Colorado Springs/Fort Carson Public Range

[lv2tinker]

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex opens to the public Jan 23 at 1:30 p.m. The public opening will be proceeded by an invitation only" ribbon-shooting” ceremony at 11 a.m.

The shooting complex, which is the largest outdoor shooting range in the State of Colorado, is a joint project between Fort Carson, El Paso County, the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Shooters can use the range free of charge from 1:30 - 4 p.m. on Jan. 23. Rates for a daily pass are $10 after that.

The 400-acre site is located on Fort Carson land near Interstate 25 just off mile marker 132. The entrance is just outside Fort Carson’s Gate 20 security perimeter. Because the entrance to the shooting range is outside Gate 20, visitors will not have to enter the military base or register their weapons with Fort Carson to utilize the range.

The opening marks the completion of the first of a three-phase construction plan. The complex currently consists of seven shooting ranges with approximately 120 covered shooting positions. Three ranges are designated for rifles with distances from 300 to 500 yards. There are also four designated pistol ranges and one multi-position range prioritized for law enforcement and public safety training purposes.

A small archery range will also be on site with plans to expand it as funding becomes available and a five-stand trap range is expected to be available in the spring for shotgun enthusiasts.

The second phase of the project will include the construction of five skeet & trap ranges and a clubhouse. The clubhouse will in­clude a retail store, classrooms and offices.

El Paso County has established a nonprofit organization called the Soldier’s Friend Foundation to raise funds for the next two phases of the complex. A web site under construction will allow for donations to help fund the two additional phases of the project.

One 1,250-yard-long shooting range will be for the exclusive use of law enforcement, Monday through Friday, but open to the public on weekends.

The range complex will be staffed by military and civilian personnel. Profits from the range will be used to fund the Fort Carson FMWR program, which supports Soldiers and their Families.

For directions and hours of operation, call 719-896-6196 or go to: http://www.elpasoco.com/CMSC/Pages/default.aspx.

[BigBear]

Outstanding, can't wait.

[muddywings]

The homepage:
http://www.elpasoco.com/CMSC/Pages/default.aspx

[Mountain Man]

They have caliber restrictions for rifles though. No 338 or 50 and several other calibers. It has to do with some odd federal regulations on post.

[RYAN50BMG]

went out there today for a dry run. Very nice range setup. The signs specifically state "no 50 cal weapons". Also, I talked to an RSO and asked about full-auto. Although not specifically stated on a sign, it would be frowned upon. BTW, he was cool and did not agree with the 50 cal./FA restrictions. Also, he said "SWAT does what they want to". That was the answer to my "I saw full-auto on tv" question. From looking at the range, the 50 cal/FA restrictions look to be more of a function of proximity of the shooter next to you (the point are close together), rather than a lack of proper back stop or narrow range fan/impact zone. I will shoot there.

[MattR]

I would think ricochets might be a reason for the 50/FA restriction too, the range is 150 yards off of I25. I assume no steel targets too?

[Sabre]

They have caliber restrictions for rifles though. No 338 or 50 and several other calibers. It has to do with some odd federal regulations on post.

Not a federal regulation, it's based on the distance to the closest stuff down-range.

[jhl247]

Quick Question: Are they restricting all 50 calibers or just the BMG? For instance, would the SW500 pistol would be off limits?

Thanks

[JackRyan]

I checked it out last week. Its a pretty nice facility. Handgun range set up for 25' 50' 75' and 100 yards. I had a BLAST

[TheBelly]

I checked it out last week. Its a pretty nice facility. Handgun range set up for 25' 50' 75' and 100 yards. I had a BLAST

Their range 4 has a 10m as well..