Taking a trip to Blue Mountain

[Emkay44]

I'm planning on checking out Blue Mountain this Saturday. I know the sportsman center opens at 10 AM but is it recommended that I go earlier? From what I understand, I need to leave my bag in the car, check in and buy a ticket, get back in the car and drive it to the range (if the gate is open). In order to get in a lane as close to 10 AM, should I drive over earlier?

The only reason I'm asking is because I have limited time during the week and I will only have a few hours free this Saturday and would like to maximize my first time on a range and to allow some time to speak to a RSO for tips, help and to basically let him/her know that I'm a newbie. Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[Stretz Tactical Inc.]

They usually have a line forming by then. So, get there around 9:30 and wait at the window to pay - that should save you a few minutes. no one can got hot until 10:00

 

[Emkay44]

They usually have a line forming by then. So, get there around 9:30 and wait at the window to pay - that should save you a few minutes. no one can got hot until 10:00

Thank you. I'll go for 9:30 arrival then. So glad I'm just a few minutes away. Can't wait!

 

[STS556]

I usually go on Friday mornings after work to the big bore rifle range. At that time there is only a few people there so I don’t know what it’s like on a Saturday. I dont have handguns so I cant speak for the pistol range.

If you can, pay for 2 hours. Its $13 an hour. If you pay for only 1 hour, you risk the chance of a target change and that could take up to 20 minutes. That leaves only 40 minutes for shooting.

No rapid fire and 5 in the mag. At the 100 yard range is a dirt backstop at 185 yards that they put all kinds of stuff to shoot like steel plates, hanging bowling pins and yellow golf balls. Most of the RSO’s are cool but a couple are clock watchers and will watch you like a hawk if you are new there.

Make friends with the RSO’s and let them take a shot or two if they show interest in your rifle. It will go a long way in making your time at the range more fun.

 

[togmaster]

Doubt that it will be very crowded at this time of year. You should be fine. Say hi to Walt if you go to the pistol range.

 

[BDinPutnam]

I agree with everything @STS556 says above.

My favorite time to go to the rifle range is a rainy Thursday.

I am fortunate to have a 50 yard range at my house so haven't been to the pistol range.

 

[Emkay44]

Although I wouldn't mind the RSO watching me like a hawk, I do enjoy solitude when doing certain things.

...and it looks like a little rain come Saturday

 

[Emkay44]

Doubt that it will be very crowded at this time of year. You should be fine. Say hi to Walt if you go to the pistol range.

If Walt is there, I will tell him you said "hi." Hope he know who togmaster is!

 

[TopShot]

@Emkay44, what gun are you running?
The pistol range has 20 ports.
4 are 25 yards,15 are 15 yards and the #20 port is 7 yards.

 

[Emkay44]

@Emkay44, what gun are you running?
The pistol range has 20 ports.
4 are 25 yards,15 are 15 yards and the #20 port is 7 yards.

My one and only pistol is a CZ P-10C. I loved the grip and the price point wasn't terrible. I'd probably go for 7 or the 15 yards. Thanks for the info, that's really helpful!

 

[TopShot]

@Emkay44, the pistol range is $11
an hour if you don't have a Westchester park pass.
You can stay as long as you like as long as no-one is waiting.
Target changes are about every half hour, they supply you with an NRA B-8 type target.
If you have any of your own you can put them up over theirs.

 

[BuffNiag]

Wait, NY has a public park with a gun range? In Westchester Co. no less?

https://parks.westchestergov.com/sportsman-center

 

[Emkay44]

@Emkay44, the pistol range is $10 an hour if you don't have a Westchester park pass.
You can stay as long as you like as long as no-one is waiting.
Target changes are about every half hour, they supply you with an NRA B-8 type target.
If you have any of your own you can put them up over theirs.

That is a lot of great info. I appreciate it, thank you very much.

 

[cardinalny]

I have shot my pistols at Blue Mountain and it’s a nice facility (public). Walt, the pistol range RSO, is very helpful.
I usually went on a Thursday or Friday cause I felt weekends would be crowded. Good suggestions to get there early and also to pay for 2 hours. You will want to take your time and enjoy your session. Read the posted range rules and introduce yourself to Walt. Have fun and stay safe

 

[TopShot]

When you get up to the window look at the sign in sheet.
If you see everyone checked pistol then maybe you want to pay for 2 hours, otherwise don't.
Even though it's Saturday I doubt it will be crowded this time of year.
I never ever paid for 2 two hours and never ever got chased.
I shoot there 2 to 3 times a month but I go Thursday or Friday.
I always go around 1 P.M. it's the slowest time of the day.
Walt is very nice but also very chatty.
Saturday he has an assistant so there will be 2 RSO's.
Everyone is super friendly so you will be very comfortable there.
Since you said you live in Westchester if you plan to shoot there
often it may pay for you to get a Westchester County park pass.
It costs $75 for 3 years and you can save $3 an hour.
If you shoot a few rounds of trap each time you go it really adds up.
You also mentioned MasterClass in Monroe in an earlier post.
I like to shoot there when it is too cold.
Otherwise I prefer to shoot outside at Blue Mountain where the air and lighting is much better.

 

[TopShot]

Since you are a new shooter you may want to get some professional training.
You can try Welcome to Onsight Firearms Training, LLC.
He trains locally at the Blue Moutain police ranges a few times a month.
I train with him at least once a month.
If you have the time and money you may want to go to SIG SAUER Academy.
They are the biggest firearm academy in the northeast.
I go there with my son a couple times a year.

 

[Emkay44]

I actually called Blue Mountain and spoke with the facility manager - Ross I believe.

He explained the park pass and I think there's value there since it covers all parks, including Playland - a lot of childhood memories there. I'll have to stop by the county center some time and get it.

As for training, I would love it. My brother gave me a few pointers (he's a LEO in CT and gets special training all the time out of state) but I'd love to get some professional training as well. Thank you for the recommendations.

 

[C3D]

Can my 14 year old shoot pistols at Blue Mountain (on my license, of course).

 

[knuts]

Blue mountain is my go to whenever i shoot my .22 havent shot my pistol at their pistol range yet but ive shot my shotgun and ar9 there. Both small bore and pistol range have friendly and helpful rsos.

Big bore on the other hand, if you are new they are not as friendly but the last few times i was there they just left me alone cause they probably recognized me already.

 

[TopShot]

@C3D, NYS says you can, until he is 21 but Blue Mountain may not.
They have gotten much stricter since there is a new chain of command at that park.
They now ask if you have someone in the car as they must sign in with
you because they want to know everyone who goes down to the ranges.
I would bring a .22 rifle with you and say you want 1 hour on the pistol range.
If they ask you at the office you can say you are going to share the lane with your son.
He will shoot rifle and you will shoot pistol.
When you get down to the range I doubt Walt will not give you a hard time
about him shooting a pistol and will probably even give your son a few pointers.

 

[stretch178]

You also don’t need to go to the County Center to get your Westchester Park pass, they will issue it up at Blue Mountain. Up there today on the pistol range and it was relatively quiet. The other thing to keep in mind is that after December 16th they close till January 19th. Enjoy your shooting up there.

 

[STS556]

Wait, NY has a public park with a gun range? In Westchester Co. no less?

https://parks.westchestergov.com/sportsman-center

Yeah. Go figure. A rifle range in the middle of this liberal cesspool we call Westchester. But I am guessing its days may be numbered if googley eyed Latimer has his way, just like he killed off the gun show at the County Center.

 

[STS556]

By the way, if the pistol range is anything like the rifle range, all the benches are covered so if its raining you are dry.

 

[Emkay44]

One more question. I just want to cover my bases. While driving, I will have ammo and gun stored away separately - trunk and glove or center console.

How should I pack everything else? I do have a simple range bag but how should it be packed? Can I have the pistol, unloaded and without magazine locked in a pocket by a small master lock or should it be kept in the case that came with the pistol? For that matter, how do you all pack for a few hours at the range and how? This may seem nitpicky but I'm a stickler for following rules, especially if it keeps me out of trouble with the very people who granted me a permit!

Thanks in advance and looking forward to reading your answers/recommendations.

 

[TopShot]

Technically you have a carry permit so if you had a holster you could carry it CONCEALED to the range.
Since you are a newbie and a little worried I would carry it unloaded in a locked box out of your reach.
The lock box could be the box the gun came in or a soft case.
The ammo could be carried in your range bag also out of your reach.
If you go interstate you should also have the ammo in a locked box.
Do not transport the gun or ammo in the center console or glove compartment.
The trunk of a car is considered a locked box so you would not need a lock on the box or case.
If you have a car carry the gun in the trunk and the range bag with the ammo on the floor in the back seat.
If you have an SUV carry the gun in the cargo area and the range bag with the ammo also on the floor in the back seat.
Above all be SAFE, a gun is a big responsibility.
When you get to the range unbox the gun in the port not on the seats behind you.
Always keep the muzzle pointed down range.
Don't flag anyone including yourself.
When you put the gun down make sure it is locked back with the chamber side facing up.
When they call a cease fire for a target change or for what ever reason make sure you do this and stand back from the port.
This way the RSO will know the status of your gun.
Today Walt is working and he may have Mike or Diane as one of his assistants.
Have Fun, Enjoy!

 

[cardinalny]

So how was your Blue Mountain trip? Range report request

 

[Emkay44]

I made sure to transport the ammo in separate locked containers and the pistol in its retail case, also locked. The bag and ammo were in the on the floor and the pistol and case in the trunk area. I just made sure everything was out of reach and locked with those TSA approved travel combination locks. I'll streamline how I pack everything as time goes on but for now, I'm think I'm good.

For my range report: Blue Mountain was great! Walt gave me a bunch of tips and helpful advice. He adjusted my rear sight and I let him fire off a few rounds for fun. I had so much fun, I went back today. Diane was there helping out and good thing too, it was crowded. She was helpful and friendly and a good complement to Walt. Still had a lot of fun. I have to say, I'm a fan and I'd recommend Blue Mountain to any new shooters.

Going back next two weekends until they close for a few weeks. I'll find another range then but I'm going right back once they open up. I'm hooked.

Thank you all for your advice and feedback!