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Shoot ‘em up: K-Bay Range reopens for public’s shooting pleasure

  • Published
  • By Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer
  • Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs
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.