I and about eight others went to Crystal Springs last Saturday and closely inspected Johnny Sojourner's land and believe we have a great place to carry on disciplines 200 yards and greater, up to 1000 yards. 1100 is possible for sure and as an extreme 1500. The main impact area is a full 75' higher than the 1000 yard firing line as checked by a transit and there are massive mountains of aggregate for highway construction past the main berm location that is even higher. Firing will be to the North, so no more aggravating sun in the face!
We don't have an organization at this point, just a number of shooters willing to band together to advance shooting at mid and long range. This range will only be open during official matches or practice matches on weekends at this point due to the possibility of workers in the impact area, aka safety fan, during weekday working hours.
In the beginning, we think tactical steel matches are the way to go. This entails shooters firing on 18" steel reactive targets at various unknown ranges. No one that met in the pit is a steel sniper, but we think that's the best way to generate revenue for the new club in order to finance constructing a proper pit area. Target construction is minimal and will be constructed for easily removal if things do not work out. Other advantages to setting the range up like this initially are to allow us time to develop a positive relationship with the landowner and flesh out any details that pop up regarding things such as the logistics of how we handle a number of people on his land, porta potties, and the other mundane things.
We think the next step is for interested mid and long range shooters we don't already have on board to come to the msgunowners meet and greet Saturday, May 5th 2012 with $300 to become charter members of this new club. We expect 30 or so to do so.
Next, an appointed member of our group will make a proposal to Mr. Sojourner and hash out the details. The $300 will fund or contribute to funding, the lease, insurance, and filing fees for the club to become an LLC. If interested parties that we know that can't be there due to work or distance want to pledge $300 and stick it in the mail, I or someone they trust can vote as a proxy or we can try to do something by phone. When everyone has bought in we will appoint someone to negotiate the lease with Johnny Sojourner, the most pro gun landowner you could imagine. I'm sure he will become a participant in any matches held on his land. Mr. Sojourner is a pillar of the community, owns much of the land East of Crystal Springs, and various business interest in the Copiah county. We are blessed beyond belief to find someone like this, his enthusiasm is really more than one could hope for.
There is no benefit to paying your $300 for you personally. That's NOT meant to be negative...either way.
Facts are...you start a new club...you gotta pony up...If you don't want in on the beginning...its fine...but you could expect to pay higher match fees...all that is yet to be determined..
It's not all about the what's in it for me....its about starting a new range...
I'm in...Its a no brainer for anyone who shoots rifle in central Ms
Did not mean to be taken negatively. If I was closer, it would be a no-brainer! Problem for me is, how often would I be able to make the trip there to shoot? Twice, maybe three times a year?
Did not mean to be taken negatively. If I was closer, it would be a no-brainer! Problem for me is, how often would I be able to make the trip there to shoot? Twice, maybe three times a year?
Standing at the spot marked 800 looking back to a point past 0, the top of a hill outlined by a blue horseshoe. There is a row of trees the landowner said he could remove easily. This area is in operation right now but is scheduled to close soon.
Standing at the top of the hill looking back to 800, and beyond. We are on top of a hill that is 75' above line of sight from the 1000 yard line. The base of this hill is where the pits would eventually be located.
We have several more options as well at this site.
Not trying to take anything away from the conversation, but the last time we were out there the neighbors complained to the sheriff. We were shooting machine guns, so it will be different. There are several very pro gun neighbors, but some that are not.
Not trying to take anything away from the conversation, but the last time we were out there the neighbors complained to the sheriff. We were shooting machine guns, so it will be different. There are several very pro gun neighbors, but some that are not.
Mississippi has a 50 acre rule, you can make as much noise as you want if you have 50 acres. I spoke with the owner that let you shoot the .50's. I told him we were currently looking at Sojourner's land and would get back with him if that fell through.
Another question.... So for the first few shoots you are planning to setup a firing line and place steel targets at random distances using the current natural terrain? The firing line location could possible vary from shoot to shoot...? If yes, this sounds like a fun way to test the range, show the land owner we are responsible shooters, and get the neighbors use to the shooting. And oh yeah, raise funds.
Shoe, you and I (and a few other HP shooters) will have to install optics (high X optics) to see an 18" diameter target must past 300......
IMHO..... Like Phillip stated, an LLC will need to be setup first to deal with the land owner and any insurance needs. A meeting will need to take place to establish the names on the LLC. And of course, the name of the LLC. The LLC will establish the guidelines of how this range/club will operate.
This seems to be a great opportunity for anyone wanting to shoot long range. I feel both matches and fun shoots could fit in a schedule. And...... this range could possibly be the ONLY range in central MS that allows 50 BMG (and the distances that the 50 deserves).
Another question.... So for the first few shoots you are planning to setup a firing line and place steel targets at random distances using the current natural terrain? The firing line location could possible vary from shoot to shoot...? If yes, this sounds like a fun way to test the range, show the land owner we are responsible shooters, and get the neighbors use to the shooting. And oh yeah, raise funds.
You are exactly right. Tactical matches will be run with different stages at unknown distance on multiple targets out to 1,000 yards. Firing lines will be different from stage to stage. There is enough varying terain to run multiple stages at one time.
Not yet still a lot of leg work to do. We still have to secure a lease, aquire insurance establish LLC, approval from board of supervisors,
elect officers, write bylaws and safety rules.
Let's shoot for a meeting at 2:00 p.m. at the Meet & Greet.
I'm in for $300.00, in either cash or legal work.
Let me say this though: I understand that we need to do what we can to start up, but let's not lose sight of the goal, which is a "formal" range to shoot sanctioned NRA and CMP F-class and high power events. If we are just going to set up some targets and plink we could get into that for much cheaper. I hope we will come up with a short, medium, and long range plan to accomplish what we originally discussed.
Which is why I don't think a semi-active pit is optimal. It just may be the best thing we can do at this point. Just my opinion, though. I'll be on board for whatever gets us shooting.
I'm interested in getting in on this. Maybe we could schedule a meeting after the Highpower Match on 5/12 or off site somewhere while the range (Magnolia) is shut down for the weekend of 5/19?
Why don't we do that? Some of you F-class shooters sign up for the high power match on 5/12 and come shoot with us, then we'll discuss the range afterwards.
We only shoot at 200 yards, so I'm sure that you F-class guys will be putting all your rounds through the same hole. But you'll need to leave the scope, the rest, and the $3000.00 rifle at home. We'll have a Garand and a sling for you.
We only shoot at 200 yards, so I'm sure that you F-class guys will be putting all your rounds through the same hole. But you'll need to leave the scope, the rest, and the $3000.00 rifle at home. We'll have a Garand and a sling for you.
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