Project Appleseed

Your Appleseed State Board => West Virginia => Topic started by: The Machine on April 12, 2010, 02:39:42 AM

Title: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: The Machine on April 12, 2010, 02:39:42 AM
This area will be specifically for discussion relating to Beckley Gun Club; our first club to host Appleseeds in WV!  O0 I will relocated posts from other threads pertaining to this location here. Please keep all posts on this thread on topic--Beckley Gun Club only! Thanks...



Attachment 1 = Metal plates at 500 yd. target line.

Attachment 2 = View from firing line down 500 yd. range.

Attachment 3 = Target pits before clean up. Components of movable frames can be seen.

Attachment 4 = 4/11/2010 work crew (siglite, vanrichten, Chrome, Spanner) [The Machine took pic]

Attachment 5 = vanrichten rang iron at 300 and 500 yds. with his 20" AR...no sling.
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: The Machine on April 12, 2010, 03:01:06 AM
December 01, 2009, 07:22:30 PM by The Machine
   
Update: We are getting very close to having Beckley Gun Club coming online. Their BOD are voting on the issue as I type this. Once their board gives the "green light", paperwork will be processed and events will start getting scheduled there for 2010. Our 2010 'Patriot's Day' AS will be one of them.

One of their board members (Wil) came to our Oct. AS, and was very impressed with our program. Wil is a real nice guy and was also responsible for plugging the AS program among the other club members. A big "thanks" goes to siglite for taking the lead on this and following through with it.  O0

This facility will allow us to shoot out to 500 yds. I'm putting a request out now for an upcoming work crew to do some clean up of the 500 yd. pits and other tasks. A date hasn't been scheduled to do this yet; I'm just giving anyone interested a "heads-up".

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December 02, 2009, 10:07:43 AM by Spanner

Wil:  O0
Siglite:  O0
TM:  ;)

This location would do a lot to open up another corridor from Dixieland to the Great Lakes Region.
Blacksburg/Roanoke in a pincer.
Asheville/Charlotte under pressure.

Good news.

Count me in on the manual labor at the Beckly range.

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December 02, 2009, 02:03:56 PM by Mountaineer
   
I can probably help break rocks and haul dirt.

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December 03, 2009, 12:38:46 PM by The Machine
   
I'm pleased to announce that the board members of BGC have voted "Yes" to hosting AS events there! I will be scheduling the first one for April 17-18, 2010 (Patriot's Day) when we get the "Host App" processed.

Thanks Spanner and Mountaineer for your willingness to lend a hand. We'll try to figure a work detail date that fits in with everyone's schedule. And preferably, a month that we don't need Arctic gear.  ;)

Siglite talked to the prez of Putnam County Gun Club the other day, and things are looking up for that facility too. We'll have a better idea next month, after their board meets.

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February 24, 2010, 10:15:04 PM by The Machine

Beckley Update: We will be definitely holding AS events at the Beckley Gun Range ( http://www.beckleygunclub.com ) starting Patriots Day weekend (April 17-18). That's the good news.

Here's what we need to do to on our end to make this location work:

1. Siglite and myself will be making a trip to do a site evaluation, get papers signed, and install some target backers on Sat., March 13th. Unless some catastrophe happens, this date is firm. Anyone who plans on instructing at this location or participating on the work crew, is strongly encouraged to make the trip with us. For those coming from up north heading down I-79, we can carpool from Stinson to save on gas.

2. I want to hold an RBC at this location later in the year--provided we can line-out a MI--so the target pits need to be cleaned out, preferably on this trip. We can shoot out to 500 yds. on that part of the range. Not only will this be necessary for an RBC, it would also be a nice option for those who would qualify to do some KD shooting at a regular AS. If I can get a couple of folks to work on that task while the others build the backers, it would be highly appreciated.

3. Everyone needs to lend a hand on promoting the Patriot's Day shoot at this venue ASAP.

I hope many of you can make the trek to help get this new location up to speed.

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March 06, 2010, 01:15:58 PM by Spanner
   
Quote from: The Machine on February 24, 2010, 10:15:04 PM
QuoteBeckley Update: We will be definitely holding AS events at the Beckley Gun Range ( http://www.beckleygunclub.com ) starting Patriots Day weekend (April 17-18). That's the good news.

Here's what we need to do to on our end to make this location work:

1. Siglite and myself will be making a trip to do a site evaluation, get papers signed, and install some target backers on Sat., March 13th. Unless some catastrophe happens, this date is firm. Anyone who plans on instructing at this location or participating on the work crew, is strongly encouraged to make the trip with us. For those coming from up north heading down I-79, we can carpool from Stinson to save on gas.


Will you and siglite be able to share an ETA for Beckly next Saturday?  I'd like to know when to arrive.  Also, are there any particular tools or materials that workers should bring along?

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March 12, 2010, 02:56:58 PM by The Machine
   
Quote from: Spanner on March 06, 2010, 01:15:58 PM
Quote
QuoteQuote from: The Machine on February 24, 2010, 10:15:04 PM
Beckley Update: We will be definitely holding AS events at the Beckley Gun Range ( http://www.beckleygunclub.com ) starting Patriots Day weekend (April 17-18). That's the good news.

Here's what we need to do to on our end to make this location work:

1. Siglite and myself will be making a trip to do a site evaluation, get papers signed, and install some target backers on Sat., March 13th. Unless some catastrophe happens, this date is firm. Anyone who plans on instructing at this location or participating on the work crew, is strongly encouraged to make the trip with us. For those coming from up north heading down I-79, we can carpool from Stinson to save on gas.


Will you and siglite be able to share an ETA for Beckly next Saturday?  I'd like to know when to arrive.  Also, are there any particular tools or materials that workers should bring along?


This work detail has been scrubbed last minute due to several factors, including weather. We will reschedule for a later date. Thanks to all who were willing to make the trip.

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March 15, 2010, 10:39:29 PM by vanrichten
   
Sorry to hear that the trip to Beckley got scrubbed.  I was down there this past weekend and there was some seriously high water in the area.  I just finished up the NRA basic pistol class and want to do an RSO certification as well as soon as I get my paperwork back from the NRA.  I would love to be able to get up there and help out with the cleanup.  I will keep an eye on the boards and I am sure I will hear about it from other folks  ;)

I am glad to see PCGC getting ready to jump on board as well.  I am sure the rain has FUBAR'd that range as well.  I acutally used to be a member out there and was considering starting it back up.  This seems like a good time to do that and help out with the cleanup for them as well as AS!

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March 29, 2010, 12:23:10 PM by siglite
   
Quote from: Spanner on March 28, 2010, 10:42:02 AM
QuoteQuote from: Chrome on March 28, 2010, 08:24:54 AM
QuoteA little birdie told me there were a couple of pre-regs.

The numbers will climb for both of the WV April shoots.  Seven of us WV instructors were at a WVCDL dinner in Charleston last night, as well as some movers-and-shakers from Beckly.  It was a good meeting.  Some of the guys are down in Beckly right this moment, doing more and more...



The Machine, Falcon and I traveled to Beckley yesterday, and had a darned productive presence at the hosting club's board meeting.  They went as far as to hand me a key to the range, and I am not a member of their club.  This certainly solves a lot of logistics/access issues for Appleseeders planning on camping at the shoot.

As for what will actually occur in Beckley, I'm not sure.  However, the club who is hosting us there has several board members who have verbally indicated that they plan to attend.  I have no idea what this will mean in terms of pre-regs and walk-ons.  Also, the club has sent out information on our event in a mailed flier as well as posting information on their website.

Prior to the shoot there, we do need to organize a work party.  I offered to perform some work on their 500 yard pits as a "thank you" for letting us use their range.  When we arrived and surveyed what needs done, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected.  Some weeds and briers need cut/removed, the target pulleys need sanded, painted, and greased, and a single 1x6 needs secured to one pulley.  I suspect with three of us doing the work, it's maybe a four hour job.  Maybe I'll lug some unusual hardware and a pair of radios down when we go to the work party as an incentive to lure in more labor.  :D

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March 29, 2010, 12:32:49 PM by vanrichten
   
siglite,

Once tax season is past I am up for pretty much any work party.  I was not able to go yesterday because I was on call all day  >:(

Glad to see that they are so eager to help us out!  That is truly great!  I am going to gave to go to an actual RBC so I can learn how to read the wind now!  O0

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March 29, 2010, 12:35:26 PM by siglite
   
Quote from: vanrichten on March 29, 2010, 12:32:49 PM
Quotesiglite,

Once tax season is past I am up for pretty much any work party.  I was not able to go yesterday because I was on call all day  >:(

Glad to see that they are so eager to help us out!  That is truly great!  I am going to gave to go to an actual RBC so I can learn how to read the wind now!  O0
There is *much* wind to read at Beckley.  Often from multiple directions and at multiple speeds all at once.  :o  You could become a master of mirage reading at that 500yd line.  :---

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March 29, 2010, 12:38:18 PM by vanrichten
   
Quote from: siglite on March 29, 2010, 12:35:26 PM
QuoteThere is *much* wind to read at Beckley.  Often from multiple directions and at multiple speeds all at once.  :o  You could become a master of mirage reading at that 500yd line.  :---

That sounds rather daunting.  Will be a good place to learn!  Might have to dig the old .308 out instead of a 20" AR though!

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March 29, 2010, 01:12:12 PM by willorith
   
That AR should be OK at 500. It may be crawling those last few yards, but it will make it, and shoot some impressive groups.

I'm working on stretching my .30-30 out there. Appleseed makes people think funny. 500 yd .30-30?

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March 29, 2010, 01:37:44 PM by Fred
   
Quote from: siglite on March 29, 2010, 12:23:10 PM
QuoteAs for what will actually occur in Beckley, I'm not sure.  However, the club who is hosting us there has several board members who have verbally indicated that they plan to attend.  I have no idea what this will mean in terms of pre-regs and walk-ons.  Also, the club has sent out information on our event in a mailed flier as well as posting information on their website.

   If there are several board members who will attend, and there's a favorable attitude to AS, we need to be talking to them about 'host obligations' - which is to beat the drum locally to get a good turnout.

   Ask them why they'd want to host a poorly-attended (and therefore, less-succesful) event at their range, when they can make it a well-attended, successful shoot.

   Seems like a no-brainer, when you phrase it like that.

   They are crucial to the success of their AS on their range. We need to encourage them to understand that.

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March 29, 2010, 02:14:46 PM by siglite
   
Quote from: Fred on March 29, 2010, 01:37:44 PM
QuoteQuote from: siglite on March 29, 2010, 12:23:10 PM
QuoteAs for what will actually occur in Beckley, I'm not sure.  However, the club who is hosting us there has several board members who have verbally indicated that they plan to attend.  I have no idea what this will mean in terms of pre-regs and walk-ons.  Also, the club has sent out information on our event in a mailed flier as well as posting information on their website.

   If there are several board members who will attend, and there's a favorable attitude to AS, we need to be talking to them about 'host obligations' - which is to beat the drum locally to get a good turnout.

   Ask them why they'd want to host a poorly-attended (and therefore, less-succesful) event at their range, when they can make it a well-attended, successful shoot.

   Seems like a no-brainer, when you phrase it like that.

   They are crucial to the success of their AS on their range. We need to encourage them to understand that.

Rest assured, Fred, that this was done.  However, no one asked them "why they'd want to host a poorly-attended Appleseed," as that would certainly have been an injection of negativity into a very positive conversation.  The Machine definitely encouraged them to beat the drum and help us with turnout.  Fortunately, each of the attendees of the board-meeting seemed receptive to the idea of drum-beating.

And again, proof is always in the pudding.  So what this will mean in terms of registration and turnout, is anyone's guess.  This is especially true with regards to walk-ons.

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April 06, 2010, 12:49:09 PM by The Machine
   
This is short notice, but siglite and I will be heading to Beckley this Sunday (April 11th) to work on the target pits for the 500 yd. range. We could use any extra help that can be mustered.

Here's a task list:

1. Clear brush and briers from the pit area.

2. Sand and paint the metal target frames.

3. Weatherize the existing wood frames with stain/paint.

4. Replace a missing frame cross-member with new lumber.

5. Grease the sliding components on the metal frame.

Donations of materials, tools, or time, is highly appreciated. I'll be bringing grease, a step ladder, cordless drill, and other assorted hand tools.

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April 06, 2010, 01:13:22 PM by Spanner
   
Quote from: The Machine on April 06, 2010, 12:49:09 PM
Quoteheading to Beckley this Sunday (April 11th) to work on the target pits for the 500 yd. range.

I haven't seen the place yet.  Thus, questions:

A 25m target line has to be built, nicht wahr?  At the very least, we can measure it out.  If you want me to bring and leave (donate) stuff for it, let me know.  TM, if you have the space in your vehicle, feel free to take those posts I left at Stinson and leave them there.

When do the festivities begin?

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April 06, 2010, 02:54:43 PM by siglite

Quote from: Spanner on April 06, 2010, 01:13:22 PM
QuoteQuote from: The Machine on April 06, 2010, 12:49:09 PM
Quoteheading to Beckley this Sunday (April 11th) to work on the target pits for the 500 yd. range.

I haven't seen the place yet.  Thus, questions:

A 25m target line has to be built, nicht wahr?  At the very least, we can measure it out.  If you want me to bring and leave (donate) stuff for it, let me know.  TM, if you have the space in your vehicle, feel free to take those posts I left at Stinson and leave them there.

When do the festivities begin?


We are going to have to build target backers.  Last weekend I bought 48 feet of 1x4 furring strips that can easily be build into target backing.  I'm probably going to buy more soon.  I'll just want that lumber back when we're done, because I use it to build my personal target stands for handguns and rifles.  Alternately, we could always get creative with posts and wire to hang targets.  Whatever you guys want to do.

I wouldn't mind sleeping in a little on Sunday (the 11th).  The days are nice and long now, and there's plenty of daylight to work with.  With three people working on those pits, I estimate about four to six hours of work.  And man-o-man will it be sweet to use that 500yd line with people actually working the pits.

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April 06, 2010, 08:48:55 PM by vanrichten
   
I will be happy to go up to Beckley on Suday.  We want to try and get a carpool running?  TM are you coming down to Charleston or just going over 19?  Siglite, what time are you thinking of heading up?

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April 06, 2010, 09:18:05 PM by siglite
   
Quote from: vanrichten on April 06, 2010, 08:48:55 PM
QuoteI will be happy to go up to Beckley on Suday.  We want to try and get a carpool running?  TM are you coming down to Charleston or just going over 19?  Siglite, what time are you thinking of heading up?
I was thinking of leaving Charleston around 10.  However, I can tell you this.  Three people is *tight* in my little pickup.  I could ... maybe get the mustang into the Beckley range, but that might be kind of risky.

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April 06, 2010, 09:59:56 PM by The Machine

Quote from: siglite on April 06, 2010, 09:18:05 PM
QuoteQuote from: vanrichten on April 06, 2010, 08:48:55 PM
QuoteI will be happy to go up to Beckley on Suday.  We want to try and get a carpool running?  TM are you coming down to Charleston or just going over 19?  Siglite, what time are you thinking of heading up?

I was thinking of leaving Charleston around 10.  However, I can tell you this.  Three people is *tight* in my little pickup.  I could ... maybe get the mustang into the Beckley range, but that might be kind of risky.
Mustang? Loaded with 8' lumber, tools, paint, grease, ladder...oorah! Not!  ;D  My ride is still not running well, so I was planning to squeeze into siglite's truck like last time. I forgot what you drive vanrichten, a car IIRC? Chrome might be coming...waiting to hear something back from him. I guess this is panning out to be one of those "flying by the seat of your pants" things. We should have it figured out by midnight...

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April 06, 2010, 11:56:32 PM by Chrome
   
As long as Wifey has no objections, I'll be there.  I'm bringing a bike though, so I'm not carrying anything!

Later,
Chrome...

ETA.  I got the okay.  I'll be there.

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April 07, 2010, 08:12:08 AM by vanrichten
   
I drive a Jeep so people can ride with me if they want.  I have no problems driving down at all.  Should be a productive trip  ..:..

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April 10, 2010, 07:57:19 PM by The Machine

OK, here's how things have worked out for the Beckley work party...

Chrome will be meeting me at the Exxon off I-79, exit 40, at 9:00 am. We will be heading down to meet siglite and vanrichten at Mink Shoals park-and-ride; ETA 10:00 am. That should put us at BGC around 11-11:30 am. Anyone else willing to come can meet any of us at these locations, at the times indicated.

I will be bringing grease; ladder; cordless drill; assorted hand tools. We will need someone to bring something to clear briers/weeds.

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April 10, 2010, 09:55:27 PM by Chrome
   
Quote from: The Machine on April 10, 2010, 07:57:19 PM
QuoteWe will need someone to bring something to clear briers/weeds.
I'll bring some hand pruners.  I should be able to get them strapped down on the bike no problem.

Later,
Chrome...

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Yesterday at 12:07:19 AM by vanrichten
   
I will bring a machette, another cordless drill and a few associated hand tools, namely a hammer for any sort of percussive maintenence that may need to be performed.
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: Spanner on April 14, 2010, 06:34:35 PM

from SavageShootr's 2010 Beckley, WV Appleseed Information (http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=12090.msg99599#msg99599)

QuoteCamping available: 40 primitive campsites on site. No electric or water available.

(1) Where are these located?  (2) Is Friday night camping allowed? 

Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: siglite on April 14, 2010, 08:40:33 PM
Quote from: Spanner on April 14, 2010, 06:34:35 PM

from SavageShootr's 2010 Beckley, WV Appleseed Information (http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=12090.msg99599#msg99599)

QuoteCamping available: 40 primitive campsites on site. No electric or water available.

(1) Where are these located?  (2) Is Friday night camping allowed? 



Spanner.  Whoever is shootbossing this should be in contact with me ASAP.  I have the range key, but will not be camping.  Friday camping is perfectly fine with the gun club, but I'll need to handle the range access control somehow.  I will be in Beckley Friday evening working the gun show for the WVCDL. 
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: The Machine on June 28, 2010, 03:14:23 AM
Folks, I really want to get another AS on the schedule for Beckley between Aug. and Oct. of this year. This facility is our only location at this time where we could do a full distance AQT...I'd love to take advantage of that.

If our instructors could check their schedules and see what looks feasible date-wise, please post some ideas here. The only shoot we have in Aug. is PCGC, on the weekend of the 28th. Stinson has monthly dates from Sept. thru Dec., so we should be able to squeeze BGC in somewhere.
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: siglite on June 29, 2010, 07:40:33 PM
I'll send an email to the folks at BGC and see if we can get in mid sept.  If we edge into october, we risk some weather issues there.
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: The Machine on July 06, 2010, 10:46:28 AM
Quote from: siglite on June 29, 2010, 07:40:33 PM
I'll send an email to the folks at BGC and see if we can get in mid sept.  If we edge into october, we risk some weather issues there.
Siglite, could you please try to get confirmation on this ASAP? I'm going to be adding another location to the schedule soon, and it would be good to add this date into that mix.
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: siglite on July 07, 2010, 04:56:44 PM
Quote from: The Machine on July 06, 2010, 10:46:28 AM
Quote from: siglite on June 29, 2010, 07:40:33 PM
I'll send an email to the folks at BGC and see if we can get in mid sept.  If we edge into october, we risk some weather issues there.
Siglite, could you please try to get confirmation on this ASAP? I'm going to be adding another location to the schedule soon, and it would be good to add this date into that mix.

We are pending board approval for the weekend of September 18th, and 19th.  Considering the impression we made up there last time, I think we'll be good to go.  But I'd hold off putting it on the eventbrite schedule until we get a formal nod from BGC.
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: siglite on July 29, 2010, 07:31:11 PM
It is official.  I have approval for the weekend of October 2nd, and 3rd at Beckley Gun Club.  BGC is going to announce the shoot in their newsletter.  We need to get this on the eventbrite schedule ASAP.

Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: The Machine on July 29, 2010, 11:31:31 PM
Quote from: siglite on July 29, 2010, 07:31:11 PM
It is official.  I have approval for the weekend of October 2nd, and 3rd at Beckley Gun Club.  BGC is going to announce the shoot in their newsletter.  We need to get this on the eventbrite schedule ASAP.
Great news, and thanks siglite! It should be showing up on the schedule soon.
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: Spanner on July 30, 2010, 10:07:17 AM
 
Works for me.   O0

Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: The Machine on September 16, 2010, 01:20:04 AM
Folks, there are still zero pre-regs for the upcoming Oct. 2-3 shoot at Beckley. If anyone down that way can get some promotional material circulating, or anything else that will fill the line, it would certainly help things along. It would be a shame to have that beautiful range with KD capability sitting there underutilized by the surrounding communities. I heard a couple full distance AQTs are in the plans for Sunday...a great selling point!  O0
Title: Re: Location Specific: Beckley Gun Club
Post by: Chrome on September 16, 2010, 04:48:28 AM
Quote from: The Machine on September 16, 2010, 01:20:04 AM
Folks, there are still zero pre-regs for the upcoming Oct. 2-3 shoot at Beckley. If anyone down that way can get some promotional material circulating, or anything else that will fill the line, it would certainly help things along. It would be a shame to have that beautiful range with KD capability sitting there underutilized by the surrounding communities. I heard a couple full distance AQTs are in the plans for Sunday...a great selling point!  O0

I tried DESPERATELY to get this weekend off to attend as a shooter.  Work said no.  On the upside, I should be attending every other WV Appleseed from 9/25 on.

Later,
Chrome...