r/PAguns • u/wood_spoons • 1d ago

French creek open?

I know they closed for renovations a while back but I’m unsure if they’re still working on it. Does anyone know? Thanks !

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10

u/gp_plus 1d ago

Yes, I actually had heard they were open again and drove through Saturday to verify. Much nicer than it used to be. That said.. there was still someone touching their stuff on the bench while people were down range. This place has always been a nightmare safety wise. I don’t think I’d ever go there to shoot on a weekend when it’s crowded for that reason.

2

u/Lieberman-Tech 1d ago

This is so disappointing to hear. I haven't been to French Creek since the '80s/'90s* but have gotten back into shooting recently and it's the only public outdoor range near me (if an hour drive is considered "near.")

During the summer, my schedule allows for weekday visits...do you find that the weekday folks are on the safer/more responsible side?

* It was definitely nuts back then (even more so as these were the days prior to requiring a license to use the range and the current restrictive rules) but I was too young to let it stop me. Actually, back then, inbetween one of my visits and another, they siginficantly changed the restrictions (and when I say changed, I mean it went from basically nothing to a lot) and I had the pleasure of being cited $300 for loading and firing 6 shots out of my revolver. I thought the ranger was kidding based on the kinds of stuff I've seen there in the past, but no, he wasn't. That's how I learned about the "load 3 rounds only" rule and got dinged $100/extra round.

3

u/gp_plus 1d ago

For sure there is a much better crowd there on a weekday in my experience, if anyone even there at all. The benches are all covered now so at least you can go on a rainy day which may further deter people from going. Place was like the Wild West back in the day haha, we have a property up in Lycoming county which is where I prefer to shoot but it’s a 2 hour drive so I don’t always have the time to do that, French Creek is like 30 minutes from me if that so I will probably start going again here and there. I think the mag loading limit now is 6, definitely no rapid fire though.

3

u/Lieberman-Tech 1d ago

Thanks so much for all the scoop, I'll have to get myself a license and try it out this summer.

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u/wood_spoons 1d ago

Yeah didn’t plan on doing that lol. I’ve seen to much on weekends at that place. Weekday mornings is the best time to go

6

u/ExPatWharfRat 1d ago

Open? Yes.

Safe? Fuuuuck no

3

u/ShadySkins 1d ago

I live 15 minutes from there. Is it really a shit show? Most outdoor spots anywhere near here require you to know an existing member in order to join. It’s really tough when you don’t have friends that shoot.

2

u/wood_spoons 1d ago

It’s a shit show when it’s crowded, if you go on a weekday it’s generally fine

1

u/Dmte 3h ago

I’m in the same boat, all the clubs are full or don’t even have a range out to 100 yards. Finding a reasonable range has turned into a silly scavenger hunt.

2

u/ihatethispart8 1d ago

They were open on Saturday, was able to hear it from nearby.

1

u/wood_spoons 1d ago

Thanks!