of course they built their house directly in line with the ONE and only ONE safe angle of fire I had....... So, there went 5 more years without having my own practice range. Now, I'm back in a city and in the same old stinkin' boat that I have to pay for range time..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonovanM Posted September 27, 2012 Author Share Posted September 27, 2012 There's a decent range 20 minutes away, or a freaking awesome range 40 minutes away. Donovan, two questions: 1. what's so great about the "awesome range"? All I do at my range (in my backyard) is shoot. It's NOT awesome, but it's decent 2. How many miles is the "awesome range"? Any tolls involved? If it's 20 more miles, you're spending $8/day for gas alone. I'd rather spend the $8 on another box of ammo or two/week. I always go with "decent" and cheaper, over "awesome" and expensive, but that's just me. It is 20 miles further (27), no tolls. Fortunately my mode of transportation gets ~50mpg so per trip it would only be $4 (one gallon). That is $16 a month that might buy me an extra 150rds or so? What makes the awesome range so awesome is that for only $30 more a year I get access to an action bay all to myself if there aren't any classes scheduled in it. That way I can practice short stages with steel and stuff. The entire range has excellent ventilation, lighting, and overall quality of facilities. The decent range is just decent. No action bay, poor lighting, decent enough ventilation (it seems?). Both will let me draw from a holster, rapid fire etc. There is also one of the USPSA clubs 45mins north... that is much cheaper than either option and will allow me full size bays and 50 yard shooting. 50 yards... ohh do want! This is a tough choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin c Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I think it is really hard to beat having a practice bay with props all to yourself, provided you take advantage of being able to run live fire drills with props that can't be done otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuflehundon Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I guess I am lucky. The range I shoot local USPSA matches at is 9 minutes from my house. There are also 2 good indoor ranges within 5 minutes from me. I only go to the indoor ranges to sight in new or newly modified guns, and when it rains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishsticks Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 The "home" range is 30-40 minutes away, so I only go once a week tops. Matches are anywhere from that drive up to 2 hours away. But - if you are willing to take on the drive you can shoot a match almost every weekend, and thats just USPSA. Throw in other matches and it could get expensive. Unfortunately my work schedule rotates, so one month I shoot almost every weekend at a match, and then the next not so much as I'm at work. To your original question - I'd join where you have the most opportunity to practice what you need to. My "home" range action bays are very busy so it is tough to get one. I've considered switching to one ~90 min away as it is much nicer and has more opportunity to get an action bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 There's a decent range 20 minutes away, or a freaking awesome range 40 minutes away. 1. what's so great about the "awesome range"? 2. How many miles is the "awesome range"? It is 20 miles further my ride gets ~50mpg so per trip it would only be $4 (one gallon). That is $16 a month the awesome range I get access to an action bay to myself The decent range is No action bay, poor lighting, There is also one of the USPSA clubs 45mins north... that is much cheaper than either option and will allow me full size bays and 50 yard shooting. Sounds like the USPSA club is five minutes further than the "awesome range" - is it outdoors? I don't like to shoot centerfires indoors - much prefer outdoors. But, the travel time is $32/month if you go twice a week = also depends on how much time you have - do you have time to spend 3 hours/week "commuting" to these ranges? If you have the time, and the money, I'd go with the 1. outdoor range, if possible, or 2. the awesome range with 50 yard shooting - my range is 38 miles away, and takes most of one hour to get to - go twice a week, like you do - great outdoor range with great matches every weekend ... Tough decision - good luck with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillChunn Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 (edited) I drive 45 minutes one way to the gun club and I do it at least two days a week. Same here. Tuesday's and now that I have range keys, Saturdays.... There is both an indoor and outdoor pistol range so the availability to shoot year-round is another point. In the nothern states during the winter it's easier to find your brass on the concrete floor versus pawing around in 6 inches of snow. Edited September 27, 2012 by BillChunn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
works for ammo Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I live just 10 minutes From a nationals quality range "DSRPC. " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonovanM Posted September 27, 2012 Author Share Posted September 27, 2012 (edited) Well, I forgot to mention or remember one key factor. I'm moving further south in the next 8-9 months. Oh, and the awesome range that's 40 mins south and I would get bay access? $70 less a year actually than the one 20 mins away. That's almost half my gas bill. No question in my mind now. This range is indoors and wouldn't be as good as the outdoor range 45 mins north, but it is about as good as indoor ranges get IMO. Edited September 27, 2012 by DonovanM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob DuBois Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 (edited) I'm lucky, 1.3 miles to TWRA an indoor range and ten minutes to MSSA, really nice outdoor range. Edited September 27, 2012 by Bob DuBois Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunBugBit Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I guess I'm pretty lucky. Ben Avery is just 15-20 minutes from my home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yagi Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 10-15 minutes from Desert Sportsman (USPSA Nationals Venue 2009-2012)depending on the traffic lights...lol... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sti38super Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 In am the Range Officer at our club in Indiana and it is a 20 minute drive to the range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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