The Eccles High Power Range, dedicated in memory of Nancy Eccles, is a 100-yard rifle range with six shooting positions. Limited shooting of shotguns (slugs only) and pistols is also allowed, but please review the Range Rules for restrictions.
In addition to a good deal of informal usage, the Eccles Range hosts a number of matches and other scheduled events throughout the month. Details can be found in the Calendar and the SCORE newsletter. These matches are:
- Military Style Rifle Matches (AR-15, Vintage Semi-Auto, Vintage Turnbolt)
- Very Vintage Rifle Matches (Single Shot)
- Very, Very Vintage Rifle Matches (Muzzle-Loading)
- National Rifle League .22LR (NRL22) Matches
The range also hosts training and educational events such as Maryland DNR Shooter Qualifications.
Shot Log
We’re happy to see that many shooters are filling out the shot log. Thank you and Bravo Zulu!
Remember, there’s no need for your name or firearm type. Just record the date, number of rounds, and weight or caliber. If shooting multiple firearms in one session, please make an entry for each different caliber or projectile weight.
Safety Reminders
The Eccles Range requires that all firearms (other than muzzle-loaders) have an Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) (also known as an Open Bolt Indicator or Chamber Flag) properly inserted when entering or exiting the range. If you don’t have proper ECIs for your firearms, they are inexpensive and readily available. In the meanwhile, you can easily make an ECI from a zip tie or a length of plastic cord from a string trimmer/weed whacker. Simply put the tip of the zip tie into the ratcheting tail and pull to make a loop at the end, large enough that it won’t fall into your receiver. Alternately, cut off a length of weed whacker cord that is long enough to allow for a loop to be knotted so the cord won’t drop into the receiver.
When entering the range with an uncased firearm, you must first determine that there is nobody downrange and that the firing line is hot before entering the pavilion or uncasing a firearm inside the pavilion.
When entering the range with a cased long gun, place the case on the ground or bench with the muzzle downrange. Make sure there is nobody downrange and that the firing line is hot before opening the case. If you are not sure which direction the muzzle is pointed, look into the bag or case without handling the firearm and re-orient the case if necessary. Once the muzzle is pointed safely downrange, open the case and rack the firearm. Mark the muzzle end of your case to prevent any confusion when opening the case.