About ECONOMY GUNS/INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE
Economy Guns/Indoor Shooting Range operates as a full-time shooting range, gun shop, and ammunition supplier at 81 Main St in Madison, Maine. Locals from Central Maine and travelers passing through the region both use the facility, which offers indoor lanes accommodating pistol and rifle practice. Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as clean, relaxed, and down-home, with a family-run feel that distinguishes it from part-time or self-serve alternatives. The business fills a notable niche in the local market by maintaining regular, full-time hours that contrast with the limited availability of smaller area shops.
Newcomers appear to be a central focus. Multiple accounts indicate that the owners - frequently identified as Bob and his wife - spend considerable time with beginners, teaching proper shooting technique, safety protocols, and weapon handling. Instruction often covers everything from basic handgun use to grouping techniques, with staff sometimes remaining alongside guests for much of the session. Safety gear is provided on-site, and the environment is repeatedly characterized as supportive and non-intimidating, making it a practical choice for first-time shooters, couples, families, and senior visitors. Experienced shooters also report positive experiences, citing adequate ventilation, fair lane pricing, and the ability to practice without advance reservations or long waits.
Beyond the range, the business functions as a firearms retailer and ammunition supplier. Reviews note that the shop can order firearms and facilitate transfers, with one customer specifically highlighting the ease of completing an online-purchase transfer after encountering difficulties elsewhere. Ammunition is available for purchase, though at least one recent assessment suggests the in-store selection of pistols and rifles for immediate sale is relatively small.
The overall experience is generally described as accommodating. One visitor noted that staff helped them navigate the building to avoid stairs due to mobility limitations, and others mention that paid range time is often treated generously. The facility also hosts monthly shooting competitions, adding a community element for regulars.
However, the operation is not without limitations. A 2024 review notes that the shooting lanes could use better lighting and that a dedicated area for donning eye and ear protection before entering the range would be helpful. Operational hours have also been a point of friction: one recent visitor reported that the business closes at 5:00 p.m. rather than the 5:30 p.m. listed online, and that schedule inconsistencies limit visit frequency. An isolated 2018 complaint regarding poor-quality reloaded ammunition was addressed by ownership, who stated that reloads are no longer sold.