By Shari Spivack
New Jersey –-(Ammoland.com)- It seems like there is always a sacrifice in order to spend an afternoon shooting in Northern New Jersey.
Either the range is too far away, or it’s too cold outside, or you just don’t feel like dealing with the lines or the parking.
Filling that void is the Woodland Park Range, a brand new facility set to open later this month.
The range is located at 1267 McBride Avenue right off Route 46, nestled between a Car Wash and Ottanamelli’s Sporting Arms. It is close to most areas in Northern Jersey and to NYC as well. Several years in the making this range was designed from the ground up with every convenience for the shooter in mind. With the experience of over twenty years in the business of teaching new shooters and training experienced ones, Anthony Colandro, owner of Gun for Hire, designed a facility that can accurately be described as an all around shooting destination.
The facility is 15,000 square feet including two separate indoor ranges. The first is a 25 yard range with 13 extra wide ports which can easily accommodate two people, three of which are designated as training ports for a variety of classes available on the range schedule. The ports feature electronic turning target controls with a built in safety system, overhead lighting and sturdy steel core dividers that can withstand blasts from high power rounds. The walls and ceiling of the range are lined a Styrofoam like material which dampens loud sounds and is easy to change out making sure the range always has a fresh look to it. Each port also has a corresponding shelf compartment in the counter lining the rear of the range to accommodate targets and other shooting accessories. The interior of the range is very spacious so shooters will not feel crowded or rushed when packing up their gear.
It will be possible to shoot all calibers on this range (aside from bird shot) however shooters with high caliber firearms will be encouraged to use the 50 yard range.
Down the hall is New Jersey’s only public indoor 50 yard range. It features six ports similar in design to the 25 yard range. Shooters will be able to use a bench rest position on this range by drawing a chair up to the more than ample port benches. Both ranges have state of the art bullet traps and air filtration systems. When bullets are fired downrange they are deflected by steel plates and funneled into a storage container, minimizing lead exposure and offering superior air quality. Both ranges have climate controlled air systems that keep particulates and gas from discharging firearms moving downrange at all times.
Other features of the facility include spacious classrooms and a comfortable lounge area with ample seating and large windows that overlook the 25 yard range. Identical, separate modern restrooms are available for men and women. The range is also “barrier free” allowing for wheelchair accessibility.
A computer system will be utilized to speed up check in and to notify patrons of their place in the shooting queue at times when the range is busy. A large screen in the waiting area will display the information and customers can also choose to be notified when their port is ready via text message. The Rifle Camp Café, located at the front of the building, also offers drinks and snacks for sale, so you can grab a bite before, after or instead of shooting. And there is ample parking with over 60 well-lit spots available behind the building.
Memberships come in three levels of Silver, Gold and Platinum, and a forth level titled “Founding Member”, available in limited quantities. Each level offers a variety of perks such as guest passes, gun rentals and discounts on ammunition and classes. At certain levels, members will also enjoy priority in the shooting queue. At the highest levels, members will have use of a plush, VIP lounge stocked with premium snacks and other amenities. The range will be open 363 days a year, seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. More information is available on the range, classes and memberships on the website at www.gunforhire.com.
If you live close by, don’t miss out on the opportunity to tour the facility next week and become a member before they open to the public on April 22nd 2013.
Visit Shari Spivack at www.zeroinstyle.com