New range in Liberty Hill?

[O6nop]

The range fee covers everything except the long range range. However, if you pay for the long range range, you are entitled to shoot everything else. The only thing that would cost extra is trap/skeet, which you would still have to pay per round.

Well, that's not so bad.

A 4 hour safety class doesn't make the range any safer. It is still up to individuals to put safety into practice, and without RSOs to enforce those safety rules, ARC is just as dangerous as any public range. No matter how you slice it, you are still occupying a range with persons of unknown experience and attitudes towards safety. Further, there are always threads on the forum discussing range violations. Those violations have lead to an extensive list of rules about what you can, and cannot, do on each particular range.

I'm definitely not saying there is a safety problem there, just that it isn't any safer than any other quality range. The suggestion that it is safer because the members take a class, or have a CHL, is misleading at best. In fact, some of the least safe persons I've ever shot with were in my CHL class, despite multiple safety briefings by the instructors.

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to say ARC is a bad or unsafe range. I'm just trying to say that the "safety factor" provided by a range orientation only gives the appearance of safety. Actual safety would require RSOs on the range to enforce safety rules.

We obviously see things differently as far as the value of safety training for each member as opposed to a RSO staff policing whoever comes by.
RSO's can't be everywhere, personal responsibility is the issue. To me, it's no different from relying on personal protection vs expecting the police to always protect you.

You mentioned the ARC forum. That's another plus for them, communication between members and with staff and board members. It doesn't take much effort to get answers , and for members get to be involved, if they want, by going to meetings.
I'm not trying to play up ARC, in all my posts I am trying to say that everyone has a different viewpoint on what is an ideal range. No one knows anything about this new range, I'm trying to bring some of these things to light. This new place will do well, I'd like to try it; if I get a chance, I will. Maybe it will be exactly what I'm looking for. I still need to try that one down by Lockhart too. I think I've tried everyplace else.

[A-R]

This new range's rules, indemnity form, and membership form are all available on their website here http://texasshootingrange.com/amenities" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regarding the "safety" discussion, I'll just say that it is refreshing to be treated like an adult at a shooting range for a change. If it were my range, I'd probably have some sort of safety "qualification" for first-timers; basically prove to me you know and adhere to the rules of firearms safety (including how to properly draw a weapon from holster, from concealment, etc without covering yourself or anyone else with the muzzle), and you'll be given some latitude so you can practice properly (and not just stand flat footed and fire one shot per second). Can't demonstrate your safety qualifications? Then I don't want you on my range at all, regardless of the "level" of practice. A moron standing flat footed and firing one round per second of non-FMJ ammo is still dangerous if he doesn't adhere to rules of safety.

I've only been to ARC once and only to "observe" an IDPA match (still hoping to get down there to compete soon). I was thoroughly impressed with the gentlemen running the IDPA match for their strict adherence to safety standards. But that was an organized match. If it was just folks showing up to shoot, other than the 4-hour training requirement mentioned above, I don't see what else would make ARC any more or less safe. Not disparaging ARC at all - seems like a fantastic facility and if I lived closer to Manor I'd join and shoot there. But I live in Cedar Park, and ARC is almost an hour from my house with no traffic. This new Texas Shooting Range near Liberty Hill is only about 25 minutes.

Anyway, as I said. It was very nice to be treated like an adult at a shooting range and not talked down to or treated like a criminal if I fire two controlled shots in 1.5 seconds that both hit the X ring on a B27 target (yes, this has happened to me before at Eagle Peak). And before anyone jumps on this. Yes Eagle Peak is free to make and enforce their rules. I abide by them when I'm there. But the usefulness of their range is limited for my purposes, and now there is another range just a bit further up the road that allows me to practice the way I want/need to practice (for those who've only fired flat-footed one-round-per-second, trying to shoot while moving and from cover is a humbling expereience - X-ring hits don't come so easily).

[Bonc_CHL]

First how did this turn into a "safety comparison", I don't care where you shoot, it could be ARC, Eagle Peak, or the dang DPS training facility all it takes is one dipstick that is not a safe shooter to ruin a day of shooting real fast.
This is supposed to be a post about the new range and not how all the different ranges run their shows! I was unaware that at ARC you had to take a 4hour safety course, heck tack on 4 more hours and you got yourself a CHL, I agree with who ever said it on here that it just gives you the illusion of safety it could be just as informative in 1 hour as it is in 4.

Anyways I want to hear more about the range itself and what it has to offer for me, As good as Eagle Peak has been to me over the years I am looking to step up my game so to speak and this sounds like it might be the place to do it.
I know I can hit a target flat footed from a fixed distance too. I will continue to go to EP, but just for them days when I need to squeeze off a few rounds. But I will for sure be checking out this place very very soon! It sounds like what I have been looking for, well from what I can gather in between the safety argument!

Not trying to offend anyone here, just tossing my two cents in to the mix!

[Saintkingdom]

I have found more pictures strewn across the net and it appears to still be in construction phase, but then I have never been to an open(free roaming) range before. I am excited to get to move about some and practice more than just point and squeeze. I will say this place looks to have unfounded potential and I will gladly contribute to the cause. I cant wait to be set free, but safety first! on that note...

I may have miss worded the "safety is an illusion" part, what I mean is like the others in this thread have hit at. A one day class does not make you safe! A perfect year's safety record does not constitute the idea that things will alway be safe with you or around you. What I was saying was we are "shooting guns", this in it self is inherently dangerous and no matter what lengths we go to we will always have risk.

Sorry but I dont trust you(because I do not know you) and you are shooting live ammo a few feet from me. The only way for me to "feel" safe is to get to know you or I leave, so lets chat eh? and together we "feel" safe and enjoy the good times!

[chefkristian]

I plan on going there this weekend to check it all out. From what I hear it seems like a pretty good place to meet up and lighten up a range bag. Hopefully the temp will drop some this week.

[JackRR]

I saw this place about 2 months ago while under construction. I plan to visit and probably join.
One question??
FMJ rifle rounds???? Yes No?? Never saw an answer from previuos posts. I might have missed it.

Jack

[dcphoto]

I saw this place about 2 months ago while under construction. I plan to visit and probably join.
One question??
FMJ rifle rounds???? Yes No?? Never saw an answer from previuos posts. I might have missed it.

Jack

Yes

[UTMacGuy]

I've been out there 3 times now since I live in Leander. So far I'm very happy with going out there, espeically the tatical bays where I can shoot my CZ P07 and my M1 Carbine. It's also happens to be where I did my CHL shooting exam. I ususally go with a good friend and he really likes it and he's been to ranges all over Texas.

The guys running it are really nice as well - and that's a big plus for me since I've run across a few folks in gun stores and ranges that were pretty rough around the edges.

When heading out there, once you see the blue rest area sign, start looking on the right side of the road (if coming from Liberty Hill) for the entrance since it's kinda hard to see.

[ssenniug]

Been out there a handful of times and enjoy it very much. Only a pistol shooter, so I have only been to the pistol bays but I understand the rifle and shotgun (skeep/trap) ranges are nice. My only other experience with "tactical bays" is visiting PSC in Friendswood with a friend who is a CHL instructor.

Pros (for me):
- Super friendly staff
- nice facility (clubhouse has a few tables if you bring lunch and has a big screen TV that has hunting/sporting shows on)
- tactical pistol bays (being able to shoot from holster/rapid fire)
- can shoot carbine and shotgun in the tactical bays (check with them before assuming you can use it)
- can bring your own targets if you choose
- open to public
- pay per visit or annual membership
- pretty close (20 or so minute drive)

Cons:
- targets seem a bit dinky. 2 times I have been, the targets have been "well used" (the are metal bases with wooden arms sticking up to hold your paper, 1 looked like someone was shooting buckshot at it and the other was already cut in half and was about 3 feet high)
- no ammo there, if you run out you are done or a decent drive to go buy more
- no tables in the bays (you can pull your car up to it or bring your own)

This will be my range of choice unless its rainy/dark, then I will hit an indoor range. I have a few pics and will upload them (crappy iphone pics). The cons are no big deal for me, I will most certainly visit here again and again.

[A-R]

They're having an IDPA match there on Sunday. You should come out and give it a try. http://texasmultigun.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cons:
- targets seem a bit dinky. 2 times I have been, the targets have been "well used" (the are metal bases with wooden arms sticking up to hold your paper, 1 looked like someone was shooting buckshot at it and the other was already cut in half and was about 3 feet high)

Ask guy at front office (Curtis?) for new 1x2 sticks and he'll get them to you. I always bring cardboard or old, used IDPA targets with me.

- no ammo there, if you run out you are done or a decent drive to go buy more

FYI there is a little gun shop on Highway 29 in Liberty Hill - http://www.atexasgirlsguns.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- - no tables in the bays (you can pull your car up to it or bring your own)

Check around there are usually 2 or 3 tables and some chairs floating around in some of the bays, often in the first or second large bay on your right (closest to clubehouse/rifle range) where they've had the metal plate targets lately.

[ssenniug]

Good to know for future visits. The table issue is is not problem, we backup the SUV and use that. Also, I am from round rock and was not familiar with that shop, I think I have driven by it though, if I am not mistaken.

I didn't know about the 1x2 sticks, but our first visit Curtis directed us out to one of the bays and setup the targets, he actually chose to leave us with a chewed up target that was 3ft from the ground.