Mike Commander Shooting Range a state-of-the-art facility
By Tom Seegmueller
[email protected]
ALBANY — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has definitely thrown away the “this is the way we’ve always done it” manual when it comes to the newest rendition of their archery and firearms ranges. It’s a good thing I didn’t take a few firearms when I rode out Leary Road to the Mike Commander Shooting Range to check out the improvements I had been hearing about. If I had, I probably would not be at my computer now.
It’s probably been a decade since I last shot at the range located on Chickasawhatchee Wildlife Management Area. As I pulled into the parking lot, it was immediately apparent a lot of things had changed since then. Today, the range consists of state-of-the-art rifle, pistol and archery ranges as well as a classroom, well-maintained facilities and handicap accessibility.
“We are trying to get the word out to the public that we have a great facility,” shooting range manager Ashley Ricketson said. “We would love for more clubs and organizations to hold competitive and fundraising shoots here.”
Ricketson said room is available for groups and organizations that want to provide instruction in conjunction with the time they spend on the range.
The pistol range consists of 10 shooting lanes with three targets per lane. The shooter has a choice of staged, steel and 3D targets. Each lane has a shooting table. Shooters may use center or rimfire handguns, pistols or pistol-caliber carbines on this range. A trained shooting range officer ensures safety on the firing line and is available to provide instruction or supervision as needed.
The rifle range consists of 10 targets with two at 25 yards, two at 50 yards, four at 100 yards and two at 200 yards. The targets on the range highlight the improvements at the range. At the rifle range, the days of shooting at paper targets and walking the length of the range to check and change them are relegated to the past. The bullseye targets on this range are part of the Konsgberg Target System.
“Each target interfaces with a designated notebook at each bench,” Ricketson said. “It’s a great system. I’ve done a 12-week accuracy study, and they are accurate. It has a sensor in each corner. It’s basically like a bat using echo location to plot where each bullet passes through the target. It can plot every shot as a green dot on the target with the last shot being marked as orange.”
The system also has the potential to allow shooters to download targets to their phones for storage and future reference. For those shooters who like to hear the ring of steel, the range also has a half-dozen steel targets.
For shooters attempting to zero a new scope-rifle combo, Ricketson said the range can provide the shooter with a bore sighting device, rest or lead sled to get the job done right. Ricketson emphasized that he and his team are working to not only ensure the safety of the range, but to ensure that there is a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes shooters of every skill level. With that in mind, DNR has established Give-It-A-Shot classes.
The classes are designed to provide new or prospective firearms owners an opportunity to safely operate and maintain rifles, pistols or shotguns, providing eight hours of quality firearms instruction with a focus on safety. Classes are led by qualified instructors, and everything you need, including firearms and ammunition, is provided. You can bring your own firearm if you desire.
To learn more about these classes go to gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, click on the event tab and search Give-It-A-Shot classes at the Mike Commander Range. Classes cost $25.
The archery range has something for all archers, offering standard bullseye targets as well as life-size 3D targets. A shooting tower offers archers the opportunity to shoot at various distances from various elevations. A field archery course offers 20 life-size 3D targets. Archers may use compound bows, long bows and crossbows with field points on these ranges.
The rifle and pistol ranges are covered and have concrete pads; all facilities are handicap accessible, including the first three targets on the field archery trail. DNR ranges are open to anyone 16 years of age and older possessing a valid hunting or fishing license. On your first visit, you will be required to watch a brief safety video. Following this, you will be issued a color-coded range card, which is valid for one year. The range is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays. The range is closed for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Some restrictions apply while on the rifle and pistol ranges. Rapid-fire is limited to not exceeding one round per second. Rimfire and centerfire weapons may be used. However, ammunition, including tracers, steel core, green tip and .50BMG, are restricted. Class III weapons and suppressors are allowed, but owners should have the appropriate paperwork on hand. Fully automatic firearms are prohibited.
For more information on the Mike Commander Range and its use, contact Ricketson at [email protected] or call (678) 332-8636.
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