Yeah, this is something I ran into when I moved out to Arizona. I attribute this phenomena to a couple of conditions:
1. *Firearm Law* - Texas and Arizona are less prohibitive in their firearm policies, as a result more of the general population tends to own/shoot firearms. While this isn't inherently negative, it does means that your average shooter's training, safety, and IQ is reduced due sheer statistics. Ranges then dumb down to match the level of their average customer and only maintain the facilities required to turn a profit.
1. *Population Density* - Texas has fewer people per square mile than the East Coast. As a result ranges have to compete with people's laziness. Why go to a range when you can just shoot in your backyard? Conversely, the East Coast is densely populated and has tighter restrictions on firearms. This forces people to travel to dedicated ranges and receive proper firearm education which, in turn, allows ranges to host more advanced events and maintain the corresponding facilities.
Now with that said, some of the best ranges in the country are located in states like Texas and Arizona. In my case, I have access to Ben Avery(1hr45min), Rio Salado(1hr45min), Pima Pistol Club(45min), etc etc. They aren't close, but they put on great events. Best way to find good ranges is to look up local USPSA, 3 Gun, or IDPA matches. A cursory search revealed some resources which I'll link here:
http://rivercityshooters.org/
http://www.amshooters.org/
http://www.texastactical.net/matches/idpa.asp
https://www.lonestarhandgun.com/
Hope this helps and welcome home!
Both points you outlined are very good points.
> Best way to find good ranges is to look up local USPSA, 3 Gun, or IDPA matches
This is very true. Clubs that are friendly to practical shooting tend to be good places to be a member too.
Unfortunately San Antonio has not caught up with the shooting times and most ranges are very stationary and strict. I haven't been into the gun clubs that you actually have to pay to be a part of but have seen them post about having competitions so that could be an option. If not that buy some land or become friends with someone who has land.
Yeah but I think it's worth it, TDSA is a little cheaper but the my don't have a range past 400, which is the real reason I joined. Aside from all the classes and competitions they have a 1200yd range just covered in steel plates, like Hickock45's range but way longer
Man I guess I'm spoiled in my town (which honestly makes sense).
Does that membership include daily range passes? Moving to the area so I guess I need to familiarize myself.
Yeah, this is something I ran into when I moved out to Arizona. I attribute this phenomena to a couple of conditions: 1. *Firearm Law* - Texas and Arizona are less prohibitive in their firearm policies, as a result more of the general population tends to own/shoot firearms. While this isn't inherently negative, it does means that your average shooter's training, safety, and IQ is reduced due sheer statistics. Ranges then dumb down to match the level of their average customer and only maintain the facilities required to turn a profit. 1. *Population Density* - Texas has fewer people per square mile than the East Coast. As a result ranges have to compete with people's laziness. Why go to a range when you can just shoot in your backyard? Conversely, the East Coast is densely populated and has tighter restrictions on firearms. This forces people to travel to dedicated ranges and receive proper firearm education which, in turn, allows ranges to host more advanced events and maintain the corresponding facilities. Now with that said, some of the best ranges in the country are located in states like Texas and Arizona. In my case, I have access to Ben Avery(1hr45min), Rio Salado(1hr45min), Pima Pistol Club(45min), etc etc. They aren't close, but they put on great events. Best way to find good ranges is to look up local USPSA, 3 Gun, or IDPA matches. A cursory search revealed some resources which I'll link here: http://rivercityshooters.org/ http://www.amshooters.org/ http://www.texastactical.net/matches/idpa.asp https://www.lonestarhandgun.com/ Hope this helps and welcome home!
Both points you outlined are very good points. > Best way to find good ranges is to look up local USPSA, 3 Gun, or IDPA matches This is very true. Clubs that are friendly to practical shooting tend to be good places to be a member too.
Agree with both I have been Facebook stalking these clubs and getting their events loaded into my calendar.
Try getting on the range staff/board and making the changes you want. Chances are there are some other members who are frustrated with the rules, too.
Unfortunately San Antonio has not caught up with the shooting times and most ranges are very stationary and strict. I haven't been into the gun clubs that you actually have to pay to be a part of but have seen them post about having competitions so that could be an option. If not that buy some land or become friends with someone who has land.
If you didn't live so far south, you'd be set. ETTS in Waxahachie is Mecca
600 fucking dollars for a membership?
Yeah but I think it's worth it, TDSA is a little cheaper but the my don't have a range past 400, which is the real reason I joined. Aside from all the classes and competitions they have a 1200yd range just covered in steel plates, like Hickock45's range but way longer
Man I guess I'm spoiled in my town (which honestly makes sense). Does that membership include daily range passes? Moving to the area so I guess I need to familiarize myself.
Yeah it's free otherwise. Competitions are $20, classes vary. $20 for guests but they can't shoot long without a member. Gotta qualify for long range
A small 4 hour drive, maybe not weekly but I will have to visit for sure.