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Vandalized Saco Shooting Range Closed

Repeated Damage Forces Saco Shootist Society To Padlock Gate

Samar Fay, Courier Editor | Jun 05, 20130
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Because of repeated vandalism at its shooting range on private land south of Saco, the Saco Shootist Society has closed the range to the public.

“This has been going on for several years,” said Richard Barnard, vice president of the Saco Shootist Society, “but this last round is the worst.”

Barnard said the first damage occurred a couple of years ago. An empty old trailer house on the range was shot up. Now some small metal targets have been damaged and a large metal target has been shot to pieces. This target was made of old railroad tie plates, 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick metal pieces welded into the shape of a buffalo. Barnard said there are holes in the metal 1/2-inch in diameter.

“This tells me it was a .50 caliber jacketed bullet,” Barnard said.

Club rules prohibit using jacketed ammunition on the hard targets. They plan to replace the damaged targets.

Early in May the club reluctantly decided to put a lock on the gate, so only members may enter. The lock has been shot off and pried off since.

Weather permitting, the Saco Shootist Society plans to hold the cowboy shoot planned for this weekend, June 8 and 9.

 

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No, No, No: Saco Shooting Range Closed

Letter To The Editor, Richard Barnard

Dear Editor:

I am shocked and disappointed, by the events that have occurred at the shooting range south of Saco. It is evident that a person or persons unknown, do not understand the meaning of the word “no,” such as:

“No” jacketed bullets shot at our hard targets, but you went and shot them to pieces, anyway.

“No” driving off of the roads, but you went and spun brodies out in the grass, anyway.

“No” longer open to the public, but you went and shot and pried our locks off, anyway.

The last one says it’s obvious that you think you have a “right” to go wherever and do whatever you please. Well, you are sadly mistaken. Your “rights” end where the “rights” of others begin! Constitutional Law 101!

Now you’re mad at us. Well, we are mad at you, too, and so is the landowner. That’s right, the range is on private land. If you are not the landowner, his employee, member of the gun club, and or, his/her guest, or have permission from the landowner, you are trespassing. Statutory Law 101!

The items listed above, among other things, caused us to close the range. The range being open was a privilege, extended to the public that you abused and, therefore, lost for everyone who is not a member. I hope, but seriously doubt, you are ashamed of your self. People like you seldom are.

To say that I am angry is an understatement! The things that have been done at our range are totally disgusting, and it is one of the reasons why so many people are antigun. You should think about that the next time you decide to shoot something you shouldn’t, but I seriously doubt you will.

Richard Barnard

Vice President

Saco Shootist Society

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