FORT SILL, Okla. (Aug. 24, 2017) -- The former privately owned weapons range on post officially reopened as the Fort Sill Rod and Gun Club, Aug. 17.
The range has 16 pistol and 12 rifle lanes; charges minimal usage fees; and operates under the supervision of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation accredited range safety officers who were specifically hired to run it. And it's open to everyone -- making it the only public small arms range within Lawton city limits.
The range was resurrected in only 60 days with the help of Marine Artillery Detachment volunteers and FMWR staff, and at a cost of less than $3,000, said Brenda Spencer-Ragland, FMWR director.
"The command had heard the need from our patrons who said: 'We really want a range,'" she said.
Range fees are $7/daily for club members; and $10/daily for nonmembers, said Shane Dunlevy, MWR Community Recreation officer. The Rod and Gun Club's annual membership fee is $100.
Richard Arellanez, is one of the MWR range safety officers. He said that whenever the range is "hot," three safety officers will be on site.
"Our priority is to ensure that every safety aspect that can be followed, will be followed," Arellanez said. "We don't breathe down folks' necks or pester them; we just watch for safety things."
Paper targets are provided, but patrons can bring their own, he said. There are some metal targets set up on the rifle range. Patrons cannot bring their own metal targets.
One of the amenities at the range is the Charging Station, which is a healthy food choice vending area, said Spencer-Ragland.
"It's where you can refuel and get hydrated with nutritious beverages and also enjoy some fresh snacks. It's fresh, easy, and convenient."
It's part of the Healthy Base Initiative Performance Triad to promote health and wellness for the entire Army community. There are also Charging Stations at Cooper Child Development Center, Fort Sill Golf Course, and Twin Oaks Bowling Center, she said.
There are big plans for the range, which include providing all the services of a Rod and Gun Club, such as Wi-Fi and cellular service.
"We're also looking at setting up a trap and skeet area, and eventually down the road putting in an archery range," he said.
The director invited everyone to check out the range.
"Come out and see what we've done," she said. "It's a place to come out and relax."
For more information including directions, weapon restrictions, and range rules, visit sill.armymwr.com.
.
Social Sharing