Airgun range in Toronto.

[Saraduce]

I am a member of two different airgun clubs - both here in Toronto. One is a dedicated club for airgunners, and the other is a sub-division of a larger powder burner organization. Maybe it's because it's the summer, but I'm disappointed that the membership has fallen off at both. I'm especially disappointed for the one group that meets at the Estonian hall on Broadview, as it's located centrally in Toronto, broadly speaking, and has excellent facilities. Do you think that airgunning interest is falling off, or could it be that it's just the summer doldrums? I have been interested in target shooting for many years. I'll give my age away by saying that I earned the bronze, silver and gold pins in Dominion Marksmen way back when dinosaurs roamed the planet. Powder burners might have some excitement due to the big noise and fumes, but, I've begun to respect the skill it takes to get good with an airgun. Besides, it's less expensive, much less paperwork, and for the most part, easy to transport the equipment (guns) without a lot of hassle. If you think you would like to practice the sport in an easily accessible location, and have great company in a certified range, you might like to investigate the Greater Toronto Airgun Club - GTAC. I know this sounds like a plug, because it is. If we let these places go unused, we give up a chance to keep the sport alive, and the possibility of others having fun by getting involved.

[wheeliehd]

I hear what you are saying. People do need to support clubs of all kinds. Many of us air gunners shoot at home. I belong to a range but it is becoming known now as a pistol range now. It used to be known as a fishing club. There is talk about a specific airgun range being build but that will take a year or so away. Things change with time and move where the money takes them. My pellets guns are mainly for my in house range along with my two light weight 40lbs compound bows and 110lb target crossbow. Nothing like getting up in the morning and grabbing a coffee and go upstairs shooting. Good luck with your membership drive. CHEERS!

[Saraduce]

Thanks, wheeliehd. I'm hoping more people who live in condos and apartments will find a need to use a range in order to enjoy their airguns. Besides that, other members can be a valuable source of info, and help with those little projects that develop while we try to improve our skill, and guns. Glad to hear you can just go upstairs to start shooting. Lucky you. I'm green with envy.

[wheeliehd]

Perhaps some free shoots (or a minimal fee) so people can see the club. Make invites to other clubs about airgun shoot. If not already members of OFHA charge anyone that's not an extra $10 per person to put them on your clubs insurance. Then they get to see the club and how it works. Good way to get new members. CHEERS!

[megiddo65]

Sorry to hear that the turn out at gtac is dwindling. I use to be a member yrs ago when it first opened. The Club members were fabulous and knowledgeable. We use to have loads of fun up there in the dungeon as I use to call it. I still think that the airgun interest is there, but the facility can have an impact on whether a member chooses to renew or not. I moved on to another club outside of Toronto where there are more ports, good ventillation system, auto target retrieval sytem, heat in the winter, and A/C in the summer; plus 50 Yards of shooting distance. They also have WIFI, coffee, water, and 2 vending machines.

I still shoot up there on occasion as I'm a member with the Scarborough Rifle Club. They shoot on Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM. Sometimes I shoot my air rifles there.

[Arden]

Saraduce,
I've heard tales of these mythical beasts...
Can you provide contact info for these clubs? They appear to have zero presence on the internet.
I know that I once visited a website for GTAC (a year ago?) but cannot find it now.
Any info is most appreciated. (ie-fees, locations, hours, etc.)
Thanks.