Andy Dalton Shooting Range — Local services in Ash Grove

I don't normally write reviews for places I visit but I felt it was necessary for Andy Dalton Shooting Range. Normally I would go to Busiek State Park and fight the crowds for a lane but this weekend my fiance and I decided to give Andy Dalton a shot. I was a bit apprehensive considering all the rules they have. But when we arrived, we checked in and since it was our first time they pulled us into a room to watch a video explaining the rules. When it was finished, we grabbed our guns, put on our ear and eye protection (we had our own but they provided both free of charge if we hadn't), and headed down to the range. We were greeted by a rangemaster that took us down to our lane. The targets were all set at 7yards but at each cease fire we were free to move them to a different distance and targets were provided free of charge. The rangemasters were very friendly when we inevitably broke a rule or two (mostly firing too quickly). The facilities were very clean, staff was very friendly, and $3 per hour per lane was a very minimal price to pay for a safe shooting environment. They even allowed us to share a lane and while only one person was allowed in the booth while firing, a second was permitted to enter to use the range finder which was great for sighting in my new rifle. Overall this is the best place I've ever been shooting and I won't hesitate to shoot here every...

I just purchased a 12 Gauge shotgun and drove out here to shoot it. This particular 12 gauge is a semi-auto with a 5 round magazine. I was told I couldn’t shoot it. They told me only 2 shells loaded at once and no rapid fire (wait 3 seconds after each shot. Whether it is a shotgun, rifle or pistol.) Keep in mind I came here to shoot in a controlled safe environment that is also supervised. I understand that they have these rules for safety. But if I can’t shoot the weapons that I purchase as my right as an American, I will gladly find somewhere else that probably isn’t a safe place to shoot it.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that has been turned away and had to go shoot somewhere else not knowing what’s across the field or through the woods a half a mile down… I would highly recommend a designated area, maybe even enclosed with someone in there all the time. So we can shoot more than every 3 seconds, shoot 5 shells and are able to test their gun and get a feel for their gun. I’m Very Disappointed I was not allowed to shoot...

The range itself is pretty nice. Although some of the rules are more than a little ridiculous. First: I was told I could not shoot the human silhouette targets I brought because they could "be offensive" to other shooters. Newsflash...if I'm there shooting a handgun I use for home defense and concealed carry, what do you think I'm planning to shoot with it? Second: I got in trouble for "rapid firing." I completely understand this rule...no one wants a redneck with a 30 round magazine in an AR emptying it as fast as he can pull the trigger. But again, when I'm working on my skills for defensive marksmanship, firing 2-4 rounds in rapid succession should not be an issue. If you want to go sight in a deer rifle, shoot for bullseyes slowly with your pistol, or just introduce new shooters. This is a great place. If you want to go and actually get a little bit of effective and beneficial training for a realistic scenario, you should probably go somewhere else.

On a side note...the 3D archery range is...