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Southern California Golden Bears High Power Rifle Club
17025 Bassett Street, Van Nuys, CA
•Founded in 1986 by 17 shooters who wanted to compete with their M1 Garands, the Southern California Golden Bears have evolved into one of the region's most active highpower rifle clubs. They started with surplus rifles from the Department of Civilian Marksmanship (now the Civilian Marksmanship Progr...
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Founded in 1986 by 17 shooters who wanted to compete with their M1 Garands, the Southern California Golden Bears have evolved into one of the region's most active highpower rifle clubs. They started with surplus rifles from the Department of Civilian Marksmanship (now the Civilian Marksmanship Program) and have grown to field modern California-compliant AR-15s in 5.56 caliber.
The Bears hold their National Match Course competition the third Sunday of every month at Fort Angeles Range in the Angeles Ranges Shooting complex (Van Nuys). Sign-ins start at 7:00 am with first round downrange around 8:15 am—matches typically wrap by 10:15 am.
Match Pricing: - Members: $20 per match - Non-members: $25 per match - Juniors: Free
Club meetings follow each match. They also host the Harker Memorial Match in the fall to honor the club's founder.
- •Monthly highpower rifle matches (reduced 100-yard course simulating full distances)
- •Instructional clinics for new shooters
- •Loaner equipment for beginners getting started
- •Training in Service Rifle and Match Rifle disciplines
- •Coaching from Southern California's top competitive shooters
- •Support for local, state, and national level competitions
Hundreds of shooters have trained through the Bears' matches and clinics. Members have earned "Distinguished Rifleman" badges at Camp Perry National Matches, won President's 100 tabs, and captured four Women's Class 600-yard National Trophies. Several members are now NRA and CMP Firearm Instructors.
The club teaches multiple shooting formats:
| Discipline | Details |
|---|---|
| Across The Course (XTC) | Standing, sitting, prone at 200, 300, 600 yards (simulated at 100 yards) |
| Midrange | Prone position at 500-600 yards with F-Class and sling options |
| Longrange | Prone at 800-1000 yards (mostly 1000 yard matches) |
| Garand/Springfield/Modern Military | Similar to XTC, typically 100-200 yards |
The Fort Angeles Range offers a 100-yard reduced course, which is ideal for both beginners learning fundamentals and experienced shooters refining technique without the logistical demands of full-distance ranges.
The Bears actively invite new shooters of all skill levels. You don't need to own your own rifle—they have loaner equipment available. The environment is safe, friendly, and focused on skill development. Email [email protected] for details on upcoming events or to attend your first match.