Camp Pendleton Recreational Shooting

[smoothy8500]

I hit up the MCCS Recreational Shooting Range last week and thought I'd give a range report. Talking to a lot of the Vets on IVC/ Saddleback college campus, many of them were unaware of the facilities. I had just gone to check zeros for the Garand Match and EIC match being hosted by Santa Margarita Gun Club this coming week-end. Confirmed with a few rounds on the 600yd steel.
https://www.smgunclub.org/events/

The pistol range is really nice, fully completed bays and backstop. The rifle line is a pretty basic, prone bays with a couple benches on the right side. Staff says they are still in the process of improving the firing lines.

They have target stands available, paper up to 200yds and steel placed from 100yds all the way through to 1,000yds.

Fees are reasonable, $20 for active duty, $25 for Vets, $30 for civilian guests and those that have base access (DBIDs). More info:
http://www.mccscp.com/shoot/

[CheapBloke]

Is this open to public?

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[Clippers015]

Originally Posted by S.O.A.R.

Is this open to public?

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From the Website. I am assuming civilian guests means CGs must go with the aforementioned eligible folks

Eligibility
Our Facility is open to Active Duty personnel/Dependents, Retired Military/Dependents, Authorized DoD personnel and Civilian Guests.
Eye/Hearing Protection is Required
Long Pants Required
Closed Toe shoes Required
Pistol rentals are available, no rifle rental at this time.

[CheapBloke]

As a Veteran, we can now access stations/base?


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[smoothy8500]

Originally Posted by Clippers015

From the Website. I am assuming civilian guests means CGs must go with the aforementioned eligible folks

Eligibility
Our Facility is open to Active Duty personnel/Dependents, Retired Military/Dependents, Authorized DoD personnel and Civilian Guests.

That is correct. If you have base access, you are allowed to shoot there.

[Dirtlaw]

Is there a procedure to get base access or do I just bring a copy of my DD-214? By the way, thank you ... good reporting job!

[BajaJames83]

Anyone been through the process as a vet for access?

[smoothy8500]

Directions to MCCS range 216, and other ranges used by Santa Margarita Gun Club matches (213, 214, and 218A).

https://www.smgunclub.org/about/rang...series-ranges/

[bubbapug1]

That backdrop looks a lot like the old Wilcox range.

[smoothy8500]

Yeah, but at least it doesn't have the "Wilcox Express" show up at 10 am blowing a full-value wind.

[kcstott]

Originally Posted by S.O.A.R.

As a Veteran, we can now access stations/base?


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That note is specific to the Langley Eustis base, which is Army.

Pendleton is different. You need to apply for access, Vet status may allow access may not I'm not sure. Club membership gets you access. Having a sponsor gets you access.

I will say it's not open to the public. it's open to civilian guests that have been screened and pass a background check.

[smoothy8500]

I should clarify as kcstott points out, retired military and veterans need to have met base access requirements through the Visitor Center.
https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/
https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Ba...terans-Access/

I was only pointing out that the MCCS facility is there for those individuals that were on base and they never knew about the recreational range.

[Milsurp1]

I don’t know about Pendleton specifically, but my retired DoD ID has gotten me base access every where CONUS and in Europe without a problem. Now that AAFES allows non-retired vets to shop there I expect the visitors’ centers have procedures in place for acceptable ID. Keep in mind that base regulations for bringing weapons to an on base range are usually different than the surrounding state’s laws. I take mine on base often and I have to ensure I have the ammo in a separate container from the firearm, have the firearm registered with the base Provost Marshal, etc.

[kcstott]

Originally Posted by Milsurp1

I don’t know about Pendleton specifically, but my retired DoD ID has gotten me base access every where CONUS and in Europe without a problem. Now that AAFES allows non-retired vets to shop there I expect the visitors’ centers have procedures in place for acceptable ID. Keep in mind that base regulations for bringing weapons to an on base range are usually different than the surrounding state’s laws. I take mine on base often and I have to ensure I have the ammo in a separate container from the firearm, have the firearm registered with the base Provost Marshal, etc.

By far that is correct. and why I said vet status, Because Vet status alone will not get you access to the base. Retired status will almost always get you access to the base.

I will say this and I will leave it up the the RSO to tell you but there is a way to maintain access and get a dbids card, you just need to ask the RSO at the range of how to go about it.

[CheapBloke]

Originally Posted by smoothy8500

I should clarify as kcstott points out, retired military and veterans need to have met base access requirements through the Visitor Center.
https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/
https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Ba...terans-Access/

I was only pointing out that the MCCS facility is there for those individuals that were on base and they never knew about the recreational range.

Oh. Ok. By the second link, seems I am eligible as I am service connected disabled veteran. Only 10% disabled lol.

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[Snip3r]

Is there any way for a civilian to use this range without someone who already has base access?

[smoothy8500]

Originally Posted by Snip3r

Is there any way for a civilian to use this range without someone who already has base access?

Unfortunately, it does not appear to be possible.

[CheapBloke]

Update.

Veterans have access.

[CheapBloke]

Update again.

The above is wrong-ish, it is Service Connected Veterans have access.

So today, I was granted full access minus the naval shipyard and they said I can escort upto 2 vehicles/5 guests.

Anybody also with vet access chime in what exactly that entails?

I can bring 5 people with me to go shooting?

Only about 30min drive from Irvine, not bad.

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[smoothy8500]

Originally Posted by CheapBloke

I can bring 5 people with me to go shooting?

From what I understand, that is correct. Max 5 guests.

[CheapBloke]

Originally Posted by smoothy8500

From what I understand, that is correct. Max 5 guests.

Ah great. Thanks for info.

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