Joe Gartrell fires his .45 handgun at the newly reopened indoor shooting range on Dec. 5. The 18-yard range is in the Public Safety Building basement and is currently open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
For the first time since it shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wrangell's indoor shooting range is up and running. One might even say it's ready to go - lock, stock and barrel.
The range's first day of operation was Dec. 3, and it will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. (dependent on the availability of range safety officers).
Eventually, the range, located in the basement of the Public Safety Building, will open on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m., but that will not begin until Dec. 21.
Police Chief Gene meek outlined the rules for the six-lane, 18-yard range.
For starters, it's handguns only. Anyone under 18 is required to be accompanied by an adult. Ear and eye protection is required for anyone inside the shooting area, and all weapons are required to be either cased or holstered until you are ready to live fire.
Meek also emphasized the importance of the four rules of firearm safety: Treat all guns as if they are loaded; always keep the weapon pointed downrange; keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot; and always know what lies beyond your target.
The range is complete with a manual pulley system to adjust target distances as well as a steel-plated slanted backstop beyond the targets. Eventually, Meek wants to coordinate with the schools and teach a firearms safety course for students, but he said that would not happen until 2025.
There are six safety officers who supervise the range. Meek said the licensed safety officers have "ultimate authority."
There is no sign-up required, and the range is free of charge. Simply show up and shoot safely.
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