Where are the public ranges?

[SomeDude]

I just moved to the greater Harrisburg area from Florida and it seems all the ranges are for club members. At this point I am not sure I want to join a club. Are there any ranges that are open to the public?

[QuackXP]

Here is the listing for all PA State Game Lands (SGL) ranges.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...=620410&mode=2

Note you have to have a hunting licence or range use permit to use them.

Here are the text directions from the above site.

From Rt #225, near Dauphin, take Rt #325 East (Clarks Valley). Approx. 9 miles. Range on left across from parking lot on right - or about 1 mile west of Camp Shikellemy.

Someone local can probably elaborate.

[Breadman03]

Quack beat me with the link. The range permit is about $30/year. A hunting license is cheaper, but you need to attend the hunter safety course.

The state ranges have fairly strict rules geared towards sighting in hunting rifles, the intended purpose of the ranges existence. 3 rounds max in rifles and 6 rounds in a pistol at a designated pistol range, otherwise 3 rounds max. There is no multi projectile ammunition (ie: shot) except at designated ranges.

I use the SGL ranges for all of my shooting, but would like to join a club when I can afford it.

[SomeDude]

I already found out about the SGL. I am just suprised there are no gun ranges attached to a local dealer's shop. Where I lived in Florida, there were roughly 15 public ranges within 15 minutes of my house, most of which were dealer/range combos.

Maybe I'll just join a local club. Anyone have experience with Harrisburg Hunter's and Angler's?

[Neilthepilot]

Before you write off a club check them out. The one I belong to is only $50/year $85 for the family. There is an initiation fee the first year that covers the club access card/key. My club has a nice archery range. 7/15/25/50/100 yrd ranges and for a little more an indoor pistol range and an indoor 22/archery range.

[SomeDude]

Before you write off a club check them out. The one I belong to is only $50/year $85 for the family. There is an initiation fee the first year that covers the club access card/key. My club has a nice archery range. 7/15/25/50/100 yrd ranges and for a little more an indoor pistol range and an indoor 22/archery range.

What is the name of the club?

[Neilthepilot]

Across the river, but there are some closer to you. My club is Mechanicsburg Sportsmans Protective Association.

http://www.msa-pa.org/

I used to also belong to West Shore.

http://www.westshoresportsmen.org/


Both these clubs memberships start in January. I don't believe that they prorate the fee if you joined now.