actually, there is one thing about the way Wicen's is set up that I'd love to change. the rifle range has those God-awful slanted overhead covers. if you could actually stand up to fire a rifle, I swear I'd live there.
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actually, there is one thing about the way Wicen's is set up that I'd love to change. the rifle range has those God-awful slanted overhead covers. if you could actually stand up to fire a rifle, I swear I'd live there.
Can't change it. IIRC They put in those baffles or whatever you call them some years back after someone sent a round over the berm and into the house nearby. Problem with open ranges around philly is that they sit right smack in the middle of suburbia and on the flat land, building 200 feet high berms is cost prohibitive so they have to stress accuracy first.
First time shooting at Wicen's over the weekend, probably my last. The range officer immediately told me that I couldn't shoot my AR pistol & said this was posted on the website. I didn't remember seeing anything as I did check their site in advance, but I didn't argue since we also brought a 14.7 & 16" AR with us that day. I have since reread the Rules & Regulations section of their website in addition to the FAQ & there is no mention of AR pistols being banned, although I did find a Facebook entry from May:
Important Update: We No Longer Allow AR and AK Style PISTOLS in all variations. We also do not allow Pistol Grip Shotguns.
Everyone was friendly enough & it seems like a nice place to shoot as far as public ranges go, but it bothers me that they succumbed to the whole Sig brace hysteria (which my pistol isn't even equipped with).
TL;DR their range, their rules
Wicen's is a class act. Between the acreage, safety measures, and overall positive atmosphere, they've managed to build an island that's held out well as hybrid-driving Philliburbia expands into Bucks County. (In fact, I think this is about 10 miles north of where they really find it permanently comfortable).
I grew up shooting as a kid but lived in the DPRNJ for 30+ years and really lost touch. One day in '08 I walked into Wicen's and basically said "I once was lost..." These guys took me under their wing and made sure I was up on safety, shooting on target, learning, and having fun. You'll notice an absence of yahoos, Rambos, weekend wannabes, and other idiots. Serious hunters and target/HD pistol shooters are there, but also families and casual shooters. Zero attitude.
Most of the RSO's are knowledgeable and happy to spend a time with a shooter sighting in, breaking an elusive clay, or just BS'ing. (One day I bought in an early Rem 700. One of the RSO's was so excited, he spent his break on his smartphone looking up the S/N and feeding me info on the production date. Not sure where else that happens?). Joe Wicen is a true gentleman and sportsman, and he and Lori run a great range. I have my choice of places to shoot in the Delaware Valley, but will always spend my money at Wicen's.
(And yes, I escaped and now live in a free state)
Been a while for this thread but small update. Price has yet again been raised. It's now $25 to shoot. Recently up'd from $20. It's a bit much but unless you're a club member there really isn't any other 100 yard rifle ranges anywhere around. I really want to shoot both my Mosins tomorrow so I may end up going. It is a nice place though, aside from only being able to shoot rifles benched.
I didn't read the thread, but just my $0.02 on Wicen's.
I shot there several months ago.
It's a very nice family oriented range.
If you're stuck in the city or crowded suburbs of south eastern PA, it's a really nice place to relax and shoot, and just enjoy the open space.
The range officers are friendly, and they are strict enough to keep the range safe.
My only negative comment is that it is not a range for self defense training.
They have a strictly enforced rule of 3 seconds between shots, which makes self defense training impossible.
Other than that I would recommend it, especially for Dads looking for a good place to shoot with their kids.
I have been shooting skeet a lot recently and their wobble machines make the discipline so much more fun. Will hopefully get out there in the next couple days to do some shooting again. RSO's are super friendly and help you if you request it!