Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Appeal of steel being offered to recreational pistol shooters.

"Clang!"

That distinctive sound of a bullet hitting steel soon will be ringing out at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) in north Phoenix.

Nathaniel Seward, a senior range master for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), hopes a new target-shooting experience that begins July 9 will hit the mark with recreational pistol shooters of all ages (5 and older), and of all skill levels.

Steel Appeal

"There's nothing quite like the appeal of steel," Seward said. "Whereas paper targets are great for showing where a bullet hits, the "clang!" from hitting a steel target provides immediate feedback and gratification. That gratification is further enhanced by seeing that target swing and spin."

For $8 per shooter, per one-hour shooting session (free for ages 5 to 17), customers will have the unlimited option to shoot from several stations, with distances varying from 15 to 25 yards for pistol calibers only. A range safety officer or mentor will be available to assist customers.

Shooting Dates, Hours

Shooting hours: 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m., noon-1 p.m., 1-2 p.m.

Shooting dates: July 9, July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Sept. 29, Oct. 28-29, Nov. 26, Dec. 16.

Dates and range locations are subject to change. Customers can reserve shooting times at https://bookben.azgfd.com/. To inquire about same-day availability, call 623-582-8313.

As a reminder, all firearms must be cased or properly holstered before entering the range. Hearing and eye protection also is required.

Various Shapes, Sizes

Seward said targets will come in various sizes and shapes, including silhouettes (with and without flappers), as well as dueling trees, each presenting a unique challenge.

More information: https://www.azgfd.com/shooting-sports/ben-avery-shooting-facility/.

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