just got a Smith&Wesson .357 for my b-day

[8upXJ]

so Iwas just wondering where are some good places to shoot around here ? and do ya'll go out as groups or anything ?

[Capt-Kirk]

What a oddity
I just got the same gun today also.
Stainless steel Model 66.. Don't even have bullets yet.

I would like the same information.
I was reading up on Concealed Carry Weapons permit. $119 for manditory 8 hour class.

Odd thing is it said you cannot carry (open or Consealed) in the national forest. Can anyone shed light on this? I got my gun to carry with me when I go wheeling.

[GLEN REAMS]

its a great gun very heavy tho only down fall my dad has a smith and wesson 357 with the 7inch barrel its a cannon but it sure does drop what ever is standing in its way and there is a place to shoot off of ellsworth

[joedokes28]

Ben Avery is a great range in Phoenix - I-17 & Carefree Highway
Shooters World in Phoenix - 3828 N. 28th Ave
Scottsdale Gun Club - 15001 N Hayden Rd
Rio Salado Sportsmans Club in Mesa - 3960 N Usery Pass Road

Please go to the range. If you must go to the desert, please pick up your targets and brass.

[Wayco]

I also have a S&W .357, and shoot at the Suprise Sportsman's Club, Hiway 303 and Grand ave.

"Please go to the range. If you must go to the desert, please pick up your targets and brass."

X2- Joe is absolutely right, even if you think you know what is down range out in the desert things can change in a moment.
Two months ago, I was in a small group going down lower Raw deal and had to abort the run due to someone shooting up the wash. Made me cringe every time I heard the whine of a riccochet! There are plenty of safe places to shoot, see above. Thanks Joe.

[Antman]

Odd thing is it said you cannot carry (open or Consealed) in the national forest. Can anyone shed light on this? I got my gun to carry with me when I go wheeling.

We need to check this out as I carry in the NF areas all the time.

[Wayco]

National Parks do not allow firearms, I don't think that applys to National forests.
I will do more research on this and get back to you.

Pulled this off the internet;
Firearms

* It is legal to openly carry a firearm in most areas of most National Forests. It can be an issue if a weapon is carried in a concealed manner in which case the wearer/owner needs to have a legitimate concealed weapon permit for that privilege. It is important you know what is the requirement for the area you are using since any one of the circumstances noted above may apply.

It is unlawful to discharge a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun or other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or,
(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby a person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge, or,
(3) Into or within any cave.

The National Parks Service (Department of Interior) has much stricter regulations and most National Parks do not allow firearms, visitors should check with the National Park they plan to visit for more information.

[RokNRich]

Ben Avery is a great range in Phoenix - I-17 & Carefree Highway
Shooters World in Phoenix - 3828 N. 28th Ave
Scottsdale Gun Club - 15001 N Hayden Rd
Rio Salado Sportsmans Club in Mesa - 3960 N Usery Pass Road

Please go to the range. If you must go to the desert, please pick up your targets and brass.

Should be a sticky ! Kind of like a shooting etiquette thread. :cool:

[joedokes28]

I was out a table mesa on Saturday and some of the areas are nearly ruined from irresponsible shooters. I used to like to shoot in the desert, but it just makes me sick to do so these days.

If I could use the liiterbugs as targets, well then open season!

[Capt-Kirk]

I totally agree with that one, I always bring back more trash than I make.
I was west of Lake pleasant and cam accross an old Yellow Cady full of holes and surounded by brass and appliances. I would love to see someone dumping crap like that. But the laws are too lame to deter littering

[Javelinadave]

You guys are confusing a national forest with a national park. You CAN carry in a national forest (Tonto, Coconino, etc). You CAN NOT carry in a national park (Grand Canyon). As for shooting in a national park, check their web site and/or call their ranger stations. We shoot a lot in the Tonto forest but they closed it to shooting from time to time for fire danger.

[Capt-Kirk]

Thanks for the clairification. Basically if you have to pay to get past the gates you cannot cary.

Question: Can you transport the gun in the Parks? Unload it, pack it away seperate from ammo.