Places To Shoot: Bayou Rifles

Things just get better with age. Or at least that’s what club members could say about the Bayou Rifles club near Houston, TX. Founded in 1936, the club is still going strong with ranges at two locations within 40 minutes of downtown Houston. With firing lines for pistol and smallbore rifle, a 100-yard benchrest range, and military and long-range facilities, there’s no shortage of avenues for those wanting to sharpen their shooting skills.

And while many of the club’s nearly-1,000 members are informal shooters, those with a competitive itch have plenty of shooting opportunities from which to choose. Bayou hosts monthly matches for bullseye pistol, pistol silhouette, smallbore rifle silhouette and cowboy rimfire rifle fans. High-power shooters have their choice of across-the-course and prone matches, with F-Class being a big draw at prone events. The club also conducts annual Garand matches, as well as additional special events and pistol classes.

Bayou offers the use of its ranges to local law enforcement and military, as well as youth involved in the area’s 4-H club. Even the Boy Scouts get regular opportunities to utilize Bayou’s amenities. An interesting fact about Bayou Rifle is that it is one of the few clubs in Texas with a 1000-yard range. Probably one of the reasons they have hosted the state’s long-range championship in the past. David Leuders, director of Bayou’s high power program is proud of the club’s longevity and friendly atmosphere. “It’s a good place to go and shoot and have a good time,” says Leuders.

For information about Bayou Rifles, and a schedule of events, visit www.bayourifles.org.

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