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New target-shooting opportunity awaits at Ben Avery Shooting Facility

Posted March 31, 2021

Frank DeSomma Memorial Range to offer steel targets 

PHOENIX — The distinctive sound of a bullet hitting steel soon will be heard on the newly named Frank DeSomma Memorial Range at the world-class Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), in partnership with Phoenix-based Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF-USA), will provide an opportunity for recreational shooters to take aim at reactive steel targets set at 200, 300, 400 and 500 meters beginning Saturday, April 3. 

The range, named after the late Frank DeSomma, founder of POF-USA, will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. (no start times after 1:30 p.m.) Wednesday through Sunday, depending on range availability. Customers can only reserve shooting times at https://bookben.azgfd.com/. 

Reservations are time-certain. To ensure all customers have the same opportunity, arriving early or late will not change a person’s reservation start or end time. A reservation block is scheduled for one hour, and customers will be prompted when the end time is approaching to ensure they have time to pack up their equipment and depart.

The reactive steel targets vary in size, depending on distance. The targets set at 200 and 300 meters range from 4 to 20 inches, while the targets set at 400 and 500 meters range from 6 to 24 inches. Armor-piercing steel core/steel jacket, solid copper and other hardened bullets are strictly prohibited. Ammunition may be inspected to ensure safety guidelines are being followed. An inspection may be conducted, at the customer’s request, to determine if a particular type of ammunition is permitted.

As a reminder, all firearms must be cased before entering the range. All customers are responsible for picking up their spent casings. Customers can purchase eye and hearing protection when making a reservation. 

Range staff will be conducting sanitizing procedures on the range, based on the CDC’s latest recommendations. For more information, as well as a complete list of rules, visit https://bookben.azgfd.com/.