The zoning proposal that the Manzano Mountain Gun Club put forward to develop a club shooting range on Bill Pohl’s property at Scholle was approved by the Torrance County Commission at their regular meeting on Wednesday, September 28, 2011.
Several steps are yet to be completed for final range design and construction, including soliciting the input of the NRA’s Range Technical Team. The MMGC Board is now beginning these steps and the expected opening date for the range will be posted here as soon as it is known.
Club members: expect calls for construction volunteers!
Pictured above, left to right:
Jim Greene, MMGC President; Alan Clute, MMGC VP; Bill Pohl, land owner; Juanita Chavez, notary public, pose after the signing of the lease.
At the August 2010 club meeting, MMGC President Jim Greene and Vice-President Alan Clute signed a lease for 40 acres of land owned by Bill Pohl west of Mountainair. Accessed by US Highway 60, the future range location sits in a natural bowl, with hills on three sides ranging from 120 to 220 feet above the firing line.
The club is currently in the process of obtaining the needed zoning change from Torrance County. Construction of the range, beginning with fencing the entire 40 acres, will commence when the zoning is approved.
Phase 1 of the range development calls for a 3-bay pistol range, a 3-bay rifle range, and a trap range. In addition to the very necessary fencing and signage, berms and sound baffles will be built.
There will be no running water at the range, but bottled water and other non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. There will be a portable restroom, ample off-highway parking, and maybe even a picnic table or two. (Bring your own hand cleaner!)
We will need plenty of volunteer labor to bring the range into reality. Contact us if you have a hammer and know how to use it! Specific skills needed and the schedule for work parties will be posted here when the time nears.
Finally, once the range is available, several range orientation sessions will be scheduled. Only club members who have completed the range orientation session will receive a key to the gate!