After seven years of red tape and hard work the Ridgecrest Gun Range Association (RGRA) held its Grand Opening Ceremony at the new Ridgecrest Gun Range February 23, 2004. This is the first public range on private property to have been built in California since 1965.

The range was made possible by dedication and funds from many local people and by grants of over $82,000 from the Friends of the NRA.

Kern County First District Supervisor, Jon McQuiston, who was instrumental in getting this range approved by the county, spoke on the importance of citizens having knowledge of gun safety and his faith in Second Amendment rights.

Friends of NRA Central California District Director, Daryl Amble, gave a brief speech praising the community for its concerted efforts in bringing the project from a dream to a reality. McQuiston, Amble, and RGRA President, Thomas Wiknich led shooters in a first volley to signal the official opening. Some 60 local shooters joined in the volley with great enthusiasm.

The site, on 170 acres of property at the intersection of Brown Rd. and Wiknich Rd., is one of the largest privately owned shooting ranges in California. Management is overseen by the board of the non-profit organization, consisting of representatives from local clubs and the public.

One of these clubs, the Sierra Desert Gun Club, held its opening in conjunction with the RGRA Grand Opening. Another club, the Robber’s Roost Vigilantes, demonstrated Cowboy Action Shooting at their area.

The facility offers a 600 yard range for use by RGRA members. Many local shooting clubs have, or plan to establish, their own shooting range within the borders of the larger new facility. The site will also be used by local law enforcement agencies for training and proficiency testing, by Cerro Coso Community College for training of students in their Criminal Justice program, and by local firearms instructors to train new shooters in the proper use of firearms and to improve the skill level of current shooters.

The facility is being built to NRA range specifications and the RGRA expects to have the range certified to hold NRA matches. The range will attract shooting events to the valley, which could bring in as many as 200 visitors to the area as often as once a month.

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