About LoneStar Handgun
LoneStar Handgun stands as San Antonio’s largest and most comprehensive shooting facility, commanding a 4.8-star rating across 1,531 reviews that reflect its consistent commitment to safety, instruction, and community. Located in Converse on 146 acres, the facility has become the destination for everyone from absolute beginners firing a gun for the first time to experienced competitors and military/law enforcement personnel seeking professional-grade training infrastructure.
The scale of the physical facility is immediately striking. The range operates over 85 shooting stalls with reactive steel targets extending to 300 yards, accommodating handgun, rifle, and long-distance marksmanship work. Thirteen private bays allow exclusive use for instruction or group events. Beyond traditional rifle and pistol shooting, the facility offers sporting clays with ten station setups and five stand clay configurations, plus an archery range extending to 80 yards. This diversity means shooters can pursue multiple disciplines in a single visit without driving to different locations.
What genuinely distinguishes LoneStar Handgun is its commitment to beginner instruction and educational approach. Professional instructors teach everything from absolute fundamentals through advanced marksmanship, with specialized Texas License to Carry certification courses. The instructional philosophy prioritizes foundational safety and technique before live fire, building confidence rather than assuming prior experience. Multiple reviews highlight instructor excellence, particularly in one-on-one private lessons where patience and clear explanation transform nervous newcomers into capable shooters. This educational focus has made the facility exceptional for families and first-time gun owners.
The business economics favor accessibility. Unlike many ranges charging $25-50 per hour, LoneStar Handgun offers all-day range passes starting at $12-15, allowing shooters to spend extended time practicing at their own pace without clock-watching. This pricing strategy, combined with the facility’s size, means minimal wait times even during busy Saturday sessions.
Operational quality is evident throughout. Facilities are consistently clean and well-maintained with air-conditioned restrooms and covered picnic areas ideal for Texas heat. Professional gunsmith services handle cleaning, repair, and optics zeroing. On-site rental inventory removes barriers for visitors lacking personal firearms. FFL transfer services and a comprehensive retail shop address broader community needs. Automated cease-fire announcements reinforce safety protocols continuously. Staff members are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and focused on creating welcoming rather than intimidating environments.
The primary operational limitation is the access road infrastructure. Multiple visitors note that unpaved or deteriorated roads leading to the property present challenges, particularly for vehicles with low ground clearance. Despite this infrastructure issue, the overwhelmingly positive reviews indicate that the facility quality justifies the challenging drive, making it worth the trip for most shooters.