Kentuckiana Range Reviews

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  • TRW

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jan 10, 2017
    67
    6
    Jeffersonville
    Clark State Forest Public Gun Range
    Henryville, Indiana

    Clark State Forest is truly an enjoyable environment. There is some pretty elevated views, nice trails, and lots of water. However, the gun range itself is very limited. One, you have to drive to the main forest office every time you shoot and yet there is no supervision. Also, it is no longer free, which isn’t a big deal since its $25 a year I think, but you aren’t really getting anything for the extra money except occasional cleanup and your tax dollars were already doing that. The most important thing is that it is terrible for pistol shooting. If you setup your targets in self-defense distances (7 yards) you haven’t even gotten your target onto the range proper. There is a stream disconnecting you from the range right at where you would want to setup your targets for self-defensive pistol shooting. Also, paper targets only allowed. So everyone looking for a place to shoot steel outdoors has to keep looking. I plan on going to Hoosier Forest for all steel shooting. I’ve heard its allowable there and recreational shooting in general is allowable unlike Clark. Be warned. At Clark you will be fined for recreational shooting if you setup even paper targets (outside the range). And having a proper back stop, cleanup, etc, none of that matters it's not allowed anywhere but the range. So you can shoot at animals (with a license) but you can’t shoot pager - for some reason.

    Openrange
    Crestwood, KY

    This range has a very attractive store front with a nice selection of quality merchandise. The range itself is relatively state-of-the-art with programmable targeting system that lets you tell it exactly how far to come or go based on feet, and the ability to set a program that rotates the target to add a nice challenge. The stalls are relatively spacious and the sound dampening and ventilation seems quite good. I was very excited to try to this location out. Yet I was massively disappointed! My big complaint wasn’t the $23 (for an hour), but how you wait to be escorted to the stall, and then you get a tired rattled off instructions - after you have just read all the rules; then at the stall, you are made to drop mag, lock the slide. and set it down while the escort hovers over you. Now this may not seem like a big deal to some of you. But my experience was pretty negative. When I was given the instructions there was shooting near me and my electronic muffs kicked in so I misheard a bit of what he he said; I thought he was asking me to clear the gun but he said to lock it. So when I didn’t immediately look it he replied impatiently, “No, I said LOCK it.” Once everything is all disarmed he rattled off instructions on how to use the targeting system, half of which you’re not going to be able to hear. I have good electronic ear pro (MSA Sordin Supreme Pro - X) so that wasn’t the problem. Frankly, when I go to a range, unless you have a reason to distrust me I should be left alone. If I need help, or if I or someone else is acting suspicious of course step in and assist. But I’ve been safely carrying and shooting for 10 years and don’t like to be treated like an idiot. Also, I signed a liability waver, I am in a bullet proof stall, and you have insurance. Come on. Of course, ultimately, it’s their property and their rules. I just won’t be going back or recommending them.


    Louisville Armory
    Louisville, KY

    Currently, this is the best place in the area in my opinion. It’s not state of the art. But the prices are reasonable ($12 for half hour $18 for an hour). They treat you with respect every time. They monitor the area but they don’t nanny you or hover. They don’t escort you to the stall unless you’re a first time shooter that needs assistance. In other words, they just let you do your thing and have fun. The sound dampening could be better and the electronic targets are a bit dated. However the ventilation is really good and the people are very friendly and helpful while giving you plenty of space. Overall it’s a good clean place that’s fun to visit.


    There are two up and coming locations I will be reviewing when they are finished:

    Point Blank
    Louisville, KY

    I’ve heard good things about these ranges. Apparently they are an up-and-coming chain.

    American Shooters
    Clarksville, IN

    I am most excited about this location because its only a few minutes down the road from me. Supposedly it will have a state-of-the-art range system. I am still asking the owner of the company about some of the rules to see if its going to be membership worthy. Currently, this place is offering the best membership deals. While they have discounts for pre-opening memberships, the regular membership is $400 (with monthly auto pay option) and it is unlimited all day shooting.
     
    Last edited:

    BE Mike

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    18   0   0
    Jul 23, 2008
    7,536
    113
    New Albany
    I've been to Open Range with a few friends several times. After learning their rules, we weren't bothered, except to ask that when shooting head shots we shoot at a closer range. One general comment I'll make is that they don't know your level or experience, nor your ability for safe handling. They have to have their instructions based on the lowest common denominator. I'll bet that they have a library full of hair raising stories. Anyway, I've always had a good time shooting there. I haven't been to Louisville Armory in many years. I think it has changed hands several times since my last visit. Glad to hear that the ventilation has improved. American Shooters is owned by some top notch people. I'm sure the facility will be the same. I do wonder about the practicality about allowing a member to take up a lane for a whole day. There are plenty of shooters who'd rather shoot the breeze all day long and shoot very little while occupying a lane. I wouldn't want to go to a gym and not be able to use a piece of equipment because a premium member wanted to sit on it all day long. I'm sure that that will be one of the bugs they'll work out after they are open for a time.
     

    TRW

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jan 10, 2017
    67
    6
    Jeffersonville
    I've been to Open Range with a few friends several times. After learning their rules, we weren't bothered, except to ask that when shooting head shots we shoot at a closer range. One general comment I'll make is that they don't know your level or experience, nor your ability for safe handling. They have to have their instructions based on the lowest common denominator. I'll bet that they have a library full of hair raising stories. Anyway, I've always had a good time shooting there. I haven't been to Louisville Armory in many years. I think it has changed hands several times since my last visit. Glad to hear that the ventilation has improved. American Shooters is owned by some top notch people. I'm sure the facility will be the same. I do wonder about the practicality about allowing a member to take up a lane for a whole day. There are plenty of shooters who'd rather shoot the breeze all day long and shoot very little while occupying a lane. I wouldn't want to go to a gym and not be able to use a piece of equipment because a premium member wanted to sit on it all day long. I'm sure that that will be one of the bugs they'll work out after they are open for a time.

    I believe American Shooters Clarksville will have all day lanes only when there isn't a wait otherwise it's 1 hour.

    Thanks for the feedback on your experience!
     
    Last edited:

    littletommy

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 29, 2009
    13,015
    113
    A holler in Kentucky
    I'm general manager of American Shooters Clarksville, feel free to ask any questions! As Mike said, we are under construction, and hoping to be open mid/late April. We're looking forward to making this the best range and shooting experience in the area.
     

    jamil

    code ho
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jul 17, 2011
    60,116
    113
    Gtown-ish
    Forestry Range in Henryville would be great, if not for the people.


    :D


    (those who use it know what I'm talking about)

    Yep. I know. Among other things, it's really annoying with other people you don't know start shooting at YOUR targets. :rolleyes:

    I haven't been there since the bridge work was finished and the use fee was started. Have they made any improvements to the range? Or do I still need to bring my waders for changing targets during Spring months?

    I'm general manager of American Shooters Clarksville, feel free to ask any questions! As Mike said, we are under construction, and hoping to be open mid/late April. We're looking forward to making this the best range and shooting experience in the area.

    This sounds like it'll be a great place to shoot. I don't get out that way often but I'll have to come out there after it's done.
     
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