So you’re thinking about visiting the Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine for the first time? That’s an awesome choice you won’t regret. Whether you’re feeling curious about the experience, cautious about firearms and safety, or simply tagging along with friends who are more experienced, we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know before you make your exciting first visit. We’ll cover essential topics like what to bring, what to expect once you arrive, and, importantly, how to avoid the common newbie mistakes that many newcomers make. This guide is your friendly, no-nonsense companion designed to make your inaugural range visit as safe, enjoyable, and respectful of the community as possible. Get ready for an unforgettable shooting range experience!
When attending, please remember to bring a government-issued photo ID for identification purposes. It is also essential to wear comfortable, conservative clothing that adequately covers your arms and feet, as attire such as sandals or tank tops is not permitted for safety reasons. Additionally, please bring along a range bag to conveniently hold your gear. If you own a firearm, make sure to bring it properly cased and unloaded; if you do not have one, don’t worry! You can plan to rent a firearm, and our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you in selecting a beginner-friendly option that suits your needs. For your safety, eye and ear protection are required at all times on the range. If you do not have your own protection gear, there’s no need to be concerned, the range offers the option to purchase or rent these essential items right on-site.
Arriving and check-in at Texas Gun Experience is simple and welcoming process. When you arrive, head directly to the front desk where our friendly staff will be waiting to greet you. They are there to also to guide you through the check-in process in a clear and efficient manner. Once checked in, you will need to fill out safety waivers, which are essential for ensuring the safety of all our guests. Additionally, you will watch a brief safety orientation video that covers the important safety protocols and procedures we have in place. These steps are critical as they help keep everyone safe while ensuring that you enjoy your time on the range in a responsible and enjoyable manner.
If you don’t own a gun yet, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Many first-time shooters feel intimidated. Texas Gun Experience offers a wide selection of semi-auto handguns, rifles, and shotguns to rent. In addition to rentals, they also provide a comprehensive range of accessories such as hearing protection and targets. Let the staff you’re new; they’ll recommend low-recoil, beginner-friendly options and show you how to handle them safely. Texas Gun Experience prioritizes education and offers several USCCA certified training classes as well as a first time shooter package.
Are you ready to experience the thrill of firing a real machine gun? We proudly offer an impressive selection of fully automatic belt-fed and magazine-fed firearms available for rent, allowing you the unique opportunity to shoot and enjoy these powerful weapons in a safe environment. In addition to our standard rentals, we have also introduced exciting Themed Rental packages that bring the action of your favorite films to life. You can now shoot iconic guns from blockbuster movies like Deadpool and John Wick, among many other popular titles. This is not just a shooting experience; it’s an unforgettable adventure where you can shoot the guns from your favorite action scenes!
Shooting firearms can expose you to lead particles and other toxic residues, which can pose health risks. It’s crucial to follow effective lead-mitigation practices to ensure your safety: never consume food or beverages in the shooting area; avoid touching your face while engaged in shooting activities; be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and any exposed skin after your shooting session; and always launder your range clothes separately from other garments. These essential steps not only protect your health but also shield your family from potential contamination and are considered standard operating procedures at responsible and reputable shooting ranges.
Texas Gun Experience and professional instructors live by these principles — you should too:
Also, follow all posted range rules and any instructions from Range Safety Officers.
Good etiquette keeps everyone safe and makes the range a better place for families, new shooters, and seasoned shooters alike. Only handle firearms at the firing line. Don’t turn around with a firearm in your hand. Don’t cross the firing line unless told it’s safe. Keep noise reasonable, avoid horseplay, and don’t take selfies while shooting — if you want photos, ask a Range Safety Officer to help. If the staff calls a ceasefire, stop immediately, follow their instructions (remove magazine, clear the chamber, set the firearm down safely), and wait for further direction.
You’ll be assigned a lane and helped get set up. Hang your target and start close 3–5 yards is a good place for your first time so you can get comfortable with grip, sight picture, and trigger control. Staff can load and demonstrate rentals if needed. Keep the muzzle pointed downrange at all times. Start slow, breathe between shots, and focus on fundamentals — accuracy comes with practice.
If a trigger pull produces no bang, it is essential to keep the muzzle pointed downrange for a full 30 seconds, as a light strike is a possibility that should not be overlooked. During this time, it is important to raise your hand and signal for assistance; the Range Safety Officers or trained staff members will be on hand to provide guidance and support. If they determine that it is safe to do so, they will assist you in clearing the firearm or troubleshooting the issue to ensure that you can return to shooting safely.
When you finish your practice session, it is essential to clear the firearm properly by removing the magazine and carefully checking the chamber to ensure that there are no remaining rounds. Once you have confirmed that the firearm is completely safe, take the time to store it in a secure and appropriately. Additionally, if you have rented any equipment, be sure to return it promptly. You are always welcome to ask for any feedback or recommendations for your next visit or training class, as the staff is more than happy to help. If you had an unforgettable experience, which I hope you did, please consider leaving your instructor a tip to show your appreciation for their guidance and expertise. This small gesture goes a long way in recognizing the value of their time and effort in helping you improve your skills.
Bryan is a former Marine with a deep passion for firearms and marksmanship. A dedicated gun enthusiast, he has extensive knowledge of weaponry, tactics, and firearm safety.