Where to take a new shooter

[wwhite72082]

A few days ago I was talking with my brother and he mentioned wanting to dabble in shooting and possibly purchasing a pistol. He has never shot before and I would like to take him out to get a feel for a the few hand guns that I have.

I'm a member of MASA and live in Muhlengerg but I remember seeing in the rulebook that anyone shooting must be a member. Short of signing him up and having him becoming a member is there anywhere in the area that allows guests to shoot before joining?

I wouldn't mind joining a second, or third club, so that I could bring the occasional guest along to see if they enjoy the hobby.

I have had a few friends show interest but the only places I know to take them are the public range in Birdsboro (I'm concerned with safety there) and French Creek Outfitters (which is 45 Minutes away)

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks
-Walt

[rallen]

This may not help much, but I'd suggest taking him to someplace that will not have lots of range ninjas around. I'd go so far as to suggest private land for a one time shooting trip, if you can find it.

The more one on one instruction you can provide, the more confident he will likely be.

[sutehk]

A suggestion might be the Fleetwood Rod and Gun Club. Its closer than French Creek albeit smaller. The pistol range is 25 yards with a covered bench area. Its usually pretty quiet, and there aren't really a whole lot of people. You can walk up to the targets as much as you want. They have two rifle ranges, a 50 yard and a 100 yard. Membership is $15 for the first year and $10 for each renewal. As long as there is a member present there is no issue taking other people along.

I have been shooting there for about 6 months and never have had problems with range ninjas. I even shot with the treasurer one afternoon, very pleasant civil war buff. The only really annoying thing is that the rifle ranges have a rule about not shooting when the farmer is out in the fields (the farmer's fields are behind the berms for the rifle ranges).

The ranges are closed on Thursday of each week for clay shoots till about noon. Other than that they are open 98% of the time that I can tell.

Chris

[zzeiber]

There are very few, if any public ranges anymore with the rising cost of insurance.

I'm a member of the Perry Township Game Association and I really like the range. The covered benches are nice and the price is right. $20 for the first year, $15 for the renewall.

It's quiet, there aren't alot of people there and when there are other folks around they're very friendly. If I remember right, I put a map marker for it on the PAFOA member map.

[xotech]

At Oley Valley, you can bring a guest anytime.

Perry is a great range too, but further away. Also, you have to each be members.

Oley Valley Fish & Game
114 Old State Road
Reading, PA 19606

610-779-1317
Don Hoffman

Please leave a message. Your call will be returned.

$20 per year dues. 285 members. Must be/become an NRA member to join.

Please come to an event to join or call for more info.

Outdoor pistol & rifle range 25-50 yards.

Outdoor rifle 100 yards.

Balloon Shoots: 9 am, 4th Sunday of the month, October through February (Events for rim fire & center fire)

Sporting Clays: 5 pm till 9 pm each Tuesday, 50 birds under the lights. Also 9 am till 1 pm second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Trap and Skeet: 4 pm till 9 pm Wednesday under the lights.

M-1 Garand: Shoots beginning in the Spring. Dates to be announced.

[sjohn26]

Originally Posted by wwhite72082

A few days ago I was talking with my brother and he mentioned wanting to dabble in shooting and possibly purchasing a pistol. He has never shot before and I would like to take him out to get a feel for a the few hand guns that I have.

I'm a member of MASA and live in Muhlengerg but I remember seeing in the rulebook that anyone shooting must be a member. Short of signing him up and having him becoming a member is there anywhere in the area that allows guests to shoot before joining?

Some clubs allow a "bring-a-guest-once" rule------look into it.

Otherwise you can go up to the state-game lands at Eckvile(near Hawk Mountain) for some general plinking at the public range---not much there--but enough to get a feel for things!

[wwhite72082]

Thanks for the suggestions. Both Fleetwood and Oley are pretty close so I'll look into both clubs.

Also,
I'll email the secretary of MASA and ask about one time guests.

Thanks again