An official army family and MWR Site

Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex

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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - No reservations required!

The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex (CMSC) is a partnership between the U.S. Army, El Paso County, the El Paso County Sheriff and Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. This 400-acre site features 9 Independent ranges with over 110 individual covered firing points, over 50 pistol positions, and distances from 7 yards for handguns to 300 yards on paper for rifles.

CLICK HERE for information on rentals, special services, discounts and more!

Patrons do not have to enter Fort Carson to use the range. Located near Interstate 25 just off mile marker 132, the entrance to CMSC is just outside Fort Carson's Gate 20 security perimeter.

Amenities

✔ Ammunition & Targets available on-site
✔ Gun & Bow Rentals available
✔ Personally Owned Weapons Storage available
✔ ​​​​​​​2 ranges designed specifically for pistols and allow for firing points up to 50 yards.
✔ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2 ranges designated specifically for rifles and allow for firing points between 25 and 300 yards.
✔ 2 combination Trap & Skeet Ranges
✔ Steel targets from 500 yards to 1000 yards (1000 yard steel range only available weekends). Currently RESTRICTED from Shooting Steel Targets until further notice.
✔ ​​​​​​​1 range is designated as an instructional range.
✔ ​​​​​​​1 range (Range No. 1)  is designated as a Law Enforcement Range and is available to the public only on weekends.
✔ Archery range
✔ Federal Firearm License Transfers available

Range Target Stands

Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex utilizes target frames that fit into a pair of 'U' brackets permanently fixed into the ground. These are available for $9 each, or patrons are welcome to build and bring their own. 

Target Frame Specs

The dimensions to build your own target frame are below. They are constructed using 1" x 4" lumber planks. In order to fit into the 'U' brackets, the outside dimension must be exactly 27", outside edge to outside edge. The height can be as tall as you want (the one shown here is 6'6" tall).

RANGE REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS

We are allowed to shoot rifles up to 300 yards only, NO STEEL target shooting will be allowed until we have our second SDZ/Deviations Packaged approved. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. 

       No concealed carry
       No children under the age of 6 years old allowed on the range.
       No shooter under 18 may use the range facilities without adult supervision
       Shooters under the age of 21 must have an adult present to use the pistol range
       Know and obey ALL range commands and instructions given by your RSOʻs (Range Safety Officers) at all times
       Empty Chamber Indicators (ECI) must be inserted in the chamber of all cleared firearms during all “SAFE” or “COLD” conditions on the range
       Shooting takes place on designated ranges only
       All firearms must remain in a carrying case or in a holster, unloaded and with the magazine removed prior to reporting to your assigned range 
       Only remove your firearms from its carrying case or holster once you have been instructed to do so by the RSO
       Once firearms are removed from the carrying case or the holster, shooter then places the firearm on the shooting table that has been assigned to them with the magazine removed or cylinder open, lock the bolt to the rear, place selector on safe and barrel pointed down range
       If using reloaded ammunition, please ensure that it is up to manufacturer specifications
       No armor piercing, tracer, or incendiary ammunition may be used on any range.
       No consumption of alcohol prior is allowed. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Violators are asked to leave the premises and fees are not refunded. 
       Range One is limited to use by the El Paso County Sheriff’s personnel and other law enforcement Monday through Friday. 
       Ear and eye protection must be worn by everyone on the firing line.
       The use of illicit drugs is strictly prohibited on federal property

Restricted Caliber Information

High Calibers (.300 Win Mag through .338 Lapua) Can be fired, but only on Range Three.  There are four positions for the high calibers: two positions for 50 and 100 yards on paper and two positions for 300 yards on paper only.  These are the only three distances you can shoot using the high calibers; they are not allowed to be shot at steel targets. This is due to the high calibers having the ability to shoot over our backstop and onto Fort Carson proper.
       50 yards, 100 yards, 300 yards on paper.
       50 caliber cartridge rifles are still not authorized. 
       Absolutely no steel target shooting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there an option to shoot at night?
Not currently. Future plans include a lighted Trap and Skeet Range and possible lighting for one of the pistol ranges.

Are we a tactical Range?
No. The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex is a NON-TACTICAL range.  Our purpose is to provide a safe, family-friendly environment where you can feel comfortable practicing.

Can holsters be use?
No. However, holsters may be used as a "carrying case" for your pistol, but once on the range they may not be used.

What if I pay my range fee and it rains?
In case of rain or inclement weather, the range will remain open unless shut down by range control, rainchecks will be offered to patrons who have been at the range no longer than one hour.

What are civilians allowed to purchase at the range?
Targets, apparel, basic supplies and limited quantities of ammunition.

What volunteer opportunities are available at the range?
Call the range for information and you’ll be put in touch with the Lead Volunteer Coordinator for available volunteer opportunities.

Do weapons need to be registered on Fort Carson before using the range?
No, you do not need to register your weapons on Fort Carson to use the ranges at Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex.

I’m an NRA Instructor, can I bring my students to the range and charge for lessons?
Only instructors contracted through Fort Carson DFMWR are authorized to teach on the range. Freelance instruction is prohibited. If you are interested in providing NRA instruction, please call the Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex for more information.

Is an ECI (Empty Chamber Indicator) needed?
Yes, and they are supplied to you by the Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex.

Is there a gun smith on staff at Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex?
Currently, there is no gun smith on staff.

What kinds of events can be held at Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex?
Tournaments, leagues, competitions, birthday parties, stress reduction classes, group training, private lessons and more. Call for more information.

If I have a Class C license, can I shoot my fully automatic equipment?
Currently, shooting fully automatic equipment is not allowed.

Can I rapid fire?
No. There must be one second between each shot

Can I shoot tracers or Tannerite?
No. Armor piercing, tracer, incendiary ammunition or explosives are not allowed.

Can I shoot my .223 green tipped ammo?
Yes

I have a concealed carry permit, can I carry on the range?
No.  We are a federal facility on military property.  Because of this, federal law prohibits anyone from carrying concealed on the premises.

I'm not shooting, just watching someone shoot.  Do I still have to pay?
No.  Only those who are shooting will be charged to be on the range.

Do I have to have a case for my firearm?
No.  If you have a case for your firearm, we ask you keep your firearm(s) cased until you are on the firing line.  If you do not have a case for your firearm, we ask you carry it, unloaded, with the muzzle elevated in the air above head level until you get on the range.  the safety officer will advise you from there.

Do you do bachelor/bachelorette and gender reveal accommodations?
Yes.  Please contact one of our managers (Pedro or Dave) at 719-896-6196 to schedule an event.

Events & Activities

UPCOMING

May 3 May 10
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May 11 June 15
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MONTHLY

— 1st Saturday (April-September): Kids' Marksmanship Camp
       May camp will be giving away 2 rifles!
— 2nd Saturday (April-September): Annie Get Your Gun
— 3rd Saturday (all year): $10 entry for patrons possessing a Concealed Handgun Permit
— 4th Saturday (all year): Kids shoot for FREE
— 5th Saturday (all year): Military Retirees shoot for FREE

YEARLY

— February: Cupid Shuffle Shoot
— April: Easter Egg Shoot
— May: Mother's Day Shoot, Memorial Day Shoot
— June: Father's Day Shoot
— July: Independence Day Shoot
— September: Labor Day Shoot
— October: Columbus Day Shoot, The Great Pumpkin Shoot
— November: Veteran's Day Shoot, Turkey Shoot

NRA Instructional Programs

Student Level

       NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course
       NRA Basic Rifle Course 
       NRA Basic Shotgun Course
       NRA First Steps Pistol Orientation Course
       NRA First Steps Rifle Orientation Course
       NRA First Steps Shotgun Orientation Course
       NRA Home Firearms Safety Course
       NRA Personal Protection In The Home Course
       NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home Course
       NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar
       NRA Range Safety Officer Course
       NRA Shotgun Shell Reloading Course
       NRA Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course
       Colorado & Utah Concealed Carry Permit Class
       Legal Aftermath of a Defensive Shooting Class
       Private Personalized Firearms Instruction

Instructor Level

       NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Course
       NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course
       NRA Basic Rifle Course
       NRA Basic Shotgun Course
       NRA Home Firearms Safety Course
       NRA Personal Protection In The Home Course
       NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home Course
       NRA Chief Range Safety Officer Course
       NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Course (IDW)
       NRA Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course
       NRA Shotgun Shell Reloading Course

More Recreation

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Kids Bowl FREE

May 7 11 am - 4 pm
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Lego Club at Grant Library

May 7 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
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BOSS: Dungeons & Dragons Adventure League

May 8 6 pm - 9:30 pm

BOSS: Dungeons & Dragons Adventure League

May 8 6 pm - 9:30 pm
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Magic: The Gathering with BOSS

May 8 6 pm - 9 pm
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Annie Get Your Gun

May 10
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Mother's Day Trap Shoot Competition

May 11 9 am - 1 pm
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BOSS Bowling Nights

May 14 6 pm - 8 pm
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Run to Remember 5K

May 24 10 am - 12 pm
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Kids' Marskmanship Camp

Jun 7 9 am - 1 pm
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Father's Day Shoot

Jun 15 8 am - 4 pm
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Freedom Fest

Jun 28 4 pm - 10 pm