Meeting place for Newbies and Mentors - Alberta

I have a membership with SPFGA, but I go to Phoenix and just pay the drop in fee. It's a lot closer to home, and a comfortable temperature in the winter. From what I have experienced, they have no problem letting people do this and it would not surprise me if it accounts for a large percent of their income. If they started demanding that people buy memberships after X amounts of visits they would lose lots of money. Plenty of people can afford and justify 22 bucks, multiple times per year, less people can afford $475 or whatever it is nowadays. Even counting the cost of my SPFGA membership and my drop in fees, I've still saved almost $200 this year. Granted, I'm going to look into getting a Phoenix membership because I want to get competitive and start going at least once a week rather than once every few months.

I've met a few of the people from CHAS, they seem like good folks.

Steve. Thanks for the response. If I bring my own gun in can I bring my own ammo or do I have to purchase ammo from Phoenix?
 
Steve. Thanks for the response. If I bring my own gun in can I bring my own ammo or do I have to purchase ammo from Phoenix?

If you take your own gun, you can take your own ammo. It's nice and close to work, love it there... shame the membership fees are so out of whack with everyone else in and around the city....
 
thanks CUWE. I can understand the cost of running an establishing such as phoenix, insurance, staffing, inventory, etc. for the real "Gun Nuts" who go 20 times a year then it is well worth it. however, I am not sure how much I will be shooting and I really am trying to keep cost reasonable so that it doesn't discourage me from this sport. I think the Edm Shooter Guild is the way to go for the first year just to see.
 
Steve. Thanks for the response. If I bring my own gun in can I bring my own ammo or do I have to purchase ammo from Phoenix?

You can bring your own ammo, except for steel core ammo. They'll swipe it with a magnet to check.

Check their calendar though, especially if you're looking to bring your rifle. The rifle range gets taken over by a marauding band of vikings every so often, so they can do their IPSC stuff in there. Also, it's not uncommon for a large group or two to come in and all of a sudden the range goes from empty to full. If you show up during prime time you might have to wait a while before you can go in, but it's not so bad if you've got your license and don't need constant supervision.
 
I've been contemplating getting a membership at Spruce Grove Range.. But heard lots of talk about the Sherwood park range..
Anyone have any input?

I will be shooting mainly .45acp and .357mag..
Also, Big into Trap/Skeet/Clay pigeon shooting.. <-- This is a must have.

So, Which facility is better?
 
Hello nester. Just joined this site and I'm fairly new to the world of hand guns. I'm from out in Lacombe and I'm wondering of the best range to join in the area ? I've heard mixed reviews about the one that fish and game has in RD.
 
I go to Sherwood Park range and I think it's great. The skeet range is pretty nice and doesnt seem too busy. My buddy used to shoot at Spruce grove Range and he thinks Sherwood Park is better. Says your not babysat as much. Hope this helps a little.
 
I've been contemplating getting a membership at Spruce Grove Range.. But heard lots of talk about the Sherwood park range..
Anyone have any input?

I will be shooting mainly .45acp and .357mag..
Also, Big into Trap/Skeet/Clay pigeon shooting.. <-- This is a must have.

So, Which facility is better?


I go to Sherwood Park range and I think it's great. The skeet range is pretty nice and doesnt seem too busy. My buddy used to shoot at Spruce grove Range and he thinks Sherwood Park is better. Says your not babysat as much. Hope this helps a little.
 
I am an absolute newb who knows nothing about guns at all, but I am very interested in learning. Can anyone recommend a instructor or course in the Edmonton area that can help me with the absolute basics?
 
I am an absolute newb who knows nothing about guns at all, but I am very interested in learning. Can anyone recommend a instructor or course in the Edmonton area that can help me with the absolute basics?
If you want to try out shooting for the first time I would head over to the Pheonix range (with a buddy, always funner with a buddy). The Range Officers (RO's) are quite knowledgable and will teach you the basics of Firearm Safety and handling the firearm. Ive been to the Pheonix range before and I had a positive experience.
 
Hi all! New to the forum, and so far have found it to be a great, friendly resource. I'm learning already so that's good. :)

I grew up on a farm and as such did lots of shooting as a youngster; pest control and whatnot. Last year my brother and dad got back into hunting and it has peaked my interest. Can't say I'm really into hunting bigger game myself, mostly enjoy shooting targets and pest control.

I have a few other hobbies that demand precision and attention to detail, and after reading these forums I think I could be very interested in learning more about the mechanical aspects of firearms. A big part of that is for safety but also I love how these things work and would like to learn more. Outside of handling a firearm properly and knowing enough to get by, it's clear I have MUCH to learn after reading these forums.

I'm interested in a bolt action rifle, and having talked with a few people think I have decided on the one I want... As well I really like the norinco m305 and I think the whole customization and DIY aspect of that rifle is what interests me. But, before diving into it blind and wasting money I would like to learn more, guess that's why I'm here. ;)

Anyways that's my story haha love the forum and I hope to learn as much as my limited cranial capacity will allow.

Nathan
 
I am an absolute newb who knows nothing about guns at all, but I am very interested in learning. Can anyone recommend a instructor or course in the Edmonton area that can help me with the absolute basics?

You might want to check out Rob Furong's Marksmanship Academy. Looks like they have some courses coming up.
 
Anybody here been to the Bonnyville Shooting Club? It looks like it's the only one in the area, and the prices are great, and was just curious if anybody would like to go out shooting in a couple months once I get my rPAL and an SKS.
 
Hello all,

Recently moved to Edmonton from the fraser valley in BC. I've been looking to join a range in the area, cause it's so flat around here you can't just shoot anywhere...
I tried to join the Sherwood Park F&G but they're full for 2013. I've considered the Spruce Grove Club, and from reading snippets of this thread I discovered the CHAS. Phoenix membership is out of my price range.
I've got a couple .22's, and an SKS I just recently bought and have used once.
The little shooting knowledge I have was passed to me from my dad when I was really little.
I'm interested in learning rifle technique and marksmanship, although I also am really interested in trap or skeet. In fact I don't really know the difference of the two. Isn't in just shooting the clay disc in the air?
If anyone wants a shooting buddy for an afternoon or has a suggestion of where to go and who to meet, please "shoot" me a PM.
I work in trades so I'm up early and work a 10hr day, weekends are the only days I'm allowed out of the house.
Thanks,
Gord
 
Hello all,

Recently moved to Edmonton from the fraser valley in BC. I've been looking to join a range in the area, cause it's so flat around here you can't just shoot anywhere...
I tried to join the Sherwood Park F&G but they're full for 2013. I've considered the Spruce Grove Club, and from reading snippets of this thread I discovered the CHAS. Phoenix membership is out of my price range.
I've got a couple .22's, and an SKS I just recently bought and have used once.
The little shooting knowledge I have was passed to me from my dad when I was really little.
I'm interested in learning rifle technique and marksmanship, although I also am really interested in trap or skeet. In fact I don't really know the difference of the two. Isn't in just shooting the clay disc in the air?
If anyone wants a shooting buddy for an afternoon or has a suggestion of where to go and who to meet, please "shoot" me a PM.
I work in trades so I'm up early and work a 10hr day, weekends are the only days I'm allowed out of the house.
Thanks,
Gord
Hi Gord,
I got a membership at Ponoka Fish and Game which includes range privileges for $55.00 and it is only about 35 minutes south of Edmonton and you can stay overnight if you have a self contained camping unit. Great deal well worth the short drive. Scott
 
Hi Gord,
I got a membership at Ponoka Fish and Game which includes range privileges for $55.00 and it is only about 35 minutes south of Edmonton and you can stay overnight if you have a self contained camping unit. Great deal well worth the short drive. Scott

This is interesting. They seem to be the cheapest so far as I have seen. Is this range closer than Genesee if you're coming from Southeast of Edmonton? What other outdoor ranges are good options? I'm interested in tactical shooting, i.e. being able to practice holster draws, shooting metal targets etc.. Indoor ranges can be an option too if one can do these sorts of things...
 
Is there any tactical classes that only use primary weapons?
I haven't sent in my Rpal forms and don't need a handgun.
Every class I've seen needs both primary and secondary weapons.

The other class/instruction I'd like is on long distance shooting with a 22.
Yes laugh at me, but I like to and have enough property to shoot 500+ yds.
Having the skill to shoot 200+ yds is tough imo and I'd like to learn more about wind reading and trigger control.
All would make me imo a more skilled shooter with any gun.
I'm in the Calgary area.
 
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