Back in MD, now living in SoMD (Charles County)

Gino z32 said:

So as the title states...after a six year hiatus in a more constitution friendly state (PA), I am now back in MD, specifically Charles County (technically Waldorf, but actually Bennsville). That being said, what are some good ranges in the area? I know about Fred's, but is there anything out this way that has 100+ yard lanes? If not, what about clubs? Thanks in advance, and although it's not necessarily great to be back in MD, it's great to be back on the boards!

Click to expand...

traveller said:

Myrtle Grove WMA is an outdoor range off Hawthorne Road. 100yds unattended. During the week, in the morning, you have the place often to yourself. Saturday morning is when the zombies come out. With it being open to anyone regardless of qualification and in absence of an RSO, you really have to keep your eyes open about who is shooting with you. Most people know the safety rules, but occasionally there is some mindboggling stupidity on display. It's $20/year and you can buy the range permit on MD DNRs 'Compass' system. Also, any Walmart that sells licenses and 'Lees Market' in Potomac Heights have the annual permit. $5 daily self-service permits are available from a metal post at the range. Make sure you have a permit, occasionally NRP or 'Dan' the WMA ranger come around to check. Please adhere to the rules about shooting times etc. (place is closed sunday mornings for church).

There are few other options.
Isaac Walton League was trying to build an outdoor range off Smallwood Church road in Marbury (technically Indian Head). This was going to be on a 200acre parcel but the NIMBYs shot that down.
Sanners Lake outdoor club in Lexington Park has a nice range facility. They have a waiting list 2-3 years long. There is now a commercial range that way as well. 'Flat Broke Shooters' or something like that. Haven't had time to check them out yet.

Click to expand...

Gino z32 said:

Thanks for the quick replies. It sounds like I will definitely have to check out Myrtle Grove. The quiet mornings sounds like a treat for me, as my shift switches to 1500-2300 every other month, and with two young kids I'm usually up by 0600 anyways. I also have no problem calling people out on stupidity and sheer lack of safety, if so deserved...

hopefully one day I'll get to meet up with some of you SoMD guys!

Click to expand...

Gino z32 said:

Thanks for the quick replies. It sounds like I will definitely have to check out Myrtle Grove. The quiet mornings sounds like a treat for me, as my shift switches to 1500-2300 every other month, and with two young kids I'm usually up by 0600 anyways. I also have no problem calling people out on stupidity and sheer lack of safety, if so deserved...

hopefully one day I'll get to meet up with some of you SoMD guys!

Click to expand...

traveller said:

Oh, and if you live in Bensville, put Bensville in your profile. It's not Waldorf

Click to expand...

Gino z32 said:

Good call, I know it's a completely different beast from Waldorf lol.

Click to expand...

traveller said:

Not to be nitpicky, I believe it's one 'n'.


I looked at building a house off Bensville Rd. It's a spectacular piece of land, but then I decided that I didn't want to have the most expensive house in a Waldorf zip code. Great spot if you need to commute into DC but prefer to live in Chuck Co over PG.

Click to expand...

Gino z32 said:

From everything I've seen, it's two n's...and yes, we live out that way in a neighborhood off Bennsville Rd. My wife works in Arlington, and I still work in Baltimore county, so given the options (PG or Charles Co), I think we ended up in the best place available. Also, unless I'm reading your last sentence wrong, Waldorf is Charles county, not PG. Same for Bennsville. The county line is actually just prior to the 228/229 (Bensville Rd) intersection.

Click to expand...