Texas Gun Range: The 5 Best Shooting Spots for 2026

Texas and firearms go together like few other state-and-hobby combinations in America. From world-class indoor facilities in the DFW Metroplex to sprawling rural properties where you can stretch your rifle out past 1,000 yards, the Lone Star State offers shooting experiences that are hard to match anywhere else. This guide covers five of the best shooting ranges across Texas for 2026 — each one selected for what makes it genuinely stand out.

Before you load up the truck, remember that hearing protection is mandatory at every reputable range and should be non-negotiable even on private land. A single gunshot produces between 140 and 175 dB depending on caliber, and according to NIOSH, exposure above 140 dB can cause immediate, permanent hearing damage. Bring quality ear and eye protection every time you shoot.

The 5 Best Shooting Ranges in Texas

1. The Range at Austin — Austin, TX

The Range at Austin has set the standard for what a modern indoor shooting facility can be. Located in the heart of the Texas capital, this range combines a premium shooting experience with retail, training, and community events under one roof.

What makes it unique: The Range at Austin features 42 shooting lanes across two ranges, including a 100-yard rifle range and a 25-yard handgun range. The ventilation system is state-of-the-art, cycling air multiple times per minute to minimize lead exposure. The facility also includes a full-service bar and lounge area (separate from the range), event spaces, and one of the most extensive rental programs in the state.

• Type: Indoor range
• Lanes: 42 lanes total — 25-yard pistol lanes and 100-yard rifle-rated lanes
• Caliber range: Handguns through large-caliber rifles on designated lanes
• Rentals: Extensive fleet including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and select NFA items
• Training: Beginner courses, CHL/LTC classes, private instruction, and tactical training
• Memberships: Multiple tiers from basic range access to VIP with unlimited shooting, priority lanes, and guest passes
• Hours: Open seven days a week, typically 10 AM to 10 PM

The Range at Austin is where new shooters can get started comfortably and experienced shooters can train seriously. If you are visiting Austin and only have time for one range, this is the pick.

2. Elm Fork Shooting Sports — Dallas, TX

Elm Fork sits on 400 acres north of Dallas and offers something most urban shooters rarely get: space. This outdoor facility is one of the largest and most versatile shooting sports complexes in the DFW Metroplex.

What makes it unique: Elm Fork is a shotgun shooter's paradise. With dedicated sporting clays courses, skeet fields, trap ranges, and a five-stand setup, it covers every wing-shooting discipline. But it is not just shotguns — the facility also includes rifle and pistol ranges with distances out to 300 yards. Elm Fork has hosted national-level competitions and is a regular stop for serious competitive shooters.

• Type: Outdoor range (multi-discipline)
• Shooting areas: Sporting clays courses (multiple layouts), skeet fields, trap ranges, five-stand, rifle range (to 300 yards), pistol bays
• Caliber range: Shotgun gauges on clay ranges, handgun and rifle calibers on designated ranges
• Rentals: Shotgun rentals available for clay sports; limited pistol/rifle rentals
• Training: Shotgun coaching, NSCA certification clinics, youth programs
• Memberships: Annual memberships with lane priority, discounted clays, and event access
• Hours: Daylight hours; varies by season. Typically open daily.

If shotgun sports are your thing — or you want to try sporting clays for the first time — Elm Fork is the Texas destination. The courses wind through natural terrain, making every round feel different.

3. Boyert Shooting Center — Multiple Houston-Area Locations

Boyert Shooting Center has been serving the Houston shooting community for over 30 years and has grown into one of the most trusted names in Southeast Texas. With multiple locations across the Houston metro area, accessibility is a major strength.

What makes it unique: Boyert combines deep local roots with facilities that rival any national chain. Their locations feature well-maintained indoor ranges with modern ventilation, extensive rental fleets, and an inventory that covers everything from budget handguns to high-end competition rifles. Their staff is known for being genuinely helpful, especially with newer shooters.

• Type: Indoor range (multiple locations)
• Lanes: Varies by location; typically 12 to 20+ lanes per facility
• Caliber range: Handguns standard on all lanes; rifle-rated lanes available at select locations
• Rentals: Large rental fleet including handguns, rifles, and shotguns
• Training: LTC classes, beginner courses, women's shooting programs, private instruction
• Memberships: Annual memberships good across all locations, with unlimited range time and guest pass benefits
• Hours: Open seven days a week at most locations

Houston shooters have trusted Boyert for decades. The multi-location setup means you can train near home or work, and the consistent quality across locations makes it a reliable choice. For Houston-area shooters, they are also a great place to test firearms before purchasing.

4. Lone Star Handgun — San Antonio Area

Located outside San Antonio, Lone Star Handgun focuses on what matters most: practical training. This is not a flashy destination range. It is a training-focused facility where instructors prioritize building real shooting skills.

What makes it unique: Lone Star Handgun emphasizes defensive and practical shooting over recreational plinking. Their courses go beyond basic marksmanship to cover drawing from concealment, shooting on the move, low-light scenarios, and force-on-force training. The outdoor range setup allows for dynamic drills that indoor ranges simply cannot accommodate.

• Type: Outdoor range and training facility
• Shooting areas: Multiple pistol bays configured for dynamic training drills
• Caliber range: Primarily handgun; some rifle courses available
• Rentals: Limited; students are generally expected to bring their own firearms
• Training: Extensive course catalog from fundamentals through advanced defensive tactics. Multi-day courses available.
• Memberships: Not a traditional membership range; access is primarily through course enrollment
• Hours: Course-dependent scheduling

If you are serious about defensive handgun skills and want training that goes beyond paper targets at fixed distances, Lone Star Handgun delivers. San Antonio-area residents and visitors alike travel here for the quality of instruction.

5. Best of the West Shooting Sports — Liberty Hill, TX (Austin Area)

Best of the West sits on expansive Texas Hill Country terrain outside Austin and offers what many Texas shooters crave: long-distance rifle shooting in the open air.

What makes it unique: With rifle ranges stretching out to 1,000 yards and beyond, Best of the West is the premier long-range shooting destination in Central Texas. The facility includes steel targets at marked distances, allowing shooters to work their way out progressively. They also have dedicated pistol bays and a general-purpose range for standard shooting. The open-air Hill Country setting is a bonus.

• Type: Outdoor range
• Shooting areas: Long-range rifle (to 1,000+ yards), mid-range rifle, pistol bays, general-purpose range
• Caliber range: Full spectrum — .22 LR through large-caliber rifle rounds on appropriate ranges
• Rentals: Limited; this is primarily a BYOG (bring your own gun) facility
• Training: Long-range rifle courses, precision shooting clinics
• Memberships: Day passes and annual memberships available. Members get priority access and discounted rates.
• Hours: Daylight hours; check seasonal schedule

If you have been working up loads for your precision rifle or want to learn what shooting at distance really feels like, Best of the West is where you go. Watching your bullet hit steel at 800 yards never gets old.

What to Bring to a Texas Shooting Range

Texas heat, Texas distances, and Texas calibers all demand proper preparation. Here is your essential gear list:

Hearing Protection

This is priority number one. Whether you are shooting under a covered pistol bay in the San Antonio sun or inside a climate-controlled Houston facility, your ears need protection. Gunshots produce 140 to 175 dB, and the OSHA permissible exposure limit is just 85 dB over eight hours.

For indoor ranges, always double up. Wear NRR 33 foam earplugs under NRR 28 earmuffs for maximum protection. This combination can achieve an effective NRR of approximately 36. For outdoor ranges, TradeSmart TacticalEdge electronic earmuffs let you hear range commands and conversation while blocking harmful gunshot noise. Our guide to the best ear protection for shooting breaks down the options in detail.

Eye Protection

Required at every range. Your safety glasses must meet ANSI Z87.1+ certification — the standard that requires lenses to withstand high-velocity impact. TradeSmart safety glasses meet this standard with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and anti-fog coating, which you will appreciate during Texas summers. For more on selecting the right eyewear, read our guide on eye protection for shooting.

Additional Essentials

• Hydration: Texas heat is no joke. Bring water, especially for outdoor ranges.
• Sunscreen and hat: Extended outdoor range sessions will cook you without sun protection.
• Closed-toe shoes: Mandatory at all ranges. Boots work well for outdoor terrain.
• Valid photo ID: Required for waivers and rentals at every facility.
• Range bag: A dedicated bag keeps your gear organized and your firearms secure during transport. Check our guide to range bag essentials for what to pack.

For a complete rundown on range attire, see our guide on what to wear to a gun range.

Texas Shooting Laws: What Visitors Should Know

Texas is one of the most firearms-friendly states in the country, but there are still rules to understand:

• Permitless carry: As of September 2021, Texas allows permitless carry (constitutional carry) for anyone 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm. You can carry openly or concealed without a license.
• LTC still available: The License to Carry (LTC) is still available and provides reciprocity with other states. Many Texas ranges offer LTC courses.
• Age requirements at ranges: There is no state law setting a minimum age for supervised range use. Individual ranges set their own policies, typically requiring parental or guardian supervision for minors.
• Private land shooting: Texas allows shooting on private property where it is safe and legal to do so. Always know your backstop and local ordinances.

Familiarize yourself with gun range etiquette before visiting any Texas range. The four fundamental rules of firearm safety apply everywhere, regardless of how gun-friendly the state may be.

Choosing the Right Texas Range

With five distinct options covering different cities and shooting styles, here is a quick guide:

• Best overall indoor experience: The Range at Austin — 42 lanes, 100-yard rifle range, top-tier facilities
• Best for shotgun sports: Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas — 400 acres of sporting clays, skeet, and trap
• Best for Houston accessibility: Boyert Shooting Center — multiple locations, consistent quality, 30+ year track record
• Best for defensive training: Lone Star Handgun near San Antonio — practical, dynamic instruction
• Best for long-range rifle: Best of the West outside Austin — 1,000+ yard ranges in Hill Country terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot at a Texas range without a license or permit?

Yes. Texas does not require a license or permit to use a shooting range. You need a valid photo ID, must sign a liability waiver, and must follow all range rules. If you are renting a firearm, some ranges require you to be accompanied by another person as a standard safety policy. Texas allows permitless carry for those 21 and older who can legally possess firearms, but range policies are set by each individual facility.

What is the best time of year to visit outdoor ranges in Texas?

Fall and spring are ideal. October through November and March through April offer comfortable temperatures for extended outdoor sessions. Texas summers regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making outdoor range time miserable (and potentially dangerous from heat exposure) during June through August. Winter months are generally mild in most of Texas, though early mornings can be cold. If you are shooting outdoors in summer, go early, bring plenty of water, and take shade breaks.

How much does a typical range visit cost in Texas?

Indoor range lane fees typically run $15 to $30 per hour for non-members. Outdoor ranges may charge by the day, often $15 to $40 depending on which ranges you use. Firearm rentals generally cost $10 to $25 per gun plus ammunition. Annual memberships range from $200 to $600 depending on the facility and tier. Ammunition costs vary widely by caliber — budget $30 to $60 for a casual handgun session and more for rifle shooting.

Do Texas ranges rent firearms to beginners?

Yes. The Range at Austin, Boyert Shooting Center, and many other Texas indoor ranges have extensive rental fleets specifically designed for shooters who want to try different firearms before buying. Most rental programs include a brief safety orientation. Some ranges require first-time shooters to take a short introductory course before shooting independently. Bring quality ear and eye protection even when renting — range-provided gear often does not fit as well or protect as effectively as your own properly fitted equipment.

Gear Up for Texas Shooting

Whether you are headed to a climate-controlled Austin range or an open-air Hill Country rifle course, the right protection makes every session safer and more enjoyable. The TradeSmart Range Kit gives you NRR 28 earmuffs and ANSI Z87.1+ safety glasses in one package. For the complete setup, the TradeSmart Premium Kit adds NRR 33 earplugs and a hard-shell carrying case for double protection at indoor ranges.

Every TradeSmart kit includes free access to the Range Confidence Course — an online firearms fundamentals program that builds real confidence before you step up to the firing line. All products ship free and carry a 10-year warranty from TradeSmart Safety in Jackson, Wyoming.

Texas ranges are waiting. Gear up and get shooting.