Connecticut gun laws are strict, but there are still a variety of safe and legal places for people who want to practice shooting.
CTShooting keeps a comprehensive list of gun ranges and pistol clubs in the state with dozens of choices.
Here are seven spots to consider for firearms and pistol practice:
1.
Glastonbury Public Shooting Range:
Meshomasic State Forest
This state run gun range is free and open to the public. Reservations are required for pistol and rifle shooting. The range is also only open seasonally. Special time slots are available for hunters. Shooters have to bring their own safety gear and targets. They must also have proof that they have been through firearms training.
"Awesome knowledgeable and helpful range officers! Always have an awesome time ... and I'm usually nervous around guns but the officers keep everyone safe!" says a Facebook reviewer.
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2.
Wolf's indoor Range:
Bristol, Connecticut
This indoor gun range offers pistol rentals. One price lets shooters use any of their guns. Shooters can buy yearly or monthly passes or can pay by the hour. They have 15 shooting lanes that are handicap accessible with electronic target systems. The range can handle most rifles and pistols, even high caliber.
"The staff was very helpful, informative and encouraging. They even gave me a discount when they found out it was my first time visiting," a reviewer wrote on Yelp.
3.
Chris's Indoor Shooting Range
Guilford, Connecticut
Pistol permits are required to shoot at this gun range. Classes and training are available for new shooters. The gun range can be rented out to certain organizations and clubs. They have 11 shooting lanes, 2 yards in length that can be rented.
"We were so pleased with the friendly and professional atmosphere," says a Google reviewer. "The range was clean and the utmost safety was enforced by the staff."
4.
Hoffman's Gun Center
Newington, Connecticut
Yelp reviewers offered Hoffman's Gun Center good ratings. The main complaint seems to be due to its popularity, the store can often become crowded. "They are so busy they can't really cater to your needs. You get your few minutes with someone on the floor and you better know what you want," wrote one reviewer. The store's indoor shooting range offers seven lanes with 25 yard lengths. Pistol permits are required, but the range can handle calibers up to .44 Mag. It is always staffed when open.
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5.
Bridgeport Shooting Range
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport Shooting Range is a public range. The gun range offers a variety of classes.
"Great thing about this place is that, aside from hand guns, you can shoot long guns in all sorts of calibers and they also accommodate shotguns," one Yelp reviewer wrote, giving this gun range a five star rating.
6.
Wooster Mountain Shooting Range
Wilton, Connecticut
This pistol and rifle shooting range is open seasonally. It has a 50 yard outdoor range. It also has a trap program. "Range staff was super helpful and friendly. I’ll prob get a membership," wrote a Google reviewer. Memberships are available, but the range is also open to the public. Children are welcome to shoot with parents.
7.
Shooters Pistol Range
New Milford, Connecticut
Shooters Pistol Range has 12 shooting lanes that are equipped with electrical target retrieval systems. They have a 50 foot maximum shooting distance. One Google reviewer, believes it is a good place to take his family.
"It is well maintained and the staff are courteous and knowledgeable. They know what they are doing and talking about, but don't make anyone feel stupid or unwelcome."
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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