Spring Break
College's 72-acre shooting range opens this fall; student weapon storage locker in plans
Katherine Poythress
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: News
Junior Ian Beuckelaere said he would probably spend a "significant amount of time" at the shooting range when it opens and looks forward to shooting his rifle there.
Thought the range may start off at a basic level, additional amenities - such as a variety of shooting targets and firearms - would make the range "more like a hunting experience, where you don't know what to expect," Péwé said.
The master plan benefits from the input of such prestigious names as Kramer One design firm based in Arizona, shooting expert Michael Murphy, and National Rifle Association's Education and Training Division Director Bill Poole.
The college is also consulting with a sound engineer to study sound impact on neighbors.
"We have to study the site and make sure it's organized well," Péwé said.
The cost of the range is still undetermined, Péwé said, because until the master plan is finished, the college will not know what needs to be accomplished or what it costs.
"We can move as fast as funds allow," Péwé said.
Based on initial student interest, that may be sooner rather then later.
"A lot of people don't participate in shooting sports because they don't have access to the kind of equipment they need," Hobson said.
Long term plans include a storage locker for student weapons.
"If there are facilities for storing my firearms there, I will probably make use of them" said Beuckelaere, who used to keep his guns in his vehicle. "I don't like storing them in my car and I would like to be able to go shooting."
Sophomore Luke Hobson said he knows several students who have kept firearms in their vehicles.
The guns often suffered corrosion from the humidity and extreme climate changes, he said.
Hobson said he takes an active interest in shooting sports and the right to keep and bear arms.
"A shooting range would be in keeping with a lot of what the college stands for as far as conservative values," Hobson said.
Thought the range may start off at a basic level, additional amenities - such as a variety of shooting targets and firearms - would make the range "more like a hunting experience, where you don't know what to expect," Péwé said.
The master plan benefits from the input of such prestigious names as Kramer One design firm based in Arizona, shooting expert Michael Murphy, and National Rifle Association's Education and Training Division Director Bill Poole.
The college is also consulting with a sound engineer to study sound impact on neighbors.
"We have to study the site and make sure it's organized well," Péwé said.
The cost of the range is still undetermined, Péwé said, because until the master plan is finished, the college will not know what needs to be accomplished or what it costs.
"We can move as fast as funds allow," Péwé said.
Based on initial student interest, that may be sooner rather then later.
"A lot of people don't participate in shooting sports because they don't have access to the kind of equipment they need," Hobson said.
Long term plans include a storage locker for student weapons.
"If there are facilities for storing my firearms there, I will probably make use of them" said Beuckelaere, who used to keep his guns in his vehicle. "I don't like storing them in my car and I would like to be able to go shooting."
Sophomore Luke Hobson said he knows several students who have kept firearms in their vehicles.
The guns often suffered corrosion from the humidity and extreme climate changes, he said.
Hobson said he takes an active interest in shooting sports and the right to keep and bear arms.
"A shooting range would be in keeping with a lot of what the college stands for as far as conservative values," Hobson said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Lee Ann Tarducci
Lee Ann Tarducci, Dir. of Ops., Second Amendment Sisters
posted 4/02/08 @ 1:27 PM EST
Congratulations to Hillside! I applaud your decision to have a shooting range and instruction in safe firearms handling on your campus.
I also support the college for standing up for our Second Amendment rights. (Continued…)
Mari Thompson
posted 4/02/08 @ 5:03 PM EST
Congratulations for having a place for your students to learn the safe handling of firearms, and to hone their skills.
If one of your coeds would be interested in starting a college chapter of Second Amendment Sisters at Hillsdale, please have them contact me. (Continued…)
Michael Smith
posted 4/03/08 @ 5:29 PM EST
This is great news! As an incoming freshman fall-2008, and a strong supporter of gun rights, I am thoroughly pleased to hear about this shooting range!
I hope a storage area for students' firearms will be opened as soon as possible. (Continued…)
Post a Comment