Pawnee Sportsmen's Center (near Greeley)
Hey folks,
I spent my afternoon at the Pawnee Sportsmen's Center in northern Colorado today. Here's their website for you to look over. The website has a map, hours, fees, and other details to look over, so I won't repeat them here.
http://www.pawneesports.com/
First off, it was very satisfying to get out and shoot as it's been a while. My experience there was excellent. I'll be honest in saying that I didn't look over the entire grounds this trip, but here are my first impressions.
The range is isolated from all encroachment from urbania and that can be nice in itself. They have two bermed ranges; one maybe 50 yards long for hangguns and a longer, wider one for rifles. They also have an area for trap and skeet. I'd guess there were a dozen firing positions on the handgun side and maybe 15 or 20 on the rifle side. They supply target boards and tape. The target boards are simple lumber construction with legs that fit into buried steel pipes at varying points down range. I noticed it varied from one lane to another as to how many measured positions they had. I was shooting 5.56mm at 50 and 100 yards.
They have a nice "club house" office and I was greeted warmly by a gentleman (plus two others) who was more than inviting and helpful. I'll be frank and say that I haven't always been treated as cordially, especially when you walk in with a "black rifle". I wish I had taken the time to inquire as to the use of the club house and look around to see what all it had to offer. They do have memberships, so I'm guessing that access would vary with that. I'm thinking a membership makes sense for me right now, so next time I'll add to this topic on what I find out about that.
The handgun firing line looked to be all standing benches. The rifle positions were all equipped with sitting benches with left and right handed cutouts. Certainly, you could stand and shoot as well if you chose. The top of each sturdy lumber bench was covered with some sort of soft linoleum to help maintain the bench from the elements and keep firearms from getting scratched up. Bringing along a carpet sample couldn't hurt you though. None of the benches had bags or rests to my surprise and I didn't see a supply of them anywhere. I will think to ask next time and plan on bringing my own bags. The firing line sits on a concrete pad with a roof to block rain and sun.
The first person on the line becomes the "range master" and calls cease fires, etc. I'm use to and comfortable with that and there were no issues with the three benches that were occupied while I was there. I made it a point to watch other shooters and offered them a cease fire to post new targets when I thought they looked idle.
I did notice a construction site outhouse across the parking lot for convenience. It's possible they may offer improved facilities in the club house. I had brought my own water bottle and I didn't notice any vending machines or a drinking fountain, so you might want to remember a canteen at least as you are a ways from the nearest town.
I hope some of you find this helpful and encouraging as it seems places to shoot are always at a premium. I'm always happy to answer any questions. I'm looking forward to going back.
Happy shootin',
Bob
