Everything is bigger in Texas, and its shooting scene is no exception. With more gun ranges than any other state — 18 verified facilities across 14 cities in our directory and counting — Texas spoils shooters with choice. But "more" doesn't always mean "better," so we dug into the actual offerings at the state's standout ranges to find the ones genuinely worth the drive in 2026. From a 52,000-square-foot Austin megaplex with a martial-arts-style training system to Houston's "guntry club," here are the best gun ranges in Texas, broken down by metro.
Austin: The Range at Austin
The Range at Austin is, simply put, one of the most complete shooting facilities in the country. The 52,000-square-foot complex on South IH-35 packs in 24 lanes at 25 yards and five rare 100-yard lanes under one roof, accommodating everything from handguns and PCCs to shotguns, NFA items, binary triggers, and suppressors — no firearms license required, seven days a week.
What truly sets it apart is the Shooting Dojo, a one-of-a-kind belt-ranking training system modeled after martial arts: shooters progress from White Belt through Black Belt via structured 60-minute daily classes, and the White Belt intro class is free for any skill level. Add Vegas-style machine gun packages (the Full Auto MP5 runs $135, a belt-fed package $225), bachelor and bachelorette experiences, a members-only Patriot Club lounge, and 50% off lanes for active-duty police, and you have Austin's premier entertainment-meets-training destination. International visitors are welcome with a passport.
Best for: First-timers who want real, structured instruction; visitors chasing a machine gun experience; and serious shooters who want long-distance lanes and NFA-friendly rules in one place.
Houston: Athena Gun Club
Houston's Athena Gun Club pioneered the "guntry club" concept, and at 39,000+ square feet it's the city's largest indoor gun club. You'll find 26 lanes, 80+ rental firearms (including fully automatic machine guns), a live-action virtual simulator, and 40,000 square feet of event space, plus a members-only VIP lounge with seven private dedicated lanes.
Athena is also one of the most welcoming ranges in the state thanks to its daily specials: veterans and seniors shoot 50% off on Mondays, LTC holders on Tuesdays, and ladies shoot free every Wednesday with a complimentary handgun rental. Certified instructors with military and law-enforcement backgrounds handle everything from first-timer safety to the Texas License to Carry, and a full retail store, on-site gunsmithing, and a Silencer Shop kiosk round it out. It carries NRA and NSSF affiliations.
Best for: Houston groups and events, ladies' nights, and shooters who want a premium one-stop club with full-auto rentals and a simulator.
Dallas–Fort Worth: Eagle Gun Range
Family-owned Eagle Gun Range operates two state-of-the-art, 24-lane indoor facilities in the Dallas metro, both fully climate-controlled with cutting-edge ventilation — a real comfort in the Texas summer. As a licensed NFA dealer, Eagle sells suppressors and lets you shoot your own suppressor on the range anytime, and its rental fleet includes full-auto firearms.
It's also one of the most affordable serious ranges in DFW: a walk-in lane is $30 for the entire day with no time limit, and Ladies' Day drops lane rental to $8 with free handgun rentals. Beginner-to-intermediate classes and both in-person and online Texas LTC courses are offered, and no membership is required to shoot.
Best for: DFW locals who want unlimited all-day range time, suppressor owners, and budget-conscious regulars.
San Antonio: Mission Ridge Range and Academy
Mission Ridge Range and Academy is a 30,000-square-foot, family-friendly destination that goes well beyond a standard pistol range. Its 26 climate-controlled lanes include an exclusive 100-yard indoor rifle range and a 20-yard indoor archery range, plus a dynamic virtual training simulator. There's a large gun shop, an on-site gunsmith and bowsmith, an event center, and private lounges.
As a licensed NFA dealer, Mission Ridge handles suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and full-auto transfers with in-house ATF eForm4 processing and FBI fingerprinting on site — a genuine convenience for NFA buyers. It's open to the public with no membership required, and tiered memberships add reservations, guest passes, and training discounts.
Best for: Families (archery + firearms under one roof), rifle shooters who want indoor 100-yard lanes, and anyone navigating an NFA purchase.
El Paso: Sportsman's Elite
Out in West Texas, Sportsman's Elite is El Paso's largest NSSF Five-Star certified indoor range, and its 75-foot range is unmatched in the Southwest, featuring an automated target retrieval system, advanced bullet-trap technology, and state-of-the-art ventilation and air filtration. Beyond pistols and rifles, it offers an extensive rental fleet (including full-auto machine guns), a full archery pro shop, and NFA/Class III services through Silencer Shop.
It's a tremendous value, too: lanes start at just $18/hour and membership is a flat $29.99. Training spans Texas LTC, Intro to Handguns, rifle marksmanship, and an Intro to AR-15. Open to the public, no membership required.
Best for: El Paso and Southwest shooters who want a certified five-star range with archery and budget-friendly pricing.
Texas gun ranges at a glance
| Range | Metro | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Range at Austin | Austin | Shooting Dojo belt system + 100-yard lanes | Training & experiences |
| Athena Gun Club | Houston | Guntry club, simulator, daily specials | Events & ladies' nights |
| Eagle Gun Range | Dallas–Fort Worth | $30 all-day lanes, shoot suppressors | Value & regulars |
| Mission Ridge | San Antonio | Indoor 100-yd rifle + archery + bowsmith | Families & rifle shooters |
| Sportsman's Elite | El Paso | NSSF 5-Star, archery, $18/hr | Southwest value |
More Texas ranges worth a look
Texas has far more than five great ranges. Editor's Pick Texas Gun Club — Stafford and Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine are polished indoor destinations; Nardis Gun Club adds a second strong option in San Antonio; and for outdoor and long-range shooters, Elm Fork Shooting Sports (Dallas), Lone Star Gun Range (Lockhart), and the luxury JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa (Sonora) are all worth exploring. Browse the full Texas directory to compare them by city, amenities, and pricing.
How much does it cost to shoot in Texas?
Texas pricing is competitive. All-day or hourly lane fees typically run $18–$31, rentals $10–$25, and a box of 9mm $15–$30 — and several ranges run weekday or ladies' specials that cut costs sharply. If you shoot regularly, a membership usually pays off. We break the full math down in How Much Does It Cost to Go to a Gun Range?
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to shoot at a gun range in Texas?
No. You can rent a firearm and shoot as a walk-in at any of these ranges with a valid photo ID — no License to Carry required. An LTC is only needed to carry a handgun outside the range, and many of these facilities (The Range at Austin, Athena, Eagle, Sportsman's Elite) teach the LTC course on site.
How old do you have to be to shoot at a Texas gun range?
It varies by range. Most allow minors to shoot under direct parent or guardian supervision (The Range at Austin and Athena welcome supervised children), while solo shooting and rentals typically require you to be 18 or 21. Always confirm the specific policy in each range's "Plan your visit" section.
Which Texas range has machine gun experiences?
The Range at Austin (full-auto MP5, AK-47, AR-15, and belt-fed packages) and Athena Gun Club (80+ rentals including full-auto) both offer machine gun shooting, and several others rent full-auto firearms. These are popular with visitors and groups.
What is the best gun range in Texas?
It depends on your city and goal. For an all-in-one training and entertainment destination, The Range at Austin is hard to beat; for a premium Houston club with events and specials, Athena Gun Club leads; Eagle Gun Range wins on DFW value; Mission Ridge is best for families and rifle shooters; and Sportsman's Elite is the Southwest's certified five-star pick.
Ready to go? Explore every gun range in Texas — complete with hours, pricing, amenities, and what to bring — and find the right one for your next trip.