GUN RANGE FAQs

Absolutely! We have worked hard to create a welcoming environment where anyone will feel comfortable shooting. We do have a membership program that many of our most frequent take advantage of, but we are not a members-only range. As long as you have proper ID such as a valid Drivers License or Passport, you are welcome to join us for a great time at the range.

Short answer: Yes, just clear it with the RSO on duty.

Because we serve all kinds of shooters at The Gun Range San Diego, from people who have never handled a gun before, to professional law enforcement officers and active military, we know it’s important to allow for practice of skills like drawing from the holster and doing speed reloads. We will be happy to accommodate that; all we ask is that you clear it with the Range Safety Officer on duty, so they can make sure it’s being done in a safe manner.

In addition, our state-of-the-art target computers allow you to face the targets at timed intervals, to enhance your quick-drawing skills. Ask our RSO’s for more information on programming your target to take your training to the next level.

Yes – a full set of sights or an optic on any firearm is required to shoot on the range (with the exception of shotguns with only a front bead sight.)

Short answer: Yes!

While we offer a wide variety of rentals for those who don’t own a gun or want to try a different firearm than what they have, many of our customers come to practice shooting their own weapons. All we ask is that you bring the weapon in a case or range bag in a safe, unloaded condition, and uncase your firearm on the firing line for safety.

Normally we are open 7 days a week, from 10am to 10pm. 

Note: during COVID-19 related lockdowns starting in March 2020, we have adjusted our hours to 10AM-7PM Monday-Thursday, and 10AM-10PM Friday & Saturday. 

We are typically busiest on the weekends, on Monday evening during Free Basic Rental Mondays, and on Tuesday evening during Customer Appreciation Tuesdays. However, the times you are least likely to have to wait time for a lane will typically be on Wednesday or Thursday, and on Friday before 5pm.

We have 13 lanes, with a maximum distance of 25 yards (22.86 meters.)

Short answer: You can bring your own ammo to shoot in your own firearms, but in our rental firearms, you may only shoot ammo you buy from us.

You are more than welcome to bring your own ammo. However, some kinds of ammo are not allowed at The Gun Range San Diego, because they will damage our equipment and facility. These are:

• Steel-core “penetrator” rifle rounds (NATO “green tip” ammo used by the military is the most common variety we see)
• Any kind of tracer or incendiary ammo (these are illegal in California)
• Birdshot for shotguns (only buckshot and slugs are allowed)

However, if you rent one of our weapons to shoot, you may only shoot ammo purchased from our range. The reason for this is to prevent shooters from using any ammo of inferior quality that may cause damage to our rental firearms. However, we do have a wide selection of ammo available for purchase on-site.

hort answer: On average, about $45 per person

To enjoy shooting at The Gun Range San Diego, this is what you’ll need:

• A lane rental (in 1 hour blocks)
• A firearm
• Ammunition
• Targets
• Eye and ear protection

What you ultimately end up spending will depend on what you bring with you, and how much you want to shoot. If you have your own firearms, ammo, safety gear, and targets, you will only need to rent a lane. However, the majority of our customers rent firearms and eye/ear protection from us, and buy our targets and ammunition, so the total price will vary.

Here is a quick breakdown of our prices:

• Lane rental: $20 for one shooter, $15 for each additional shooter (Active Duty Military, Law Enforcement and First Responders are only $15/shooter)
• Firearms: $15 for Basic Rentals, $20-25 for Exotic Rentals*
• Ammunition: This varies, but the most popular ammo we sell is 9mm, which starts at $24.99 per package of 50 rounds**
• Eye/ear protection: $1.50 each
• Targets: $1.50 each

Overall, while the total cost varies quite a bit, most customers spend approximately $45 for a trip to the range, so a trip to the range is actually very affordable!

*Note: you must have at least one other shooter in your group in order to rent firearms!

**Ammunition prices subject to change.

Short answer: Yes!

We offer several discounts you can take advantage of! On Mondays, all Basic Rentals (which make up about 90% of our rental firearms) are free to rent, or you can rent one of our Exotic Rentals instead for $10 off the normal price. On Tuesdays, we have our Customer Appreciation/Ladies Night events, where every customer shoots for a flat rate of only $5. In addition, we offer a discount to all active duty military, law enforcement, and first responders of $5 off for every lane rental, every day.

Short answer: Our exotic rentals are cooler!

Basic rentals consist of more common pistols, rifles, and shotguns, with little or no modifications made to them. About 90% of our rental firearms are Basic Rentals, and our customers have fun shooting these rentals all the time!

However, if you’re looking for something more fun and unique to shoot, you might want to upgrade to something from our Exotic Rentals collection, which includes more expensive, harder-to-find weapons, and weapons with fun-to-use modifications like holographic sights and scopes.

*Please keep in mind that to rent a firearm, you must be a group of 2 or more, or have your own firearm present.

Our range accommodates the vast majority of handguns, rifles, and shotguns out there; you can shoot rifles in calibers up to .308, handguns in calibers up to .50, and shotguns up to 12 gauge. However, there are some restrictions on what kind of ammo you can shoot (read the FAQ on Ammo above for a complete explanation.)

Short answer: No, unless you have a group of 8 or more.

Unfortunately, due to high demand for range time at The Gun Range San Diego, we are not able to take reservations; all range time is available on a first come, first served basis.

However, if you have a group of 8 or more, we can accommodate you ahead of time with a special event reservation; these must be made at least 24 hours in advance, and you must call to confirm one hour prior to your scheduled arrival time. (For more information on booking a special event or group rate with us, please give us a call!)

Short answer: Not at all!

At The Gun Range San Diego, we pride ourselves in creating a welcoming environment where absolutely anyone can become comfortable handling and shooting firearms. No experience is necessary at all; our expert staff is always on hand to give you as much or as little help as you need to get started, and to make sure you have a fun and rewarding experience from beginning to end!

Short answer: Yes they can – as long as they can do it safely!

There is actually no minimum legal age to be able to shoot at a gun range. While it is required by law that all shooters under 21 be accompanied by an adult, the determining factor in whether someone can shoot is not their age, but their ability to safely handle a firearm. It is the responsibility of the supervising adult and the RSOs on duty to make the determination whether or not a young shooter can safely handle a firearm; in our experience, we have seen some children as young as 6 that can do it, while some still can’t do it at ages much older than that.

Note: while there is no minimum age to shoot at a shooting range, you must be 21 or older in order to rent handguns or buy handgun ammunition, and you must be 18 or older to shoot with your own firearms and ammunition.  California law has now raised the minimum age to buy or rent a rifle or shotgun to age 21 (effective 1/1/19), however, still permits adults 18 and over to purchase rifle and shotgun ammunition.  Exception to the 21 age requirement:  Active duty military, law enforcement, or those with a valid hunting license.  If you are looking to rent a firearm and do not fall within one of the exempted categories, you must be with someone age 21 or older.

*Please note, minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.