Asheville, NC area places to shoot (outdoors)?

[Joe Garibaldi]

May be heading there this summer for a family gathering. I've tried researching on-line, but can't find much.

Want to take my siblings shooting, preferably outdoors where rapid fire and firing from the draw won't be an issue. Thus, indoor ranges are pretty much out.

I've been looking into National Forests, but can't make heads or tails of which are closest.

Any info would be much appreciated.

[Marlin 45 carbine]

the closest NF range is on US 25 just inside Tennessee. there's an NF range out US 64 beyond Franklin. both a good distance from A-ville. the private range outside A-ville allows 'day' shooters to buy in -when they are open but they are tightly regulated.

[Joe Garibaldi]

YIKES! That's probably gonna be too far for us to go, but at least I do have an option. Many thanks for the info.

Maybe I'll have to just find a secluded spot in one of the National Forests.

As far as I can tell so far, as long as you're a certain distance from campgrounds and cabins, and not interfering with a road or waterway, you can fire in National Forests (assuming the above and the standard safety and brass-policing practices).

Of course, I can't find anything definitive that says as much (i.e., can't prove the negative). But I'd rather come as close as possible.

If anyone knows anything that contradicts what I've learned so far (even if it's just "some guy who knows a ranger said . . . "), I'd appreciate it.

[Marlin 45 carbine]

actually any 'practice shooting' on NF land is limited to .22LR pistols w/bbl length not exceed 6". no long guns period. IMO you shouldn't risk it at all.
there are some good indoor handgun ranges w/in reasonable driving distance however. actually 1 in A-Ville. blaze away there.

[Joe Garibaldi]

Advice much appreciated, and will be followed. (i.e., we'll stick with the ranges).

Thanks again for all the info.

[Art]

I'll piggyback on this thread to help trim.

Marlin's correct about the NF Range outside of Franklin - Dirty John, past Wayah Bald. Remote, well built, "honor system" for regulations. I'm fortunate enough to be within a 30 minute drive and its a good range, up to 100 yds I believe. If you go on a day other than Saturday, you should be pretty much to yourself, with some exceptions. I've never seen it "packed".

My question is, are there any ranges close to WNC that offer longer distances, 200-600 yds? I know of a good gun club in Elberton, GA that has a 1000 yd range, and am guessing thats probably what I need to look for, a private gun club.

Marlin - any info?

Thanks,

Art

[Marlin 45 carbine]

an update here. I was told but I haven't verified this that there is a range on NF land near Clyde west of A-ville off of either I40 or US 19-23.
I haven't had time to check into this. it would still be about the same distance for me to drive to the range on NF above Walhalla, SC (100 yds).
there is a range in Rutherford County that is a 600 yd I know some fellas that go there to shoot. evidently it stays fairly well full on week ends.

[Art]

Marlin,

I stumbled across this listing:

SHOOTING RANGES
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST

Atoah: This 100-yard range offers six shooting
stations and is open year-round. Any target is
allowed, except clay pigeons. No fee is charged.
(Cheoah District: 828-479-6431)

Moss Gap: No fee is charged at this 150-yard
range that offers four firing lanes and is open
year-round. A four-car parking lot is available.
(Nantahala District: 828-524-6441)

Panther Top: Open year-round, this range offers
a covered shooting pad for six 100-yard firing
lines for rifles and four 25-yard firing lines for
pistols. The cost: $2 user fee or $25 season pass.
(Tusquitee District: 828-837-5152)

Dirty John: Offering a 100-yard range with target
frames set at 25 yards, 50 yards and 100 yards;
this range has six stations that are open yearround.
The cost: $3 user fee or $7 season pass.
(Nantahala District: 828-524-6441.)

UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST
Flintlock Valley: Open year-round, this shooting
range provides 50-yard pistol and 100-yard rifle
ranges. Two shelters offer six shooting benches.
The cost: a $3 per-person-per-day fee and a
$30 season pass. (Uwharrie National Forest:
910-576-6391)

I also stumbled across this site:

http://wncsportsmansclub.com/

Is this the range near Clyde you spoke of?

http://wncsportsmansclub.com/News/article/sid=7.html

This must be the club in Rutherfordton you mention:

http://piedmontgunclub.org/

The club I mentioned in GA can be found here:

http://www.elbertcogunclub.com/

I've been there once and through my father, know the guy who runs the show. Good people, thinking of joining, but not thrilled about the drive...

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Art

[Marlin 45 carbine]

thanks for the info, I wasn't aware of the range off NC 215 which is closer to me than the range above Walhalla, SC. I'm not sure that this is the range I was told of - I thought I understood it to be on NF land but may have it wrong.
I'm planning on makeing it to the 150 yd range sometime.