Find some summer fun at Hurlburt's Rifle and Pistol Club

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Rifle and Pistol Club on Red Horse Road has been at Hurlburt Field, Fla., for 32 years.

The club promotes firearm safety, familiarity and marksmanship among its patrons.

"Our policy is to provide a safe and family friendly place," said William Walter, Air Force Special Operations Command program analyst, club chairman of membership advisory council and a 30-year member."

The club offers courses on firearm training, concealed carry and self-defense firing. There are two specialty ranges for in-depth skills and maneuvering. One range is 20-yards long and has 10 lanes. The other has 14 lanes with distances up to 200-yards for recreational shooting.

Active-duty personnel and their families, Guard, Reserve, retired members and civilians with access to Hurlburt Field can become a member. The annual dues are $75, and renewals are $60.

"Membership is granted after successfully passing a written exam concerning rules and conduct while using the ranges," said Walter. "The level of training provided qualifies all members as basic range safety officers."

As long as there are two people present for safety reasons, members can use the range every day from sunrise to sunset, according to Michael Sheehan, range manager.

"Our membership is 'self-policing' the majority of the time," said Walter.

The club depends on the members' integrity and professionalism.

Sheehan said each member is held to a high standard of safety and club maintenance throughout their membership. For example, the first shooter of the day is required to inspect bullet traps and their range of choice.

With the knowledge our members have in safely maintaining the range, expenses are greatly reduced, Sheehan said.

New membership applications are accepted 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Saturday.

For more information about the Hurlburt Field Rifle and Pistol Club, visit http://myhurlburt.com/pdf/rifleandpistol_SOP.pdf.