Most people are involved in extracurricular activities. These hobbies are enjoyable and provide an outlet of escape from one’s normal routine.
Some people choose to go to the gym while others go shopping. Others like to attend car shows while some enjoy collecting antiques.
While some people shoot guns as their recreational activity.
Located on 934 West Watauga Ave. in Johnson City stands a firing range called Point Blank Indoor Firing Range. It is a locally owned business that provides a safe environment for those who enjoy marksmanship.
I know what you are thinking. I bet this place is full of gun fanatics. On the contrary, lawyers, mechanics, electricians, registered nurses and people from all walks of life use the facility according to part owner Tony Davenport.
Associate Dean Anita M. DeAngelis of the College of Arts and Sciences enjoys the range because it “encourages her to interact with a different group of people and provides her with more self confidence in an activity that many females do not participate in,” she said.
If you are like me, you do not possess a pistol or rifle due to ETSU and state policy. That is OK because Point Blank has pistols, revolvers and even an AR-15 among other semi-automatic weapons you can rent out to practice on the range.
If you rent one of their weapons, you have to purchase their ammunition. This ensures that quality ammunition is used and the weapons will function correctly according to part owner Tony Davenport.
Not so fast.
Since weapons are being used, there are some stipulations regarding the age of patrons. You must be 18 years or older to enter the store unless accompanied by your legal guardian.
Before you can rent a weapon to use or if you take your own weapon, you must fill out a membership form that includes assumption of risk, release of liability and range safety rules.
Even if you are over 18 years old, you must be 21 to use both rifle and a pistol on the range. That means if you are between 18 and 20 years old, you can only shoot a rifle on the range.
Those that have never discharged a weapon in their life can participate. Go to the range and inform them that you need instruction. The staff there is more than happy to assist you and introduce you to marksmanship.
Female patrons enjoy shooting as well. According to DeAngelis, who has been shooting for 4 years, she “sees females on a regular basis at Point Blank,” DeAngelis said. “They are not as many as men but are increasing.”
There is a Ladies Night at Point Blank; on Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. Women do not pay the range fee on this day.
How much will it cost? It depends on what kind of weapon you use. The more powerful the weapon the more the ammo will cost. For example, .22 caliber bullets are cheaper than .45 magnum bullets. The amount of time you spend on the range, how much you shoot and how many targets you use will vary the cost.
Point Blank has five pistol lanes and two rifle lanes, which have markers up to 25 yards. They furnish hearing and eye protection. The first target you use is free of charge.
I hear students all the time say that there is nothing to do. Here is something to do that is in walking distance of ETSU.
It is northeast of the ETSU campus between the Skate-In and Mize Farm and Garden.
Point Blank offers gun permit classes. They DuraCoat weapons in-house in any color or pattern. They buy, sell and trade weapons. They are also a Tipton paintball dealer.
For more information check out their web site: www.pointblankindoorfiringrange.com.
Remember that it is a felony and a violation of university rules to possess or use firearms or dangerous weapons of any kind on the ETSU campus.
A Tennessee Gun Permit does not allow possession of a weapon on this campus, according to TCA CODE #39-17-1309.
Call Public Safety at 439-4480 for more information.

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