Recs Needed: Range + Shooting & Hunting Resources in Northern Virginia / DC Area

[TexianHussar]

Esteemed Roksliders,

I relocated from Austin, TX to Arlington, VA for work relatively recently. I knew I was pretty spoiled in Texas with a big Cabelas down the road, great gunsmiths in the area, active shooting sports and hunting clubs, major shooting ranges everywhere, etc. I spent some time in the Austin area back when I was in the Army, so I got to know it decently well even before I started making enough money to shoot regularly, buy cool toys, etc.

I do NOT know any good a) shooting ranges, b) gunsmiths, c) shops/stores, d) clubs or e) other resources for shooting sportsmen and hunters in my new town. I like Northern Virginia, I just don't know it yet.

I primarily shoot classic rifles (think Dakota 76), but I love my Tikka and want to begin exploring my skills at longer range with more modern rifles. I also love to shoot clays. My #1 short term goal is to begin getting ready for my first trip to Africa (Namibia) for Kudu and other plains game at the end of May, so I need to get practicing.

Let me know if you have recommendations on A-E or anything else cool/helpful in the DC area. Thanks for your time!

 

[prm]

Welcome. There was a very nice range that unfortunately closed a year or two ago. I know some shoot at Quantico, but I have not used their range. I’ve always sent out for gunsmith work so can’t help there. Though, there is a small gun shop just south of Warrenton that does some gun smithing and they have a 100 yd range. Sure be nice to know of a good one local though. They do shoot clays at Bull Run Park (66 towards Gainesville). The Isaac Walton league in Centreville (I66 and 28) has a 100yd range and skeet. There is a small Cabelas in Gainesville.

 

[TexianHussar]

Thank you for the reply!

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I hear there is a good range over near Gordonsville, but I haven’t used it. Maybe too far for you?

I really like my local range at Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club, but that’s probably a bit too far for you. It does have a 300-yard range. If you ever want to check out RRPC, let me know. I’m happy to shoot with fellow RokSliders there.

Way back in the day, Clark Brothers had at least a pistol range. I haven’t been there in years.

 

[EdP]

I live in the opposite corner of the state and can't provide recommendations on shooting ranges, but there is a big gun show in Chantilly Va called "The Nation's Gun Show" that is not far from Arlington. I believe it is held several time each year. You might be able to connect with some folks there that could help in your search.

Unfortunately Va is getting much more difficult for gun owners due to the results of our recent election for governor and a Democrat majority in the state senate and house of delegates. I recommend you join VCDL (Va Citizens Defense League) to keep abreast of issues affecting 2A rights in Va. It is especially important to know what is going on if you intend to carry concealed in Va due to recent and proposed changes.