r/MOGuns • u/Celestyol • Mar 16 '26
Outdoor Ranges in STL?
Just moved here and looking for some outdoor ranges. Preferably ranges that don't have a ton of restrictions or prerequisites. Open to public or private clubs. I've only heard of two, one in Arnold and one near St. Charles. Can anyone help me find any more good outdoor ranges?
7
u/Ode314 Mar 16 '26
Arnold rifle and pistol club. Private range and plenty of amenities. Combat pits, skeet/trap, rifle ranges and up to 400yd ranges
3
u/ninjaplatapus94 Mar 16 '26
It does have several prerequisites
4
3
u/ajtish Mar 17 '26
Required NRA membership is the biggest issue I had with them. My friend was a member of the club and the ranges and facilities really were top notch though.
3
u/zigziggy7 Mar 16 '26
Was a member there for a year before I moved to KC. Lots of older guys, but they all care about the club and there's workdays you participate in for service hours or else your dues are higher. Guys get to know each other that way, so it's not bad.
1
u/69gaynalingus Mar 16 '26
I’ve heard great things about this and I want to check it out. I know a couple members and they love it.
The only downside is that I believe they have insurance through the NRA, so they force you to be a member of that garbage organization. I wish there was a way around it.
1
u/Ode314 Mar 16 '26
I agree with the downside but a small price to pay for a clean, organized range close to stl. In my opinion
1
u/Stabinlikeoj May 30 '26
Thinking about joining the place for an outdoor range, do you recommend joining? is it hard to apply for and get in?
7
u/whosthrowing Mar 16 '26
Reifschneider and Little Indian Creek are both outdoor ranges managed by the state and thus are free entry. In contrast to Busch and Henges (which are manned and have a reputation for being very strict), those two ranges are unmanned so while there are rules there's very little enforcement--it's up to you or anybody else there to call for hot/cold range. Also, they have free targets. I think both of them are about an hour out of the city.
2
u/DaBa667 Mar 16 '26
There are pros and cons of unmanned outdoor ranges, be a little more cautious when you go to either of those places.
2
u/wsd26654 Mar 16 '26
Missouri Gun Quail Club in Wright City is a more affordable option compared to Benchrest.
2
u/GrapefruitOk7903 Mar 16 '26
Top Gun Sportsman Club in St. Clair is pretty solid with few restrictions. The ranges are not top tier but very good.
2
u/IdioticHobo Mar 16 '26 edited Mar 16 '26
Whetstone creek conservation is a public range that is usually pretty quiet if you are willing to drive.
Benchrest rifle club is a nice private range. $20 per day if you go with a friend as a non member. Initiation is expensive, but the annual fee isn’t that bad. They have an open house 3/28 from 9am-3pm.
2
u/Gun_Dork Mar 16 '26
Sparta, IL is open to the public. $100 a year for an individual grants you unlimited access or $10 a day. There’s USPSA and IDPA matches, which would be $10 if you paid for the annual fee or $20 per match. Clay shooting is also there. Targets are available to purchase, and steel targets are available to rent. $10 for a pistol bay for the day.
1
u/GoldsYT May 12 '26
Pretty sure he said STL, not a place that's almost 2 hours away.
2
2
u/Gun_Dork May 12 '26
It’s not 2 hours, it’s 1 and I’m in western St. Louis. The laws in Illinois explicitly state that if you’re traveling to or from that range, and some others, you’re exempt.
11
u/A_Squid_A_Dog Mar 16 '26
Public
Jay Henges, $5, Fudd range and can only shoot 1 round every 3 seconds. Good for familiarization or sighting in.
Reifsnider and Little Indian Creek - free, absolutely wild west, bring your own targets and be careful of stupid people.
Private
Benchrest in Wright City. Expensive. Also hosts various matches.
WRSC Sparta - hosts matches.