Last weekend, after feasting on fried chicken and waffles at Roscoe's, I saddled up my gal and drove my rough and tumble Jeep through the foothills of the Santa Clarita valley toward Oak Tree Gun Club, decidedly the quirkiest of all firing ranges in SoCal.
Weaving through aged oaks, we found ourselves smack in front of the ranch-style entrance as the ping ping of targets sliced through the stillness. Dust swirling our ankles, we swung the saloon-style double doors to enter the lounge and admired taxidermy heaven. Reminescent of the old west, the bartenders are down-home friendly and quick to hand out booze and nicknames. My lady and I were now "Axl" and "Bonnie Parker," and given directions down to the pistol range, giddy to shoot defenseless paper animal targets.
In exchange for twenty-six bucks, we were handed a hundred bullets and a .38 revolver we named "Sweet Action." It had been a while since I blew down Coca Cola bottles with my daddy's shotgun down in Alabama, so not one but several of the male help saddled up to make sure I didn't kill any of the real rabbits.
Sweet Action didn't kick back once, although popping the barrel and loading them bullets was hellfire. Nonetheless, I fired away at bowling pins, chucking off fresh paint and filling ears with Sweet Action's metal glory. After a serene and bullet-riddled day at Oak Tree, packing up to go home can be a bit of a shame, but be sure to visit the lounge for a brew and a prime rib dinner on your way out.
I mussay, I was a calmer dame indeed.
Where: Oak Tree Gun Club
23121 Coltrane Avenue
Newhall, CA 91321
When: For hours, prices and directions click here
Tip: If you bring your sunglasses, you don't have to wear those super size goggles.
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