restlessnomad
New member
I'm from Wisconsin and have lived here most of my life. I have been around shotguns and rifles for most of it, but up until recently I have spent little time with handguns. About 3 months ago I purchased a Glock 19 with the sole intention of training with it for self-defense. I was aware of the carry laws in this state before I purchased it (absolutely no concealed carry allowed....period) but saw it only as a temporary set back, (either the law will change, or I will move). Of course you can always open carry, but then you are lining yourself up for unwanted attention and possible disturbing the peace violations.
After I purchased my handgun I soon found that there is a complete lack of ranges and places to shoot in this state (I live in Stevens Point, Central Wisconsin). There are a number of county parks with state owned shooting ranges, which are nice but only open a few months out of the year. There are some other indoor ranges that are around, but most of them are outrageously priced (I called a place last week to find out their fees; the guy said it was 18 dollars to fire 50 rounds!!!!!). The closet range to me is about a 45 minute drive each way, and will be closed in November only to re-open next summer.
Now, all of these places have their own rules and regulations of conduct and everyone of them prohibits firing from a holster, firing while on the move or from the hip and firing more then 4 rounds in quick succession gets the range master all bothered. About the only thing I can do besides firing in a normal position, is fire one-handed. Even when I practiced this, the range master/officer, or whatever took it upon himself to tell me to use two hands, I replied "What if a situation arose where I could only use one hand?" He stated plainly, "This isn't one of those times."
Needless to say I have become frustrated with my lack of options. I am a college student and most of my free cash is allocated for ammo. Paying hundreds for a SD class in some other state, plus plane tickets and whatever else is simply not an option at this time.
Any suggestions, or input from someone from Wisconsin or that has come across the same problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ladies and Gents.
After I purchased my handgun I soon found that there is a complete lack of ranges and places to shoot in this state (I live in Stevens Point, Central Wisconsin). There are a number of county parks with state owned shooting ranges, which are nice but only open a few months out of the year. There are some other indoor ranges that are around, but most of them are outrageously priced (I called a place last week to find out their fees; the guy said it was 18 dollars to fire 50 rounds!!!!!). The closet range to me is about a 45 minute drive each way, and will be closed in November only to re-open next summer.
Now, all of these places have their own rules and regulations of conduct and everyone of them prohibits firing from a holster, firing while on the move or from the hip and firing more then 4 rounds in quick succession gets the range master all bothered. About the only thing I can do besides firing in a normal position, is fire one-handed. Even when I practiced this, the range master/officer, or whatever took it upon himself to tell me to use two hands, I replied "What if a situation arose where I could only use one hand?" He stated plainly, "This isn't one of those times."
Needless to say I have become frustrated with my lack of options. I am a college student and most of my free cash is allocated for ammo. Paying hundreds for a SD class in some other state, plus plane tickets and whatever else is simply not an option at this time.
Any suggestions, or input from someone from Wisconsin or that has come across the same problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ladies and Gents.
