About Gateway Rifle & Pistol Club
Gateway Rifle & Pistol Club stands as one of Jacksonville’s premier shooting destinations, offering a comprehensive facility that caters to shooters of all experience levels. Since establishing itself as a regional hub for the sport, the club has built a strong reputation for maintaining high safety standards while creating an inclusive environment for families, competitive shooters, and casual visitors alike.
The facility’s layout is deliberately spacious, designed to give shooters ample room and comfortable spacing on the range. This generous design philosophy extends beyond the shooting areas to include clean, well-maintained bathrooms and common spaces that make extended shooting sessions pleasant. The on-site shop provides immediate access to ammunition and targets, and the availability of coffee and refreshments adds to the experience.
What distinguishes Gateway from many regional ranges is its structured approach to safety education. First-time visitors encounter a mandatory 20-30 minute safety orientation followed by a practical test - a straightforward but comprehensive process that doesn’t feel burdensome. This commitment to baseline safety standards appears to be effective, with multiple reviewers noting that Range Safety Officers enforce rules consistently without creating an intimidating or overly restrictive atmosphere. The roving RSO model allows for continuous oversight while permitting shooters to enjoy uninterrupted practice time.
The range infrastructure itself is impressive, featuring pistol ranges for both paper targets and reactive steel plates, along with rifle ranges positioned at 25, 50, 100, and 200-yard distances. This versatility attracts a diverse shooting community, from casual plinking enthusiasts to precision rifle competitors. The club’s affiliation with major organizations including the NRA, CMP, and USA Shooting, combined with its monthly competitive matches spanning disciplines from bullseye pistol to black powder and cowboy action shooting, indicates a facility serious about both recreational and competitive shooting.
Pricing represents good value, particularly through annual membership programs that provide unlimited access. Day passes offer an affordable entry point for those wanting to test the facility before committing to membership. The club’s longevity - operating continuously since 1965 - speaks to operational stability and community trust that newer ranges often struggle to achieve.