San Clemente Trap/Skeet

[T F Coyote]

I grew up in Irvine very close to the South Coast Gun Club. ###When it closed a few years ago, I thought the closest trap/skeet range was Rahaague's. ###Well I was wrong.

Looking at a AAA map, I noticed a small symbol depicting a public shooting range in the south end of San Clemente. ###I called on Sunday, and they said, "Come on down!"

Good thing I called when I did, since they are only open on Sundays from 1000 to 1630, and Thursdays 1630 to dark (during daylight savings time). ###

They have one dedicated trap range and one interchangeble skeet/trap range. ###A very small facility, but there were close to 15 persons there when I showed up. ###Good to see those kinds of numbers to keep the place in business. ###(They claim they've been in business since 1941.) ###The phone number is (949) 366-0916. SC Trap and Skeet

I only had time for one round of trap (and I definitely needed the practice), but I will return again before quail opens.

If any other South OC JHPers are interested, we should plan a group shoot some time soon. ###

(Edited by T F Coyote at 12:59 pm on Aug. 13, 2002)

[Marty]

SURE. ###

I never knew it was there, either. ###Amazing.

[stickman]

I didn't reakize it wa open to the public. I thought it was a member only club.

[DKScott]

You've discovered our secret! ###The range has been there since 1941. ###Its actually a city park leased to the Elks and one of their guys works the desk and is the caretaker. ###Mostly its used by the San Clemente Trap & Skeet Club. As Coyote says, hours are 10:00 am to 4:30 PM Sundays and 4:00 PM till dark on Thursdays during daylight savings time. ###We have a club shoot generally on the first Sunday of the month (January through October), so the public can't get on until after its over - usually around 1:30 or so. ###Technically, the Club has the run of the place until then every Sunday, but that rule hasn't been observed for several years, so come on down whenever you feel like it.

I think its a great place to shoot, I just wish we had more hours (they're set by the lease) and more fields. ###There is one trap field and one skeet field. The trap house on the skeet field is for continental trap.

We're located at 400 Bahia, behind the San Clemente Golf Course and next to the baseball field. ###S/B on the 5 get off at Califia, N/B get off at Magdelena (I think).

There is a one day hunter safety course on Saturday, August 24th. ###Register in person prior to the class. ###Call 949-366-0916 during open hours for more info.

See ya there.

Scott