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.
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.
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