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Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
The Sidney Shooting Park officially unveiled its pistol range Saturday. The 'ribbon cutting was conducted by Carla Lutz (left), Brad Zalesky (center) and Thomas Mitchell.
The Sidney Shooting Park officially unveiled its pistol range Saturday.
The Sidney Shooting Park welcomed the public to its new pistol range Saturday, Jan. 4, celebrating with demonstrations, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting firearm-style, and lunch.
"I think it went exceptionally well," said SSP President Brad Zalesky.
The event included demonstrations, promotion of pistols available at NexGen Outfitters in Sidney, a book signing with Dan Carlson and open enrollment for anyone interested in becoming a shooting club member.
He said the opening exceeded expectations. He added the people who attended the event are a good show of support. The pistol range is a long-time coming, according to Zalesky, a part of the shooting park supporters have been seeking. He said funding, and location, were factors in when the pistol range was completed.
"Every since we opened this, we've been planning a pistol range," he said.
The pistol range is a short walk downhill from the main office and meeting room. It is surrounded by berms, literally dug out of the hillside, to improve safety. Much of the range is covered by a steel roof pavilion with the targets at the far end of the range outside of the covering. In addition to the shooting stations, there is a simulated exercise station to the left of the stations.
The pistol range was designed with the input of Thomas Mitchell, Dave Phelps and Christ Burkholz.
The pistol range was completed with the help of grants from the Cheyenne County Tourism Board and Bass Pro-Cabela's.
Zalesky credits the work by Carla Lutz for the grants received by Sidney Shooting Park.
Anyone who participates in activities at the SSP must sign range rules. The rules include "always treat every firearm as it were loaded," always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction," "No tracer, incendiary or armor-piercing ammunition or explosive targets are allowed," and "no consuming alcohol or impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication; prescribed or otherwise, is permitted." Use of the handgun range also requires a Range Safety Officer (RSO) when more than one person is shooting. The RSO is dedicated to give commands and ensure safety of the pistol range.
The Sidney Shooting Park does not accept full-automatic firearms of any style, or bump stocks.
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