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Located in the heart of Liverpool, New York, the Syracuse Pistol Club (SPC) stands as a testament to the vision of Syracuse residents back in 1948. They envisaged a safe, dedicated space for target shooting and the promotion of safe gun use.
Historical Overview: Initiated in the basement of the Syracuse Armory, the club witnessed its dedicated clubhouse erected in 1967 on Henry Clay Blvd in Clay, NY. It’s renowned as the top indoor range in Central NY. Today, it boasts over 1000 active members, an indication of its sustained prominence and dedication to safe firearm practices.
Facilities:
- Outdoor Bullseye Range: Distances of 25 & 50 yards
- Outdoor Steel Plate Range: Up to 25 yards
- Air-Conditioned Indoor Range: Distances of 17-50ft
In addition to traditional bullseye shooting, the club has expanded its offerings. Steel plate racks and realistic courses of fire, coupled with the introduction of pistol caliber carbines (PCCs), make it a dynamic shooting environment.
Leagues: The club hosts both indoor and outdoor bullseye and action pistol leagues.
Special Interest Groups:
- Armed Women of America
- Youth Marksmanship Group (Note: Currently inactive)
Membership: To join, individuals must:
- Possess a New York State Pistol permit or have a pistol on a government-issued shield.
- Understand the club’s rules and by-laws.
- Attend a safety orientation meeting.
- Pass a live-fire drill.
Fees:
- Full Membership: $110/year
- Associate Membership: $65/year (must be related to a Full member)
- Senior Membership: $65/year
- One-time application fee: $50
- Access control FOB: $10
Feedback from Members and Visitors:
Strengths:
- The club is well-maintained and organized. Several members, including David Kellner and Jonathan Quackenbush, laud the club’s upkeep and member support.
- Continuous improvements are a hallmark of the SPC. Mike Spuches points to a state-of-the-art air filtration system, boasting the cleanest air of any NY indoor pistol range. Heating, air conditioning, and electronic target carriers add to the appeal.
- The camaraderie among members is palpable. Dan Andrianos appreciates the continuous improvements and enjoys the bond shared among members.
- The club emphasizes safety, as noted by George Hotaling, who mentioned the club’s commitment to ensuring every member understands the importance of safe shooting.
Areas for Improvement:
- Communication seems to be an occasional hiccup, with Zach Sanborn highlighting difficulties in reaching the club via phone during daytime hours.
- An encounter with Omar suggests that potential members appreciate clear, polite communication, especially when inquiring about rules and regulations.
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