impacts in the trigger zones. It’s remarkably
similar to a bowling alley, discounting the
air rifles, which the facility can provide.
The facilities are normally used for national
competitions; a sister facility in Ohio and
a mobile range that matches the one at
the Anniston location, pieced apart and
reassembled at match locations, make up
a nationwide array of competition spaces.
GUN SAFETY TIPS
If you’re taking your firearm out to
the range or firing a few rounds on
your private property, make sure to
stay safe while doing so.
• Don’t load your gun until you
intend to use it.
• Never leave a loaded firearm
unattended.
• Make sure that you know what
you’re shooting at: is there a
backstop behind the target to
keep rounds from penetrating and
potentially causing an accident?
Make sure not to fire at hard
surfaces that can cause ricochets,
like rocks, metal or even glass.
“We decided that if you’ve got the facility,
you might as well open it to the public,”
said Michaels.
Many of the competitions are focused
on young people, from JROTC programs,
Boy Scouts and 4-H clubs, allowing kids
to distinguish themselves for their hard
work and practice with firearms while also
learning about gun safety, and potentially
securing scholarships with colleges that
maintain shooting teams, including
Jacksonville State University.
Admission is refreshingly simple; CMP isn’t
a gun club, so there’s no official registration
or dues, though new participants will need
to watch a safety video to get a feel for the
42
• Always keep the muzzle pointed in
a direction that’s safe; even if the
safety is on, assume the firearm
can discharge at any time.
air rifles and prevent accidents.
From there, it’s just a matter of shooting
straight and having fun. ✽
The CMP range is located at 1470 Sentinel
Drive in Anniston. National Match air rifles
are available to rent for $5. Admission is $5
for adults and $2 for kids high school age and
younger. Packs of 500 pellets are available for
$7.50. Call 256-835-8455 for more information.
August 2014
INSIGHT