Seeking Recommendations in VT-NH-MA Tristate Area

[RASIS]

Hello, all. I've been living in the CT River Valley for about three years now and haven't been able to find a consistent place to shoot. I know there's a number of clubs in the area and the couple times I've gone out to find them I've ventured out over the hills and through the woods and typically found nothing. My latest attempt was to find tristate firearms in Hinsdale but the directions I used had me going down snowy, muddy hills which I wasn't willing to venture down with the only assurance I was going somewhere I wanted to be was to have faith in google maps (did I mention I'm not much of a country person?).

Anyway, here's the other half of it, I'm not averse to paying fees or anything, but I'm not interested in being a part of a "club," I just want to be able to go out, shoot, and come home when I have the time and a few extra bucks in my pocket for bullets or when I have company up that wants to go done something. I've done most of my shooting since I moved up here when I go home to Pennsylvania where I was spoiled with state-managed free ranges, but the way the cost of gas is going I'm making fewer and fewer trips back there. That being said, I'm getting closer and closer to just driving out to Manchester and making a day of it at the public range out there.

I appreciate any input.

 

[Billsail]

If you're willing to drive to Manchester, there are many clubs in between that do not "require" formal participation in club activities. Harvard Sportsmen's, in Harvard MA, is one such club, but I'm sure there are some closer to you. I'm not sure what you mean when you say you want to join a club, but you don't want to be part of a "club"? Most clubs I'm familiar with don't have any mandated participation, save for some that require you put in some "work hours". A simple telephone call, or check of their website should tell you whether you are required to do this. Avoid these clubs, if that's what you want. Most will reduce your dues based on the number of work hours, and many are only voluntary.

 

[Len-2A Training]

BUT, be aware that the mag and AWB restrictions apply to visitors in MA as well as residents. You'd need a MA NR LTC (special course, $100/year, trip to Chelsea each year and it's restricted to NO CCW) to utilize a MA range legally.

Better off heading to NH, just do FOPA compliance thru MA and you have no worries, no permits and no restrictions.

 

[Billsail]

BUT, be aware that the mag and AWB restrictions apply to visitors in MA as well as residents. You'd need a MA NR LTC (special course, $100/year, trip to Chelsea each year and it's restricted to NO CCW) to utilize a MA range legally.

Better off heading to NH, just do FOPA compliance thru MA and you have no worries, no permits and no restrictions.

I almost said that too, Len, then realized, CT River Valley could be MA.

 

[RASIS]

I almost said that too, Len, then realized, CT River Valley could be MA.

Thank you for your responses so far, but allow me to clarify a couple things.

I am not in MA, I am currently living in NH, right near the CT river between Keene and Lebanon (basically right on the border or Vermont), hence my thinking about just going to Manchester.

Second, I should clarify that I'm looking for a range, not a club. Where I'm from, clubs and ranges are not synonomous. When I hear people talk about being a part of a club, I'm interpretting that as having a lot of requirements and expectations, and that's what I'm trying to avoid. Most of the people I've gone shooting with have a track of land that is far enough away from their neighbors that they don't mind (and for the record, I'm aware of the laws in NH that permit this, but I'm hoping to find something more designated) and aren't aware of anything local to me. While I am not interested in joining a club, I will consider doing so if that's what it comes to.

 

[Climbnsink]

Check out Thetford rod and gun or whatever it is called. Decent range it was 10 or 15 bucks a year and you got a key to the chain across the driveway. Covered shooting benches, target stands, not much else. When I shot there it was empty most of the time. Club has some meetings and puts on a fishing day and a dinner but I never went to those or a meeting, never did anything but pay and shoot. About 6 miles off exit 14(iirc) Thetford exit.

 

[Billsail]

I think you'll find most "clubs" in New England are "pay and shoot" clubs, with nothing compulsory beyond paying your dues. I'll leave it to somebody in your area to point you in the right direction. Good Luck!!!