Mass Rifle versus Braintree R&P

[zeppelinfromled]

I've basically narrowed down my search for a club to the Massachusetts Rifle Association and the Braintree Rifle and Pistol Club. Mass Rifle is a bit closer to my house, and an easier drive (20 minutes versus 30 minutes).

I shoot pistol and rifle (so the trap setup isn't terribly important to me). A pistol range that goes out to 25 yards is more than enough to satisfy my needs. For rifles, both short range (25 yards) and long range (100 and 200 yards) is desirable. Anyway, I can get all that info on their websites, and it seems that both ranges would fit me needs. One nice thing about Mass Rifle is that I could shoot rifle indoors.

Is there anyone who has experience with both clubs? Is one particularly nicer than the other? Are the members different (is one friendlier)? All the objective info seems to say that either one would fit my needs, so I'm looking for some opinions.

 

[BostonFJ40]

I don't have experience with Braintree R&P but I am from the South Shore. One big thing that immediately jumps out at me is the unpredictable traffic on 93 south and Rte 3 south. Do you want to be able to go to the range whenever you feel like it or do you want to plan around traffic? 93 can be jammed even at random times of the day. I live in Melrose now and I can get to Mass Rifle in ten minutes on any day at any hour.

 

[Len-2A Training]

I've never been to Mass Rifle, but am a member of Braintree, so I can at least tell you a bit about one of the clubs.

- Traffic MUST be a major consideration. If you know some back ways from where you live to at least Quincy, that's a big plus. Or if you know that you'll only be traveling in "off hours" (whatever that means wrt that disaster known as the SE Distressway).

- Braintree's HEPA system on the "new" indoor range is one of very few in the state and is a big plus for those that shoot indoors (your health will thank you). It is a 33'/50'/25 yd range. Plans are to upgrade the ventilation system in the "old" indoor range this year and next. That one is 33' and 50' only. CF rifles are not allowed on the indoor ranges.

- The rifle range is 50/100 yds only. No 25 yd range for rifle unless it is a .22.

- Outdoor pistol ranges are 50'/25 yd/50 yd on one range, 25 yd, 15 yd, 7.5 yd on the other outdoor pistol range. These ranges allow rimfire .22 rifles as well.

- Be aware that paper only is allowed on all ranges, no steel or other objects on these ranges (there is another 50 yd .22 RF plinking range only however that allows plastic/metal).

- Jacketed ammo is allowed on the indoor ranges.

Of the four clubs that I've belonged to over the years, I have found the folks at BR&P to be the most friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. YMMV

I'd be happy to show you around the club at a mutually convenient time. Email me off one of my posts if interested.

I suggest that you go with someone else and visit Mass Rifle so you can get your comparison.

Also check the specific threads here on each club and any others that might be in your geographic range.

 

[T Dog]

I belong to the MRA and I agree with the previous poster - check them both out.

There are MRA volunteers who can give you a tour on Wed. evenings or Sun mornings. They usually also have breakfast on Sun mornings so you can grab something and get to meet a few more people if you are so inclined.

I have found most of the people that I have come in contact with very friendly and willng to help out when asked.

Some of the basics of the MRA facilities include:

-100/200yd outdoor rifle range -50yd range outdoor pistol/rifle range
-50ft outdoor pistol range
-Trap and Sporting Clays range
-Archery Range.
-Indoor 50ft rimfire / airgun range
-25yard indoor pistol/rifle range

There is a electronic fob system and the two indoor ranges are 24/7. The downstairs rage (Loeb) is 75 feet and accepts rifle (all caliber up to but not including .50 BMG, no black powder, no load limit), shotgun (slugs only, 3 round limit) and pistol (all calibers, no black powder, no load limit). There have been recent improvements to the ranges backstop, target retrieval system and air makeup system.

The upstairs (Fazio) is 50 feet and accepts .22 standard velocity and air guns.

The 30 foot outdoor range (Pope) is all calibers of pistol (including black powder) and .22 LR rifle.

The above three ranges plus the shotgun fields are available after completion of orientation when you get your key fob. I know that you said that you weren't all that interested in shotgun but there are also club guns for members if you want to give it a try.

The 50 yard outdoor range (McLaughlin) and 100/200 yard range (Summa) requires an additional orientation due to the club's location.

If you have any other questions, you can always PM me.