Lawrence, Kansas

divil · May 9, 2011, 03:41 PM

I'm probably going to be moving to Lawrence, KS soon. Are there any free, public ranges in the area? I've been kind of spoiled for a while, I'v been living in North Dakota and there are 3 public ranges within a short distance of me. I'm also very laid back about security since this is probably the safest place in America - I don't have a safe! I just keep my guns in the closet. Will I need to beef security up in Lawrence?

BGutzman · May 9, 2011, 04:07 PM

I have a close friend in Abilene Ks which isnt far from there, I know he goes range shooting fairly regularly and he enjoys doing some skeet so you should be golden... Sorry I dont have an address or something more concrete to provide.

larryf1952 · May 9, 2011, 04:30 PM

Are you going to be working at KU? Of course, I'm not familiar with your political beliefs, but if you're a conservative, you might be in for a rude awakening in Lawrence. Around here, we call Lawrence the San Francisco of the plains.

I grew up in Topeka and now live in Kansas City. I'm not aware of any free public ranges within a short drive of this area. BGutzman mentioned Abilene, KS, but that would be 100 miles and a 2 hour drive west of Lawrence. My grandparents lived in Abilene.

While I lived in Topeka, I was a member of the Capital City Gun Club. They had a great outdoor facility just west of town and north of I-70...probably about 35 or 40 miles from Lawrence. They run a good show, and if you're inclined to join a gun club, they'd be worth a look. Over towards KC, the Mill Creek Gun Club has a nice facility in the DeSoto area. I'm not a member there, and I think it may take some effort to become a member.

For the past 11 years, since I've been a resident of KC, I've done most of my shooting at indoor ranges. There are some public ranges in the KC area that are sponsored by the state of MO, but they are in outlying areas and would require a day trip. Your best bet for free, outdoor shooting would probably be to befriend someone with acreage or farmland, as that surrounds Lawrence on all sides...but, the east Lawrence/west KC corridor is slowly filling in.

Lawrence is in close proximity to KC on the east and Topeka on the west, and it also has its share of homegrown hoodlums, so it is not without crime. I'd recommend a safe for your firearms. A closet won't cut it.

Mudinyeri · May 9, 2011, 04:47 PM

There may be a public range that's closer, but I know there's one north of Manhattan, KS about 20 miles. It's located in the Fancy Creek campground on the Tuttle Creek reservoir.

divil · May 9, 2011, 04:58 PM

Thanks guys. larryf1952, I won't be working at the university itself, but my employer has it's offices on the campus (as far as I know)

I'll check out those clubs...but it looks like I'm going to take a hit in convenience one way or another...

Talin342 · May 10, 2011, 11:55 AM

I can definately sympathize with you about places to shoot around Lawrence. It's probably the most liberal towns in the mid-west. Don't be alarmed if there are people handing out hemp seeds along Mass Street.

Back when I was living there I'd drive into KCMO to a couple of department of conservation ranges. There is (was) one near the airport which has a RO and you have to pay a fee. It's a pretty nice setup. If you want to drive further out into the sticks in MO there is another Conservation range that isn't supervised and you can shoot "non-paper" targets. I took water-filled soda bottles, army men, etc. It's a bit more of a drive, but it's free, I think the one in KCMO you pay by the hour. Still both were fun outdoor ranges.

Parma Shooting Range:
http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-cit...shooting-range
(about 45 minutes from Lawrence)

Pidgeon Hill Conservation Area (I think this is where I went)
http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/...t&txtDivision=
(About 1hr 20 minutes from Lawrence)

Of course you could always make friends with some folks who live outside of Lawrence in the country and shoot on their property. Not that I ever did that.

There are great opportunities to hunt around Clinton Lake, if you like duck hunting try Coblenz and Elk Creek Marshes on the south side of Clinton Lake. There are also some good turkey places around the lake as well and much of it is open to public hunting. Ah I remember fondly skipping class for turkey season.

Food is good too Free State Brewery and Vermont Street BBQ (on Mass) are great places to eat.

If you want any more info I'd be happy to pass what I know along.

Ringolevio · May 10, 2011, 03:09 PM

larryf1952 called Lawrence, KS "The San Francisco of the Plains"; I call it "The People's Republic of Lawrence". 'Same idea; you'll think you're in Madison, WI or Eugene, OR. (Unlike SanFran, I believe most of the residents of Lawrence are still hetero.)

I wouldn't recommend you discuss your politics or your enthusiasm for firearms with a lot of folks in Lawrence.

However, if you have a dog and enjoy off-leash dogparks, Lawrence has one of the best, down by Clinton Lake.

The newer one, on the North side, along the river and across the RR tracks, is an old hobo jungle and (unless it's been cleaned up in the last year or so) is still a hangout for mutts of the 2-legged variety. When there's a long train going by you're pretty much trapped out there. Even with a big dog, I wouldn't go there unarmed (but then, why go anywhere unarmed?).

I would also recommend (as another poster did) the Missouri Conservation Dept.'s Parma Woods range, just outside Parkville, a cool little town. It's a drive from Lawrence, but it's well-equipped and well-run (the staff is friendly & helpful, but safety rules are strict, as they should be), and only $3 per hr.

divil · May 11, 2011, 09:44 AM

The whole 'liberal' thing won't bother me as long as there are no silly laws interfering with me and my guns. They have state pre-emption as far as I know so I should be ok there. I had a look at the crime levels on http://www.city-data.com/city/Lawrence-Kansas.html and the only area that it's worse than Bismarck seems to be theft. Murder rates seem comparable for the most part, which is nice because I won't be carrying for a while.

Eagle Eye · May 11, 2011, 11:56 AM

I lived in Lawrence for 17 years (KU grad) then moved to Overland Park & then to Atchison.

Lawrence is a fun town with a great downtown area. I had some country friends there, but cannot steer you to them.

There is a commercial range in the southwest Kansas City suburb of Overland Park. This is only about 35 minutes from Lawrence. You can reach their website at http://www.thebullethole.com/portal/
You can also email at: [email protected]
or phone at: (913) 432-0050

Safe shooting and welcome to the neighborhood.

larryf1952 · May 11, 2011, 08:58 PM

Lawrence can be a fun place. My daughter loves it. I go over there every few months to meet a friend from Topeka for dinner. It's our "half way" point.

Being a college town, it's bound to be more liberal than a lot of other places, especially in KS. But, as Talin342 mentioned, you're liable to see a wide range of activities and people on Massachusetts St., which is the main drag through town. Lawrence is the only place that I know of that actually had an office dedicated to the "Free Leonard Peltier" (an imprisoned native American activist) movement. I've never had a problem in Lawrence, and I usually get a nice chuckle or two out of what I see.

Lawrence is actually an attractive town, with many old homes and neighborhoods, and the downtown area is well kept and busy, albeit often awash in college kids. Most of the retail and new development will be on the south and west sides.

Parma Woods, as Talin mentioned, would not be too far from Lawrence to make it an easy day trip for some shooting R&R. I've not been there myself, but I plan to give it a try soon. It's located on the MO side of the river, close to Parkville. Range fees are $3 per hour, and I hear good reports about it. I do almost all of my shooting nowadays at The Bullet Hole in Overland Park. It's not a fancy range, but they don't have a lot of unnecessary rules and restrictions, and so long as you're not an idiot, they leave you alone.

There are still conservatives left in Lawrence, but they tend to get drowned out by the college crowd and the "artists" that like to congregate there. I'd imagine that Bismarck would compare with Lawrence in size, so that shouldn't be a shock for you. Lawrence has had some crime/murder problems as of late, but I think that a lot of that was caused by people who were from the KC/Topeka areas. If you know where to go or not go, and who to associate with...or not...you'll be fine, as would be the case anywhere.

I hope this is a good move for you. Welcome to KS!

Buzzcook · May 11, 2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

I'm not familiar with your political beliefs, but if you're a conservative, you might be in for a rude awakening in Lawrence. Around here, we call Lawrence the San Francisco of the plains.

Lawrence had some experience with conservatives and still haven't gotten over it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Massacre

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/ja...ge/?city_local

Have fun shooting at the community range

Ringolevio · May 12, 2011, 10:54 AM

Buzzcook:

Quote:

Lawrence had some experience with conservatives and still haven't gotten over it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Massacre

I presume your intent was humor, and I enjoy a good quip as much as the next man, BUT...

PLEASE don't equate Quantrill's murderous Bushwhackers (even if, as some historians say, they were driven by revenge for similar acts against them and their families by Redlegs and Jayhawkers*, rather than by pro-slavery beliefs) with conservatives.

This plays right into the Leftist propaganda that paints conservatives as racists etc.

*As depicted in the opening scenes of "The Outlaw Josey Wales"

Buzzcook · May 12, 2011, 12:39 PM

Ringolevio: The joke is that in spite of all the cries of "liberal" and "don't talk guns", Lawrence has a community indoor shooting range right down town.

Ringolevio · May 12, 2011, 11:55 PM

Buzzcook:

Quote:

Ringolevio: The joke is that in spite of all the cries of "liberal" and "don't talk guns", Lawrence has a community indoor shooting range right down town.

Cool! As the late Johnny Carson would say, "I did not know that!"

divil · May 13, 2011, 01:54 PM

Well I'm on a visit to the area for a few days. Spent yesterday in Topeka, today in Lawrence. What's with all the no gun signs in Topeka? Everywhere seems to have them. I have never seen that anywhere before! Not as many in Lawrence by the looks of it. It does seem to be a nice town.

Eagle Eye · May 13, 2011, 02:08 PM

Oh yeah.....we forgot to tell you. There are a lot of liberals in Topeka also.

Move to Atchison. We have a conservative town with old school values still in place.

divil · May 16, 2011, 03:37 PM

Well, back from my trip. I spent the weekend in Lawrence...didn't really like it at first but I suppose I will get used to it. It sounds like there are a lot of options for shooting from what you guys are saying, and it certainly looks like a fairly safe place. And at least there is a Cabela's nearby to soften the blow of loosing by beloved free ranges! Thanks for all the input everyone.

larryf1952 · May 18, 2011, 01:46 AM

I was also unaware of the "community" shooting range in downtown Lawrence. I've never heard anyone mention it. Anyway, that's good news...I'm sure that it must drive many of the residents crazy, or else they don't know about it, either.

I was born and raised in Topeka, but I don't get over there much any more. I hadn't really noticed the number of "no gun" signs, so I'm not sure what's up with that, except to say that each business has the option of displaying the sign and establishing their own policy. All of the schools must display them by law.

You should like Lawrence just fine, once you get used to it. It's an attractive town with a lot of character. Not too big, and not too small. Lots of things to do, and close to KC. You might even become a KU Jayhawk fan if you're there long enough. Then, you can get all hyped up during BB season and get shot down when they get blasted by some small school in the NCAA finals.

As you mentioned, Cabela's is just a short drive from Lawrence, and there are also 2 Bass Pro Shops in the KC area.

Eagle Eye · May 18, 2011, 06:39 AM

I was unaware of a range in downtown Lawrence until reading it here. And I lived there for 17 years, moving away in 1989. It is located at 11th and Vermont in the basement of the Community Building. Google Community Shooting Range Lawrence Kansas and you will find it. An interesting story can be found with that search.

Ringolevio · May 18, 2011, 01:40 PM

Just one more piece of advice about Lawrence, KS: if you find yourself commuting between Lawrence and OP (Overland Park, the biggest KC suburb and probably the 2nd or 3rd biggest city in KS) via Hwy 10, be aware that speedcops regard the Hwy 10 detail as like shooting fish in a barrel.

And just as hazardous as all those cars speeding (and many of the drivers yakking or texting) is when they spot the cop and suddenly hit their brakes.

Variable. · May 18, 2011, 11:39 PM

Check out ksccw.com and you will get some good info on stuff in the Lawrence area.

May 9, 2011, 03:41 PM	#1
divil Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2009 Posts: 506	Lawrence, Kansas I'm probably going to be moving to Lawrence, KS soon. Are there any free, public ranges in the area? I've been kind of spoiled for a while, I'v been living in North Dakota and there are 3 public ranges within a short distance of me. I'm also very laid back about security since this is probably the safest place in America - I don't have a safe! I just keep my guns in the closet. Will I need to beef security up in Lawrence?

May 10, 2011, 11:55 AM	#6
Talin342 Member Join Date: January 12, 2011 Posts: 50	Former Jayhawk I can definately sympathize with you about places to shoot around Lawrence. It's probably the most liberal towns in the mid-west. Don't be alarmed if there are people handing out hemp seeds along Mass Street. Back when I was living there I'd drive into KCMO to a couple of department of conservation ranges. There is (was) one near the airport which has a RO and you have to pay a fee. It's a pretty nice setup. If you want to drive further out into the sticks in MO there is another Conservation range that isn't supervised and you can shoot "non-paper" targets. I took water-filled soda bottles, army men, etc. It's a bit more of a drive, but it's free, I think the one in KCMO you pay by the hour. Still both were fun outdoor ranges. Parma Shooting Range: http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-cit...shooting-range (about 45 minutes from Lawrence) Pidgeon Hill Conservation Area (I think this is where I went) http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/...t&txtDivision= (About 1hr 20 minutes from Lawrence) Of course you could always make friends with some folks who live outside of Lawrence in the country and shoot on their property. Not that I ever did that. There are great opportunities to hunt around Clinton Lake, if you like duck hunting try Coblenz and Elk Creek Marshes on the south side of Clinton Lake. There are also some good turkey places around the lake as well and much of it is open to public hunting. Ah I remember fondly skipping class for turkey season. Food is good too Free State Brewery and Vermont Street BBQ (on Mass) are great places to eat. If you want any more info I'd be happy to pass what I know along.

May 10, 2011, 03:09 PM	#7
Ringolevio Junior member Join Date: March 30, 2011 Location: Where the Kaw meets the Mighty Mo Posts: 241	Welcome (?) to Lawrence, KS larryf1952 called Lawrence, KS "The San Francisco of the Plains"; I call it "The People's Republic of Lawrence". 'Same idea; you'll think you're in Madison, WI or Eugene, OR. (Unlike SanFran, I believe most of the residents of Lawrence are still hetero.) I wouldn't recommend you discuss your politics or your enthusiasm for firearms with a lot of folks in Lawrence. However, if you have a dog and enjoy off-leash dogparks, Lawrence has one of the best, down by Clinton Lake. The newer one, on the North side, along the river and across the RR tracks, is an old hobo jungle and (unless it's been cleaned up in the last year or so) is still a hangout for mutts of the 2-legged variety. When there's a long train going by you're pretty much trapped out there. Even with a big dog, I wouldn't go there unarmed (but then, why go anywhere unarmed?). I would also recommend (as another poster did) the Missouri Conservation Dept.'s Parma Woods range, just outside Parkville, a cool little town. It's a drive from Lawrence, but it's well-equipped and well-run (the staff is friendly & helpful, but safety rules are strict, as they should be), and only $3 per hr.

May 18, 2011, 06:39 AM	#19
Eagle Eye Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 178	Community Shooting Range in Lawrence? I was unaware of a range in downtown Lawrence until reading it here. And I lived there for 17 years, moving away in 1989. It is located at 11th and Vermont in the basement of the Community Building. Google Community Shooting Range Lawrence Kansas and you will find it. An interesting story can be found with that search. Last edited by Eagle Eye; May 18, 2011 at 06:45 AM.

May 18, 2011, 01:40 PM	#20
Ringolevio Junior member Join Date: March 30, 2011 Location: Where the Kaw meets the Mighty Mo Posts: 241	Just beware Just one more piece of advice about Lawrence, KS: if you find yourself commuting between Lawrence and OP (Overland Park, the biggest KC suburb and probably the 2nd or 3rd biggest city in KS) via Hwy 10, be aware that speedcops regard the Hwy 10 detail as like shooting fish in a barrel. And just as hazardous as all those cars speeding (and many of the drivers yakking or texting) is when they spot the cop and suddenly hit their brakes.

May 9, 2011, 04:07 PM	#2
BGutzman Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2009 Location: Frozen Tundra Posts: 2,414	I have a close friend in Abilene Ks which isnt far from there, I know he goes range shooting fairly regularly and he enjoys doing some skeet so you should be golden... Sorry I dont have an address or something more concrete to provide.

May 9, 2011, 04:30 PM	#3
larryf1952 Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2004 Location: KCMO Posts: 615	Are you going to be working at KU? Of course, I'm not familiar with your political beliefs, but if you're a conservative, you might be in for a rude awakening in Lawrence. Around here, we call Lawrence the San Francisco of the plains. I grew up in Topeka and now live in Kansas City. I'm not aware of any free public ranges within a short drive of this area. BGutzman mentioned Abilene, KS, but that would be 100 miles and a 2 hour drive west of Lawrence. My grandparents lived in Abilene. While I lived in Topeka, I was a member of the Capital City Gun Club. They had a great outdoor facility just west of town and north of I-70...probably about 35 or 40 miles from Lawrence. They run a good show, and if you're inclined to join a gun club, they'd be worth a look. Over towards KC, the Mill Creek Gun Club has a nice facility in the DeSoto area. I'm not a member there, and I think it may take some effort to become a member. For the past 11 years, since I've been a resident of KC, I've done most of my shooting at indoor ranges. There are some public ranges in the KC area that are sponsored by the state of MO, but they are in outlying areas and would require a day trip. Your best bet for free, outdoor shooting would probably be to befriend someone with acreage or farmland, as that surrounds Lawrence on all sides...but, the east Lawrence/west KC corridor is slowly filling in. Lawrence is in close proximity to KC on the east and Topeka on the west, and it also has its share of homegrown hoodlums, so it is not without crime. I'd recommend a safe for your firearms. A closet won't cut it.

May 9, 2011, 04:47 PM	#4
Mudinyeri Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2011 Posts: 145	There may be a public range that's closer, but I know there's one north of Manhattan, KS about 20 miles. It's located in the Fancy Creek campground on the Tuttle Creek reservoir.

May 9, 2011, 04:58 PM	#5
divil Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2009 Posts: 506	Thanks guys. larryf1952, I won't be working at the university itself, but my employer has it's offices on the campus (as far as I know) I'll check out those clubs...but it looks like I'm going to take a hit in convenience one way or another...

May 11, 2011, 09:44 AM	#8
divil Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2009 Posts: 506	The whole 'liberal' thing won't bother me as long as there are no silly laws interfering with me and my guns. They have state pre-emption as far as I know so I should be ok there. I had a look at the crime levels on http://www.city-data.com/city/Lawrence-Kansas.html and the only area that it's worse than Bismarck seems to be theft. Murder rates seem comparable for the most part, which is nice because I won't be carrying for a while.

May 11, 2011, 11:56 AM	#9
Eagle Eye Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 178	I lived in Lawrence for 17 years (KU grad) then moved to Overland Park & then to Atchison. Lawrence is a fun town with a great downtown area. I had some country friends there, but cannot steer you to them. There is a commercial range in the southwest Kansas City suburb of Overland Park. This is only about 35 minutes from Lawrence. You can reach their website at http://www.thebullethole.com/portal/ You can also email at: [email protected] or phone at: (913) 432-0050 Safe shooting and welcome to the neighborhood.

May 11, 2011, 08:58 PM	#10
larryf1952 Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2004 Location: KCMO Posts: 615	Lawrence can be a fun place. My daughter loves it. I go over there every few months to meet a friend from Topeka for dinner. It's our "half way" point. Being a college town, it's bound to be more liberal than a lot of other places, especially in KS. But, as Talin342 mentioned, you're liable to see a wide range of activities and people on Massachusetts St., which is the main drag through town. Lawrence is the only place that I know of that actually had an office dedicated to the "Free Leonard Peltier" (an imprisoned native American activist) movement. I've never had a problem in Lawrence, and I usually get a nice chuckle or two out of what I see. Lawrence is actually an attractive town, with many old homes and neighborhoods, and the downtown area is well kept and busy, albeit often awash in college kids. Most of the retail and new development will be on the south and west sides. Parma Woods, as Talin mentioned, would not be too far from Lawrence to make it an easy day trip for some shooting R&R. I've not been there myself, but I plan to give it a try soon. It's located on the MO side of the river, close to Parkville. Range fees are $3 per hour, and I hear good reports about it. I do almost all of my shooting nowadays at The Bullet Hole in Overland Park. It's not a fancy range, but they don't have a lot of unnecessary rules and restrictions, and so long as you're not an idiot, they leave you alone. There are still conservatives left in Lawrence, but they tend to get drowned out by the college crowd and the "artists" that like to congregate there. I'd imagine that Bismarck would compare with Lawrence in size, so that shouldn't be a shock for you. Lawrence has had some crime/murder problems as of late, but I think that a lot of that was caused by people who were from the KC/Topeka areas. If you know where to go or not go, and who to associate with...or not...you'll be fine, as would be the case anywhere. I hope this is a good move for you. Welcome to KS!

May 12, 2011, 12:39 PM	#13
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	Ringolevio: The joke is that in spite of all the cries of "liberal" and "don't talk guns", Lawrence has a community indoor shooting range right down town.

May 13, 2011, 01:54 PM	#15
divil Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2009 Posts: 506	Well I'm on a visit to the area for a few days. Spent yesterday in Topeka, today in Lawrence. What's with all the no gun signs in Topeka? Everywhere seems to have them. I have never seen that anywhere before! Not as many in Lawrence by the looks of it. It does seem to be a nice town.

May 13, 2011, 02:08 PM	#16
Eagle Eye Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 178	Oh yeah.....we forgot to tell you. There are a lot of liberals in Topeka also. Move to Atchison. We have a conservative town with old school values still in place.

May 16, 2011, 03:37 PM	#17
divil Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2009 Posts: 506	Well, back from my trip. I spent the weekend in Lawrence...didn't really like it at first but I suppose I will get used to it. It sounds like there are a lot of options for shooting from what you guys are saying, and it certainly looks like a fairly safe place. And at least there is a Cabela's nearby to soften the blow of loosing by beloved free ranges! Thanks for all the input everyone.

May 18, 2011, 01:46 AM	#18
larryf1952 Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2004 Location: KCMO Posts: 615	I was also unaware of the "community" shooting range in downtown Lawrence. I've never heard anyone mention it. Anyway, that's good news...I'm sure that it must drive many of the residents crazy, or else they don't know about it, either. I was born and raised in Topeka, but I don't get over there much any more. I hadn't really noticed the number of "no gun" signs, so I'm not sure what's up with that, except to say that each business has the option of displaying the sign and establishing their own policy. All of the schools must display them by law. You should like Lawrence just fine, once you get used to it. It's an attractive town with a lot of character. Not too big, and not too small. Lots of things to do, and close to KC. You might even become a KU Jayhawk fan if you're there long enough. Then, you can get all hyped up during BB season and get shot down when they get blasted by some small school in the NCAA finals. As you mentioned, Cabela's is just a short drive from Lawrence, and there are also 2 Bass Pro Shops in the KC area.

May 18, 2011, 11:39 PM	#21
Variable. Junior Member Join Date: October 9, 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 1	Check out ksccw.com and you will get some good info on stuff in the Lawrence area.