A Legacy of Marksmanship: Our History
Chartered in 1940 as the Baton Rouge Rifle and Pistol Club, our first range was located near Bluebonnet Blvd. and Perkins Road. As Baton Rouge expanded, the club transitioned to a 32- acre site near Plains, LA, in 1982. Following further regional growth, the club entered a dormant period while we sought once again, a permanent home.
On September 23, 2002 the club secured a lease for 37 acres at Palo Alto Farms in Ascension Parish near Donaldsonville, La., and began doing business as Palo Alto Rifle & Pistol Club. Construction began shortly afterward and in early 2003 the premier shooting facility we call home today began taking new and renewal memberships.
Facility Features
Built to strict NRA specifications, prioritizing safety and independent operation across all ranges; our original format consisted of a 25-yard covered pistol range, a 100-yard covered rifle/multipurpose range, and Louisiana’s only 600-yd rifle range, also covered. In September of 2016 we entered into a major renovation and improvement project which resulted in the format we know today: the same 600-yard range (now extended with four new bench positions) and 100-yard range, a new 200-yard covered range, a new 50-yard pistol/multipurpose covered range, a new 25-yard open multipurpose range, and seven new pistol competition bays. Along the way we added electricity, security cameras, digital entry cards and our “7-Ring” titled admin/clubhouse.
Our Mission
Our primary focus is the safe handling and proper use of firearms within a controlled, professional environment, and enforcing the concept of all fired rounds never leaving the range. The Palo Alto Rifle & Pistol Club is dedicated to promoting the shooting sports while providing a safe and functional facility to train or simply recreate. We offer a full calendar of competitions for both rifle and pistol competitors which are open to the public.
Access & Community Outreach
We are a private, non-profit corporation open to members and their guests seven days a week. While we are a private club, we remain committed to the community. In the past we have hosted our military, sponsored memberships for local law enforcement, provided a training facility for 4-H junior shooters, the Appleseed Project and offered training classes for women.
Membership Information
The club’s membership year runs from April 1st to March 31 st . We accept and hold membership applications throughout the year and close applications for the new year on March 31 st. All new members must complete a mandatory range safety orientation before using the facilities.
Annual Dues $225
Initiation Fee (One-time) $100
Guest privileges are available to members only.
Ready to join the Palo Alto Rifle and Pistol Club?