My son (a CCW holder) and his girlfriend are in the process of driving from Charlotte to Denver,Co for the week and will be arriving there at some point on Sunday or Monday. I was hoping that someone in the know could recommend an outdoor range. He has limited funds so if there is a reasonably priced outdoor range with facilities as well as any popular public lands where he could shoot for free, I am open to any suggestions to pass on to him. He will be using a Glock 19 only, is a college student and is very responsible. They will be staying in the downtown area, by the way.

As always, I very much appreciate Para providing this awesome forum and thank you all in advance for your contributions.

Michael

Cherry Creek state park (SE Metro) has an outdoor range. The Shootist is an indoor range due south of downtown about 20 mins away. I've been there before and it's decent. Nothing fancy but it's in a good location relative to where they'll be. You can also go out on BLM land. A favorite spot of mine is due West of Colorado Springs, SW of Denver about 1.5-2 hrs away near Tarryall Resevoir. Take 285 out of Denver to Jefferson go South on 77 ( I think) to Tarryall Resevoir. Just past go on Turner Gulch Road and find a safe spot on BLM land.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bigeinkcmo,

A little farther north is the Baker Draw facility on the southern edge of Pawnee National Grasslands. It's free of course except for the extra time and gas. No doubt there are closer facilities.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recare...ecid=80588&actid=106

quote:

Originally posted by SigSentry:
A little farther north is the Baker Draw facility on the southern edge of Pawnee National Grasslands. It's free of course except for the extra time and gas. No doubt there are closer facilities.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recare...ecid=80588&actid=106

It appears that the Baker Draw facility is only 35 miles from downtown though, yes?

Denver to Briggsdale (closest town) is about 82 miles

Shared route
From Denver to Briggsdale via I-76 E.

1 hr 34 min (82 mi)
1 hr 32 min in current traffic


1. Head south on Bannock St toward W 14th Ave
2. Turn right onto W 13th Ave
3. Turn right onto Speer Blvd
4. Use the right lane to take the I-25 N ramp to Ft Collins
5. Merge onto I-25 N
6. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 216A for I-76 E toward Fort Morgan
7. Keep right at the fork to stay on Exit 216A, follow signs for I-76 E/Fort Morgan
8. Keep right to stay on I-76 E
9. Take exit 34 toward Kersey Rd
10. Turn left onto Co Rd 49
11. Turn right onto US-34 E
12. Turn left onto Co Rd 53
13. Turn right onto County Rd 60 1/2
14. Turn right onto CO-392 E
15. Turn right onto Main St
16. Arrive at location: Briggsdale

For the best route in current traffic visit https://goo.gl/maps/qFC37AhPMLS2

It might be worthwhile for him to read this:

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/colorado.pdf.

I remember reading a news item a couple years ago about some LEOs in the downtown Denver area being extra "zealous" in their interpretation/enforcement of the law.

Cherry Creek is the closest out door range in the Denver area, reasonably priced also. Blue Core and Centennial Gun club are probably the cleanest well lit ranges but 2 of the more expensive ones. Bristlecone is indoors in Lakewood and pretty new and prices are good also. The Shootist is a dingy place, not very well lit or ventilated but the price is right.

"You can also go out on BLM land. A favorite spot of mine is due West of Colorado Springs, SW of Denver about 1.5-2 hrs away near Tarryall Resevoir. Take 285 out of Denver to Jefferson go South on 77 ( I think) to Tarryall Resevoir. Just past go on Turner Gulch Road and find a safe spot on BLM land.

Unfortuntely Park County is in a complete Burn Ban at present (Tarryall, Cr 77, Cr 23 are all in ParkCo). Shooting jacketed rounds is prohibitted at present. We have had four fires this year directly attributted to recreational shooting, so we spend considereable time responding to "shots fired" by people in the National Forest. I contacted five groups yesterday and two today.

Details here: http://www.parkco.us/DocumentCenter/View/2915

I am passing all info on to my son and will continue to do so. Many thanks for all of this great info.