Ready, Aim, Fire

Need a place to practice your aim? We searched for the five best shooting ranges in 417-land, from comfortable indoor spots, to super-inexpensive outdoor gun-friendly playgrounds. Make sure you put these ranges in your crosshairs the next time you want to practice your shooting skills.

By Megan Waterman Photo by Kevin O'Riley

1. The Sound of Freedom Indoor Gun Range
4800 N. Towne Centre Dr., Ozark, 417-485-4867, sof-usa.com
Cost: $15 shooting lane rental for pistol or rifle
Why We Like It: Buy, sell, trade, rent, shoot and learn at The Sound of Freedom. So much more than just a shooting range, this facility consists of a 2,300-square-foot retail store and also offers firearm training classes (including hunter’s education). The Sound of Freedom is was given a five-star rating by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the 16 indoor shooting lanes each offer computer-controlled moving target carriers to test your skills. Memberships available. Contact Jane Paul at 417-485-4867 for more information.

2. Andy Dalton Shooting Range & Outdoor Education Center
N. Farm Road 61, Ash Grove, 417-742-4361, mdc.mo.gov/node/288
Cost: $3 per booth per hour for rifle and pistol; $3 per round of 25 targets for trap and skeet
Why We Like It: This Missouri Department of Conservation facility offers shooting options as well as classes for wildlife identification, orienteering and more. Eye and ear protection and targets are provided, but you must bring your own gun and ammunition. Guns and ammunition are provided at free gun training classes that this range offers periodically. This covered range is kid-friendly. Contact Mike Brooks at 417-742-4361 for more information.

3. Rockbridge Gun Club: A Division of the Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch
Hwy N. County Road 142, Rockbridge, 417-679-3619, rockbridgemo.com
Cost: $10 per round of 25 targets for trap and 5 stand; $25 per half round of 50 targets or $35 per full round of 100 targets for sporting clays
Why We Like It: The Rockbridge Gun Club takes the great outdoors to a whole new level. While you're there, check out the Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch’s trout fishing, horseback riding, restaurant, gift shop and lodge. Reservations are required. Contact Bob Paul at 417-679-3619 for more information.

4. Ozark Shooters Sports Complex
759 US Hwy 65, Walnut Shade, 417-443-3093, ozarkshooters.com
Cost: $20 an hour for two people for rifle and pistol (must book by appointment); $7 per round of 25 targets for shotgun
Why We Like It: This outdoor range offers skeet, trap, wobble trap, sporting clays and 5 stand shooting. If you are new to shooting, be sure to ask about gun training classes. Carry and conceal classes are also held on a regular basis. Kids are welcome, but parents must accompany them. Memberships are available. Contact Peggy Siler at 417-443-3093 for more information.

5. Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area Shooting Range
18 miles south of Springfield on Highway 65, inside Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area, 417-895-6880, missouriconservation.org
Cost: Free
Why We Like It: Enjoy the great outdoors while you practice at this unmanned shooting area. It includes a 25-yard pistol range, a 50-yard rifle range and a 100-yard rifle range, and you can shoot from sunrise to sunset every day but Monday. Contact Francis Skalicky at 417-895-6880 ext 1641 for more information.