Florida Shooters Network

by **mjmensale** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 8:43 pm

I'm posting this on GD so more folks will see it. It's part of an email from a brother "hog" from SniperCountry.com. He's been mentioning this for several months now and it looks like it's a go! =D>

It looks like we may be getting a real 1,000 yard range to play with in our own backyard! This is happening at the Indian River County public range in Sebastian/Vero Beach. That's a bit less than 2 hours from Boca for me. And I already drive past there to get to Port Malabar's 600 yard range.

The way it looks right now is 15 to 20 fixed firing positions, traditional pits at 600 & 1000. Holden (the rangemaster) is working on mil surplus canteliever targets for the pits. Downside is that there will probably have to be tubes at 125yds (10 foot culverts) due to insurance regs or something. We will be able to shoot prone and he may put concrete t benches in, or stout wood ones to match what is existing.

As far as timeframe, he is trying to get a good price on fill dirt and is getting bids now, all of the approvals have gone thru. I look for construction slated for this late spring/early summer. Hopefully, by the fall, we will have 1000 yds in FL! For GP, we could probably even organize a SC shoot for the dead of winter.

Hooray, I get to stretch out some of the big toys more often!

Regards,

Rob

by **Nick Ward** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:12 pm

What's the scoop on non-residents shooting there? Do you need a membership, NRA card, proof of competancy, dead hog...? -:x

by **ScrubJ** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:48 pm

Hey Nick, all you gotta do is show up with a picture ID, and fill out the form. You will be issued a card, and from then on, all you have to do is show the issued card. This is for the Indian River range.

The range is pretty cool, if you have something that shoots anything, bring it. Bows, pellet guns, shotguns, even full auto. You DO have to let them know you have F/A and they prefer it on Sundays. I'd call ahead for more details on that.

Won't allow direct link, but follow me on this. Click on link, then 'departments" then "general services' then 'shooting range"

http://www.ircgov.com/

The Palm Bay one is members only, and have to belong to the NRA. I THINK the dues at Palm Bay are $125.00 a year, and you have to have a sponsor.

by **Nick Ward** » Sat May 01, 2004 6:42 am

Thanks for the info and link!

Question - is the "Palm Bay" club same as Malabar? I know they're in the same territory, have a friend who lives in Malabar.

by **ScrubJ** » Sat May 01, 2004 8:01 am

Not sure. Here is the link to their site. I DO think they are the same. If you ever make it up this way on the weekend, give me a holler. I'm not the best shot in the world, and don't have a lot of fancy toys, but I'm usually always ready to send some down range.

Linky to Palm Bay http://www.portmalabarrpclub.com/

by **Nick Ward** » Sat May 01, 2004 8:28 am

ScrubJ wrote:Not sure. Here is the link to their site. I DO think they are the same. If you ever make it up this way on the weekend, give me a holler. I'm not the best shot in the world, and don't have a lot of fancy toys, but I'm usually always ready to send some down range.

Linky to Palm Bay http://www.portmalabarrpclub.com/

My lady friend who lives up that way has an uncle with some private property he uses for a range. I plan on checking it out - if it's legit maybe we can get a shoot together up that way. I'll keep ya posted!

by **mjmensale** » Sat May 01, 2004 11:09 am

The Indian River County range is a county public range. As ScrubJ said, just bring your ID and flash your pearly whites! =en

"Malabar" and "Palm Bay" are the same thing. The "Port Malabar R & P Club" is located in the city of Palm Bay.

Like many clubs, Malabar is NRA affiliated and requires its members to be NRA members. If you're not already an NRA member, you'll get it when you fill out the application. $35 a year (for the NRA) isn't a big deal, even if you don't like them! Just ignore their weekly mailing for $$$.

Malabar dues are $75 a year (excluding NRA) and the initial membership is $200 if I recall correctly. Sponsorship isn't mandatory. And they allow everything including C3, bows, etc. Not sure about .50s though.

BTW, no MACs on the 1,000 yard line! Sorry! =en

Moe

by **Nick Ward** » Sat May 01, 2004 1:53 pm

Moe, you sure about the sponsorship thing? Last time I looked - months ago, granted - you had to have the blessing of at least one member, so I didn't bother to check it out further.

by **mjmensale** » Sat May 01, 2004 2:12 pm

For what it's worth, I didn't have a sponsor when I signed up. I was told it didn't really matter. "Leave the space blank."

But, hey! Don't you know someone who's a member? =:lnstop

Moe

by **Nick Ward** » Sat May 01, 2004 2:27 pm

Yeah, well, I'm shy about asking for favors 'n' stuff.

I don't even know if I'd fit in up there with all you hoity-toity types, sipping latte with your pinky's in the air. I'm just a common dude, Dude =:lnstop

by **echo6** » Sat May 01, 2004 2:49 pm

Nick Ward wrote:Yeah, well, I'm shy about asking for favors 'n' stuff.

I don't even know if I'd fit in up there with all you hoity-toity types, sipping latte with your pinky's in the air. I'm just a comon dude, Dude =:lnstop

I made subtile hints about becoming a member of the Malabar club to two diffrent people who I know are members on a few occasions.

Niether of them ever commented on my hints at the subject, so I just let the matter drop. .xup

echo6

by **ScrubJ** » Sat May 01, 2004 10:01 pm

Hey guys, you CAN shoot .50 at the Indian River range, I have the emptys to prove it :)

For the most part, the ROs are pretty cool, and if you don't do anything stupid, they leave you alone. They check your firearm for obstructions when you get to the line, after that they don't bother you.

We have a couple of semi-regulars that show up with class 3 stuff Sunday afternoons. Kinda neat to see someone use more ammo in 15 minutes than I have in a full day.

They used to allow tracers, but had a small fire start on the range, so now you PROBABLY won't be allowed to shoot them.

by **ScrubJ** » Sat May 01, 2004 10:04 pm

Hey Nick, I'm prolly more blue collar that you are... No finger liftin for this guy.

by **Nick Ward** » Sun May 02, 2004 5:10 pm

Sounds like a cool place to shoot! I usually shoot at Pop's here, no weapon-type restrictions at all.

And just FYI I'm pretty sure it's illegal to shoot tracers here in FL - fire hazard and all that. No other comments, just a FYI for ya :smile

ScrubJ wrote:Hey Nick, I'm prolly more blue collar that you are... No finger liftin for this guy.

:bb

by **mjmensale** » Mon May 03, 2004 12:24 pm

Nick Ward wrote:I don't even know if I'd fit in up there with all you hoity-toity types, sipping latte with your pinky's in the air. I'm just a common dude, Dude =:lnstop

"Hoity-toity" types?! Have you ever been in Palm Bay? Ask for a latte and you'll get looks like this -> :eek ;=je

As far as being "subtly hinted to," I don't know if that was me or not but I don't usually do "subtle" very well!

But I will extend an open offer to sponsor anyone who would like to join the Port Malabar club! How's that for subtle? :ber

Moe

by **ScrubJ** » Mon May 03, 2004 8:54 pm

If I wasn't so "blue collar" I'd love to take you up on the offer. Have to see how my summer income works out.

by **.45FMJoe** » Thu May 20, 2004 11:14 am

Oooooooooh man, 1000 yards!!!! I can't wait to get home and tell my Garand the good news!

I'm in Tampa but my grandfather lives in Stuart so I go visit him every now and then. Whenever I visit, we always go shooting at the Indian River range.

Happy, happy, joy, joy! I'm engulfed in rapture.

Now I must return to work. :(

by **dukeofurl** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 7:32 am

mjmensale wrote:The Indian River County range is a county public range. As ScrubJ said, just bring your ID and flash your pearly whites!

"Malabar" and "Palm Bay" are the same thing. The "Port Malabar R & P Club" is located in the city of Palm Bay.

Like many clubs, Malabar is NRA affiliated and requires its members to be NRA members. If you're not already an NRA member, you'll get it when you fill out the application. $35 a year (for the NRA) isn't a big deal, even if you don't like them! Just ignore their weekly mailing for $$$.

Malabar dues are $75 a year (excluding NRA) and the initial membership is $200 if I recall correctly. Sponsorship isn't mandatory. And they allow everything including C3, bows, etc. Not sure about .50s though.

BTW, no MACs on the 1,000 yard line! Sorry!

Moe

For an initial new member the first year fees are like $260-275, I forget.

Sponsorship is mandatory, I'm a member and I've had to sponsor people. If anyone wants a signature, I'd be glad to sign.

I know you can shoot a 50, but I'm not sure if you can do it on 600.

by **Nick Ward** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 3:43 pm

Moe, any update on the project?

by **mjmensale** » Mon Jul 26, 2004 5:38 pm

Nick Ward wrote:Moe, any update on the project?

Part of an email I received from my "Man On The Scene."

Holden has applied to the State for the funds. To the best of my knowledge, everything is approved, now they are just jumping thru the normal hoops. I will definitely keep you posted. I've already commited to holding a monthly or bi-monthly tactical rifle match there, and there is growing interest in F-class there as well. Last I heard, the r/o and coach for Benning's rifle team signed a letter of commitment to come here to train in the winters.

You probably know the r/o at IRC, it's Holden Kris (that used to be at Markham). He's an old 1k shooter as well, so it was like preaching to the choir talking him into the 1k!

Tactical matches, "F" class matches and the Army Marksmanship Unit! Sounds like this will be a busy place come fall/winter.

Moe

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