>Located in the serene Big Bear Valley and operated since 1946, the Big Bear Valley Sportsman’s Club provides a supervised shooting facility on land leased from the National Forest Service. With breathtaking views, this outdoor range offers both novice and experienced shooters a unique experience.
Facilities & Features:
- Rifle and Pistol Ranges from 18 to 100 yards.
- Regulation trap field ranging from 16 to 27 yards.
- 24 covered pistol and rifle stations.
- Targets: A target stand with a standard NRA rifle or pistol target is provided. Shooters may also use their own paper targets but not photographs or character renditions other than standard silhouettes. “Swinger” targets are permitted for .22 calibers only.
- Seasonal Operation: Opens the third Saturday of April and closes the last Saturday of October.
Safety & Regulations:
- NRA-certified range safety officers on-site during open hours.
- Shooters must provide their own firearms and ammo.
- Required protective gear: Eye and ear protection.
- Restrictions on ammunition: Steel-jacketed, steel core, armor-piercing, tracer, and incendiary ammunition is prohibited.
- No shooting from holsters; firearms must be benched.
- Specific firearms restrictions: No 50 BMG firearms, large magnum revolvers and pistols (greater than .44 magnum).
Fees:
- Range fees: $10 for the general public per person/per day and per round of trap. Club members enjoy a discounted fee of $5.
- Family club membership: $35 per season.
- Please note: Cash only, no credit or ATM cards accepted.
Special Events:
- The third Saturday of every month is reserved for events. Normal rifle, pistol, and trap shooting are restricted during these times.
- The range hosts the Big Bear Charcoal Burners, a black powder shooting club, every third Saturday morning.
- Special gatherings: ‘A Girl and A Gun’ High Desert Chapter and GRITS (Girls Really Into Shooting) have scheduled meetings.
Testimonials: Based on reviews, strengths of the club include:
- Professional and friendly staff with a strong emphasis on safety.
- Well-maintained and clean facilities.
- Affordable pricing with good value for the experience.
- Assistance for beginners and individual instruction when possible.
- Picturesque location enhancing the shooting experience.
However, a few points to consider:
- Range gets snowy in winters and may close due to inclement weather.
- The lanes are close together, which can result in getting hit by brass from adjacent shooters.
- Shooters are reminded to take down their targets after use.
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