Other than the Northworst Freeway, the area is great.
That's why the population keeps growing out here.
Based on a Hwy 6 and 290 center, Hot Wells is the closest range. Fine for slow-fire pistol work, shotgun, and short to medium distance rifle. The Lamar family (yep; related to
that Lamar from Republic of Texas history) owns Hot Wells and they're good people.
There
is a short LEO range at Hot Wells. If you're a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, talk to the Lamars; you'll be able to get relatively open access to this area for all your short-arm practice needs. If you're not law enforcement, look up Donovan Lamar and see about the 3-hour courses/drills he conducts on the LEO range on periodic weekends.
Next up is Shiloh, straight up FM 1960 just about a mile past 249. My vote for Best New Range in Texas!
You just won't find any friendlier owners than the Sanford family. And the comfortable indoor range is a place where you'll want to hang out, have a cup of java, and chat. Instructional facilities upstairs, they have two range areas downstairs. If you're on your own dollar, there's no draw from holster. But--and I think we all owe them a huge round of applause for this--you
may rapid fire. Just don't shoot the target hangers!
Too, they've done a great job of pumping up the organized activities in the relatively short time they've been open. Tuesday evening is basic tactical drills; Wednesday evening is advanced drills with Gregg Garrett; Thursday evening is indoor IDPA; Friday evening is Brian Hoffner's Elite Pistol Team drills. Pretty much a happenin' place!
Shiloh is also an FFL, and they have a nice selection of handguns. Speaking of dealers, my ol' buddy Jim Pruett has his store just about a mile north of 290 on Huffmeister. Lot of good stuff, and never a dull conversation with Professor Pruett. Stop in and say "hi" to Joy, Barry, and Eric, as well.
Memorial Oaks (or Memorial Shooting Center...I haven't done a good job of keeping up with the new name) is under new management, have revamped the facility, and is offering whole packages of defensive shooting instruction. I have no firsthand experience with them...yet. I plan to. They're just north of I-10 and just inside the Beltway.
About 20 miles west is The Impact Zone, Phil Oxley's outdoor range. A monthly 3-gun match, monthly and weekly IDPA matches (both West Houston IDPA and Impact IDPA), USPSA, and more activities that are open to the public. But it's primarily a private, membership range. Join, and you can setup and practice your own defensive/combat gunning scenarios on your own schedule.
Additionally, The Impact Zone hosts a variety of nationally recognized trainers throughout the year, including Hoffner, Gabe Suarez, and Gordon Carroll, among others.
Yesseree. We do have some lead slingin' opportunities in northwest Houston; yes we do.
