by Tom Blair
Columnist

Why not, there are a lot of men, women, students and families getting involved with gun sports these days. Contrary to what many believe, “guns ain’t just fer killin people.”

I recently stopped in the Red River Regional Marksmanship Center (what a long name huh?) to sight in a new laser site I installed on my main carry handgun, (a Glock 17) before I head to Arizona for the winter.

This is certainly a clean, well run and fully functional indoor hand gun range. It’s located on 7th Ave. North and 16th Street North, West Fargo. It is the only public indoor range in the area. You can buy a membership or just bop in during open hours for a round or two of shooting.

It costs thousands of dollars a month to keep this range going and it’s worth the support we give to keep it operational. It’s a NON-Profit organization and is run by volunteer labor, including a certified NRA Range safety Officer present at all shooting times. They can always use some more people to help as a volunteer and there’s s number of different things to help with.

Ladies and gentlemen: If you’re not a gun nut, maybe don’t even own a gun but might be interested in learning, this is a great place to go. You just stop out there and there are plenty of volunteer people, as well as qualified shooters who can give you all kind of advice, training and ideas on what type of handgun would be best for you.

Notice, I said Ladies too? There are plenty of women in the sport and a surprising amount who not only target-shoot proficiently, but also have had the training for concealed carry, and do so! They even have some ladies nights.

There’s more. The main range is a 15 lane 50’ handgun caliber range; there is a 10 lane air gun range, classroom/meeting room and observation area. It’s comfortable shooting and electronic slides to move your target down range and back again as you shoot whatever distance you want.

You may have trouble remembering that long name, but they have a simple website that explains how everything works, telephone number, hour of operation etc.

This thing is growing and you would be welcome to visit.

They have information on everything from shooting classes, concealed carry permits; gunsmiths, safety glasses and they’ll get you information on various guns and probably even get you some demonstrations on various guns if you want.

Their mission’s statement pretty well sums it up: To foster and promote the SAFE and RESPONSIBLE use of firearms through education, safety, training, marksmanship, competitive and recreational shooting.

“Look em up” on the web or stop out for a visit www.rrrmc.com

Tom “Road” Blair

Road742@aol.com

Website: www.tomroadblair.com