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I was surprised that none of the local ranges except one (isn't local for me) don't allow shotguns or buckshot to be used on the ranges.
My search began when I ordered a new IC fixed choke barrel for my 870 I use for home defense. I wanted to get it patterned without driving to BLM land an hour away. I used to go out there more than I do now. I never shot a shotgun at any local indoor ranges so I called one I frequent in Vacaville. Sorry, no shotguns on the range. OK no problem , I called the next one in Vacaville. Same response. OK, but got a recommendation to Yolo Sportsman. Called them, yes they have a pattern board. Can I pattern my home defense shotgun with buckshot? No, just the birdshot type loads. Oh and no pistol grips. I said I didn't have one, just a standard stock. They guy says no problem then, you can shoot but no buckshot and no pistol grip. Again I said I don't have one and said goodby. he must have had the picture of me shooting from the hip gangster style.
Frustrated I look to Sacramento.Anyone of the ranges there would be a 45 minute drive for me. Got on Sac Valleyweb site, no mention of buckshot use for non members, but it listed approved birdshot loads. Or was that Rancho Cordova? By the time I checked both the websites I was done looking. Last call was to the Gun Room. They said no problem. Great! except (I held my breath) lead buckshot only, "just the cheap stuff". I figured that would be a plus if I didn't care what I shot or having a crappy pattern. Well at least I would save money so I can pay more for the range fees. I said thanks and hung up.
So there it is a run down of where you can't shoot a home defense shot gun in the Sacramento - Vacaville area using the load you buy to see what pattern it will make at a given distance. Although i don't like driving an hour or so to my BLM shooting spot to pattern a shotgun I guess thats what I will have to do. I understand that they have made business choices not to allow buck or even shotguns. Whether its the noise, spread, or shredded targets, I don't know. I have seen many bullet holes and dings from just handguns on the walls and ceiling! You figure its an important part of the average home owners arsenal and to be able to shoot it locally would be a plus without signing up for a class.
If anyone has a range that will allow buckshot to be used to pattern a home defense shotgun in the Sac-Vaca area please post for all of us shotgunners.
Oh and I am done. Thanks for listening!
My search began when I ordered a new IC fixed choke barrel for my 870 I use for home defense. I wanted to get it patterned without driving to BLM land an hour away. I used to go out there more than I do now. I never shot a shotgun at any local indoor ranges so I called one I frequent in Vacaville. Sorry, no shotguns on the range. OK no problem , I called the next one in Vacaville. Same response. OK, but got a recommendation to Yolo Sportsman. Called them, yes they have a pattern board. Can I pattern my home defense shotgun with buckshot? No, just the birdshot type loads. Oh and no pistol grips. I said I didn't have one, just a standard stock. They guy says no problem then, you can shoot but no buckshot and no pistol grip. Again I said I don't have one and said goodby. he must have had the picture of me shooting from the hip gangster style.
Frustrated I look to Sacramento.Anyone of the ranges there would be a 45 minute drive for me. Got on Sac Valleyweb site, no mention of buckshot use for non members, but it listed approved birdshot loads. Or was that Rancho Cordova? By the time I checked both the websites I was done looking. Last call was to the Gun Room. They said no problem. Great! except (I held my breath) lead buckshot only, "just the cheap stuff". I figured that would be a plus if I didn't care what I shot or having a crappy pattern. Well at least I would save money so I can pay more for the range fees. I said thanks and hung up.
So there it is a run down of where you can't shoot a home defense shot gun in the Sacramento - Vacaville area using the load you buy to see what pattern it will make at a given distance. Although i don't like driving an hour or so to my BLM shooting spot to pattern a shotgun I guess thats what I will have to do. I understand that they have made business choices not to allow buck or even shotguns. Whether its the noise, spread, or shredded targets, I don't know. I have seen many bullet holes and dings from just handguns on the walls and ceiling! You figure its an important part of the average home owners arsenal and to be able to shoot it locally would be a plus without signing up for a class.
If anyone has a range that will allow buckshot to be used to pattern a home defense shotgun in the Sac-Vaca area please post for all of us shotgunners.
Oh and I am done. Thanks for listening!
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