This question was posed on an archery forum the other day, and it got me thinking. The poster on the forum said, “why should I go to an archery range over a gun range, and what’s the difference?” I have personally shot at both so I know my own particular reasons. What would be some reasons that you should consider going to an archery range over a gun range?
I have to start by saying that if you specifically want to shoot a gun then you should head straight for the gun range. Shooting arrows and shooting bullets are similar, but they are also extremely different. If you are on the fence, however, then there are a few things that I believe sets this experience apart.
Line: I cannot speak for all gun ranges, because they all vary in size, but at the archery range, you should not expect a line. Most ranges will have ample open space for shooters and their archery bows. The range that I go to has 8 lanes. During the week, you can shoot as long as you want. Gun ranges tend to have reservation policies, or they will have lines https://www.shadyoaksgunrange.com/ar-motivational-special/.
Cost: Depending on what type of shooting you are doing, gun ranges can charge anywhere from $15-20 just to get in the door — per hour. After that, you have to pay for their ammo and gun rentals. This price can add up quickly. Most archery ranges charge anywhere from 15-25 for the archery experience. This training includes everything that you need hit the range. $25 should get you the rental of all of the equipment that you need as well as a 1 hour lesson with trained staff.
Service: I can only speak to my local ranges service. At my range, I can be sure that I will always get the coaching and the attention that I need. When ever I have a technical question, it gets quickly addressed. If you are looking for a local archery range, then I would suggest using a website like Yelp before you head over. This is how I found my range, and I can say that I am satisfied with my choice.
KId friendly: This is not an intimidating spot. When you shoot your archery bow on most ranges, you will not need to worry about recoil, ear plugs, or safety goggles. Shooters at a gun range typically have to be over 18, and some even require that the shooters be over 21. Most archery ranges will allow kids to shoot as long as they are over 8 years old.
The benefits that I came up were for my local archery range and the gun ranges that I have been to recently. I don’ t think that this pertains to each and every archery and gun range. It does however apply to many of the ranges that I have been to around Southern California. The lines are subjective to your area. The cost, service, and atmosphere are objective based on my experiences. Do you have anything to add to this discussion? Feel free to leave a comment below.