This is an outstanding facility that is so good that people from outside of Saline County join. What you'll find at the Benton Gun Club are plenty of ranges for everything from shotguns to long-range rifles and everything in between. The facilities are very safe and well policed by members to keep any mishaps from happening. For example, it is within the rules of the Benton Gun Club that all members will make sure to put up all weapons when someone announces they are going to go downrange to put up targets. No one is to touch a weapon when someone is downrange and violating that rule can get you tossed out of the gun club. Furthermore, members are expected to sweep up their brass, strictly observe firearms safety rules and generally do what they must to keep the facility safe.
And, there are also plenty of shooting competitions that go on at the range if you like that kind of thing. A schedule of competitions is maintained at the Benton Gun Club Website and entry fees are cheap. In fact, membership is cheap -- $75 a year and you can bring guests. In my family, that means $75 covers my wife and me, our kids and a friend or two that wants to check out the Gun Club. Members get their own key to the range gate, can access the range 24-hours a day and have around eight ranges to choose from.
So, why only four stars? Because you have to be a member of the NRA to join. I don't like lobbies one bit, even if it is one I generally agree with. Being forced to join the NRA rubs me the wrong way, but I still maintain my membership because the range is fantastic. Also, joining is kind of a hassle. You have to go to a meeting at a funeral home in downtown Benton (no, I am NOT kidding), pay a $100 range maintenance fee and go through an orientation before you can be considered for membership. That is all a hassle, but I suppose it's worth it because the folks who run the range want everyone to know they are serious.
All in all, this is a great facility for Saline County. Any gun enthusiast wanting a safe place to shoot should consider joining. read more
