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Do you know of any ranges in the area (DFW) that allow 12 ga buckshot or birdshot? Shoot Smart allows slugs on their private lane (add = $3 to range fee)) but I'd like to be able to shoot something other than $1 rounds...gets kind of expensive.

Why do you need to shoot steel shot? Are you patterning for migratory hunting? I mean - steel shot is typically more expensive than just lead shot. I guess I am confused as to what you are asking...

Elm Fork in Irving has a Shotgun/Skeet Range. And they will let you shoot by yourself. They program a controller with a 3 sec delay and give it to you. Then you just go out and "throw" your own skeet. I have done this a couple of times to test a shotgun after having work done to it.

Thanks. Sounds like they are pretty reasonable. What was your expereince with their customer service and do you know how much they charge?

mrpesas wrote:Elm Fork in Irving has a Shotgun/Skeet Range. And they will let you shoot by yourself. They program a controller with a 3 sec delay and give it to you. Then you just go out and "throw" your own skeet. I have done this a couple of times to test a shotgun after having work done to it.

I picked some up pretty cheap. I'd like to get rid of it while having fun.

couzin wrote:Why do you need to shoot steel shot? Are you patterning for migratory hunting? I mean - steel shot is typically more expensive than just lead shot. I guess I am confused as to what you are asking...

v-rog wrote:I picked some up pretty cheap. I'd like to get rid of it while having fun.

You didn't say what your shot size was nor shell length. Your size shot may not be acceptable at any range. Most ranges will only allow 7-1/2 shot (lead) and 2-3/4" shells as the largest on their skeet and trap fields. In steel, number 7 shot is the smallest made but it is actually larger than the lead shot (but not by much (.095" (lead) versus .10" (steel)). I'd ask - before a range officer catches you and asks you to pack up for the day. If it is worth your while and you have quite a bit of the steel shot - you might sell or trade it here to the migratory hunters, or try the Texas Hunting Forum. I'd trade you but I have pretty much given up on ducks etc.

Quote: "Elm Fork in Irving has a Shotgun/Skeet Range. And they will let you shoot by yourself. They program a controller with a 3 sec delay and give it to you. Then you just go out and "throw" your own skeet."

I did their "dove field" course a few months back, with a new 20 gauge O/U and #8 shot. While I did enjoy it, it took a while to get acclimated to swinging and shooting toward high rise buildings in the background - not all that far in the background. No problem with bird shot as it falls out pretty quickly. Scary though to think that someone could walk out there unchecked and mistakenly start launching buckshot into the air at a 45 degree angle toward buildings, parking lots and roadways.

Not sure about their skeet range, but the Garland Public Outdoor Range allows just about any kind of shotgun shells on their shotgun lane next to the pistol range. I was there last weekend with my new Saiga 12, firing steel birdshot and buckshot. On the way out the door, one of the range officials made the comment to me that I could shoot slugs or whatever out there. They didn't check any of my ammo.... I'll be taking some hollowpoint slugs next time.

The only downside is that you're shooting at cardboard boxes, but he told me that you can attach targets to them if you so desire. Price is reasonable too, $10 to join, and $10 a visit thereafter:

http://www.eaglepeakshootingrange.com/gpsr/gpsr.htm

The only thing I didn't like about it was that there's no rapid fire, or even double-tap allowed. My Saiga was itchin' to let go a burst. Here's me at the range:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ldIFqPzzYk

I went to DFW Gun Club for my first time today and they let me shoot whatever I had with me- birdshot, buckshot, etc. I was really impressed with the staff and the military discount doesn't hurt! I will be going back.