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do you know if i would need a sponsor to become a new member?
Facilities are sub par. But it's never crowded, the people are friendly, and there are no required work hours or sponsorships to
deal with.
Overall I like it for what it is.
Obviously you have not been there. Or you have not seen the other clubs.
and I'd be willing to spot you, just to help out, but I'm having enough trouble justifying what I'm already spending w/ the missus and I'm still not done getting my reloading setup yet.If I had the cash I would join Ames in a heartbeat. I have seen many club ranges and this one is far from sub-par.
( It's not a benchrest only range)It is a fairly good place.
I was a member there for a while
The 300 yard range is set up to bench rest but you can shoot standing without alot of problems.
The indoor range is pretty good but the vent system doesn't work well. ( Did you remember to turn it on when you got there? I use it every week and it works great)
It has a lot of metal targets outdoors that do get shot up but they do work ok. (All steel reactive targets become "shot up", thats what they are for)
overall I would give it a grade of a C ( )
There are ranges within 15 min of there that have better ranges but there are definately worse ranges. ( Wrong.)
Would I rejoin ... most likely no... because of the indoor vent and I don't shoot bench rest alot.
( It's not a benchrest only range)
I'm a newer member there. The facilities are by far better than any of the other 4 clubs in my area. That is why I make the 40 min drive every week.
The facility alone makes it one of the best in the area. Factor in the great people I have met so far and it is hands down best in the state.
It is bench rest only.
yes some moron thought it would be a good idea to put up plywood on the 100yd range blocking the view down range trust this will be gone soon If not I will be firing up my chainsaw next range trip
Ira Siegel is the President at Ames and I have issue with anyone that would speak out against him. Mr. Siegel is a former Officer and Robin Sage Instructor. He has seen more shit and knows more about firearms that most of us wannabe gun gurus have ever dreamed of. He has also helped to make sure that Ames is one of the best clubs around. No one ever bothers you at Ames. There are no foolish restrictions and member police themselves as responsible adults.
I would rather shoot bench rest at the heated 300 yard range with Ira Siegel than go to some pussy range that limits what targets I use, how many rounds I load and my rate of fire, and frankly, if people want to leave , let em. More lanes for me to shoot at.
The club was faced with a difficult situation and the Pres. did what he had to do, to the best of his ability, to get the ranges open asap. Is he perfect? Ofcourse not, but atleast he did something, and he did it right away. That is what a leader does.
Go to the meeting and be heard. Support your BOD or run for office if you think you can do better, but don't shit on the club because you have been temporarily inconvenienced