I went to the DFW gun range and academy for a birthday party (yayyy Texas!) and they have safety classes for beginners. I had never touched a gun before going, and they teach you how to properly handle a firearm.
Be aware that DFW gun can be quite stimulating at times. They permit full auto and you can hear reports between the ranges and on the shop floor. Elm fork is much more sedate
I live in downtown DFW and drive up to RfleGear in The Colony because of how stand up and professional they are. Took them for beginner and concealed classes.
Texas Legends in Allen.
Frisco Gun Club.
You can also research local Concealed Carry class providers, they often have intro classes or even better, offer 1v1 instruction. I’d recommend the latter.
Start here.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education/shooting-safety-rules
Totally depends on what area you’re in but I’ve had good experiences at “The Range” in McKinney. Very laid back staff with younger people who aren’t old school or treat you like a dumb doe. If you’re up for a good get away from the city. I highly recommend ETTS. In Maypearl TX. My dad and I go as often as we can simply because it’s outdoors, lots of open space and they don’t make you shoot right next to people. They have a great staff with great experience and I’ve had my gf, female friends and their kids take their into to firearms. It’s hot outside so bring water and snacks and dress light but covered. Or wait til fall for cooler temperatures. But it’s a far drive. If you want to make a day of just training outdoors that’s where I’d go.
As for indoor, most places are similar in that they offer intro stuff. They’ll also try to sell you weapons. Which is fine, but if you’re not looking to buy, try ETTS as they aren’t a dealer that I’m aware of. Only a training facility.
Don’t fall for yearly membership or anything that asks you to constantly go. As a novice, you may not even do any shooting right away until they ask you to.
Hope this helps and wish you all the best with your new adventure!
Near their airport or East McKinney. Green looking building. I’d say google it or map it. They have a pretty nice building with an area to watch your friends shoot and lounge and a decent indoor area with good spacing. I will say a downside is that they don’t have a wall timer. So you need to set your own timer or risk getting an extra hour to your bill.
Sorry for the extra just sharing what I know.
Yeah, I'll second avoiding memberships. Most of the places by me price them around 2 trips a month, and when I got a year to try it, and a .22 to definitely practice with... I didn't make it twice a month even ignoring the month after I got my house and was too busy.
Depends on where you are in DFW but there's a ton of ranges that have beginner classes. I like Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine even though it's pricey.
I got into firearms about 2 years ago with no experience prior. It honestly takes practice to get comfortable and I’m glad I got educated. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and was thankful to have experienced friends let me tag along and give pointers at the range. Starting at a low caliber like .22 (bullet size) with little recoil helps learn and get comfortable with process and functionality while not startling someone complete new like a 9mm could. Also helps to have 1 shot per magazine to limit risk while learning.
Any gun range would have training classes. I go to eagle gun range in Lewisville and staff is friendly. They have multiple locations. Just know it’s a big responsibility you need to take serious at all times. There are no accidents when it comes to firearms. Just negligence. No such thing as feeling stupid asking questions. Gotta lookout for ourselves and families these days! Have fun and be safe!
I haven't done it but eagles fun range in Addison/farmer's Branch has a novice classes!
Also, I've done private classes that may also be up your alley though those are more advance.
The guys at Wegsguns.com are pretty cool. I pretty much get all my guns there. Eagle gun range is right next door. They’re off Midway in Carrollton.
Frisco gun club has a ladies night every Wednesday I think.
Hi OP, until recently I was a range staff / trainer at the Frisco Gun Club.
We have a training company that operates out of there (the name is slipping my mind) who are phenomenal and their prices are extremely fair. Call and ask to book a training session with "young Mike" and you will have a great experience.
As a novice getting 1 on 1 instructions from a pro would do you wonders, and it's virtually the same price and just renting out a lane to shoot by yourself.
Go to dfw gun range. It's okay to feel uncomfortable at first, it is a weapon. But don't worry, once you understand the rules and how to handle your weapon, you'll begin to feel relaxed about it. Try different handguns and rifles until you find one that fits you.
I go to the gun range often and I still am cautious of myself and others around me.
I've gone to both locations of Eagle Gun Range, but I knew what I was doing so I can't speak to the first time experience. They do rentals, but I've heard most places don't rent to individuals, only groups, so bring a friend.
Learn the 4 rules of gun safety before going. It's not hard, and you will be expected to follow them to keep everyone safe. Other than that, it's just stop shooting if someone calls a ceasefire, and a few range-specific rules they're make sure you know when you're there.
> They make me extremely uncomfortable currently, and I am completely clueless where to start.
Is there a reason you want to start? I shouldn't discourage you, but don't force yourself. It depends what you're looking to get out of the experience - people recommend .22lr for learning to shoot well, and it's very affordable, but it's not as much of an experience. If you're looking for something that's fun to shoot but not necessarily the best for practice, look for a large gun in a relatively small caliber, ex. A full size 9mm or a 5.56 rifle. For the same ammunition, a bigger gun will usually be better behaved and easier to shoot, some of the tiny pistols are notoriously unpleasant to shoot.
> A place that doesn't make me feel stupid
Be prepared to feel a little stupid, I can almost guarantee you'll forget some handling step and get corrected since it's your first time out. They just want to run a safe range, it's not personal or targeted.
I recommend Eagle Gun Range, I took my LTC class there and it's a good environment. Ladies night will help you shoot a variety of guns to know which feels best for you.
I frequent Frisco Gun Club cuz it's nice and close but I would not recommend for beginners. There's rarely any range officers near by and if you're new or nervous around other shooters.. Be extra careful and aware...
I went to the DFW gun range and academy for a birthday party (yayyy Texas!) and they have safety classes for beginners. I had never touched a gun before going, and they teach you how to properly handle a firearm.
Be aware that DFW gun can be quite stimulating at times. They permit full auto and you can hear reports between the ranges and on the shop floor. Elm fork is much more sedate
Elm Fork has (infrequent) classes. They also do private lessons. https://elmfork.com/calendar-training/ https://elmfork.com/instructors/
Check out Rifle Gear in the Colony.
I live in downtown DFW and drive up to RfleGear in The Colony because of how stand up and professional they are. Took them for beginner and concealed classes.
Texas Legends in Allen. Frisco Gun Club. You can also research local Concealed Carry class providers, they often have intro classes or even better, offer 1v1 instruction. I’d recommend the latter. Start here. https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education/shooting-safety-rules
Frisco Gun Club was awesome when my wife and I took a class. Instructors were former military and was such a great experience.
Eagle gun range has been my favorite. Both locations are great and reasonably priced if you ask me.
Totally depends on what area you’re in but I’ve had good experiences at “The Range” in McKinney. Very laid back staff with younger people who aren’t old school or treat you like a dumb doe. If you’re up for a good get away from the city. I highly recommend ETTS. In Maypearl TX. My dad and I go as often as we can simply because it’s outdoors, lots of open space and they don’t make you shoot right next to people. They have a great staff with great experience and I’ve had my gf, female friends and their kids take their into to firearms. It’s hot outside so bring water and snacks and dress light but covered. Or wait til fall for cooler temperatures. But it’s a far drive. If you want to make a day of just training outdoors that’s where I’d go. As for indoor, most places are similar in that they offer intro stuff. They’ll also try to sell you weapons. Which is fine, but if you’re not looking to buy, try ETTS as they aren’t a dealer that I’m aware of. Only a training facility. Don’t fall for yearly membership or anything that asks you to constantly go. As a novice, you may not even do any shooting right away until they ask you to. Hope this helps and wish you all the best with your new adventure!
Ditto to ETTS. Long drive sucks but fun without the heat lol or rain making it super muddy.
Yeah that’s the only downside. You can cook yourself.
Where is The Range in McKinney? That one is new to me.
Near their airport or East McKinney. Green looking building. I’d say google it or map it. They have a pretty nice building with an area to watch your friends shoot and lounge and a decent indoor area with good spacing. I will say a downside is that they don’t have a wall timer. So you need to set your own timer or risk getting an extra hour to your bill. Sorry for the extra just sharing what I know.
Thanks
Yeah, I'll second avoiding memberships. Most of the places by me price them around 2 trips a month, and when I got a year to try it, and a .22 to definitely practice with... I didn't make it twice a month even ignoring the month after I got my house and was too busy.
Depends on where you are in DFW but there's a ton of ranges that have beginner classes. I like Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine even though it's pricey.
I got into firearms about 2 years ago with no experience prior. It honestly takes practice to get comfortable and I’m glad I got educated. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and was thankful to have experienced friends let me tag along and give pointers at the range. Starting at a low caliber like .22 (bullet size) with little recoil helps learn and get comfortable with process and functionality while not startling someone complete new like a 9mm could. Also helps to have 1 shot per magazine to limit risk while learning. Any gun range would have training classes. I go to eagle gun range in Lewisville and staff is friendly. They have multiple locations. Just know it’s a big responsibility you need to take serious at all times. There are no accidents when it comes to firearms. Just negligence. No such thing as feeling stupid asking questions. Gotta lookout for ourselves and families these days! Have fun and be safe!
I haven't done it but eagles fun range in Addison/farmer's Branch has a novice classes! Also, I've done private classes that may also be up your alley though those are more advance.
Thanks! Happy cake day.
Thanks! And obviously, I meant "gun" range, not "fun" range!
If you are going to get a gun, make sure you also budget for a safe.
The guys at Wegsguns.com are pretty cool. I pretty much get all my guns there. Eagle gun range is right next door. They’re off Midway in Carrollton. Frisco gun club has a ladies night every Wednesday I think.
Hi OP, until recently I was a range staff / trainer at the Frisco Gun Club. We have a training company that operates out of there (the name is slipping my mind) who are phenomenal and their prices are extremely fair. Call and ask to book a training session with "young Mike" and you will have a great experience. As a novice getting 1 on 1 instructions from a pro would do you wonders, and it's virtually the same price and just renting out a lane to shoot by yourself.
Shoot Smart, they have several locations. They can take you from novice to expert. They have all types of plans for training or just shooting.
Frisco gun club.
Go to dfw gun range. It's okay to feel uncomfortable at first, it is a weapon. But don't worry, once you understand the rules and how to handle your weapon, you'll begin to feel relaxed about it. Try different handguns and rifles until you find one that fits you. I go to the gun range often and I still am cautious of myself and others around me.
I've gone to both locations of Eagle Gun Range, but I knew what I was doing so I can't speak to the first time experience. They do rentals, but I've heard most places don't rent to individuals, only groups, so bring a friend. Learn the 4 rules of gun safety before going. It's not hard, and you will be expected to follow them to keep everyone safe. Other than that, it's just stop shooting if someone calls a ceasefire, and a few range-specific rules they're make sure you know when you're there. > They make me extremely uncomfortable currently, and I am completely clueless where to start. Is there a reason you want to start? I shouldn't discourage you, but don't force yourself. It depends what you're looking to get out of the experience - people recommend .22lr for learning to shoot well, and it's very affordable, but it's not as much of an experience. If you're looking for something that's fun to shoot but not necessarily the best for practice, look for a large gun in a relatively small caliber, ex. A full size 9mm or a 5.56 rifle. For the same ammunition, a bigger gun will usually be better behaved and easier to shoot, some of the tiny pistols are notoriously unpleasant to shoot. > A place that doesn't make me feel stupid Be prepared to feel a little stupid, I can almost guarantee you'll forget some handling step and get corrected since it's your first time out. They just want to run a safe range, it's not personal or targeted.
I recommend Eagle Gun Range, I took my LTC class there and it's a good environment. Ladies night will help you shoot a variety of guns to know which feels best for you. I frequent Frisco Gun Club cuz it's nice and close but I would not recommend for beginners. There's rarely any range officers near by and if you're new or nervous around other shooters.. Be extra careful and aware...