All about Yellowstone Rifle Club

Facilities:

The YRC offers both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges to accommodate a wide variety of shooting disciplines and weather conditions.

• Clubhouse and Indoor Range: The clubhouse, constructed by members in 1972, houses a 12-point, 50-foot/10-meter indoor range. This indoor facility is primarily used for airgun, bullseye pistol, and smallbore rifle shooting. It's open during the "gallery season," generally from late September through April, and hosts club meetings and special events. Equipment is often available for use by shooters, particularly for airgun, pistol, and junior smallbore rifle programs.
• Outdoor Shooting Complex: The outdoor facility is extensive, providing diverse opportunities for shooters. It includes:
  • Pistol Bays: Multiple pistol bays are available for various target engagements.
  • Rifle Ranges: Dedicated rifle ranges cater to both short and long-range shooting.
    • Long-Range Course (Range 2B): This impressive range features 11 AR-400 steel targets at various distances, including two at 400 yards, two at 500 yards, one at 550 yards, four at 600 yards, and two at 700 yards. It offers four bench rest positions and a dedicated prone firing lane. This range is open to standard centerfire calibers (up to 8mm).
    • High Power Rifle Range: Firing points are available at 200, 300, and 600 yards, suitable for NRA F-Class style matches and practices.
  • Shotgun Facilities: Areas are designated for shotgun shooting, including skeet, trap, and 5-stand, as well as areas for shotgun with shot loads at stationary targets or slug loads for sighting in.
  • Archery: The complex also includes an archery range with a shooting stand and 3D targets.

Ranges and Disciplines:

The Yellowstone Rifle Club supports a broad spectrum of shooting disciplines, including:

• Precision Shooting: Airgun, Bullseye Pistol, and Smallbore Rifle are popular indoor disciplines, focusing on accuracy at shorter distances.
• High Power Rifle: Disciplines like NRA F-Class are actively pursued on the longer outdoor ranges, challenging shooters at 200, 300, and 600 yards.
• Long-Range Steel Shooting: The 700-yard steel course provides opportunities for challenging long-range rifle shooting.
• Silhouette Shooting: The club features three dedicated silhouette ranges: centerfire, smallbore, and rimfire pistol, where shooters engage animal-shaped metal targets at varying distances.
• Shotgun Sports: Skeet, Trap, and 5-stand are offered for shotgun enthusiasts.

Services:

The YRC provides a range of services for its members and the wider shooting community:

• Safety Courses and Training: The club conducts safety courses and training classes to ensure responsible firearm handling and promote safe shooting practices.
• Competitions and Matches: The YRC regularly sponsors and administers various shooting competitions and matches, including formal events and practices. Non-members are often welcome to participate in matches and special events for a fee.
• Youth Programs: The club has structured youth programs, such as Junior Smallbore Rifle, for young shooters aged 9 to 18, with coaches available for instruction.
• Range Access: Members have access to the indoor and outdoor ranges. For non-members, daily fees apply for use of the ranges, and guests must be accompanied by a member who is responsible for their safety and conduct.
• Equipment Rental and Sales: The indoor range may offer targets, ammunition, and safety equipment for sale or use, and sometimes .22 rifles and pistols for rental.

Membership:

Membership in the Yellowstone Rifle Club generally covers the primary member, their spouse, and dependents through the age of 21. There is an annual membership fee, a maintenance fee, and an initiation fee for new members. Collegiate memberships are also available for dependents attending school. The club is affiliated with major shooting organizations such as the NRA, Montana Rifle and Pistol Association, Civilian Marksmanship Program, and USA Shooting.