All about Abilene Gun Club

Facilities and Ranges:

The Abilene Gun Club offers a variety of outdoor ranges to accommodate different shooting disciplines:

• Rifle and Pistol Firing Line (25 to 200 yards): This line features covered shooting benches, providing shelter from the elements.
• Covered 25-yard Pistol Bay: Equipped with three movable target boards, allowing shooters to adjust target placement to their preference.
• Additional Covered Pistol Bays (two 40-yard bays): Access to these bays is available to members who have received range officer approval.
• Long-Range Rifle Firing Line (300 and 400 yards): This covered line also has benches. Pre-qualification is required for access to these longer ranges.
• Covered Competition-Only Muzzleloader and Pistol Bay: This bay is designated for use by qualified match participants.
• Classroom Space: Available for rent by members and non-members, this space is ideal for CHL (Concealed Handgun License) classes, safety instruction, and small gatherings.
• Target Placement: All firing lines are equipped with backboards for shooters to place their targets.

Services and Activities:

The Abilene Gun Club offers various services and hosts a range of shooting activities:

• Membership: The club operates on a membership basis, with options for family memberships. Members generally have more extensive access to the ranges.
• Daily Management: A range officer is present daily to oversee operations and ensure adherence to safety rules.
• Law Enforcement and Military Support: The club has historically provided its facilities for training and qualification to local law enforcement agencies (such as the Abilene Police Department and the local prison system) and military personnel (like Dyess Air Force Base security personnel) for additional practice and training.
• CHL Classes: The club grounds are utilized by several concealed handgun instructors who have qualified many license holders at the facility.
• Competitions: The Abilene Gun Club hosts a variety of monthly competition shoots, which are often "club fun shoots" but adhere to sanctioned match rules. These can draw participants from various areas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Midland, and Odessa. Disciplines offered in these competitions include:
  • CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) Vintage Bolt Action and M1 Garand: Focused on historical military rifles.
  • NRA High Power: A precision rifle discipline.
  • Bullseye Pistol: Involving precision handgun shooting.
  • Lever Action Silhouette: Using lever-action rifles to shoot at steel silhouette targets.
  • .22 Sporter Rifle: A rimfire rifle discipline.
  • National Rifle League .22 (NRL22): A precision rimfire rifle competition often involving prone, positional, and barricade shooting with small steel targets.
  • Muzzleloader: Dedicated matches for muzzleloading firearms.
  • Club Service Rifle Match: A general service rifle competition.
• Community Engagement: The club is also proud to host the Big Country Well Armed Woman Chapter, supporting women in the shooting sports. They also have an association with the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Abilene Gun Club's commitment to safety, its diverse range offerings, and its active schedule of competitions make it a significant hub for recreational and competitive shooting in the Abilene area.