Because of its renowned Gunsmithing program, the MCC campus features live firing ranges. Since the early 1980s, MCC has had a 100-yard firing range on its campus. In 2019, MCC expanded by adding an additional shorter bay for increased training capacity.  The ranges allow Gunsmithing students to test-fire their projects on campus, basic law enforcement students conduct firearms practice at these ranges, and regional law enforcement entities update and complete their training requirements on the two MCC firing ranges.

This year MCC has made significant upgrades to both ranges. The Long Range, closest to the Gunsmithing classrooms in Blair Hall, now features a new 12×40 lean-to structure to shelter shooters and their gear, a new concrete pad for greater stability, new LED lighting on both the lean-to structure and range, and electrical receptacles installed at target poles for as-needed mobile lighting.

The Short Range, located just beyond the Forestry Building, has had its fence extended further back to allow for a full 50 yards of shooting distance, new grading and gravel was installed on the whole range, there is a new 12×60 lean-to structure, with new LED lights installed on the range and lean-to structure, with receptacles installed at target poles for mobile lighting. These upgrades will make the bay more useful to MCC’s law enforcement partners.

Both ranges now share a new electrified 10 x 20 three-room storage building located between them.

“We are very pleased with these upgrades to our live-fire ranges,” explains Mark Dye, Director of Gunsmithing & Metal Engraving. “It is nice to see the ranges get a face lift. By enhancing our facilities, we continue to provide a best-in-class teaching environment for our Gunsmithing students and community partners.”