PHOTO BY SARAH MELSON
Ben Avery is the only logical route to go when it comes to practicing shooting a gun either for practice or pleasure. It’s a nice, safe facility for all ages.
According to Arizona Fish and Game, Ben Avery Shooting Facility is the largest public shooting range in the country. Although it has several other areas such as the shotgun range or archery, the rifle range is the gem of the whole facility.
It’s only seven dollars for an adult to get in and all minors get in free, although they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
You can come anytime on Wednesday to Sunday between 7am to either 5pm or 7pm, depending on the day. It’s located on the northwest corner of the 1-17 and Carefree Highway.
Ben Avery is also a great place for all new shooters. There are trained safety officers constantly watching in order to maintain a safe environment.
One of their downfalls is their every 15 minute ceasefire so that shooters can walk down range to set up, change or remove their targets. Of course, this is needed so that arriving shooters can put up targets and leaving shooters can retrieve them. However, just because the person next to me is done shooting, doesn’t mean I am.
There should be 3 different station where the ceasefire varies from 15, 25, and 35 minutes. This way if you know you want to only shoot for a little you can go to the 15 minute station. As to, if you want to shoot longer you can shoot at the 35 minute.
I like doing my own thing, going as fast or as slow as I need and stopping when I feel like stopping not when someone else tells me I’m ready to stop.
Another downfall of Ben Avery is the fact that you can’t rent guns or ammunition. Some people don’t own a gun but still like shooting or are maybe trying shooting out before they decide to actually buy a gun. I understand this could be another safety precaution however, you can’t know if you enjoy shooting until you actually try it out.
They could rent guns while still maintaining the required safety procedures. It might cost money to hire someone certified to do that but they would be making that money back in what they rent.
Overall though, Ben Avery Rifle Range is the best place for all professional levels. It’s definitely worth a visit for anyone who likes shooting or is willing to try it out.
