Barstow 2022

[7x57]

Hi Calgunners, I have family in town who want to go shooting out in the desert Friday, and my life has been crazy enough I haven't been desert shooting for a long time.

I found this thread (https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/....php?t=1613233) from 2020, but since it's a couple years old I'd like to know what has changed and if the decent shooting locations have changed. Looks like at that time Hodges road from the route 66 side and a few other places were good in 2020.

7x57

[edgerly779]

Hodge road open. Check on BLM closures elsewhere.

[7x57]

Hodge road open. Check on BLM closures elsewhere.

I assume the I-15 side would only get busier. Is the route 66 side still not busy? That seemed like one of the more promising areas.

If that isn't BLM land, whose is it? I guess I need to figure out where to find maps with that kind of info.

7x57

[Quiet]

San Bernardino County Fish & Game Commission webpage

San Bernardino County Recreational Shooting Map

San Bernardino County Shooting & Hunting FAQ
Q2. What do the colors represent on the shooting map?
Answer: There is a shooting restriction legend at the bottom right hand corner of both sides of the map that contains 10 different color codes. These colors describe the shooting restrictions for each specific color area indicated on the map.

Q3. The map does not show much detail, how do I determine my position when referencing the map?
Answer: The map is broken down into the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) which uses range, township and sections as used in Thomas Guide map books. Visit www.nationalmap.gov/small_scale/a_plss.html for more information on PLSS. Once you understand the PLSS system you can determine your position in relation to the map when using the Thomas Guide. You can also access the County of San Bernardino Firearms Ordinance by visiting https://www.cms.sbcounty.gov/parks/F...Ordinance/aspx, which gives a detail of exact boundaries using the PLSS and other identifying land marks and roads to determine your position in relation to the map.

Q4. I have gone to an area that is indicated on the map as being open to shooting only to find that BLM or other government agencies have posted no shooting signs. Can I still shoot there?
Answer: No. The map was drawn up with input and review from all government agencies that administer these public lands. The map serves as a guide to enable safe and responsible shooting and hunting in San Bernardino County. Due to the development of areas or other factors an agency will have an obligation to protect the welfare and safety of the public or property within these areas so they will post no shooting signs. You should seek out an alternate site.

Bureau of Land Management: California Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting webpageBureau of Land Management: California Fire Information webpage
Barstow Field Office:
Current restrictions in place:
The statewide, year-round fire restrictions remain in effect. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
~maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
~have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
~possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire.
THE BLM LIFTS SEASONAL FIRE AND TARGET SHOOTING RESTRICTIONS IN CALIFORNIA DESERT DISTRICT (11-2022)
The California Desert District has lifted seasonal fire restrictions, effective immediately, to allow campfires and target shooting on BLM-managed public lands in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Mono, San Diego, and eastern Kern counties.

[TurboChrisB]

I assume the I-15 side would only get busier. Is the route 66 side still not busy? That seemed like one of the more promising areas.

If that isn't BLM land, whose is it? I guess I need to figure out where to find maps with that kind of info.

7x57

The 66 side is the place to be. If you have a truck or a SUV with truck like ground clearance you can enter on the i15 side and drive through the middle to 66. That's what I do and just find a spot in the middle.

[7x57]

Thanks for all the help--it went great. I think a range report is in order so the next n00b knows what to expect.

We went up route 66 and got on Hodge road from that end, around noon. There were a fair number of people shooting, but reasonably widely spaced. Even on the 66 side, be prepared to look for a little bit, because the spots next to the road tended to be occupied (t was the day after Thanksgiving, so that may be the biggest the crowds get). We drove along until we saw a bluff that looked like a decent backstop, then went off road maybe a quarter or half a mile on the dirt tracks to get there (not that the road is all that much more than a dirt track). There were a lot of old targets and shotgun brass laying around the area we chose--not picking up after yourselves is how we lose shooting areas, people. Would it kill you to not leave propane cylinders and tons of broken glass behind? There were two other shooting groups in sight, both at least a half mile or a mile away so no issues at all.

Weather was great for shooting, t-shirt until the last hour when a sweat shirt wouldn't have been a bad idea. Most of our shooting was at pistol range with handguns and .22s, but the kids got to shoot the 7x57 (because of course I have one) and the SKS as well. My 13 year old claims my sweet, gentle 7mm kicks too hard --no .30-06 for him . He had no trouble with the 1911 though. My 7 year old now claims the single-shot .22 is her gun. She got on the target on her first two shots, so maybe it is. Grandpa got in some practice with his carry revolver (church security, just so you poor enslaved Californians can get a glimpse of America ). Cardboard boxes were also merrily abused with BBs, toy arrows, and crossbow bolts.

We returned by way of Hodge to the 15 to see what the rest of the route was like. It was getting dark by the time we got close to the freeway and there were still quite a few people there, so I can imagine it was pretty bad during the day.

For anyone thinking of trying it, the road isn't *awful*, you'd probably get away with driving the road itself in a non-sports car if you drive carefully, but you'd be a lot more restricted in where you (or at least I) would dare go. Watch the patches of sand and the rutted low spots. I think it would be fine even in a small wanna-be SUV if you're not stupid, but you might have trouble if you find bigger and softer patches of sand than we did. The 4Runner didn't even notice. The "off road" portion to get to our backstop had a fair number of sand patches, but it was flatter than parts of the road itself. I suspect if it had been wet the story would be very, very different. Caveat emptor, YMMV, no user serviceable parts inside, if you get stuck I'm not driving up to give you a tow, etc.

tl;dr Was everything it was said to be, and closer to LA than the desert beyond Barstow is. 10/10, would do it again, don't try it in a low-slung sports car. Pick up after yourself so it stays that way.

[Spaffo]

Removed, wrong thread

[Deelayed]

I was just out at the mines the other day shot all day from sun up to about 3:30 never didn't see anyone the whole day . And as always packed more trash out than I brought in. Something about old abandoned mines just fascinates me the amount of work those old timers put into that stuff is crazy . Watching the sun rise from up on those hills is s really peaceful experience too .

[7x57]

I was just out at the mines the other day shot all day from sun up to about 3:30 never didn't see anyone the whole day . And as always packed more trash out than I brought in. Something about old abandoned mines just fascinates me the amount of work those old timers put into that stuff is crazy . Watching the sun rise from up on those hills is s really peaceful experience too .

Mines?

[Deelayed]

Mines?

Did I say mines ? Sorry I meant high desert . Barstow area