The Minimal Cost of Shooting Practice: Bulls-Eyes at a Shooting Range
Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, attending a shooting range to practice aims and refine your skills is a great investment in your safety and proficiency. However, the cost can add up quickly, especially if you don't have your own equipment. In this article, we'll explore the minimum costs involved in shooting practice, focusing on the example of one-time shooting and the overall expenses of regular practice.
Local Shooting Range Costs
Imposing various costs on different range equipment and supplies, visiting a shooting range requires financial planning. Local ranges charge a one-day pass fee, and the cost can vary significantly based on the caliber of ammunition you choose to use. For instance, a local gun shop in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, charges approximately $22 for a one-day pass to their indoor shooting range. This range offers the essentials like rental firearms, eye, and ear protection, but ammunition and targets need to be purchased separately.
For a beginner, the bullet costs can be substantial. A box of 22LR rounds can be found under $5, but high-end match-grade ammunition can vastly exceed that, often costing several times more. Factors like the number of rounds you'll need to shoot and your chosen caliber play a crucial role in your overall expenses.
Public vs. Private Ranges
Public gun ranges generally have strict rules about who can use the facilities. Without their own firearm, you won't be able to shoot in most instances. The most common requirement is that you must bring your own gun when visiting any public range. In some cases, training sessions are offered, but these often involve additional costs.
For example, in Asheville, North Carolina, the common rate for range time is $10 for the first half-hour, followed by an additional $5 for any extra half-hour sessions. Renting a basic pistol or rifle typically costs $15 for half an hour. Ammunition can be steep; 50 40-caliber rounds cost $25, and shooting a .40-caliber pistol for a half hour including the cost of ammo and targets would total approximately $50.75 plus tax.
Membership Options and Range Policies
Many ranges offer memberships with reduced prices for repeated visits. For instance, the Tennessee Stones River Hunter Education Center provides two pricing options: a two-hour per session fee of $8 or an annual membership for $151. While this center charges less per session, the annual membership is a tempting offer for frequent shooters. Some firearms and membership requirements may apply here as well, but eye and ear protection are sometimes available for purchase.
Most ranges have strict policies that require at least one other person to be present when renting a firearm, emphasizing the importance of safety and community. Lane fees and the cost of ammunition are particularly notable, with ammunition prices sometimes being marked up. Regular shooters benefit from purchasing reloads, which can be more economical in the long term. Assuming a steady shooting pace, you can easily fire around 200 rounds in an hour, costing about $50, not including the initial rental fees for the firearm, eye and ear protection, and any targets.
Conclusion
In summary, the minimal cost of shooting practice can be broken down into several components, including range fees, ammunition costs, and other equipment. For a one-time practice session, you might be looking at around $53 for a beginner with no equipment, considering an indoor shooting range in Murfreesboro. If you plan to shoot regularly, membership fees can provide significant savings. Always ensure you have all necessary safety equipment and firearm access when visiting a shooting range to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.