About The Gun Range
The Gun Range stands as a comprehensive shooting destination in North Highlands, serving the greater Sacramento area with a unique combination of indoor range facilities, professional training, full-service retail, and customer-focused service. Located at 3479 Orange Grove Avenue, this establishment has built a reputation through consistent excellence in welcoming shooters of all experience levels - from absolute beginners to seasoned competitors.
The facility’s defining characteristic is its accessibility-first philosophy. First-come, first-serve range operations eliminate the friction of advance reservations, allowing visitors to walk in when convenient and start shooting. This approach, combined with flexible range supervision that doesn’t impose unnecessary restrictions on shooting techniques or rate of fire, creates an unusually welcoming environment for newcomers. Multiple reviews from first-time shooters describe leaving with genuine confidence and fulfillment rather than intimidation, which speaks to deliberate staff training and facility culture.
The climate-controlled indoor environment represents a significant operational advantage over outdoor competitors in the region. During Sacramento’s brutal summers when temperatures exceed 100 degrees, The Gun Range remains comfortable and operational. Winter precipitation poses no concerns either. This all-weather reliability removes a major barrier to consistent shooting practice and appeals to serious enthusiasts who train year-round rather than seasonally.
Infrastructure-wise, the facility features multiple lane options (25 and 12 yard distances mentioned in reviews) designed for both handgun and rifle disciplines. The retail component stocks an unusually comprehensive inventory for California, including firearms and equipment that legal restrictions make difficult to find elsewhere in the state. Visitors consistently note this aspect - the ability to explore and rent equipment not commonly available in California, combined with supportive staff willing to explain differences and capabilities, creates a genuinely exploratory shooting experience.
Professional services extend beyond range operations. On-staff gunsmiths handle custom work including stripping, engraving, and other specialized modifications. Certified instructors lead comprehensive training programs including basic pistol marksmanship, intermediate courses, and concealed carry (CCW) certifications for multiple counties in the Sacramento Valley region. Specific mention of instructor Sam’s humility and teaching approach suggests a culture prioritizing education over ego - instructors who make students feel capable rather than foolish.
The full-service model means customers can complete complex shopping journeys in one visit: rent an unfamiliar firearm type to determine preference, shoot on the range to test the experience, consult with a gunsmith about modifications, purchase ammunition in bulk, and schedule training for future dates. This ecosystem appeal to customers planning deliberate skill development rather than casual recreation.
The consistent 4.7-star rating across 1,188 reviews reflects operational stability and broad customer satisfaction. The primary complaint - weekend crowding and capacity constraints during peak hours - is actually a sign of commercial success and demand exceeding supply. Reviews acknowledge this reality without disdain: customers understand that a busy shooting range signals quality and popularity, and they plan accordingly (arriving early on weekends).
Directions & Hours
The Gun Range operates with varied hours throughout the week. Note that the facility is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, so plan accordingly. Peak hours fall on weekends and weekday evenings - arriving early on Saturdays and Sundays is strongly recommended to avoid wait times. No reservations are needed for general range access, maintaining the first-come, first-serve philosophy.
Specialized services have dedicated schedules: CDCR qualifications run Tuesday through Saturday, 8am - 9am, while LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) qualifications require direct contact with the range for scheduling.