Need Recommendation on an Izaak Walton Near Germantown

[RightD]

Good Evening All,

Looking to join an IWLA, and would like additional feedback from folks who have used the ranges at the local ones. There are three that are not too far (Damascus, Frederick and Mt Airy) and I have heard good things about each.

Priority for me is quality pistol and rifle facilities (things like covered positions, a reasonable place to wash up, etc) and a relaxed atmosphere. I'd like to be able to come out and shoot when I want to without too much drama (even if I shoot something unusual looking like a bullpup, etc). Have access to training at work, so classes are not as important to me.

Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Klunatic]

Matt,

The closest would actually be the Rockville Izaak Walton. It is located on Waring Station Road in Germantown. It has a newly renovated club house, 50-100-140 yard rifle range (covered), 50 yard pistol and rimfire range, trap range (currently closed but hopefully to re-open soon). As far as shooting a weapon like bull pup or full auto you may run into a few issues. But if your looking for a place to shoot that is close to Germantown you can't beat Rockville. That said Damascus is very nice and you will have much more flexibility in shooting what you want. I have never been to the Poolesville IWLA.

 

[dgapilot]

Suggest you visit each and see what one will fit you best. I have my application in at Mt Airy. Hope to hear in the next couple weeks that I'm approved. In my case, Mt Airy is only about 8 or 10 miles from home so that is a big plus. I've also been shooting up at Hap Barker in Westminster.

 

[A1Uni]

No full auto, no pistol grip shotguns, unsure about Bullpup at Damascus.

 

[Cochise]

BCC which is Poolesville has 100 yards. No full auto

 

[Boom Boom]

IWLA Damascus has a restriction now against accepting new members beyond a certain head count. I don't know if that limit has been reached yet. If not, it's very close.

 

[A1Uni]

IWLA Damascus has a restriction now against accepting new members beyond a certain head count. I don't know if that limit has been reached yet. If not, it's very close.

I sponsored a buddy at the last new members meting earlier this month and they were still taking new folks. There is a new members meeting on the schedule for August.

My understanding is that there is a number they have set and when they get there, it gets closed off, or more likely a wait list.

 

[Boom Boom]

Yep. Just pointing it out regardless to avoid surprises. I don't know how close we are. I doubt we're far off, otherwise the rule makes no sense.

 

[RightD]

Suggest you visit each and see what one will fit you best.

Definitely planning to... Especially now that work travel has slowed (at least the lack of competence in Congress has one benefit).

Been reading many of the threads on the subject, and I like the idea of being able to badge in to the range and shoot by myself (once I go through orientation, of course). Also like the idea of occasional conservation projects as well (better half is a critter-hugger).

- Matt

 

[RightD]

No full auto, no pistol grip shotguns, unsure about Bullpup at Damascus.

Understood... And if I have to take a minute to show that a bullpup (like the FS2000) is really just a 5.56 in different skin that is fine. Just trying to avoid the unreasonably over-zealous range guy atmosphere.

Cochise - Shot at Poolesville a few years ago. Nice facility, but I think the others would probably be closer. I am on the east side of I-270.

Boom - 10-4. Will try and get out for visits.

- Matt

 

[Boom Boom]

The bullpup is automatically good to go at IWLA Damascus rifle range per this rule:
"6. Handguns in traditional center fire rifle calibers must be shot on the rifle range. Other handguns are prohibited on the rifle range, except when firing at targets beyond 50 yards."

It's banned on both pistol ranges because it fires a centerfire rifle round.

 

[kshaw]

I am a Range Officer at IWLA- Rockville Chapter (located in Germantown) and can send you our range rules for review if you can send your email address in a private message. I would be happy to give you a tour and introduce you to our New Membership officer.

 

[jpo183]

does rockville require all shooters to be a RSO? Just curious of the SOP between the different ranges

 

[RightD]

I am a Range Officer at IWLA- Rockville Chapter (located in Germantown) and can send you our range rules for review if you can send your email address in a private message. I would be happy to give you a tour and introduce you to our New Membership officer.

Thanks... Will do.

- Matt

 

[Klunatic]

does rockville require all shooters to be a RSO? Just curious of the SOP between the different ranges

I am also a RSO at the Rockville IWLA. You don't have to be a RSO to shoot on Sat & Sun just range approved. If you want to shoot unsupervised the other days of the week you need to be an RSO.

 

[Shoobedoo]

Suggest you visit each and see what one will fit you best. I have my application in at Mt Airy. Hope to hear in the next couple weeks that I'm approved. In my case, Mt Airy is only about 8 or 10 miles from home so that is a big plus. I've also been shooting up at Hap Barker in Westminster.

Mt. Airy is a great club, you made an excellent choice.

 

[dgapilot]

My application should be voted on at the meeting on the 29th. Hope it goes well.

 

[RightD]

If anyone is heading out to Mt Airy or Damascus in the next week or so, and would not mind giving me the .10 tour, please shoot me a PM.

Don't need to shoot or anything, but would like to see the facilities.

Thanks,
Matt