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Last weekend, after feasting on chicken and waffles at Roscoe's, we saddled up and drove a rough-and-tumble Jeep half an hour out of town, 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 pinging of targets sliced through the stillness. Dust swirling our ankles, we swung the saloon doors open to enter the lounge and admired taxidermy heaven. Reminiscent of the Old West, the bartenders are down-home friendly and quick to hand out booze and nicknames. Now christened Axl and Bonnie Parker, we got directions down to the pistol range and were giddy to shoot defenseless paper animal targets.
Twenty-six bucks bought us 100 bullets and use of a .38 revolver, which we named Sweet Action. It had been a while since we'd blasted Coke bottles with Daddy's shotgun down in Alabama, but a few of the menfolk on duty saddled up to make sure we didn't kill any of the real rabbits.
Sweet Action didn't kick back once, though popping the barrel and loading them bullets was hellfire. Nonetheless, we fired away at paper squirrels and 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. Trust us: You'll be much calmer indeed after a few beers, a steak and 100 rounds.
Where: 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-sized goggles.
