The Top 5 Best Shooting Ranges in the United States

Introduction

Time to read: 7 minutes

Date: May 23, 2023

A common question among firearm enthusiasts is: where can I go for a top quality experience with weapons in a professional range environment? Here, we will discuss five of the top shooting ranges in the United States. These amazing destinations cater to a wide range of vacation preferences, from rugged camping to opulent luxury resorts. While you may not be fond of all of them, there are bound to be one or two that pique your interest. Read on to discover some of the best places to utilize weapons as a source of practice and entertainment.

Colonial Shooting Academy

If you are looking for a top-notch indoor shooting range, the Colonial Shooting Academy in Richmond, VA is the perfect place for you. It is the largest indoor range in the United States, with more than 50 shooting lanes ranging from 20 to 25 yards. The facility was designed to cater to the needs of local customers who were in dire need of a complete retail shooting establishment that provides a comfortable learning environment.

The facility

The building is modern, well-maintained, and beautifully landscaped. Safety signs are easy to spot outside, and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The three-story, fully accessible facility spans over 60,000 square feet and features more than 5,000 square feet of open, well-lit retail space offering a broad range of recreational, tactical, and personal-protection firearms. You will find an extensive selection of accessories, gear, clothing, and ammunition as well.

Ranges

There are five distinct ranges available for both public and private use. These ranges are equipped with automatic target retrieval systems, adjustable lighting, and advanced ventilation systems for lead removal. You can use any type of pistol ammunition, shotguns with slugs, and rifles up to and including .30 caliber. Additionally, the on-site gun shop offers Class III transfers and has its own gunsmith. You can rent firearms for use at the range from a selection of almost 100 handguns and rifles from various manufacturers, all of which are clean, well-presented, and clearly labeled.

Amenities

The facility also hosts regular matches for IDPA and Smallbore Rifle leagues, and provides a wide range of firearms classes, including law enforcement training and certification. The tactical range located in the basement has 210 degrees of use, variable light conditions, moving targets, and movable barricades. Additionally, there is a full-sized shoothouse with steel walls that covers 1,800 square feet. The shoothouse has movable walls, multiple hallways, and 10 different rooms.

Battlefield Las Vegas

This battlefield is more like a playground for us. The ultimate experience is found at Battlefield Las Vegas. You can enjoy complimentary transportation in an authentic US military Humvee. The property boasts a vast collection of over 600 machine guns from across the world. 

Plus, you have the opportunity to fire a range of weapons, including .50 Caliber Barrett sniper rifles, grenade launchers, .50 M2HB Brownings, as well as iconic WWII firearms such as Lugers, 1911’s, STG-44/MP-44’s, M1 Garands and MG-42’s. The inventory includes weapon systems used in conflicts from World War I to the present-day conflict in Afghanistan. 

Battlefield also features a military Huey UH-1C helicopter, M4A3 Sherman and “M1 Abrams” main battle tanks, CH-34 “Choctaw” helicopter, FV432 armored personnel carrier, M2A1 Halftrack, Army trucks, Humvee’s and various jeeps and other military vehicles to enhance the experience.

Also indoor skydiving, exotic car driving, deluxe helicopter tour, ATV tour, big gun and flamethrower experience, and car tank crush! Welcome to Vegas baby!

Lock & Load Miami

Lock & Load Miami is a top-rated shooting range and machine gun experience in South Florida. It is situated in the Wynwood district of Miami and offers a wide range of fully automatic machine guns to choose from, which can be used in various themed packages. Whether you are a local or a tourist (from the US or abroad), you can safely experience the thrill of firing fully automatic firearms with the guidance of trained professionals.

The shooting range offers a variety of firearms for use including rifles, submachine guns, specialty guns, and shotguns. The firearms have different calibers and origins, ranging from the 1950s to as recent as 2018. Notable firearms include the American Sniper Rifle, Barrett M95 .50 Cal, and the Dirty Harry Gun (Smith & Wesson Model 29). Guests can rent firearms including the Beretta 92, Glock 17, Sig Sauer P226, and a .45 ACP 1911 handgun. Handgun packages are not available for purchase and are only available as add-ons.

Lock & Load offers a selection of more than 25 fully automatic firearms, some of which are rare and can only be found at their facility. They are conveniently located within walking distance from Midtown Miami and a short drive from Miami Beach.

Their facility spans 14,000 square feet and includes 24 air-conditioned lanes for walk-ins, members, and VIP guests. Additionally, Lock & Load provides spaces for group events such as corporate meetings, birthdays, and bachelor parties. Their trained firearms professionals work with each guest individually to ensure safe operation of the firearms, even for novice shooters.

The Preserve Sporting Club

If you’re looking for an outdoor enthusiast’s lifestyle, The Preserve in Richmond, Rhode Island might be the perfect place for you. The property spans 3500 acres and is known as America’s finest four-season sporting club and residential community. One of the newest additions to The Preserve is 

The Range, which boasts four lanes at 150 yards and 16 100-foot lanes, making it the longest range around. The lanes are made of poured concrete and stretch for one-and-a-half football fields underground. The range is equipped with advanced technology from Meggitt Training Systems, a leader in weapons training systems for military, law enforcement, and commercial range owners. 

Their touch screen, wireless, 360-degree rotating Target Retrieval System allows shooters to program limitless targeting options. In addition to being climate-controlled, The Range also features FATS and golf simulation rooms, as well as a 3D archery range. And there are no restrictions on caliber.

The Range shop

You can find The Range in a new building that is 50,000 square feet. The building also has a lounge, vault room, and reach-in humidor. However, access to these amenities varies and is only available to higher level Range members, Preserve members, and residents. 

Additionally, if you are a Preserve member or resident, you can enjoy on-site pool, tennis, golf, and dining privileges. The Preserve also offers an award-winning executive golf course and a gourmet dining facility. If you’re interested in purchasing high-quality firearms and shooting accessories, you can visit The Sporting Shoppe. 

This retail space is designed in the style of famous expedition outfitters and spans 15,000 square feet. It offers a wide selection of shotguns, rifles, pistols, ammo, and shooting accessories.

Centennial Gun Club

If you’re looking to improve your shooting abilities, the Shooting Range at Centennial Gun Club, in North Carolina, is an excellent option. Their advanced target retrieval system offers a variety of targets, including stationary, 360 degree turning, running, and disappearing targets, which will challenge even the most skilled shooters. 

Additionally, their indoor range features a state-of-the-art ventilation system that provides clean, temperature-controlled air. The system moves the air down range at a controlled rate of 75 feet per minute to prevent lead exposure and ensure that you always breathe fresh air while shooting. This location is also known to host several events like the USPSA match, bowling pin match, and 22lr rim-fire steel match.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shooting at a range is an exciting and challenging experience that offers a variety of benefits. Visiting one of the top five ranges in the country is one more way to enhance your skills and explore wonderful opportunities to learn–not to mention, have the pleasure of practicing in state-of-the-art environments dedicated to this pursuit and passion. The top shooting ranges in the United States, from coast to coast, offer a range of courses and competitions for enthusiasts.

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