As often as I can, I try to find a new CAS club that I haven't yet shot at. Finding maps, directions, dates and times, can be a challenge. Sometimes they will have a web page, with an Email address, or at least a phone number. -Judge J.R.Pa Danby SASS #29429 recently offered up some good advice, on the SASS Wire, about traveling to a new shoot. I have taken the liberty of using/editing much of Pa Danby's work here. Thanks Pa!
Don't put all your trust in a club's web site, printed material, or even the word of someone that's been there before. Things change, and sometimes a club's web site may not be updated for some time. Handouts and posters left at gun stores, ranges, etc, by a CAS club, may be months or years old. Many times a club may change the weekend they shoot, or cancel a shoot for a given month, because of a conflict with another club's annual event.
I usually try to make a phone call afore going some place jest to confirm the details of times and places. Fer a shooting visit, I'd try and see if'n there is sumth'n special I might bring or ought'a know.
Remember: Starting times and shooter's meet'n times are important. Gett'n to a shoot a little late, will usually be tolerated, but it does cause some problems for the organizers. Gett'n there a little early gives you some jaw-bone'n time, and a chance to offer up a little help sett'n up.
Some points to help make your visit to a new shoot more harmonious:
Directions - Fer example last year the freeway off-ramp that most folks used fer where I shoot was closed by construction. The alternatives (if you knew about them) added about 15 minutes or more if the closure surprised you.Water - Some ranges have a drinking fountain close at hand at many of the stages. Many don't! In the summer bringing extry water an/or ice to have at your cart may really help things along.
Food - What are the lunch arrangements? Is there a potluck for lunch, BBQ after, etc. A first time visitor ain't usually expected to bring fer a pot-luck, but if they brings something, well that's even better.
Stages/Ammo - I spect that most folks will bring enough ammo fer their regular shoot, but what if they might need to buy some ammo and are used to being able to buy at the range? Side matches or pot shoots? I don't generally bring the trapdoor along, but iffn the opportunity arises and I know about it then along she comes. Many of the smaller clubs have no ammo sales at their shoots!
Mobility/Carts - What kind of cart is needed? Is horizontal carry allowed by the local rules? Some places have nice paved lots and paved walkways everything up nice and close. Cajon firing line (fer example) is over hundred yards long, the surface is rock, dirt, gravel. A little bit of preparedness can go a long way. I heard the shoots out at Calico are fun, but the terrain is a real challenge. Any shade or is a sun umbrella a nice to have item. Chairs/seating?
Sanitation Facilities - Many shoots are held on un-improved property. For them, even an outhouse may be a luxury. Be prepared to take you nature-calls like a true cowboy. If you shoot at these rough ranges, and own a motor home or camper with a head, bring it along. You will be the darling of some our more re-fined lady shooters.
What is the procedure for first time shooters/visitors? - Do they go through a qualification process? Do they have to get there early for that? Are they integrated right into a posse? Can sumbuddy they shot with before voucher fer their safety?
Safety & Comfort - If'n you're bring'n non-shoot'n friends or family members, remember to have eye & ear protection for them.
Look'n the part - Most monthly shoots are not real sticklers for truly authentic attire, but nearly all require long-sleeved shirts. A cowboy hat will help keep the sun off'n your bean, let alone hot brass out of your shirt. Remember; cowboy boots look plumb silly with shorts. You don't haften to wear Wau pants. But most any long pants look pretty good with boots.
A quick phone call can really take things a long ways to make'n the first visit a total success. BTW I used to travel a lot and tried to visit local Lodges, model RR clubs, amateur radio clubs, etc while on the road. That phone call usually made life a lot easier.
( Call em up, and ask them questions!)