Range Time

Where to sight in your rifle. 

Practice makes perfect, and when it comes to accurate shooting, there’s no substitute for rounds downrange. Alas, with Bozeman’s booming population, sighting in your rifle at a random trailhead is no longer tenable. The good news is that there are plenty of private ranges around southwest Montana. Here’s a rundown.

Logan Range
Operated by the Manhattan Wildlife Association, this is the area’s most popular facility. The main rifle range goes out to 440 yards, which is plenty far for the average hunter. Membership involves a mandatory safety video, which can be viewed at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds; guests can accompany a member for a daily fee. Note: beware of range nazis, gun nerds who talk your ear off, and yahoos who don’t follow proper range etiquette.

Livingston Range
About the same distance from Bozeman, the Park County Rod & Gun Club has two ranges side-by-side. One offers targets out to 200 yards while the other has targets placed every 100 meters out to 500 meters. It’s a laid-back vibe, and make sure to keep it that way by practicing safe and responsible firearm etiquette. Pick up a membership at Yellowstone Sporting Goods in Livingston.

Townsend Range
The Broadwater Rod & Gun Club hosts a great small-town range with targets out to 1,200 yards. Sign up at the Rocky Mountain Supply in Townsend. broadwaterrodandgun.com.

Tactic
This SEAL-led shooting school offers long-range instruction out to 1,000 yards and beyond. The range is near Four Corners and both private and group classes are available.

Fortress
Precision-shooting classes take place on a range near Three Forks, at distances out to 600 yards. Long-range engagement courses extend that to 1,500 yards. One-on-one or group instruction can be arranged. fortresscombat.com.