How can we help you?

If you’re new to PPSA (or just need a quick refresher), these are the most common questions we receive about membership, access, and range policies.

Membership

Where can I buy a membership?

Memberships are available in Helena at Capital Sports, Murdoch’s, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. The cost is $50 for the current year.

How long is the membership good for?

Memberships run from the purchase date through December 31 of the current year. Most members renew in January to get the full year.

Why isn’t membership valid for one year from the purchase date?

PPSA uses a Jan 1–Dec 31 membership year to keep costs down and reduce administrative workload. Managing individual code timing person-by-person would increase labor or platform costs and ultimately raise membership prices.

Other basic membership questions (how do I get in the gate, how do I check weather conditions at the range before I go, et cetera?

Read our “Join PPSA” page. That covers all of the basics of getting your membership and getting to the range. Here: JOIN PPSA.

Passes, Guests, and Family

Do you have day or week passes?

No—PPSA is a members-only range. Members may bring guests using guest passes.

Can a member bring a guest?

Yes. Guest passes are available for purchase at the range for $10 per person (age 18+), and they’re good for the day. Guests must be accompanied by the sponsoring member.

How many guests can we bring?

A member may bring up to two guests.

Can a member bring family?

Yes—your membership includes you, your spouse, and children under 18 (under your supervision). Anyone 18 or older must have their own membership or use a guest pass.

Hours and Availability

Are you open year-round?

Yes—PPSA is open all year.

What are your hours?

Because daylight varies across the year in Montana, PPSA does not use fixed hours. The range is open after sunrise and before sunset (daylight only).

How Do I Know If The Range Is Accessible/Weather Is Okay?

Use this McDonald Pass webcam link (also in the footer of our website). The state’s webcam is very close to where our range is situated. The road conditions near McDonald are what you should expect to face once you get to the range.

Range Setup and Distances

What is the farthest target distance?

PPSA offers target distances from 25 yards out to 500 yards.

Is PPSA only a rifle range?

No—PPSA also has a pistol range with target distances from 1 yard to 35 yards, plus steel plates at 35, 40, and 45 yards.

Can I shoot centerfire pistols in the rimfire area?

No—only .22 and .17 rimfire firearms may be used in the rimfire area.

Shotguns

Can I shoot shotguns on this range?

No. Shotguns are not allowed on this range—no exceptions.

Why are shotguns prohibited (including slugs)?

PPSA’s policy is based on target/backer damage, added maintenance, cleanup issues (hulls/wads), safety interruptions caused by more frequent downrange pickup, and lead mitigation requirements tied to operating on Forest Service land. We all love guns at the PPSA, so trust us, we have our reasons. Shotgun use may result in permanent banning.

Events and Training

Are there competitive shooting events?

Yes, but they change year to year. Please check the Events Page for the current schedule.

Do you offer training classes (concealed carry, basic safety, etc.)?

Training classes are currently being developed. As dates and times are approved, they will be posted on the website.

Lost and Found

Do you have a lost and found?

Yes. PPSA has a lost and found, and we do have items turned in at the range. If you think you left something behind, email us with a description of the item, and we will see whether it was turned in.

What should I do if I find an item at the range?

Please turn found items in so we can try to return them to their owner. Send us an email or call the number on your card.

Safety, Volunteers, and Help

What should I do if I observe an unsafe situation on the range?

Safety first. If you’re comfortable doing so, take action to correct the situation to ensure everyone’s safety, and then report it to PPSA by contacting a Board member.

I want to volunteer. How can I help?

PPSA welcomes volunteers for range work and club activities. Contact the Board (especially the webmaster who will get you routed to the correct person) through the Contact page.

What does “PPSA” stand for?

Prickly Pear Sportsmen’s Association.

Location

Where are you located?

8599-8011, US-12, Helena, MT 59601. See the map below.