Bring your gun - Russell County opens range to public monthly

By Cheryl Rodewig, The BayonetJanuary 19, 2010

Range
Range master Sgt. Darryl Powell explains to 12-year-old Nick House how to position his .243-caliber rifle Tuesday on the Russell County Sherrif's Department's shooting range. The range is located near the entrance to Uchee Creek off 101st Airborne D... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga. - Whether you want a little extra target practice or a place to learn the basics, the Russell County Sheriff's Department has it covered with a 200-by-300-yard range - free to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. Located near Uchee Creek, the range offers a safe place to hone your aim and test your skills.

"Bring your own gun, and bring your own bullets, and we'll provide everything else," said range master Sgt. Darryl Powell, a retired sergeant major who formerly served with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

The range includes steel reactive targets, a trap throwing machine with clay birds, a 50-yard pistol range and a 200-yard rifle range. People are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but the department can provide eye and ear protection when needed, Powell said.

"(It's) just a service to the public. There are a lot of people who have guns but have no place to shoot and especially have no place to shoot safely," he said. "Safety - that's the number one word out here."

Powell said all kinds of people visit the range, from families with young children who've never fired a weapon before to military members who are proficient with their weapon systems. Everyone signs a liability waiver, and there is always at least one safety instructor per five people on the range.

To bring a large group, such as a Boy Scout troop or church class, Powell asks that a representative call in advance, so range personnel can make sure they can accommodate the number of people.

Other than that, he invites everyone to consider stopping by, even making a day of it. The covered ranges provide shelter even in the rain. And there's space for a picnic lunch, including a barbecue grill, tables, rocking chairs and a gazebo.

For more information, call 334-298-6535 or 334-614-9332.

Directions from Main Post:

Turn left on Sightseeing Road from Dixie Road. Turn right on Sunshine Road. Turn left on 101st Airborne Division Road. Turn right on a dirt road across the street from the entrance to Uchee Creek. A sign at the end of the road on the left will identify the shooting range.

Safety first

Three cardinal rules of safety from the National Rifle Association:

1. Always point the weapon in a safe direction. That means away from people and property. If it accidentally misfires, it should never cause damage or injury.

2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Instead, rest your finger on the trigger guard or on the side of the weapon.

3. Always keep the weapon unloaded when not in use. As soon as you pick up a weapon, engage the safety device if possible. If the weapon has a magazine, remove it before looking into the chamber.

Related Links:

Fort Benning Homepage