Air Rifle Range
George Riley, Chief Range Officer
Range Hours
Monday – Sunday 9:00AM – Sunset
(Hours may vary slightly based on Weather & Range Officer availability)
About the Air Rifle Range
DCF&S Air Shooters are extraordinarily proud of DCFS’s three (3) air gun ranges!
- Air Pistol Range
- Air Rifle Range
- Air Gun Field Target Range
Across the US, interest in air rifle shooting is growing rapidly. Competitive shooters travel to our club regularly to compete in nationally sanctioned matches. So, what exactly is an “air rifle”?
A competition air rifle refers to a pellet gun with a rifled barrel that shoots 0.177 caliber pellets using compressed air. For sporting use, larger pellets are also popular in .20, .22 & .25 caliber. Shooters load one shot at a time and charge the gun with compressed air, usually by indexing a switch near the chamber. Air rifles are extremely accurate at 10 meters, the internationally regulated distance for indoor competition.
Since an air rifle uses compressed air to propel the pellet, it is not technically a firearm. However, safety remains the first and foremost order of business on the range.
Since its initial formation in 1985, the “Air” enthusiasts have continued to expand their range offerings and facilities. Their efforts have resulted in:
- Construction of a closed building
- Creation of a 300-yard trail and field course through a wooded area.
- Upgrades to interior space and shooting benches, and
- Enhancements to target types (resettable metal silhouette, etc.)
Air Rifle Range Rules
- Follow all General Rules appropriate for this range.
- This is a combined range for air rifles and air-pistols in any caliber.
- To prevent excessive damage to targets and backstops, the muzzle energy for air rifles at this range, must not exceed 25 foot-pounds.
- The use of steel BB’s is permitted provided that a pass-through backstop is used to prevent ricochets.
- Pellets of hardened metal, steel darts and explosive ammunition is not permitted.
- Air pistols are to be handled only at the shooting bench where they may be removed from or replaced into the transport container.
- The use of metal or synthetic targets of any type is authorized provided they are placed at a sufficient distance from the shooters to prevent ricochets.
Air Gun 3-D Course:
- This range will permit the use of any air gun, air rifle, or air pistol using soft lead pellets of any caliber under 25 ft-lbs. of energy. FIREARMS OF ANY TYPE ARE NOT PERMITTED
- All airguns will be carried in a safe manner, un-cocked and unloaded until ready to use.
- Participants are required to stay on the trail marked with target-numbered stakes and to shoot only at their prescribed targets.
- Eye protection and headgear in the form of a cap or hat are required while using this range. Ear protection is not required on this range.
