Video: Explore Abilene’s Best Gun Ranges for Shooting and Safety

As an avid hunting and shooting sportsman, gunsmith, and firearms enthusiast, I was surprised when I started researching where all the gun and rifle shooting ranges are around the Abilene area. "Wow," came out of my mouth when I discovered that we have more than three gun ranges in the Abilene area.

I was even more surprised to discover that most are open to the public, though a couple are for law enforcement only. Whether you want to practice for your handgun license, sight in a rifle, or get the feel of a new shotgun, there are plenty of places to do that right here in the Big Country.

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The coolest part is that several ranges are indoors and offer unique amenities, which I'll explain shortly. A good percentage of them are also outdoors. Regarding amenities, one indoor gun range has a "help yourself" coffee pot, and another has the owner's wife's purse, shoe, and clothing store inside when you first walk in (in Anson).

Most of these gun and rifle ranges offer License to Carry (LTC) classes, gun safety courses, and first-time gun ownership classes. I find it particularly cool that the Abilene Indoor Gun Range will rent you the firearm you're considering carrying, so you can ensure it's a good fit before committing.

Regarding the License to Carry courses, I found that many of the range owners or instructors are either law enforcement or retired law enforcement officers. The best part is that whether you're a first-timer or experienced in gun safety, there's always a range master close by to help if you get in a jam—or if your gun jams.

The most important thing is to practice gun safety at all times. If you don't know gun safety, most range masters are ready and willing to teach you. Another crucial point is that all laws will be followed and enforced, such as those concerning minors with handguns and illegal or unsafe firearms.

Gun and rifle ranges are places to practice safety, improve your gun handling, and have fun while doing it. The video below shows proper shooting range safety and etiquette. The first rule is? BE SAFE.

Source: SpetOutside.org.