Tossing around the idea of becoming a member. Any fellow Colorado Springs shooters care to weigh in?
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Tossing around the idea of becoming a member. Any fellow Colorado Springs shooters care to weigh in?
I usually just head down to Ft Carson's Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Center. $10 shoot all day but I usually shoot rifle from 2-600 yards. Those damn globes on range one are tough!
I have co-workers and friends with memberships at magnum and whistling pines to shoot in poor weather or close to home. No bad reviews from either place.
I've been with WP for years, no complaints at all. Besides the range aspect they can order guns from the major distributors, and receive out-of-state purchases for transfer. Met the club's owner once as he was leading a class, and seemed like a good guy.
Never been to Magnum.
You'll find more 'actively involved in the community' people at whistling pines. If you're having a hard time making the choice, go with the club that's closest to you.
Magnum lets non members shoot there. So any dude off the street can come in.
Whistling Pines requires you to be a member or the guest of a member. Thats it. If you are a member of a shooting range, Whistling Pines will waive the initiation fee. They also have 2 locations.
Full disclosure, I am the NFA dude at WPGC East. I only work there Friday nights.
Moonlighter
I've been a member of Whistling Pines for years. The west location is about 5min from my house. It's a nice facility and rarely gets busy.
I know Whistling Pines has move and shoot functions which are fun and good training. Whistling Pines runs a Bullseye league during the winter months dependent on demand from members.
Does Magnum have anything fun or competitive?
Ripley likes Whistling Pines.
Are you a veteran?
My dad shoots there all the time during the week at Magnum as a non member. Since he is a veteran the cost is reasonable so much so the cost of the membership is not worth it. The cost of membership at both is preposterous in my opinion.
Full disclosure: I was a charter member of Whistling Pines. I joined before the first (East) location even opened. A little over a year ago I became a [very] part time employee. Currently I work 1300-1800 (closing) on Sundays at the East club (approximately highway 24 and Marksheffel).
I like the club, which was why I've been a member for so long. For a flat monthly fee, you can shoot as often as you like, as long as you like, no restrictions. You can make reservations online to guarantee that you have a lane waiting for you when you arrive. You want to reserve a lane to shoot on for four hours straight? Knock yourself out, we never ration shooting time (unless you don't have a reservation and someone else does, at which point we'll do our best to move you to a different lane so you can keep shooting). Obviously, reservations come first. Reservations are not required (we'll set them up as you walk in, if available) but I really recommended them.
Gotta guest? You can reserve up to two lanes online, so you can reserve a lane for them too. Want more than two lanes? Call the club and we can reserve them for you.
The East club has a 25yard range that where two lanes can accommodate rifles. The West range (Garden of the Gods and I25) has a 14-yard pistol caliber range and a 100-yard rifle caliber range. If you're a member you're a member at both locations.
The only feedback I've gotten from customers about WP versus Magnum is the oft-repeated comment "You folks are much friendlier here than Magnum!" I'm quick to point out after such comments that it depends on who's behind the counter (I'm a friendly guy) and how busy we are. We get slammed REALLY hard sometimes and it makes it hard to socialize with the customers. I do my best to apologize, but if someone's expecting an hour-long one-on-one conversation when we're four deep at the counter I'll do my best, but it'll be time slicing.
But yhea, if we're not busy I'll talk to you for hours on end!
O2
Ps. Nothing beats shooting indoors on a cold, windy day!
https://whistlingpinesgunclub.com/
Just my 2c. I was in the springs for a 2 day pistol class. Had an extra day and popped into whistling pines not knowing it was a private range. They were SUPER friendly and let us shoot on the range anyway. Even charged us what I thought was too cheap of a fee. Afterwards, we got a tour of the place and chatted for about an hour. Extremely good experience and would join there in a flash if I lived there. Was very impressed with the facility and people.
how many 100 yard ranges at the wp west range?
There are five 100yard rifle lanes at wp west. All lanes have benches that you can 'pull back' if you want to use a mat (they have some for use). It's worth mentioning that they have coffee for members too.
I've been to seminars at WP West. I've shot a few times at Magnum. I (used to) believe each club was excellent....
Lately I've heard a few friends give less-than-glowing reviews about Magnum's staff. Pushing particular firearms too aggressively ... speaking unkindly to members and guests.
I do not enjoy shooting indoors. I'm a member at Pikes Peak Gun Club, where I really enjoy the people and staff. It's great that we have multiple locations in The Springs.
I’ve been a member at WP. Can’t recommend them highly enough.
Are you a vet by chance? Magnum always has free shooting for vets so I wouldn't pay to join if I were you.Quote:
Originally Posted by van7559