Place to shoot a .223/5.56

[shermdo]

My son is coming home today from Iraq for a little R&R. He is actually scheduled to land in a couple of hours in NYC.

He has a new rifle sitting here that I think he would enjoy getting to put a few rounds through but I have no idea where we can shot .223/5.56 in SE PA. I live in Delaware County but don't mind a reasonable drive to shot. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and ideas.

[MTechnik]

If you already have the gun, you can go to the SGL at French Creek for free... You can shoot one at Targetmaster (indoor range) but you need to get their pricey frangible .223

[Helter]

For his *next* visit, Delaware County Field and Stream would be a possibility. They have a 100yrd range, but it's members only, and membership takes at least a day or two to accomplish depending on when you start (need at least a range orientation on a sunday).

[soup]

How long is he home for? I grew up in Upper Darby but moved away. It isn't exactly around the corner but I'm a member of a club and could maybe bring you both as a guest. The club is about 35 minutes from you. If you do decide to go to French Creek state park let some people know as I'm sure they wouldn't mind joining.

[BigBoomStick]

Likewise. If you do go to French Creek let me know. I will be there tomorrow and I would like to squeeze a couple rounds off with a combat vet.

[ungawa]

You can shoot at Classic Pistol. No frangible ammo required.

[Whiskey1]

The only place I know that doesn't require a membership is French Creek Gamelands range.
It has a 50 and 100 yard line.
Firearm safety is often not practiced there.

If you're interested, I belong to a sportsmans club and could get both of you in.
They have 100-500 yard lines and some steel targets.
FWIW, I'm a Vet, Gulf War and Afghanistan.
I'd imagine we'd get along well.

If you're interested, let me know.
If not, take care.

[sengie]

You can shoot that at the Delaware County Field & Stream Assn. in Brookhaven.You have to be a member but if he wants to shoot I could take him in as a guest.We could work something out.

[unclesam099]

It's a drive but there are members of the Southern Chester County club near Kennett Square on this forum that might take you as a guest, $5 for a guest pass and has 15, 25, 50, 75, and 100yd ranges available.

[shermdo]

Thank you everyone for your replys to my original post.

We went to SGL-43 (French Creek) today for the first time to put a few round through a new Ruger Mini-14 that I have had hiding in the gun safe for 6 or 8 months.

I didn't really know what to expect of the range because I had read so many varied reports. I thought that the range was actually pretty good for what it is. There was a good crowd during the 2 hours or so that we were there 12:15 - 2:15PM but there was always 1 or 2 open shooting benches. Everything seemed to stay safe which was a concern going in but went well.

The Mini-14 was great. It is still 100% stock with no scope yet. I have 6 new mags as well so we got to do a little testing on them as well. Everything performed well - no failures at all.

It was a great day because I got to spend the time with my son who is home from Iraq on R&R. Even the weather was good. I will definitely be going back. My son returns in April'2010 and there is a AR in the safe nearly complete. It will need a good testing out then.