PGC Rifle Range

- Clarks Valley Rd, Dauphin, PA 17018

For residents of Pennsylvania who are passionate about hunting, target shooting, or simply practicing their firearm skills, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) offers a network of public shooting ranges across the state. One of these valuable resources is the PGC Rifle Range, located in the scenic and secluded Clarks Valley area near Dauphin. This outdoor facility provides a dedicated space for responsible firearms enthusiasts to hone their marksmanship in a natural setting. As part of a vast state game lands system, this range is a practical destination for local users looking for a convenient and accessible place to shoot.

The PGC Rifle Range is an essential part of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's commitment to providing safe and regulated environments for hunters and recreational shooters. These ranges are maintained for public use and serve as critical locations for sighting in rifles before hunting season, practicing with handguns, or simply enjoying a day at the range. The range’s placement in a rural, wooded area ensures a quiet and focused experience, away from the distractions and noise of more urban settings. It’s a place where the community can come together to enjoy the sport and share their passion for the outdoors.

The PGC Rifle Range is situated on Clarks Valley Road in Dauphin, PA 17018. Its location on State Game Lands provides a serene and beautiful backdrop for a day of shooting. One of the key aspects of this location is its accessibility. The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the community. While the range is in a more rural area, this seclusion is often seen as a benefit, as it provides a quiet and private atmosphere for a focused shooting session. The range is easily reachable by car, and its specific location away from residential areas helps to minimize background noise and disturbances for both shooters and local residents.

Finding the range is straightforward, but its tucked-away nature means it offers a unique and focused experience. The journey to the range itself is part of the appeal, as it takes you into the heart of Pennsylvania's natural beauty. It's a place to escape and connect with your hobby, surrounded by the state's famous landscapes.

The PGC Rifle Range is a no-frills facility designed for a specific purpose: providing a safe place for target shooting. The amenities and services are focused on the core function of the range.

• Public Shooting Range: The primary service is providing a regulated, outdoor shooting range for public use. It is a designated area for firearms owners to practice safely.
• Rifle and Handgun Lanes: While specific distances can vary and are often shared between users, the range is typically set up for both rifle and handgun shooting. It is a suitable place for sighting in hunting rifles or working on handgun fundamentals.
• Restroom Facilities: For the convenience of all visitors, the range is equipped with restroom amenities.

The PGC Rifle Range is known for its simplicity and its focus on the essentials of a good shooting experience. While some may miss the extensive features of a private club, the public nature of this range offers its own unique advantages.

• Great Parking: As noted by visitors, the range offers great parking, making it easy to unload equipment and get to the shooting line.
• Light Foot Traffic: The rural location means the range is often not crowded, providing a calm and less hurried atmosphere.
• Tables and Chairs: The range is typically equipped with shooting tables and benches for user convenience, allowing for a more stable and comfortable shooting position.
• Clean and Maintained: Despite being a public outdoor facility, the range is generally kept clean and well-maintained.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Parking: The commitment to accessibility is a major highlight, ensuring that the range can be used by a wider population.

The PGC Rifle Range does not have a specific contact phone number for the range itself. As it is a public facility managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, inquiries are generally directed to the PGC's regional or main offices. For general information, the PGC's website and statewide contact numbers are the best resources.

PGC Rifle Range

Address: Clarks Valley Rd, Dauphin, PA 17018, USA

For those living in or near Dauphin, the PGC Rifle Range is an excellent choice for several key reasons. First and foremost, it offers a public, no-cost option for shooting (as long as you have a valid hunting or furtaker license, or a special shooting range use permit). This makes it an accessible and affordable place to practice. For many, the appeal of an outdoor range is the ability to shoot in a more natural environment, with fresh air and light foot traffic, as opposed to the often-cramped atmosphere of an indoor facility.

The range’s commitment to providing tables and a clean environment, as highlighted by local users, shows that the PGC is invested in creating a positive experience for its visitors. While some may note a need for upgrades like target backings or coverings for weather protection, these are often minor concerns compared to the overall convenience and quality of the facility. The community-oriented nature of the range, where a cease-fire is called and everyone walks downrange together to check targets, fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility. It’s a place where you can learn from others and feel a part of a larger, respectful community of shooters. The serene, secluded location away from residential areas means you can focus on your shooting without distraction. For anyone in the Dauphin area looking for a place to practice their skills in a safe, clean, and accessible outdoor environment, the PGC Rifle Range is a highly recommended and valuable local resource.

PGC Rifle Range

Clarks Valley Rd, Dauphin, PA 17018, USA