Virginia International Raceway Ranges a Popular Destination

Roanoke's WDBJ 7 reports that the recently opened ranges at the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) have become a popular destination:

"We're seeing an increase in our corporate groups and events, social folks coming out to do something different, so they may never go out on the track, they may not come to spectate," said Sandy Currie, the VIR Resort Operations Director.

VIR, located close to the North Carolina border in Alton, Virginia, between South Boston and Danville, was recently chosen as one of Car and Driver Magazine’s top six road courses in the nation.  The ranges offer folks who may not be race fans another reason to visit the facility.   Most of the ranges are 50 to 100 yards but also includes one  1,000 yard range.  There is also a 360 degree range.

Fort Lee Shooting Range

From VA-Alert:

Fort Lee Firing Range Needs Shooters:

Late last year, Fort Lee re-opened its newly reconstructed, Privately Owned Weapons (POW) shooting range off River Road in Prince George. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, and is now also open 5-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Range Safety Officers have told me they are required to report the number of shooters and number of rounds fired to justify keeping the range open, but few people use the range and they are afraid of losing their jobs if it is shut down for lack of use.

The times I have been there on Sundays I have seen maybe 4 or 5 other people at most firing a couple boxes or so, and when I was there for a couple hours last Wednesday, I was the only shooter who was there at all, even though they have so many empty lanes available! RSOs were sitting in the bleachers twiddling their thumbs wondering why no one uses their range.

Cost is only $5 for the first hour, and $2.50 for each additinoal 30 minutes. Targets are available for purchase, but you must bring your own eye and ear protection, and ammunition.

Shooting is currently limited to handguns, muzzle loaders, shotguns, and rimfire, although work is in progress to open it up for centerfire rifles in the future (if it gets sufficient use to stay open).

Directions: Heading toward Fort Lee from Temple Avenue in Colonial Heights, passing South Park Mall, turn left on River Road and cross over the railroad tracks. Turn right into Range Control and follow the road to the end where you'll reach the POW range.

For more information, call Range Control at 763-2286 on Sundays, or Outdoor Recreation at 765-2212 during busines hours M-F, or visit: http://leemwr.com/Rec/rec_odr_pow.htm

If you live in the Tri-cites area and are looking for a place to shoot, this looks like a great spot at a good price.

Hat-tip to VA-Alert.