Free shoot area East side of 29 Palms base

[3/7 Wpns Co.]

I have been and have checked the San Bernardino County free shoot area, but want to confirm with someone else that it is legal to shoot in the open desert east of MCAGCC 29 Palms base. Would this allow for myself to place my own targets at any distance and shoot freely without issue? if that is the case, then why go to a range down the street and pay a fee as well as abide by their hours?

[Forestboy]

East of Sunfair Road in Joshua Tree is OK for rifle on BLM, once you get West of Sunfair Road you cannot shoot solid projectiles on the BLM land.

The 29 Palms Rifle and Pistol club is open 24/7 365, lighted pistol range to 50 yards. They have steel targets all the way to 1 mile. There are target racks out to 3 or 400 yards and a covered firing line with numerous concrete benches. Annual membership is $50. Cut one tire out in the desert and you have paid for your 3-4 year membership dues.

To answer your question, yes, East of 29 you can shoot in the BLM.

[Steve_In_29]

For accuracy's sake, it is the 29 Palms Pistol and Rifle Club and dues are now $60 a year.


OP what hours are you thinking you have to "abide by"? The range is open 24/7/365 once you are a member as you get your own key.

As to "why pay a fee?", because does the open desert provide covered firing positions, target carriages, target backers, male and female restrooms? How about lights to shoot pistol after dark when the temps have cooled down? A safe impact area so you don't inadvertantly send rounds into someones property?

Rifle carriages are at 50, 100, 200, 300, 400yds, with one way out there at 1000yds IIRC. Pistol carriages are at 7, 15, 25 and 50yds. If you have portable stands you can set them up at any distance you would like as well.