I got the news that Kaneohe Marine Corps Base opens up the range to the public on the second friday of every month. Carter from OGC said that this month was rifle and the next month is pistol. I'll try and get some more information.

by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs

10/19/2009 - KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Shooters from around the island indulged in free-fire target shooting during the Kaneohe Bay Range's second recreation fire here, Oct. 9.

The range opened its gates to the base and sponsored individuals for the opportunity to send rounds down range at their own pace without the hassle of ammunition limitations or admission fees. Unlike the last recreation fire held in September on the pistol range, shooters brought their long guns for some pinpoint accuracy and fun.

"I love it," said Gunnery Sgt. Alexandro Magdaleno, radio chief, Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment. "It's awesome, just the ability to come out here and shoot."

Magdaleno, a resident of Waikiki, stationed here said he usually shoots at the Koko Head Rifle Range in Honolulu, but there are more advantages here.

"Koko Head's a good place to go shoot at, but you can only shoot five rounds at a time," Magdaleno said. "I can load up a magazine of 30 [rounds in my personal weapon]. This gives you a lot more playroom as far as moving around and shooting more than five targets without reloading."

Magdaleno said the most important thing is it's free and it can't be beat. Another shooting patron, Damon Kondo, a civilian who works on base, said shooting is a new hobby for him. Damon said he inherited rifles and pistols from his father, a former Marine, a year and a half ago and his enthusiasm has spawned since then.

"You have all the reactive targets here, which is a lot more fun than shooting paper," said Kondo, who also shoots at the Koko Head Rifle Range. "Shooting here forced me to learn how to shoot off-hand, kneeling and sitting, where at Koko Head, I always shot off the bench."

Kondo said he was impressed at how well he shot for the first time without a bench, and also with the attention shooters got on the firing line.

"Here, people are more likely to give you help with your shooting technique, whereas [other places] people are nice, but they pretty much keep to themselves," Kondo said. "I think it's an awesome program and they should keep it open. I've been telling everyone I know about it, so hopefully there will be more people out in the future."

The recreation fire is open to all service members and individuals who work on the base, as well as relatives or friends who can be sponsored onto the base.

"What we're doing is kind of feeling it out and the general consensus is that one month we'll have a pistol rec fire and the next month we'll have a rifle rec fire," said Keith Sanderson, chief marksmanship instructor, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Sanderson said safety is the first concern on the range and the range takes every step to encourage it. Once shooters arrive at the range, they must check in with the fire desk operator. Shooters are required to show valid proof of firearms registration and must sign in before getting issued a badge.

"Badges are used to control where shooters are allowed to fire and to ensure they're not wandering in an unsecure area," said James McCauley, fire desk operator. "Once you get onto the range, the [range safety officer] can visually identify that you've been to range control [and] you've got the proper paperwork and we can track who's on and off of the range."

Safety briefs are conducted before and after firing. Marine range coaches and civilians also keep a watchful eye on the firing line.

"We don't just have individuals up on the firing line blasting caps away," Sanderson said. "They're supervised. It's no less than one safety official for every four [shooters] and usually closer to one for every two target points."

The range isn't only for those seeking recreational fire, but can also be used for those who would like to sharpen their shooting skills.

"This isn't just recreation shooting," Magdaleno said. "This is for Marines who want to come out and practice on their fundamentals."

Magdaleno said he uses his issued rifle combat optic, which gives him a better constant and understanding of how to fire with it, being that the Marine Corps is transitioning from iron sights to RCO.

Sanderson stressed that the range is always open to suggestions. "Based upon feedback that we receive is how we're going to adjust fire and try and make a better product for the Marines and civilians of K-Bay," Sanderson said. For more information on the recreation fire or to make a suggestion, contact the range at 257-3600 or e-mail Sanderson at keith.sanderson@usmc.mil.

Sounds like it is for military and "sponsored" private individuals only, but let us know what you find out.

Also, would this be open to anyone that can get on base (i.e. any base sticker and CAC card)? 

I found that artical a few months ago, and I tried emailing the POC.
However, I have not recieved any resonse. Please let us know what
you find out. Would be nice, and I heard they have a 900m range.

someone on forums posted:
Cavguy
"Folks - Looks like you have to be military (Active, Reserve, NG, Retired) or LEO to shoot. Access is an issue if you so not have right credentials. Unlike the SRGC, it is lock on for at least once a month. Hope to see some of you there next month. The venue rotates from rife to pistol with no restrictions much like SRGC. If any you guys are deploying with us sometime next year, this would seem like a good opportunity for some trigger time despite the drive. Hope to see some of you there. "

I'm soooo there!!!!

Thanks for the update houdni. I tried to call but only got an answering machine.

*cough*  1st. official 2aHawaii field trip  *cough*

this is the ulupau crater range correct?

Pulled up this old thread to see if anyone has any information about these events.  I was talking to another 2ahwaii member who told me about it.  It is MWR sponsored supposedly.  Anyone else have some personnal experience?

Went once during the summer.  I'm not military, but from my experience as long as you have someone who works on the base with you, then after filling out a form, you can shoot.  They had some m4s and m9s when I went.  Of course people brought their own guns too.  Range and targets are awesome there 

Do they have to work on base? I was going to go with someone who is Military but not marines and does not work at kbay

Do they have to work on base? I was going to go with someone who is Military but not marines and does not work at kbay

That's what I'm trying to figure out.  I'm mil, but not a marine nor do I work at kbay.  Trying to figure if this is still going on, and what the process is to bring your own gear and registering everything.

this is the ulupau crater range correct?

Yup thats the range up ulupau behind the landfill. I gone to the rec-fire a couple times. I know its open for active, retire and civilian dod employee 2nd friday each month. Had to regs my rifle with PMO first.

Yup thats the range up ulupau behind the landfill. I gone to the rec-fire a couple times. I know its open for active, retire and civilian dod employee 2nd friday each month. Had to regs my rifle with PMO first.

Is there a flyer or something that gives a description of where everything is?  I've been looking at MWR sites but haven't come across any info yet.

I work on MCBH K-Bay. I've been meaning to go but always forget about it. I'll stop by the next one to scope it out and get some info.

I work at kbay also. I gotta head to the range tomorrow for water samples try get sum info.

That's odd.  My friend was a Navy Reservist and he got to shoot there.

If anyone wants to drive me from Kalihi after 1:30pm, I'm down to "let you in."  Just make sure your vehicle's paperwork is in order.

The guys at the range want to see your registration papers for your firearms (the white sheet you get the last time you visit HPD with your gun) before you shoot it at their range, unless you've already "registered" with the range already.  I've never had to register with PMO for just the rec fire.

That's odd.  My friend was a Navy Reservist and he got to shoot there.

If anyone wants to drive me from Kalihi after 1:30pm, I'm down to "let you in."  Just make sure your vehicle's paperwork is in order.

The guys at the range want to see your registration papers for your firearms (the white sheet you get the last time you visit HPD with your gun) before you shoot it at their range, unless you've already "registered" with the range already.  I've never had to register with PMO for just the rec fire.

The range guys told us jus bring your hpd regs forms and check in and register with pmo before coming on base with firearms. 

Sorry guys i don't know why that pic popped up

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