Cardinal / Columbus for Nationals - Local Info - AMA

[mpmo]

With 2 majors, and one level II at Cardinal Shooting Sports this year, here are a few resources and things you might want to know about the area and range.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask.  If you are local to the area, add your own observations and comments!  We’ve got several people local to the area on this forum.

 

Where to stay/eat:

I would recommend looking for a hotel in the Polaris Area.  That will be about 20minutes from the range and 10 minutes from central Columbus.  You will have all your standard chains for I would expect about $100/night.

 

If you are looking for an AirBNB, VRBO etc., anywhere outside of Columbus should be fine.  If inside Columbus, for the North side, I would look at Westerville, Worthington, Beechwold, Lewis Center, Powell, Clintonville, New Albany, Dublin.  Those are all safe neighborhoods.  
 

This is a popular shopping area where you will find a mall with several adjacent shopping areas including a Cabelas.

 

There are several good chains there.  Here are a few I recommend:

Quaker Steak and Lube - Excellent wings.

Five Guys - A step up from standard fast food burgers.

Molly Woo’s - Solid American Chinese chain.  Mid-priced.

Brio Italian - Solid Italian chain. Mid-priced.

 

Some of my favorites around Columbus, locally owned and operated:

NorthStar Cafe (several locations): A bit healthier, best burger in town, amazing bowls, salads and smoothes.  Mid-priced

Brassica (several locations): Quick service middle eastern.  Mid-priced

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit(several locations): The best barbecue in the midwest, maybe the world.  Mid-priced

Greek Express, 5328 High St.  Best Gyro in town.  Low-priced.

3rd and Hollywood: High end semi casual fine food.  Best service and find dining in town.  High-priced.

Kai’s Crab Boil - Amazing crab and seafood served traditionally,  Mid-priced.

Los Guachos - Best Mexican in town.  Several locations.  Low-priced.

 

 

Gun shops:

Columbus has probably 20-30 gun shops in the area.  Here are a few I recommend:

BlackWing Shooting Center in Delaware.  Lots of selection of guns including things a bit more on the fringe, including competition guns.  If you need an extra mag for your Shadow, they will probably have it, or a trigger, spring for your Glock.  They will have all your standard competition model pistols, but not a ton of accessories for them.  If you are looking for an HK battle rifle, a high end 1911, a selection of AUG’s, AK’s etc, this is the place.  A decent used and consignment section as well.

 

Vances - Obetz.  Vances has several locations.  The Cleveland Ave location is smaller and located in a bit rougher neighborhood.   The Obets location is their flagship and is about the size of a small Cabelas.  You will find your standard fare here for a fair price.  They have a decent reloading selection.  For an indoor range, this is the best in town.  Cool factor, this place is now owned and operated by their employees, and one being one of the best practical pistol shooters in the USA.

 

Cabelas - It’s Cabelas.  Convenient and probably closest to Cardinal.

 

Cardinal - I get the feeling by the time we have Nationals, we will have an actual shop on the premises there…. I don’t have any advanced knowledge, but I’ve seen some signage and building that makes me think that.

 

Cap City Outfitters - Small shop that has a strong focus on tactical guns and gear.

 

Powderroom Firearms - Small, old-school owner operated shop. They get some interesting guns in from time to time.  They also tend to have obscure caliber ammo.

 

Nortons Sporting goods - Small, old school shop that gets in some pretty interesting used firearms from time to time.

 

Fin, Feather, Fur - In the opposite direction of Columbus.  They have a great selection of guns and the best selection of reloading supplies in Ohio.  They have primers on the shelf for $0.11/ea.(Oct 2022.)

 

 

 

Things to do in the area:

Groovy Plants Ranch: Very close to Cardinal.  Good place to shop for a gift to bring home to your spouse if they like plants/gardening.

 

Olentangy Caverns

 

COSI - Center of Science and Industry.  A must if you have younger children.

 

Hollywood Casino - If you want to gamble, we have a full Casino on the west side of Columbus

 

Fishing / Hiking: The area is just packed with great places to do both.  Check out the Alum Creek area.

 

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: One of the best in the country.

 

National Veterans Memorial Museum

 

Mott’s Military Museum

 

German Village

 

Short North Arts District

 

Midwest Photo: Shameless plug.  One of the best and most knowledgable camera shops in the entire country.  Audio/Video/Photo gear.  We also rent (including GoPro) and have classes.

 

We have a ton of local micro breweries.  Check out Land Grant in Franklinton or any in the Brewery District south of downtown.  They also have a Ray Ray’s food truck outside Land Grant.

 

Rent a scooter downtown and in the Short North and ride along the Scioto Mile.

 

Sports: AAA baseball, Columbus Clippers.  NHL: BlueJackets, MLS: Columbus Crew.  College: THE Ohio State University.

 

Arena District: Good place to get a drink and bite to eat outdoors.

 

Other competitions and clubs: You can shoot a match every weekend in Ohio in several different disciplines.  Right now for USPSA IMO, the best 3 clubs are Cardinal, Dynamic Shooting Sports (DSS,) and Crawford County Sportsmans and Gun Club (CCSC.) The best Multi-gun are DSS, Richwood Gun Club and Lima Sabres.  DSS also hosts a Rifle only match which is rare for our area.  Scott Beebe is a great stage builder.  I belong to a club on the West Side which shoots 2 stages on Thursday nights, right now it’s typically one steel challenge and one USPSA stage..  If you get in town early and need some trigger time before the match, hit me up for details.

 

 

Gun laws etc:

None of this should be construed as legal advice.  Ohio recently became what is considered to be a Constitutional Carry state.  You do not need a license to carry a handgun at most times in most places.  I do believe there are still some funky laws for transporting long guns in a vehicle.  To be safe, don’t transport long guns or shotguns loaded, and keep any loaded magazines in a separate closed container.  I believe there are also some exceptions for not carrying in certain establishments that server liquor. I haven’t looked at the law for this in a while, so do your own research.

 

Where you can’t carry: Schools and school zones, government buildings, most concert venues.  Any private businesses that have visible signage on their entry points.  I believe carrying in a private business that has signage is subject to a misdemeanor trespassing charge.

 

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.12

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.11

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-2923

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.121

 

Edited October 10, 2022 by mpmo

[Sandbagger123]

Thank you for this great info !!!!

[GigG]

This needs to be sticky through the nationals next year.

[Fishbreath]

I don't know if there's one north of Columbus, but Bibibop is one of my favorite food stops on the way from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis. Think Chipotle, but for Korean rice bowls.

[mpmo]

Just now, Fishbreath said:

I don't know if there's one north of Columbus, but Bibibop is one of my favorite food stops on the way from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis. Think Chipotle, but for Korean rice bowls.

We have several.  Agreed, they are very good and priced right.

 

[LuvDog]

I used to live in the area

 

Food I miss are 

 

Donato's pizza https://donatos.com/

Graeters Ice Cream https://www.graeters.com/

Some people Like Jeni's better, but not me Jeni's Ice Cream https://jenis.com/

Schmidt's https://www.schmidthaus.com/

Roosters https://roosterswings.com/

Thurman Cafe - Best burger ever https://thethurmancafe.com/

The Gyro Shoppe https://www.thegyroshoppe.com/

 

 

[Johnny_Chimpo]

12 hours ago, mpmo said:

Other competitions and clubs: You can shoot a match every weekend in Ohio in several different disciplines.  Right now for USPSA IMO, the best 3 clubs are Cardinal, Dynamic Shooting Sports (DSS,) and Crawford County Sportsmans and Gun Club (CCSC.) The best Multi-gun are DSS, Richwood Gun Club and Lima Sabres.  DSS also hosts a Rifle only match which is rare for our area.  Scott Beebe is a great stage builder.  I belong to a club on the West Side which shoots 2 stages on Thursday nights, right now it’s typically one steel challenge and one USPSA stage..  If you get in town early and need some trigger time before the match, hit me up for details.

 

 

Not from Columbus so I can't add any local knowledge except that there is excellent USPSA in the SW part of the state.

 

Miamisburg Sportsmens Club about 20 min SW of Dayton, Oxford IWLA about 40 min north of Cincinnati, and Miami Rifle & Pistol Club in Batavia just outside the I-275 on the eastern side of Cinci.

 

Alternatives to flying into Port Columbus/John Glenn International are Dayton (DIA) about 1:30 to 1:45 from Polaris and Cincinnati/Northern KY (CVG) about 2 hrs SW of Polaris.

[IL-SIG]

Cardinal Shooting Center also has an on-site retail establishment including guns, ammo, equipment and supplies. 
 

https://www.redfeatheroutfitters.com/

[WildPete]

Cardinal Shooting Center also has RV campsites and cabin rentals.

[Bakerjd]

All I know is from the pictures that I've seen posted of Facebook the range looks stellar. My favorite range setup is a large flat area with all stages right there. No extra long walks over the hills to grandma's house needed. 

[mpmo]

Looking forward to Buckeye Blast in a couple weeks!  I just signed on to be the staff photographer for the event.  All photos will be available to download hi-res for free, or to order prints after the match.  I will try to have QR codes printed in advance to make it easy.  

 

 

[BigHand]

On 4/18/2023 at 9:46 AM, mpmo said:

Looking forward to Buckeye Blast in a couple weeks!  I just signed on to be the staff photographer for the event.  All photos will be available to download hi-res for free, or to order prints after the match.  I will try to have QR codes printed in advance to make it easy.  

 

 

Thats awesome, much appreciated. I'll see you there then haha. 

[WildPete]

On 4/18/2023 at 9:46 AM, mpmo said:

Looking forward to Buckeye Blast in a couple weeks!  I just signed on to be the staff photographer for the event.  All photos will be available to download hi-res for free, or to order prints after the match.  I will try to have QR codes printed in advance to make it easy.  

 

 

 

That's great! Hopefully, my game face is on when my picture is taken, not the No Shoo't face.

[michael b.]

On 4/18/2023 at 9:46 AM, mpmo said:

Looking forward to Buckeye Blast in a couple weeks!  I just signed on to be the staff photographer for the event.  All photos will be available to download hi-res for free, or to order prints after the match.  I will try to have QR codes printed in advance to make it easy.  

 

 

Hey!  Any update on a link for the images?  Excited to see them.  It was a fun match.

[OSP737]

I just saw there was a carry optics match there this week.  I was shooting IDPA at Ashland Lake Gun Club and no one knew anything about the shoot Cardinal just had.  Great facility and location, I'll have to keep watching for upcoming matches there.

Nice write up mpmo.

Edited May 13, 2023 by OSP737

[JoeMKY]

Thanks that is some very handy information if you’ve never been in that area.

[mpmo]

On 5/11/2023 at 7:43 PM, michael b. said:

Hey!  Any update on a link for the images?  Excited to see them.  It was a fun match.

 

Image link was sent out yesterday to participants through Practicscore I believe.  PM me if you didn't receive it.  

[michael b.]

7 hours ago, mpmo said:

 

Image link was sent out yesterday to participants through Practicscore I believe.  PM me if you didn't receive it.  

I saw the link via Practiscore.  Thanks!  I appreciate it.

[mpmo]

It would be nice if we could edit our posts after the fact.  Just want to update one thing.  Taking OFF the list of things to do: Short North Arts District

 

We are having some Pew Pew issues in that area right now.  

 

 

[mpmo]

UPDATED 2/2024

 

Where to stay/eat:

I would recommend looking for a hotel in the Polaris Area.  That will be about 20minutes from the range and 10 minutes from central Columbus.  You will have all your standard chains for I would expect about $100/night.

 

If you are looking for an AirBNB, VRBO etc., anywhere outside of Columbus should be fine.  If inside Columbus, for the North side, I would look at Westerville, Worthington, Beechwold, Lewis Center, Powell, Clintonville, New Albany, Dublin.  Those are all safe neighborhoods.  
 

Polaris is a popular shopping area where you will find a mall with several adjacent shopping areas including a Cabelas.

 

There are several good chains there.  Here are a few I recommend:

Quaker Steak and Lube - Excellent wings.

Five Guys - A step up from standard fast food burgers.

Molly Woo’s - Solid American Chinese chain.  Mid-priced.

Marcella’s - Solid Italian chain. Mid-priced.
Chop 5 - Custom salads

Kitchen Social - Solid American fusion menu with well thought out cocktails.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar - Get on waitlist via app very early, like hours early.  Sushi is solid.
Pat and Gracie’s - Bar/Restaraunt.  I haven’t tried yet, but I hear great things.

 

Some of my favorites around Columbus, locally owned and operated:

NorthStar Cafe (several locations): A bit healthier, best burger in town, amazing bowls, salads and smoothes.  Mid-priced

Brassica (several locations): Quick service middle eastern.  Mid-priced

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit(several locations): The best barbecue in the midwest, maybe the world.  Mid-priced

Greek Express, 5328 High St.  Best Gyro in town.  Low-priced.

3rd and Hollywood: High end semi casual fine food.  Best service and find dining in town.  High-priced.

Kai’s Crab Boil - Amazing crab and seafood served traditionally,  Mid-priced.

Los Guachos - Best Mexican in town.  Several locations.  Low-priced.

Akai Hana - Best Sushi in town.  Make a reservation.

 

 

Gun shops:

Columbus has probably 20-30 gun shops in the area.  Here are a few I recommend:

BlackWing Shooting Center in Delaware.  Lots of selection of guns including things a bit more on the fringe, including competition guns.  If you need an extra mag for your Shadow, they will probably have it, or a trigger, spring for your Glock.  They will have all your standard competition model pistols, but not a ton of accessories for them.  If you are looking for an HK battle rifle, a high end 1911, a selection of AUG’s, AK’s etc, this is the place.  A decent used and consignment section as well.

 

Vances - Obetz.  Vances has several locations.  The Cleveland Ave location is smaller and located in a bit rougher neighborhood.   The Obets location is their flagship and is about the size of a small Cabelas.  You will find your standard fare here for a fair price.  They have a decent reloading selection.  For an indoor range, this is the best in town.  Cool factor, this place is now owned and operated by their employees, and one being one of the best practical pistol shooters in the USA.

 

Cabelas - It’s Cabelas.  Convenient and probably closest to Cardinal.

 

Cardinal - I get the feeling by the time we have Nationals, we will have an actual shop on the premises there…. I don’t have any advanced knowledge, but I’ve seen some signage and building that makes me think that.

 

Cap City Outfitters - Small shop that has a strong focus on tactical guns and gear.  These guys are more knowledgeable on modern guns and tactics than any other shop in town.  

 

Powderroom Firearms - Small, old-school owner operated shop. They get some interesting guns in from time to time.  They also tend to have obscure caliber ammo.

 

Nortons Sporting goods - Small, old school shop that gets in some pretty interesting used firearms from time to time.

 

Fin, Feather, Fur - In the opposite direction of Columbus.  They have a great selection of guns and the best selection of reloading supplies in Ohio.  They had CCI500 on the shelf for $70/1000 a month ago (Jan 2024). And a decent amount of Powder.  They don’t carry VV.

 

 

 

Things to do in the area:

Groovy Plants Ranch: Very close to Cardinal.  Good place to shop for a gift to bring home to your spouse if they like plants/gardening.

 

Olentangy Caverns

 

COSI - Center of Science and Industry.  A must if you have younger children.

 

Hollywood Casino - If you want to gamble, we have a full Casino on the west side of Columbus

 

Fishing / Hiking: The area is just packed with great places to do both.  Check out the Alum Creek area.

 

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: One of the best in the country.

 

National Veterans Memorial Museum

 

Mott’s Military Museum

 

German Village

 

Short North Arts District - Pretty cool, but safety is a concern.

 

Midwest Photo: Shameless plug.  One of the best and most knowledgable camera shops in the entire country.  Audio/Video/Photo gear.  We also rent (including GoPro) and have classes.

 

We have a ton of local micro breweries.  Check out Land Grant in Franklinton or any in the Brewery District south of downtown.  They also have a Ray Ray’s food truck outside Land Grant.

 

Rent a scooter downtown and in the Short North and ride along the Scioto Mile.

 

Sports: AAA baseball, Columbus Clippers.  NHL: BlueJackets, MLS: Columbus Crew.  College: THE Ohio State University.

 

Arena District: Good place to get a drink and bite to eat outdoors.

 

Other competitions and clubs: You can shoot a match every weekend in Ohio in several different disciplines.  Right now for USPSA IMO, the best 3 clubs are Cardinal, Dynamic Shooting Sports (DSS,) and Crawford County Sportsmans and Gun Club (CCSC.) The best Multi-gun is PCSI, Richwood Gun Club and Lima Sabres.   

 

Gun laws etc:

None of this should be construed as legal advice.  Ohio recently became what is considered to be a Constitutional Carry state.  You do not need a license to carry a handgun at most times in most places.  I do believe there are still some funky laws for transporting long guns in a vehicle.  To be safe, don’t transport long guns or shotguns loaded, and keep any loaded magazines in a separate closed container.  I believe there are also some exceptions for not carrying in certain establishments that server liquor. I haven’t looked at the law for this in a while, so do your own research.

 

Where you can’t carry: Schools and school zones, government buildings, most concert venues.  Any private businesses that have visible signage on their entry points.  I believe carrying in a private business that has signage is subject to a misdemeanor trespassing charge.  We are now a constitutional carry state, Feb 2024.

 

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.12

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.11

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-2923

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.121

[IL-SIG]

FYI - Red Feather Outfitters is the on-site full service gun store. In addition, for the upcoming majors in 2024 (Buckeye Blast, Carry Optics Nats, and Area 5 Championship) a variety of Certified Ammo will be available for purchase at the range, including from Excaliber Ammunition - Buckeye Blast and Area 5 title sponsor. 
 

https://www.redfeatheroutfitters.com/?ssp=1&setlang=en&cc=US&safesearch=moderate