Author Topic: Where to Shoot?  (Read 1626 times)

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Offline intoodeep

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Where to Shoot?
« on: March 29, 2005, 04:18:13 PM »
Hey Everyone,

  I am curious as to where you guys shoot your cannons.  IÂ’m considering having a ½ scale 3” ordinance rifle built. However, IÂ’m trying to weigh the cost vs. shooting it. I am 99% sure that the local range that IÂ’m a member of will Poo-Poo the idea of a 1.5” lead ball going down range.  They are very specific as to what, where and when things can shoot since it is controlled by BLM.

  Last time I took my golf ball mortar out I had to drive 45 miles out of town to find a spot safe enough just to launch some golf balls.  Now, if, I had a ½ scale cannon I know I would have to go even farther out.  Especially with the way this town (Las Vegas) is growing. :(

  So, I guess I am wondering these few things.

  1. Where do you shoot you larger scale cannon?
  2. How far do you travel to get to the location?
  3. Are there any shoots on West Coast area (AZ, CA, NV or ?) that allow scale cannons to shoot?

I know that I am babbling with these strange questions but, I just going to say IÂ’m thinking out load.
If you make it idiot proof, then, someone will make a better idiot.


Offline Cannonmaker

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Where to Shoot?
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2005, 05:02:14 PM »
Intoodeep,  I have had several people tell me they go out on the BLM and fire their cannons.  Pick a spot where their is no one around and a hill in the background.  In your area there is not much worry of a wildland fire, but if one starts a fire they can be responsible for the cost of fire suppresion.  The BLM pays our Dept. apx $120 per hour for a heavy, and a little less for each engine.
You may want to call the BLM to be on the safe side,  although a man California said that they will sometimes watch him shoot, for the fun of it.

I shoot my cannons on private land and BLM.
Rick Neff
Neff Cannons & Machine LLC
480 N 1st Street East
PO Box 55
Malta, Idaho 83342              Keeping history alive with the roar of the guns

http://www.neffcannons.com/

Offline GGaskill

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Where to Shoot?
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2005, 05:08:28 PM »
I shoot them at a local commercial range with no problem, and I also shoot them in virgin desert when there aren't any fools downrange.  Never had any trouble with BLM, but only had one visit in 25 years from them.
GG
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Offline Evil Dog

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Where to Shoot?
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2005, 05:40:19 PM »
Shoot mine on a private range most of the time, unfortunately it is limited to around 150 yards though.  If you'd care to drive down to Ojai, Ca the 3rd weekend in Oct, the Sespe Rendezvous has a full scale cannon shoot.  Could be lotsa fun.
Evil Dog

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Freedom is a well-armed lamb contesting that vote. - Benjamin Franklin (1759)

Offline Will Bison

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Where to Shoot?
« Reply #4 on: March 30, 2005, 05:16:33 AM »
Most of my shooting is on BLM but even then I'm concerned about fire and a safe backstop. The local ranges have no restrictions but it can be upsetting for other shooters. I have two locations on small dry lake beds that are both safe but it's a 40 mile drive.

Offline Randell

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Shooting Locations in Northern Kalifornia
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2005, 08:49:08 AM »
send me an email  for information :D

Offline threepdr

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Any place in Alabama to shoot
« Reply #6 on: March 31, 2005, 05:32:03 PM »
My Rev War group would like to live fire our full scale 3 pounder (2.75 inch bore).  Anyone know of a range with a high berm in Alabama where we could go shoot?

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See my history and archaeology blog at:  http://erasgone.blogspot.com/

Offline intoodeep

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Where to Shoot?
« Reply #7 on: March 31, 2005, 06:55:11 PM »
Thanks everyone for your input. I am going to confirm with the range that I'm a member of about shooting a cannon there. Also, there is one other range locally that I will look into.

Randell-I was unable to locate an email address so, I sent you a "PM" with my email address.
If you make it idiot proof, then, someone will make a better idiot.


Offline Gargoyle

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Where to Shoot?
« Reply #8 on: April 01, 2005, 11:53:13 AM »
threepdr  The Al-A-BamER Machine Gun Shoot is June 4 in Piedmont AL.  They will have all sorts of junk (old cars, etc) to shoot at. I don't know if this is a public range that is always open, or private property that is only open for the shoot.

Contact No1Piddler11@aol.com for more info.  He may be able to give you leads on other ranges.

Offline das

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Places to shoot ?
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2005, 12:34:36 PM »
I'm looking for anyone in northeast Indiana or the surrounding area, that would be interested in getting together for a shoot at our local gun club this summer. We've not picked a date as of this time,so we are looking for input from anyone who might want to attend. We have a lot of room for shooting small and full size cannons. As this will be our first attempt at doing something like this we're not sure what to do or expect. Please email me at www.loosecannongunworks@msn.com , or call me at home. My phone number is available on my website. I sure hope to hear from a lot of people !!!! Thanks to all.
David A. Steele   :eek:   Loose Cannon Gun Works, LLC 8)

Offline guardsgunner

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Where to Shoot?
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2005, 05:17:18 PM »
das,
    Given your location, you might want to make a trip north to Camp Grayling Mi in July to see the 1000 yd, match with the full size cannons and mortars. (about 3hrs n. of the Mi border up I-69) There is nothing like full service charges.