Questions about Pala range for a newbie

[Edward Teach]

Hi there,
I have heard some things about Pala - enough to get my attention as it being a range that I'd like to try out my longer shooting rifle at.
I've looked at the website but there isn't a lot of information there. From what I can gather, Friday or Monday might be my best options (I am a retired senior).
My plan is to bring one AR-10 rifle plus ammo, spotting glass and some basic tools in case of maintenance needs. Ideally, I'd like to practice more on 500 meters plus.
I am assuming that benches are already setup so no need to bring my own table or chair.
Can anyone give me an idea on basic etiquette or rules for the range, the time to get there (I'm traveling from San Diego), cost per person.
I'm used to shooting at BLM out near Ocotillo and having to take a lot of extra equipment with me for clean up afterwards, fire prevention, etc., which I am guessing is redundant for Pala but please advise.
Thanks in anticipation of any help.

[Jimi Jah]

If you shoot paper targets bring your own plus a staple gun. They provide steel plate targets and spray paint to mark them.

Bring bags or bipods. Monday and Friday are open to the public. Get there early, open at 8 AM. Bring cash to pay. 4WD is handy to drive out to the further targets 400 yards or more. Also bring open bolt flags for breaks, they are picky about that. Last time the rate was $30. Most clear out by noon.

Octillo is 105 degrees today. Desert season is over. Pala is usually in the 80's

[Edward Teach]

If you shoot paper targets bring your own plus a staple gun. They provide steel plate targets and spray paint to mark them.

Bring bags or bipods. Monday and Friday are open to the public. Get there early, open at 8 AM. Bring cash to pay. 4WD is handy to drive out to the further targets 400 yards or more. Also bring open bolt flags for breaks, they are picky about that. Last time the rate was $30. Most clear out by noon.

Octillo is 105 degrees today. Desert season is over. Pala is usually in the 80's

Thanks for the info! Yes, even University City was toasty on Saturday 10th. 80 felt like 108 was the official local forecast early afternoon!

Is there any limitation or restriction on shooting 500 or more distance? I got an impression from a video that it might be limited to certain benches and not every bench.

[Jimi Jah]

You can shoot at anything from 50 yards out to 890 yards. They have restrictions on steel bullets to protect the steel targets.

[yacko]

The farther the distance, the higher the targets.... It's a large hill backstop. Shooting bench or prone, be ready to tip your rifle upwards a bit the farther you shoot.

[Hairball]

Gates open at 0600 but they don’t want you out of your vehicle before 0700. You sign in down on the right side of the line and pay the fee. Bring drinks and food if you want but they do have a bathroom across the parking lot. Shooting strings usually last about 50 minutes. On rare occasions a deer will cross the range so they do a cease fire and chase it off. At the top of the hill is an old road that leads to small mine and the owners will sometimes drive down that road so again, cease fire until it’s clear. All targets have a posted range so you don’t need to figure it out. Overall, it’s a nice place to shoot. Check the calendar before you plan on a specific date as availability can change depending on other scheduled events. I have not been there in a bit but I suppose it’s still the same.

[Edward Teach]

Thanks to you all for this valuable information. It is very much appreciated

[Oldluck]

Pala’s a great spot, especially for stretching out past 500m. You’re right — benches are set up, so no need to bring a table or chair. Fridays and Mondays are usually less crowded, which is perfect. Range fee is around $20–25 last I checked. It’s about an hour drive from San Diego, depending on traffic. Just bring your gear, be ready to follow the RSO’s instructions, and you’ll be good. Way more structured than BLM, so no cleanup worries. You’ll enjoy it!