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Ben Avery Shooting Facility
Click the logo for the BASF web site and campground
reservations.
 Ben
Avery Shooting Facility, site of Winter Range, is located in
the beautiful Sonoran desert north of Phoenix. The lush
desert flora is dominated by stately Saguaro cacti, and is
home to a wide variety of desert dwellers including rabbits,
quail, javalina (Collared Peccary), mule deer, Gila
Woodpeckers, Gila Monsters (Beaded Lizards) and
rattlesnakes. Snakes and lizards are likely to be in
hibernation in deep underground burrows during February but
it is possible to see the rest at any time.
To reach Ben Avery Shooting Facility from Phoenix, go
north on I-17 to Carefree Highway (exit 223). Go west over the
freeway overpass. The range entrance will be on
your right. Follow the Winter Range signs across the range
to the parking area.
Alternative Route:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 approximately 1 mile past the
Carefree Highway exit to the Pioneer Road exit. Exit the
free, cross over the overpass and renter I-17 south bound.
Exit at Carefree Highway and turn right. The range entrance will be on your right.
Follow the Winter Range signs across the range to the
parking area.
Spectators are welcome at Winter Range.
You will see main
match participants using firearms of the late 1800's to
shoot at steel targets. Mounted shooters will be firing from
horseback, often at full gallop. Mounted shooting uses
period firearms loaded with blanks to break balloons.
Dozens of sutlers will be offering their wares, ranging
from period firearms and clothing to leather goods, and
hundreds of articles used by working cowboys and townsfolk
of the era. Period militaria from the Indian Wars to Cuba
will be on display.
Visitors to the event will be asked for a $5.00/car
parking fee.
While in the shooting area, spectators will be required
to wear eye protection. Sunglasses and corrective glasses
are acceptable. Hearing protection is recommended.
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