Type: outdoor, indoor, pistol, rifle, shotgun, archery, long-range, training
The NRA Whittington Center is the nation’s premier shooting, hunting, and outdoor recreation facility — quite literally unlike any other place on Earth. Nestled near Raton, New Mexico, the Center spans more than 33,300 acres and features 25 world-class shooting ranges covering every shooting discipline imaginable. The ranges include: Shotgun Range (Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, and 5-Stand), Hunter’s Pistol Silhouette, Multi-Purpose Bays, Coors Benchrest Range, 1,000-yard High Power Rifle Range (rated for .50 BMG), Sight-In Range, Small Bore Rifle Range, Archery Ranges (including a new Walking Course), High Power Rifle Silhouette, Long Range Pistol Silhouette, Practical Police Combat Range, Cooper Rifle Walk Range, Small Bore Rifle Silhouette, STAR Range, and the Handgun/Rifle Range. Through Whittington University (WU), the Center offers comprehensive training programs, including the WU Defensive Academy (from Defensive Pistol I through Masters level), School of Defensive Carbine, New Mexico Concealed Carry, the WU Precision Rifle Academy (School of 1,000 Yards, Long Range Precision Rifle, and Extreme Long Range), along with numerous NRA Certified Instructor courses. The Center also provides guided hunts for bull elk, pronghorn, mule deer, and spring turkey across its vast 33,300-acre property, boasting near 100% success rates. Comfortable lodging options include competitor housing, Founders Cabins, Brownell Suites, Legacy Cabins, Log Cabins, RV campgrounds, RV Log Cabins, and primitive camping. Popular annual events include the Youth Adventure Camp (ages 13–17) and the Women’s Wilderness Escape. On-site attractions include the Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest and a firearms research library. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the NRA Whittington Center welcomes visitors from sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
There is no comparable facility in the world. The NRA Whittington Center spans 33,300 acres with 25 shooting ranges covering every discipline — from Olympic shotgun to 1,000-yard precision rifle, archery, silhouette, benchrest, and practical combat. It also offers guided big-game hunts, youth camps, women's events, lodging, camping, a firearms museum, a research library, and historic landmarks along the Santa Fe Trail.
Whittington University (WU) operates two schools: the WU Defensive Academy covers Defensive Pistol levels I-III, two Masters-level courses (No Light and Risk Assessment), a Refresher course, School of Defensive Carbine, and New Mexico Concealed Carry. The WU Precision Rifle Academy covers School of 1000 Yards, Long Range Precision Rifle, and Extreme Long Range Precision Rifle. NRA Certified courses include Basic Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloading, and Range Safety Officer. View the 2026 schedule at nrawc.org/training.
Yes. Whittington offers a full range of accommodations: Competitor Housing, Founders Cabins, Brownell Suites, Legacy Cabins, Log Cabins, RV Campgrounds, RV Log Cabins, and a Primitive Campground. Lodging reservations are required — call (800) 494-4853.
Step 1: Decide what you want to do (shoot, compete, hunt, train, hike, see the museum). Step 2: Call (800) 494-4853 to confirm range availability and reserve accommodations. Step 3: Complete the online waiver at nrawc.org/waiver-form before arriving to speed up check-in. The Center is open every day from sunrise to sunset except Christmas.