I could use some guidance... I am looking for a club to join, but have NO idea which one will suit me the best, so I turn to NES for some guidance
For starters, I live in Chelmsford MA, near Lowel... Here's what I have... A couple of handguns (.40 & .45), 2 Marlin 60's (for my 10 & 12 y/o daughters), 2 Mosin's, and a 12 ga pump. More are on the list, but that's what I have ATM.
I have shot Sporting Clays exactly once, had a blast. Never shot skeet or trap. I'd like to try, just haven't yet. My daughters are getting decent with the .22's, we are going to the June Appleseed at Harvard.
I shoot at Manchester FL at least once a month, so do the girls. I'd like a range with at least 100 yards, 200 would be nice so I can improve, doubt I will want to trek more than that to change targets. I have heard some clubs have stocked ponds. I'm not much (at all!) of a fisherman, so that's no big deal. A rifle team (kids) would be nice. Some kind of competetive (not very!) pistol club for me. One daughter has expressed an interest in trying archery, I used to be into it when I was decades younger... 24 hour pistol access would be AWESOME, since I work odd hours...
Don't care if there's a "lounge", wouldn't drink more than a coke when carrying/shooting anyway... All things being equal, I would probably join the club withOUT booze...
So, suggestions? Thoughts? Other considerations I missed?
And is it possible to go and actually SHOOT at clubs w/o being a member? Once, just to try it out and see what the members are like?
Thanks in advance for all the great advice!!!
For starters, I live in Chelmsford MA, near Lowel... Here's what I have... A couple of handguns (.40 & .45), 2 Marlin 60's (for my 10 & 12 y/o daughters), 2 Mosin's, and a 12 ga pump. More are on the list, but that's what I have ATM.
I have shot Sporting Clays exactly once, had a blast. Never shot skeet or trap. I'd like to try, just haven't yet. My daughters are getting decent with the .22's, we are going to the June Appleseed at Harvard.
I shoot at Manchester FL at least once a month, so do the girls. I'd like a range with at least 100 yards, 200 would be nice so I can improve, doubt I will want to trek more than that to change targets. I have heard some clubs have stocked ponds. I'm not much (at all!) of a fisherman, so that's no big deal. A rifle team (kids) would be nice. Some kind of competetive (not very!) pistol club for me. One daughter has expressed an interest in trying archery, I used to be into it when I was decades younger... 24 hour pistol access would be AWESOME, since I work odd hours...
Don't care if there's a "lounge", wouldn't drink more than a coke when carrying/shooting anyway... All things being equal, I would probably join the club withOUT booze...
So, suggestions? Thoughts? Other considerations I missed?
And is it possible to go and actually SHOOT at clubs w/o being a member? Once, just to try it out and see what the members are like?
Thanks in advance for all the great advice!!!