Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, October 23, 1995                   TAG: 9510230099
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

RIFLE CLUBS CATER TO MUZZLELOADERS

The annual sighting-in days at two Roanoke Valley shooting clubs will place special emphasis on muzzleloading guns.

The Ridge Rifle Club is dedicating Sunday to muzzleloaders only. The Roanoke Rifle and Revolver Club is expanding the number of shooting positions for black-powder gunners.

Sighting-in days have been a long-held tradition for the two clubs, which open their ranges to the public in an effort to assist hunters in preparation for the deer season. The emphasis on black powder reflects the growing interest in the muzzleloading season. Range operators expect many participants to show up with scopes on their black powder rifles. The use of telescopic sights will be permitted during the special muzzleloading season for the first time this year.

On Sunday, the Ridge Rifle Club will open its range at 9 a.m. for the purpose of sighting in muzzleloaders guns only. At noon, a muzzleloading match is scheduled under National Muzzleloading Rifle Association rules.

On Nov. 5 and 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the club will be open to sighting in center-fire guns only on its 100-yard range. There will be a $2 per gun fee. Spotting scopes, coaches targets and bore sights will be furnished. For additional information, contact Wilber Byer, 362-8568, Jim Roberts, 473-2415 or Bill Dowdy, 389-3322.

The Ridge Rifle Club range is located 41/2 miles north of Fincastle on U.S. 220 (look for the sign on the left).

The Roanoke Rifle and Revolver Club range is on the Franklin County side of Windy Gap Mountain. It is reached by traveling south from Roanoke on Virginia 116 then turning left at the foot of the mountain onto Virginia 678. Go one mile, then turn left on a gravel road and follow it to the range.

The club has set sighting-in days, with expanded muzzleloading positions, for Sunday and Nov. 5. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be a $2 per gun charge.

Participants should bring the ammo they plan to use during the hunting season. Ear protectors also should be brought to the range. The club provides targets, shooting benches and coaches. Additional information is available from 343-9040.

Several other ranges in the region are located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. For information call Jefferson headquarters in Roanoke County, 265-6054.