Colorado Springs Rampart Range Road Shooting Range

Rampart Range Road Shooting Range

I moved to Colorado Springs in 2007 from Phoenix, Arizona. Being an avid sportsman in AZ, I sought out to find the nearest local shooting range here in the Springs to begin preparation for the next years hunting season. Quickly with a little bit of surfing on the net, I discovered a shooting range not far from me call Rampart Shooting Range on Rampart Range Road. As I looked for more information on it like location and rules, I also discovered there wasn't much in the way of documentation for this public facility. There was however a lot of articles discussing the closing down of the Rampart Range facility for various reasons. Lead poisoning in the water, poaching, littering, breaking of the rules, etc.. Being a hunter that abides by rules and safety, I really wanted to find out what the range had to offer, what I could discharge as far as weapons, how safe the facility was, and what the posted RULES were. Since I searched and could not find complete information, I decided to go up and see for myself. I was able to piece together the location after reading various articles, packed my truck and headed out with a friend.


The information I put together said to enter Garden of The Gods from the East side off of 30th st., follow the road around and reading the signs until you see a road on the right called Rampart Range Road and go with it. It is about a 25 minute drive after entering Garden of the Gods Park. Along the way we ran into the RULES for Rampart Shooting Range and took pictures. There was a lot of traffic going to and coming from the range on this Sunday afternoon around 1:30 pm. I was actually surprised as to how much traffic there really was and even more surprised at the amount of people there when we arrived.

We luckily were able to find a spot open up front. As we looked down on the area designated for what seemed to be long range, I noticed an open bench and immediately ascended to the bench with my gear. I was pleased to find almost everyone wearing protective eye wear and hearing protection. As we began to setup, I was asked by another person already there if I needed to go down range and setup a target. I responded yes and he took charge and easily grabbed everyone’s attention to call a cease fire so I could safely set up my target. He was not a guide and did not work for anyone however; he just took it upon himself to ensure safety for everyone and be a leader. I was taken by his gesture and instantly struck conversation. Throughout my visit to the range we repeatedly shared information with his group and allowed each other to try out our weapons. I found the atmosphere to be quit friendly and safety oriented to a degree. There was quite a bit of litter from shot gun shells, targets, etc. most likely due to there not being an official cease fire allowing everyone time to pick up after themselves. This is just my observation, I am by no means defending or attacking anyone I am simply making an observation. After I had discharged all of my weapons to my satisfaction I was ready to leave. I was approached by yet another gentleman who offered to let my shoot his S&W 500 mag. hand gun as a gesture for allowing him to collect my brass. I was elated and obliged his offer. I was in possession of a .44 cal Ruger Red Hawk and to say the least it's a very powerful hand gun with plenty of kick, however; when the gentleman revealed the S&W 500 mag., my eyes got big. I had never seen a hand gun that big much less shot one. I chambered the single shell I was given and took my time preparing and savoring the moment. This gun did have some kick. Wow! Everyone there seemed to be interested and was as amazed with the gun as I was. Soon thereafter we pack up and got ready to head back. I shook hands with everyone and thanked them for the experience.

As we drove back there was still a lot of traffic but what I noticed most is everyone drove slow and if you came up on them, they would pull over and let you go by. I did not see anything crazy or out of the ordinary. What I did see was a community of avid gun owners who were cautious, safe, experienced, and friendly. Needless to say, I will be going back soon and hope to experience the same things again.