Gun Ranges in Alaska: 6 Spots for Firearms and Pistol Practice

More than 60 percent of households in Alaska have guns, and the state boasts the third-highest rate of gun ownership in the country. So it's to be expected the state would feature numerous gun ranges where people can practice their rifle, pistol and shotgun skills.

Here are six ranges to check out if you live in or are visiting Alaska:

1. State-operated gun ranges: Alaska has three state-operated ranges located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. The Fairbanks Hunter Education Shooting Range is focused primarily on hunter education.

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2. Birchwood Recreation & Shooting Park: This 72-acre private shooting club is one of the oldest in Alaska. Established in 1964, it is located in Chugiak and offers eight rifle and pistol ranges. There is also RV parking for 24.

3. Juneau Mercantile & Armory: Along with gun sales and related merchandise, a five-lane indoor shooting range and firearms classes, this facility offers machine gun tours. Customers can choose from a variety of packages, including shooting the "timeless classics of World War II," such as the Thompson 45 and the Browning 1919 Belt Fed Machine Gun.

4. Matanuska Valley Sportsman Range: Located in Palmer, this range offers numerous classes for those wanting to perfect their firearms skills. The range also offers activities like Cowboy Action Shoots and Bulleye Pistol Shoots, as well as ladies only nights.

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5. Upper Susitna Shooters Association: Like many outdoor gun ranges, this Talkeetna, Alaska range has shortened hours during the winter months. The range offers a variety of shooting sports, including airgun matches; 25-, 50-, 100-, and 200-yard ranges, silhouette ranges and opportunities for muzzleloaders on all ranges.

6. Grouse Ridge Shotgun Shooting Club: Billed as the "largest and only privately owned shotgun-shooting facility in Alaska," this range is considered among the top sporting clay clubs internationally. Eighty acres of shooting stations feature courses that include "Duck Blind" and "Attacking Rabbit." The Alaska State Sporting Clays Championship has been held on site there for 10 years.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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