Last Chance Handgunners
Last Chance Handgunners sits south of Boulder, Montana—roughly midway between Butte and Helena—and operates as a working facility for both weekend plinkers and competitive shooters. The club doesn't just exist; it actively runs matches and events that draw shooters from across the region. The 2902-w...
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Last Chance Handgunners sits south of Boulder, Montana—roughly midway between Butte and Helena—and operates as a working facility for both weekend plinkers and competitive shooters. The club doesn't just exist; it actively runs matches and events that draw shooters from across the region.
The 2902-word source content reveals a thoughtfully designed layout:
Pistol/Rimfire Bays (North Section) - 4 paper target backers specifically for pistol work - 4 steel pistol plate racks (centerfire and rimfire non-magnum only) - Dedicated short-range handgun practice areas
Rifle/Shotgun Field (South Section) - 7 paper target backers spread throughout - 6 steel swinger racks - Minimum engagement distances: 100 yards for standard loads, 200+ yards for big magnums - Backstops at 25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 yards for sight-in work - 400+ yard long-range area
Cold Range Protocol: Every weapon stays unloaded except on the firing line. This is non-negotiable—it's how they maintain safety while handling competitive volume.
| Event Type | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Pistol | Monthly (April–Oct) | Weather dependent in spring/fall |
| Steel Challenge | Monthly (May–Oct) | Saturdays, 6 scheduled dates |
| Multigun | As scheduled | Contact match director |
| Cowboy Action | Year-round | Results posted online |
| Semper Fi Fund Benefit | May (Annual) | Fundraiser for America's Fund |
Joining costs $50/year for a single membership with one key. Additional keys are $10 each. Members can purchase memberships at: - Helena: Capital Sports, Montana Outdoor Sports, Sportsman's Warehouse - Boulder: Ace Hardware - Butte: Three Bears
Guests are welcome if accompanied by members. Non-members cannot access the range unsupervised.
The club enforces specific rules to protect their infrastructure:
- •No armor-piercing, steel-core, or penetrator rounds (soft steel plates cost several hundred dollars to replace)
- •No magnum handgun rounds at pistol plate racks
- •No rifle ammunition or slugs at pistol targets
- •No tracer, armor-piercing, or incendiary ammunition anywhere on range
- •No exploding targets
- •SIG Sauer P320 (all variants) banned as of 2025—effective immediately
"It costs several hundred dollars to buy new plates, so please be mindful of what you are using, and only use firearms and ammunition that will not damage the plates."
Last Chance Handgunners is affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), and members are eligible for CMP program purchases. Contact CMP coordinator Bob Evans ([email protected]) for membership cards proving eligibility.
The club hosts Defenders USA Training events alongside their match schedule:
- •Handgun Fundamentals (May, June, August, September) with Lora Thorson
- •Protective Services Handgun (July 18-19) with Steve Tarani
2025 Board of Directors: - President: Paul Nicholson ([email protected]) - Vice President / Defensive Pistol Director: Rick Davis ([email protected]) - Secretary: Bob Evans ([email protected]) - Steel Challenge Director: Leata English ([email protected]) - Multigun Director: Norman Tang ([email protected]) - Cowboy Action Director: Kevin Cottrill ([email protected])
General inquiries: [email protected]
- •From Helena (North): I-15 South 32 miles to Exit 160 (High Ore). Right at stop sign, right on frontage road. Stay straight past Galena Gulch. Watch for left turn before the bridge between two rock walls.
- •From Butte (South): I-15 North 31 miles to Exit 160 (High Ore). Left at stop sign, right on frontage road. Stay straight past Galena Gulch. Same left turn before the bridge.