New Indoor Range In Colorado Springs

[Hoser]

It looks like a new indoor range is going to be built here in Colorado Springs. It will be on the east side of town just past Peterson AFB on Hwy 24.

Contact Greg Lent at mygunwerks@aol.com for more details.

Maybe with a little luck we can run a night IPSC league like the old days at Caswells.

[bbadmin]

Thanks Tom. I sent him a note. Whatever I / we can do to help.

[bbadmin]

Whistling Pines Gun Club

Contact Robert Holmes at Robert.Holmes@mac.com


•2 Million Dollar Facility located on the East Side of Colorado Springs on Highway 24 near the intersection of Marksheffel.
•One stop shopping: Shooting Range, Pro Shop, Gunsmith, and Training Facilities
•Ten – 25 Yard shooting lanes with future expansion to fifteen lanes.
•State of the art Air Filtration and Climate Control System.
•2000 sq. ft. showroom stocked for shooting needs.
•Training in Refuse to be a Victim, CCW, Defensive Tactics, and Basic Firearm Use.
•Rental of 35 popular revolvers and semi-auto pistols, some with laser sights. (Members Only).
•Low cost gun cleaning after use of the range.
•Opening Date is scheduled for September 2005.

Memberships
Memberships are designed for the people who would like to practice their handgun skills in a convenient, safe, clean, and controlled environment. Membership privileges includes:

•Unlimited use of the 10 (expanding to 15) state of the art public shooting lanes with no range fees
•Lane reservations
•Special discounts on products
•Special discounts on training
•3 guest passes a year
•Handgun Rental privileges
•Monthly dues are automatically deducted from credit card.
•Memberships are limited to 3000.
•Memberships are transferable with a small transfer fee.


Individual Membership

Pre-Grand Opening Specials:
•$175 one time initiation fee. No monthly payment until the Grand Opening

Post Grand Opening:
•$250 one time initiation fee
•The monthly dues are $20.
•Annual prepayment of the monthly dues is possible and will result in a discount of $20 giving annual dues of only $220 instead of $240

Family Membership
The Family membership plan is identical to the individual membership except that it covers up to 4 family members living at the same address.

Pre-Grand Opening Specials:
•$350 one time initiation fee. No monthly dues until the Grand Opening

Post Grand Opening:
•$450 one time initiation fee.

•The monthly dues are $40.

•Annual prepayment of the monthly dues is possible and will result in a discount of $40 giving annual dues of only $440 instead of $480

Law Enforcement Membership
The Law Enforcement membership plan is identical to the individual membership except that it is specifically for members of the Law Enforcement community.

Pre-Grand Opening Specials:
•$125 one time initiation fee and no dues until the Grand Opening

Post Grand Opening:
•$175 one time initiation fee thereafter
•The monthly dues are $20.
•Annual prepayment of the monthly dues is possible and will result in a discount of $20 giving annual dues of only $220 instead of $240.


.

[Rickyj]

I leave the Springs and they build some bad assed shooting club? :cry:

Oh well, all the better for you guys. :D

[GLCM_Guy]

Any chance of a Military membership? Maybe one that covers Reserve members, too?

[Hoser]

I asked the same question about Military memberships.

I did not get a "Why didnt we think of that?" but a "We will think about it."

When 50% of all troops in Iraq are Reserve and Guard I think it its only appropriate that the guard and reserve be included.

[bbadmin]

UPDATE:


Hi Roger

Wellllllllllllll, we've picked out the colors for the died concrete floor, removed a wall that was dividing the classroom (over 400sq ft now!), relocated a door to my office/shop and removed a wall in it to accomodate two 30"wide safes.

The drawings are being finalized and we're anxiously awaiting the March 17 county Commissioners meeting---there was a minor water issue that will either be cleared up or we'll relocate to off of Garden of the Gods.
Barring anything unforseen, we'll break ground in April and open doors in Sept.

We're getting the escrow account set up for pre-opening memberships too.
If you can get me the contact information for the newbies, I'll get them on the list.

regards
Greg

[Hoser]

Another update from Greg.

We, Whistling Pines Gun Club, will start accepting membership monies at this weekend's gunshow at the Youth Outreach center--checks only currently but soon ( a week or so) on the web site: www.whistlingpinesgunclub.com
Yes, the county commishioners voted 100% in favor. No more delays.

The initiation schedule has changed a bit to encourage more early memberships--the bank would like to see 450--600 paid memberships before 1Apr.

After groundbreaking the early membership discount will start going away...you can check the web site for details.

The projected opening time frame is Sept--Oct, 05.

Drop me a note if you've got any questions or better still, stop by the table at the gunshow (with your checkbooks!)

Greg
mygunwerks@aol.com

[Hoser]

Spoke with Greg today.

All is a go.

Cant wait. Indoor range 5 minutes from my house.

[steve in colorado]

Hi all,

Wondering how many here on this forum have opted to join this new indoor shooting facility? Seems like the cost is a little on the high side but then on the other hand it is only a little over seven miles from me. What do you all think?

Thanks

Steve

[michael_aos]

Very close to me too.

I had sort of decided it was just too expensive. And I've heard a lot of bad things regarding lead & indoor ranges.

But the 45-minutes each way to Pueblo gets old. And it's freakin' HOT down there this time of year. High today was 98.

Mike

[bbadmin]

I don't have the money to join. It is very high, and just got higher, or so I'm told.

I'd really like to shoot inside, and not have to drive out to the middle of nowhwere, but the money is just not there.

I'm hoping a lot of people join to keep the place open though!



.

[RYAN50BMG]

I,m thinking that almost 500$ is WAY to high to shoot only handguns on a strait 25 yrd line. I would have to be there 1-2 times a week to be worth it. I would go out on a "pay and shoot as you go", but not a 500$ membership. Put in a shoot house like Valhalla has and I would reconsider. This place is only 5-10 min away for me,FYI. Ryan

[Hoser]

They have broke ground down there. I would bet that by Sept or so its up and running.

IPSC/IDPA type shooting will be allowed. Thats a plus.

I have been leaning (hard) on Greg for a pay as you go membership and giving Military and LE a slight discount. For whatever reason, the owner doesent seem interested in a Military discount, at all. I think its a huge mistake not not make some sort of effort.


But the 45-minutes each way to Pueblo gets old. And it's freakin' HOT down there this time of year. High today was 98. Its only hot if you think its hot. Just stay busy and keep moving. Works for me. I lived in Sudan for a while in the mid 90s. Highs above 120-125 every day. Got used to it.

[michael_aos]

I lived in Sudan for a while in the mid 90s. Highs above 120-125 every day. Got used to it.

I guess...

I'm from East Grand Forks, MN. About and hour South of Winnipeg Manitoba. Icelandic and Norwegian. I don't do well with the heat.

-60 fahrenheit / -100 wind-chill, I'm fine.

Ever been to GFAFB?

Mike

[XJ]

Yeah, it aint't looking cheap. The $350 I can force myself to forget about over time, but the $20/mo will be a frequent reminder. Then again, not having anyplace to go during the short-daylight times other than weekends is a nuisance. With no competiton, and new construction, they don't seem that out of line. Wish it was lower, but they it sounds like a significant investment to try and get a return on.

Anyone want to pretend to be a family with me?




Individual membership fees

Special discounts prior to grand opening (November, 2005)

The one time (not annual) initiation fee is being discounted for people who join in advance of the grand opening. Please see the Can I get a discount? page for details. The sooner you join, the more you’ll save. $20 monthly dues will start at grand opening, which is slated for November, 2005. No monthly dues will be charged before the grand opening.

Regular fees after grand opening

$350 one time (not annual) initiation fee, plus $20 monthly dues.

Annual prepayment of the monthly dues will result in a reduction of dues from $240 to $220, a savings of $20.

[michael_aos]

the $20/mo will be a frequent reminder.

As opposed to $65/yr for a family membership to PWSA.

Mike

[eerw]

Does anyone know if they have a non-member rate..

can't afford to pony up that much dough..rather shoot outside most of the time..but would be nice to have a place to test fire once in awhile

[Sunwolf Enemy]

Far too 'spensive.

Us poor folk'll just have to be satisfied with shootin' outside.

I wish them well though, and hope they succeed. :)

[colblaster]

so, where is this place, I live right up the road from 24 and Marksheffel and I see nothing remotely resembling a structure that could be a range...

It seems to me to be all dirt there.... Am I missing something ?

Anyone have updates or news ?

Regards

[Hoser]

I think the bridge project turned out to be bigger than first though.

The range website new guesses spring 2006 for a move in date.

[Hoser]

It looks like concrete is being poured.

However, it looks like there will not be any non member shooting. Gonna have to stick with test firing in the basement...

[eerw]

yep..was told the forms were set for concrete..and some other infrastructure work was being done to tie into City stuff..

heard spring was tentative move-in.

[gldP01]

I saw them a year or so ago at a gun show and scoffed at the $350 early membership fee. The guy looked at me like I was being ridiculous expecting to pay a reasonable fee.

I just checked the web site again. $500! Are they trying to pay for the building in the first year? I guess that eliminates the middle-aged family types and makes it an elitist club for those with more expendable incomes.

I guess I will have to wait until I'm retired with no kids. At the rate the fees are climbing (and it is not even open), it'll be the price of a new car to join.

[Colorado Osprey]

When I 1st heard of the proposed range, I lived not even 1000 yards from it's location. My 1st thought was, waaay toooo coooool. The I got a flier and looked at the pricing. I shoot 2-3 times a week. My wife and kids shoot at least 2-3 times a month. With the outlay for money, and already a memeber of Izzak Walton, I just can't see being a member at Izaak Walton to shoot shotgun, rifle and pistol...and join Wistling Pines to just shoot indoor 25 yards. The money even at $100/year and $5 a visit would be out of line since they are just short range. I normally don't even shoot handguns less than 50 yards...mostly at 100 yards. $10 a visit for non-members might be reasonable though....except they won't allow non-members to shoot.

Bottom line, I bet they go under do to lack of membership. Maybe not the 1st year, or even the first 5 years. But when the average house payment in Colorado Springs is $1400/month, the average car payment is $375/month, $400/month for health insurance, add in utilities and cost of living expenses and you will need to be either getting a great income in Colorado Springs, which is getting more sparse, someone with money or someone with poor prioritizing. Which I too sometime fall into.

At $700 to join, to some it seems the sum is not astronomical, just a pittance.....to others it is:
a new/used car or motorcycle
groceries for almost a year
gas for your car for a year
a new larger TV
Washer/Dryer for laundry
2-3 months of car payments
winter's heating bill
2 freezers and filled with beef
an above ground pool

My membership for my family for a year at the other shooting club is $120 and no monthly dues.

Sometime you just gotta have that new gun, but there is still a free range in the Colorado Springs area. When the novelty wears off, I don't believe that his prices will keep him in business; his prices will drive him out of business.

[RYAN50BMG]

I talked to these guys at one of the Springs gun shows in Jan. They said they had somewhere between 650 -700 members signed up(the membership fee would go up at 800). I asked about a " pay-per-shoot" and they said no, you had to be a member. They also advertise full-auto rentals in thier flyer, but you have to be a member. I give them a year. Ryan

[gotgun]

I don't agree with the posts that say the club will fail. Compared to shooting in the NF or at dragon man every so often it seems expensive. But to shoot year round, indoors, after dark, I think it is worth the cost. By the way, the range is not just pistol calibers. Rifles can be shot there. I think the cut of is high. Heard that if its chambered in rifle, pistol, shotgun (not carriage mounted) its probably allowed. Not sure, but i know that all the rifles I shoot are OK. Similar clubs in other parts of the country have done very well.
Since I CWW I look forward to regular practice and occasional IPSC style mini-match to keep in practice.

[RYAN50BMG]

Are you a member yet?Once they are up and running (May-June) it will be 700$+50$/mo. :shock: Ryan

[<MADDOG>]

Geez, if I sign up, I'll have to wait until next year to sign up for the Broadmoor Golf Club...... :lol:

The price was ridiculous when they first offered, now it is insane. Six hundred a year is a little steep unless they have an open bar!

[gotgun]

I bought a membership when they were first offered. I'd rather have a nice place to shoot where i don't have to drive up a cordoroy road, or pay every time I go to the range. payng the monthly fee will encourage me to get to the range more often to get my $ worth, and stay in practice. The cost of WPGC isn't for everybody. Somebody needs to open an open (no membership) indoor range in Colo Springs. Any takers?

[XJ]

The cost of WPGC isn't for everybody

I would guess they have researched how other ranges operate and determined that a few expensive memberships will be enough to repay their loans in time, as opposed to a larger number of less-expensive members.

Or they just need income quickly because of the delays in getting it built.

Once they get an idea of how often folks visit and occupy lanes, I wonder if hourly rates will appear as a way to increase cash flow.

[gotgun]

I was in San Antonio, TX in February. One of the gun shops is converting a ciderblock building next to their shop into an indoor range. It will be the only indoor range in San Antonio, so it is better than no indoor range, but it isn't as nice as the one being built here. They have an annual fee instead of a monthly fee. $360 per year.

[G-16]

okay so i guess i do not understand something here. 3 months ago the price was X, and now i see posts saying that it is 700 or 600 just to sign up? when did this happen, or is this just a rumor going around? I do not see the point for a 25 yd range, sure i can shoot anytime i want but i think it will get old fast. I enjoy change, like what happens outdoors.

[Hoser]

okay so i guess i do not understand something here. 3 months ago the price was X, and now i see posts saying that it is 700 or 600 just to sign up? when did this happen, or is this just a rumor going around?
http://www.whistlingpinesgunclub.com/qanda/qandadiscount.html This should answer your questions.

[2ndChildhood]

I normally don't even shoot handguns less than 50 yards...mostly at 100 yards.

Oy! How does that work?

As a newbie, I'm lucky if I can hit a 12 X 8 target once out of 30 shots at 70 yards. And frankly I think that's just a random chance thing - not necessarily a consistent result I can build from.

Are you using scoped pistols & a rest? Or are you the terminator with rock steady hands & super-vision? Or are you using those big poster-size targets?

[Marlin]

Practice, Down south I shoot My USPc at the clays that are 95-100yrds away. When I get the range after a couple of shots, I can useally hit about 7 for 10 with the first shot. :mrgreen:

[XJ]

Has anyone stopped by the place yet, I'm curious if the facilities live up to the hype (and advance purchase price).