Shooting range bags 5-star rating
Only six other ranges in the nation from the more than 6,000 ranges listed by the National Association of Shooting Ranges have been awarded this distinction.
By Zachary Johnson staff writer
May 28, 2004
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Bryan Tyner has been to a lot of shooting ranges.
In fact, the owner of Old Dixie Gun Shop and Repairs says the Indian River County Public Shooting Range, "is probably one of the best I've seen yet."
And it's one of the best in the country, according to the National Association of Shooting Ranges, which just awarded the county range a five-star rating. Only six other ranges in the nation from the more than 6,000 ranges listed by the association have been awarded this distinction.
Tyner says when he goes to the range, he shoots small-caliber rifles at 100-yard targets before switching to pistols and 15-yard targets. He brings shotguns, too.
"I usually end up staying the entire day," he said.
The benches at the rifle range can be adjusted, there are plenty of sandbags to steady a rifle, the staff watches out for safety and most importantly the range sells ammunition, Tyner said.
Ranges that apply to be reviewed by the shooting range association are judged on different criteria, including appearance, service, safety and community involvement, said Director of Facility Development Rick Patterson.
County Range Manager Holden Kriss said he didn't apply for last year's designation because the course, which opened in 2001, wasn't quite up to the five-star level.
In the past year, the course has boosted its community role, including coordinating activities with Boy Scout troops and starting a training program for Sebastian River High School Junior Navy ROTC on the air rifle range. The range also has 20 rifle-firing stations, 35 stations for pistols, a five-stand shotgun range with a 12-station sporting clay course, and an archery range, said Kriss.
And the range is still adding features. Three weeks ago, the range switched on its lights for night shooting for the first time and is developing an "action pistol range," that could be used to accommodate more kinds of shooting competitions, said Kriss. The range recoups about 75 percent of its operating budget from fees paid by the almost 18,000 people who have registered to use the range since it opened.
The five-star distinction is the "ultimate award" for a shooting range, Kriss said.
"It's a very cool thing...this is what the other ranges in the country will be shooting for," he said.
