Fightertown Rec Fire sends rounds down range

Photo By Cpl. Joshua Pettway | During recreational fire, participants are provided with targets and hearing protection, but must provide their own ammunition to fire with the weapon they have registered through Pass and Identification on base. To register, participants must provide Pass and ID the make, model and serial number of their weapon and should not bring their weapon.  

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

09.16.2011

Story by Sgt. Gina C. Rindt 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- The Air Station offers recreational fire for service members, Department of Defense employees and other authorized personnel at the Air Station Pistol Range every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. unless otherwise posted.

Before firing, participants must register their personal weapon at the Pass and ID building aboard the Air station and sign a waiver to ensure the importance of safety while firing at the range.

Weapons to be registered are not allowed in the Pass and ID building, instead the make, model and serial number are
the only requirements when registering.

The waiver states you are aware of the rules and will adhere to the safety regulations. Waivers can be found at the pistol range or station training in building 596.

To participate in recreational fire, personnel must bring their own ammunition. Hand-loaded ammunition is not authorized at the range for safety reasons and shooters must bring hearing protection. Members are allowed to bring personal pistols up to, but excluding .50 caliber.

Recreational fire has many benefits, such as weapons familiarization or just enjoying some free time with friends.

“Recreational fire is helpful for service members, who are new to shooting and want to get comfortable with a pistol before qualifying at the pistol range or purchasing one of their own,” said Sgt. Christopher Jensen, a combat marksmanship trainer with Station Training. “We take multiple precautions to ensure everyone’s safety while on the range, whether qualifying or shooting for fun.”

There are many benefits to using recreational fire aboard the Air Station, like not having to pay by the hour or for a membership at a local shooting club or range, and getting the opportunity to learn more about the weapon and improve on a skill.

“Shooters can bring as much ammunition as they want to the range as long as it meets the range requirements,” said Jensen, a native of Gulfport, Miss. “It is good for service members to get the chance to come out and not only shoot for free, but enjoy a pastime that can teach members respect for a weapon.”

Safety is always a priority when any weapon is concerned and the members of Station Training make sure during recreational fire that all members are safe and well informed about the rules.

“We are available to help new gun owners, who don’t have much experience with the type of weapon they are shooting,” said Lance Cpl. Broc Booth, a CMT with Station Training and a native of Tyler, Texas. “We are all trained to help teach others the basics and make sure they are using the weapon correctly and safely.”

For more information, contact the pistol range at 228-7698 or Station Training at 228-6642.

• Date Taken: 09.16.2011
• Date Posted: 09.22.2011 10:49
• Story ID: 77437
• Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US