I'm a senior member at NFGA and have been there for about 10 years. It used to be a great place but has really gone downhill the past 4-5 years. It just isn’t a safe or pleasant place to visit anymore. Bear in mind I’ve never been in trouble or had any issues, this is just my take watching interactions with other people there.
The range truly feels like it is in New York or New Jersey – NOT New Hampshire. The combination of weird RSOs and excessive rules creates a nervous and jumpy atmosphere. Frankly I’m surprised that there haven’t been any accidents due to this.
They have several ranges but each range requires a separate written test and shooting qualification; typically scheduled once per month during the summer. There are a total of 5 separate qualifications (Fowler, Procter, Action Range, Leveridge 200/300 and Leveridge 500/600yds. Each shooting qual. requires 10 out of 10 shots in the black of a standard NRA target for the specified distance. Not hard, but not exactly fun in front of a group of 30-40 people watching. If you pull a shot, you fail and must re-attend another qualification.
There are several members who volunteered to be Range Safety Officers and let the responsibility go to their heads. They drive by the ranges every day, check out the brass buckets and “patrol” for range violations. There is one particular retired Air Force Colonel with too much free time that takes this to a comical level.
It has nice grounds but it truly feels like the people running the club, really do not want people shooting there. The amount of rules is absolutely ridiculous and extend way beyond what is reasonable or practical. They have rules about where you are permitted to use a cell phone, where you can drink water, requirements to show NFA documents and so on. There are also cameras EVERYWHERE and people actually watch the footage for rule violations.
Here are some examples of how the rules are written. Keep in mind the rule book is 39 pages and reads like a legal disclaimer in fine print.
4.17.2 Anyone in possession of fully automatic firearms or other devices regulated under the National Firearms Act such as suppressors, short barreled rifles or short barreled shotguns must have in their possession, a BATF form(s) 1,2,3,4 or 5 and any other BATF supplied documentation demonstrating registration and ownership. The paperwork must be presented upon request to any club official including an RSO or CRSO. Inability or refusal to produce the paperwork will result in the individuals immediately being asked to leave club property.
4.23.3 The use of recognizable person’s image in either cartoon or realistic form shall not be used.
4.25 Profanity: Profanity at the range is in very poor taste and is discouraged.
4.32.3 If a carry firearm shooter wants to reload and re-holster the carry gun, they should use either of the “safety areas” in the vicinity of the Fowler / Federal Ranges or on Veterans Range. Reloading and re-holstering anywhere else on the club is not permitted.
11.6.7 The only rifles that may be used are those conforming to CMP Service Rifle, NRA High Power Match, or “F” class. Any other rifle may be used after obtaining the approval of a Leveridge Range Committee member.
11.6.10 Escorted guests are not allowed to fire from the 500 or 600 yard line unless it is a scheduled/organized event.
I’m on a waitlist for another range and will let my membership at NFGA lapse once my slot is up. It’s good for sighting in hunting rifles though.
Haven't been to Pelham in years but it seemed like a nice place. We used to shoot trap there on Tuesday evenings after work but stopped going after I was almost shot by a new shooter. Not the clubs fault but would prefer to stick to smaller/quieter ranges after that.
![[laugh]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/012.gif "Laugh [laugh]")
