Camping and Shooting Steel? Northern Calif

[XDJYo]

Hiya All!!!

Wife & I are going on vacation for 4 days (Th-Sun) and we're looking for a place that isn't crazy far so we can camp and shoot steel at a range. We're in the San Ramon/East Bay area of Northern California and am looking to combine some nice, easy, relaxing camping with some pistol shooting. We considered Chabot, but no steel.

It can be a regular range with steel targets or perhaps even BLM land (not 100% sure about that though).

A few pre-requisites:
Nice campgrounds with shower and flushing toilets (I know, I know...Hey, Im' old and I have my priorities!).
We don't have steel targets to bring, so a place that has them would be great!
Not crazy far-Don't want to drive 3 hours to Ukiah.

So, if anybody has any nice camping spots where it's close to a range!!!

PS: If they allow either rapid fire or holster work that would be GREAT!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

Happy shooting and be safe!

[Sennasixty8]

San leandro Davis st range offers steel every saturday evening, however you need to prequalify the first and second weekend of the month.

Once deemed safe, rapid fire and holster draw is commonplace.

[XDJYo]

San leandro Davis st range offers steel every saturday evening, however you need to prequalify the first and second weekend of the month.

Once deemed safe, rapid fire and holster draw is commonplace.

Thanks Senna!!!

Have you done their steel shoot before? What's it like? It looks to be about 20-25 yard distances? (Kinda far for this newbie). I might need to get them to put up the BIGGER steel targets! LOL!

We're planning on the 2nd Weekend in September, so I think this will work out great!!! Chabot Regional Park/Campground is fairly close by and with Chabot Gun range next door, it gives us another place to shoot too!

[forerl]

Thanks Senna!!!

Have you done their steel shoot before? What's it like? It looks to be about 20-25 yard distances? (Kinda far for this newbie). I might need to get them to put up the BIGGER steel targets! LOL!

We're planning on the 2nd Weekend in September, so I think this will work out great!!! Chabot Regional Park/Campground is fairly close by and with Chabot Gun range next door, it gives us another place to shoot too!

I suggest getting there at 4:30pm. They have a limit of 3 new shooters per evening. The past few months there have been new people turned away. The 'qualifying' stage is composed of 5 steel plates ranging from 10 yards (I think) to 22 yards. First target is 22 yards. I think they are 8" plates, must hit the plate before moving to the next plate.

Since its your first time there, I suggest using a pistol that you are very comfortable using. Safety is a primary concern. Before you get there, keep your mags and pistol separate in different cases/bags.

Once they approve of your safety and shooting skills, you can shoot at other stations but must have a 'RO' watching you. During the first night, you must shoot from the low-ready position not holstered.

Here is the website for the Saturday night steel shoot at San Leandro

http://www.slrifle.com/Home/steel-shoot

[XDJYo]

I suggest getting there at 4:30pm. They have a limit of 3 new shooters per evening. The past few months there have been new people turned away. The 'qualifying' stage is composed of 5 steel plates ranging from 10 yards (I think) to 22 yards. First target is 22 yards. I think they are 8" plates, must hit the plate before moving to the next plate.

Since its your first time there, I suggest using a pistol that you are very comfortable using. Safety is a primary concern. Before you get there, keep your mags and pistol separate in different cases/bags.

Once they approve of your safety and shooting skills, you can shoot at other stations but must have a 'RO' watching you. During the first night, you must shoot from the low-ready position not holstered.

Here is the website for the Saturday night steel shoot at San Leandro
http://www.slrifle.com/Home/steel-shoot

Thanks for the tip! We'll try and get there early!

The pics on their website look pretty far, but I saw some youtube video's that had single-plate stands that were set up much closer, so that made me feel better.

Too bad no holster work. No biggie though. Baby steps right? LOL! We both have holsters and mag pouches (Uncle Mike's-Not the best) though. Now, we're on the hunt for some good stiff gun belts. The 5.11 Tactical Trainer belt looks real nice.

Happy shooting and be safe!

[Sennasixty8]

Do plenty of dry fire drills and mag changes as time allows, it will REALLY help your muscle memory skills, and show any weak areas that need attn.

BE SAFE.

[GunHo]

OP. Try looking into the los altos range. Plenty of shooting options, including metal and cans. And because it's out in woods, im sure there are camping sites nearby. Good luck.

[tenclip]

I love camping and shooting however I am more the roughing it kind (and on dual sports) so my places would be too out there. However if you ever are interested in bringing your own steel up to a National Forest, BLM, or friend's property, I am about to post for sale my two steel Evil Troy targets (with swappable upgraded 6-inch AR550 plates). Great for setting up and once you hit too often, move back farther and farther.

[XDJYo]

Do plenty of dry fire drills and mag changes as time allows, it will REALLY help your muscle memory skills, and show any weak areas that need attn.

BE SAFE.

Thanks! Have already been doing some draw and reloading drills at home. But, still need to get it smoother, then faster. Like Tiger McKee says, Slow is Smooth. Smooth is Fast. I have definitely noticed that when I try to rush it a bit, my grip goes to ka-ka. Wind up having to shift my grip as I'm pushing out onto target. But, that's probably the least of my worries. I've never 'purposely' done any rapid fire.

OP. Try looking into the los altos range. Plenty of shooting options, including metal and cans. And because it's out in woods, im sure there are camping sites nearby. Good luck.

I looked at that range, but it didn't look like they allow any steel. Only tin cans right? That would be fun too. The steel shoot at San Leandro will probably be the ticket for us this time. There's Chabot Regional Park next door as well as the Chabot Gun Range, so that's a double!!!

I love camping and shooting however I am more the roughing it kind (and on dual sports) so my places would be too out there. However if you ever are interested in bringing your own steel up to a National Forest, BLM, or friend's property, I am about to post for sale my two steel Evil Troy targets (with swappable upgraded 6-inch AR550 plates). Great for setting up and once you hit too often, move back farther and farther.

I would probably need to go with someone else to check out the whole BLM land thing. I'm not 100% sure on it. I've heard stories of people hearing shots whiz past their heads in the past. I'm sure that their are plenty of great spots to shoot though! I'm just a little chicken to go venturing out there on my own for the first time.

Thanks again for all the good suggestions & advice!