Gastonia Skeet and Trap Range

Gastonia Skeet and Trap operates three separate range units on Rankin Lake Park property: one dedicated skeet field, one trap range, and one combination range. The facility has deep roots—started in 1951 by Mayor Harrelson Yancey on the eastern hill, later moved to the west side of the lake. Bob and Pat Boyd ran it for years; the access road bears their name.

• •Skeet: Targets cross in front of you on a fixed path—one high from the left, one low from the right. Eight shooting stations arranged in a semi-circle. Up to five shooters per round, 25 targets total. Shot typically #8 or #9.

• •Trap: Single machine at the center front throws targets away from shooters. Machine oscillates left and right, targets 30-40 yards downrange when hit. Five shooting stations in a line. Standard 12-gauge with 7.5 or 8 shot.

1620 Tulip Drive (accessed from Rankin Lake Park) Gastonia, NC 28052

Range Office: 704.866.6065 (during range hours only) Special Facilities Office: 704.869.1984 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

Documentation available: Range rules, fee schedule, and facility brochure.