About Massey’s Gun Shop and Range
Massey’s Gun Shop and Range represents the premier full-service shooting facility in the Rio Grande Valley, combining operational excellence with genuine community-oriented customer service. Located at 35558 Yolanda Rio Road in Brownsville, this establishment has transcended the typical range-only business model by integrating comprehensive training instruction, extensive firearm rentals, FFL transfer services, and an on-site gun shop into a cohesive customer experience. The facility’s 4.8-star rating across 218 reviews reflects consistent execution across diverse customer personas - first-time shooters, families, competitive marksmen, and military/law enforcement professionals all finding value in what the operator has built.
The facility’s physical infrastructure directly supports its market positioning. The longest rifle range in South Texas provides extended-distance shooting capability that other regional competitors cannot match, essential for serious competitors and precision rifle enthusiasts. The segmented range design - dedicated pistol ranges at 5-25 yards with steel targets, shotgun areas featuring two automated Promatic clay machines, and specialized long-distance rifle sections - demonstrates thoughtful facility planning that prevents the operational chaos of single-purpose ranges where incompatible activities interfere. This architectural approach mirrors upscale ranges elsewhere, but Massey’s has replicated the concept in a market where such sophistication is relatively rare.
The staff dynamic emerges as the operational differentiator from customer testimonials. Multiple reviews specifically praise the owner Gilbert and the Range Master by name, indicating that personalities and expertise have become institutional assets rather than individual conveniences. The repeated emphasis on staff patience with first-timers - ’never hesitate to ask for help,’ ’they will give great tips to keep yourself and others around safe’ - reveals hiring and training protocols that prioritize psychological comfort alongside technical instruction. This matters significantly because intimidation represents the primary barrier preventing potential shooters from ever visiting a range. By systematically removing that barrier through deliberate staff comportment, Massey’s captures market segments that traditional ranges lose to apathy.
The rental inventory positioning - ’largest gun rental inventory in South Texas’ including full-auto options - removes capital expenditure barriers while enabling experiential learning. A curious first-timer can try multiple platforms in one visit without purchasing weapons. Visitors from out-of-state can legally experience full-auto shooting at a time in America when such opportunities have become increasingly constrained by regulation. This rental model generates three distinct revenue streams: daily use fees, rental income, and downstream ammunition sales. More importantly, it converts first-time visitors into customers; individuals who enjoy quality instruction and feel welcome on their initial visit frequently become repeat customers.
The training infrastructure - Texas License to Carry instruction, self-defense pistol courses, tactical rifle programs, and long-range precision training - represents structured educational pathways rather than reactive range access. Instructors capable of clearly explaining legal frameworks, safe handling protocols, and shooting technique are economic assets that distinguish operational excellence from basic facility provision. The owner’s visible presence and willingness to teach these courses personally indicates quality control priorities that trickle through the organization.
Pricing accessibility emerges prominently in customer comments: $25 daily membership for adults (or $20 for members/military/LEO), $10 for teenagers, $5 for children, and a $375 annual membership option. This tiered structure simultaneously captures price-sensitive first-timers and enables commitment-based long-term customers. The FFL transfer services ($30) and NFA transfer capabilities ($100) create convenience value for customers with existing firearms requiring paperwork processing.
The facility’s South Texas border location presents both advantage and constraint. The proximity to international shooters and the large outdoor recreation community in the region provides built-in customer volume. Conversely, geographic isolation limits walk-in traffic and creates friction for shooters from other Texas regions seeking advanced training. However, the facility’s reputation for quality instruction - grounded in 4.8 stars across specific service categories - suggests that serious trainees willingly travel to access Gilbert’s expertise.