BLM/Non-range shooting Q

[slocum]

Up until now I've shot exclusively at ranges. I'd like to branch out - safely - here in California. First, how does one go about researching safe off-range places to shoot? Second, once you find a general location how do you judge the specific site as being safe?

Or, if anyone simply has some suggestions I'll listen with thanks.

s

[ivanimal]

Real open ended question.

Where are you? Have you tried National Forests, Deserts, BLM land? There are websites detailing these. Give us a proximity of where you are and we can give you suggestions.

[762cavalier]

I'm interested in the answers to this question also and I live here in Sacramento. Don't mind going to the range but if I have to drive for a while it would be nice to go to a place where I can do my own thing (safely of course)

[bu-bye]

The first time I went onto BLM land (in fact it was with Ivanimal) I was asking the same question. Just like the safety rule goes, know just whats beyond your target. Into a hillside is a great place to shoot. You don't want to shoot into the direction of roads, paths, or homes/buildings. Makes sure that even if you aim 30 yards above your target you will still hit dirt. Its really a question you have to answer for yourself while looking at an area. Give yourself enough room to miss your target and not have you bullet fly 2 miles. The best tool is the one between your ears.

[ivanimal]

762 there are literally thousands of places for you to shoot up Hwy 80. Just past Auburn in any direction, there are forest lands and endless space to shoot.

[metalhead357]

The first time I went onto BLM land (in fact it was with Ivanimal) I was asking the same question. Just like the safety rule goes, know just whats beyond your target. Into a hillside is a great place to shoot. You don't want to shoot into the direction of roads, paths, or homes/buildings. Makes sure that even if you aim 30 yards above your target you will still hit dirt. Its really a question you have to answer for yourself while looking at an area. Give yourself enough room to miss your target and not have you bullet fly 2 miles. The best tool is the one between your ears.

+1 on that

BUT DONT SHOOT AT TREES...that will cost you...litterally with a fine. Pick up any brasss and leftover whatever. Surf on over to the OFrest service website (national) and then pull up cali, go to a link for your area and pull up the local regs....they do vary.

Almost identical with BLM, but you can call a regional office & get specifics and/or go in and buy a map-- HAVE THEM UPDATE YOUR MAP. there are litterally thoussands of land buys/sells that BLM does here in cali and new plots are on older maps, and once open plots may be off, the regional office is 'supposed' to have thses updates; worked for me each and every time in both Ukaih and Redding.

Other public land.............
Good bet you wanna find out who exactly owns it; might truly be public, but then again it might belong to someone and you could end up with a tresspassing ticket right quick.........

Good luck. AND IF you find a new/decent spot... PLEASE share it with us, many of us track these tid bits for just such posters as yer'self

[Turbinator]

For those of you looking at public lands, please take a quick look at my thread on Panoche. Need help keeping the place clean for future generations of shooters.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=39601

Sorry to keep parroting this around, but I feel this is very important to be aware of, to help keep our public lands accessible to shooters.

Turby

[slocum]

Real open ended question.

I know. That was the idea. I'm looking for a nice "how to" lecture if anyone can spare the time. I'm concerned about where projectiles go downrange, as anyone would be. What I was hoping folks could offer were some tips on how to assess your selected site.

Where are you? Have you tried National Forests, Deserts, BLM land? There are websites detailing these. Give us a proximity of where you are and we can give you suggestions.

SF Bay Area. Willing to drive about 2 hours - maybe a little more. I'll poke around a bit and see what I can find.

The reason I came here was not to shortcut having to look stuff up but rather to start my search the same way others do rather than the way NO ONE does and come up making a bonehead error.

s

[Turbinator]

SF Bay Area. Willing to drive about 2 hours - maybe a little more. I'll poke around a bit and see what I can find.

If you're around the SF Bay Area, why not try Panoche with us? I'm trying to put together a cleanup in late October - one of us could make sure you get there safely and after the cleanup session, we could do some safe plinking.

Think about it, check out my other thread, and let us know if you're interested.

Turby