First-time at a Gun Range: What to Expect. What to Bring.

Welcome First-time Shooters!

Buck & Doe’s Mercantile welcomes first-time shooters to our state-of-the-art indoor shooting range for exclusive classes taught by our certified firearm instructors. Our San Antonio gun range is open to everyone, regardless of shooting experience. Take a look at the variety of classes we offer and select a date that works best for you. After you sign up, here is what you can expect to do during your class and what you need to bring.

Buck & Doe’s Shooting Range

 

Our indoor shooting range has the highest acoustically rated sound abatement wall systems in the world, to reduce reverberation noise up to 98%. We are also a “green” gun range. To maintain the safety of you and our employees throughout the class, we have a fully self-contained bullet trap system and commercial filtration design, so you can enjoy the most comfortable shooting experience available. Each firing lane is well-lit and ventilated, and our interactive electronic system allows for you to take control of setting distances, turns, and explore and choose from our many options of programs.

Group or Private Lessons

If you prefer to learn how to shoot with a group of family or friends, our group lessons are open for admissions. Group classes are a maximum of five people per instruction, but larger groups can be accommodated by adding another instructor.  If you would rather have a private lesson, you can sign up to have a personalized one-hour session with one of our instructors. You will be able to rent a gun of your choice, rent eye and ear protection, and purchase a target. Our private lessons are an excellent option for those who are wanting to obtain qualification for their License to Carry (LTC) and are already in possession of their own firearm. During lessons, we go in depth about how you can improve your shooting, firearm maintenance, and even offer classes for kids aged six and older.

What should you bring for your first day?

At Buck & Doe’s Mercantile, we make sure that you are well taken care of with equipment. For your classes, we have an impressive inventory of firearm rentals, ammunition, hearing protection, targets, and eye protection that you can choose from. Please bring a valid form of ID when you come in for your class. You are welcome to bring your own gun and ammunition, though please note our policy is that we accept only commercially produced brass, or nickel cased ammunition. Shotguns are prohibited, but we allow handguns up to 50 caliber and rifles up to 308 caliber. Please enter the store with any firearm in a gun bag or case. Not only is it a state requirement, but it’s also a common courtesy. The amount of ammunition you will need for the class will be discussed the day of, to ensure you are well prepared. After we get you equipped and ready to go, our instructors will walk you through your class step-by-step. You can expect to shoot on your first day of class. For your safety, we always have a Range Safety Officer available to you. Every part of our class is built with gun safety in mind.

Do you need a membership to sign up for classes?

No, you do not need to be a member to enjoy our firearm training classes. While we have excellent benefits for our members, our mission is to help everyone become educated on the proper use of their firearms. From first-time shooters to experienced shooters, we have classes that benefit everyone. Our firing lanes are available on a walk-in basis, and our trained, uniformed staff are always here to answer any questions you may have. If you’re planning on making a visit with us soon, make sure to sign our waiver.

Classes to take afterwards!

When you have successfully completed your first-time shooting classes, consider signing up for other gun classes that will benefit you along the way, like our License to Carry Class, or our Defensive Shooting Class. We have no shortage of options for you.

Visit our website and sign up for one of our classes today!

The Well-Armed Woman. Concealed Carry for Women

The Well-Armed Woman Chapter

Buck & Doe’s Mercantile is proud to be the host to the Well-Armed Woman (TWAW), San Antonio Area Shooting chapter! Our goal is to expand the world of firearms to women all over the country in a safe, non-threatening way. We prioritize education, equipping, and empowering women shooters. All are welcome, and your first visit with us is free. To become a member and have access to all of our classes, our annual fee is only fifty dollars.

Learn More About TWAW and Who We Serve

TWAW is a non-profit organization with locations nationwide. Meetings are monthly, and experience does not matter. For women just getting started on purchasing firearms, learning how to shoot, the basics of firearm maintenance, and are wanting to learn more, TWAW is an excellent chapter to continue improving your skills and expand your firearm education. Advanced shooters are welcome and are encouraged to share their expertise with other chapter members. Members must be eighteen and older to join.

Finding the Right Concealed Carry Pistol

Semi-automated pistols are a common and safe choice for women, but finding the right caliber varies from person to person. Some prefer a higher caliber, while others are more comfortable with lower calibers. According to an NRA Family Article, Julie Golob, an Army Veteran, suggests that a .22 caliber pistol is ideal for new shooters, but she emphasizes that trying it out at a professional shooting range should be the first step. NRA certified instructor Barbara Baird also adds that when choosing a pistol that is right for you, make sure to practice with it at all times of the day – dark and light. Our firearm experts at Buck & Doe’s are ready to assist you in finding the right pistol and answer any questions you may have. Please note that it is not only a state requirement, but common courtesy to enter our store with your firearm safely in a gun bag or case.

How to Conceal Carry as a Woman

At our boutique, consider exploring new and unique places to place your conceal carry. We have a variety of options to choose from, including stylish purses. Convenience and quick access should always be kept in mind, as well as firearm safety for yourself and others.

Ladies Night at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile

Shoot, shop, and sip. For women looking for an exciting event with other women shooters, Buck & Doe’s also regularly hosts a Ladies Night. This low stress environment is designed to be fun, safe, and informative for women of varying experience. There is no need to bring your own firearm, as we provide rental firearms and safety equipment at an additional fee. You are welcome to bring your own firearm if you prefer. A Range Safety Officer will be available at all times to ensure safety is maintained throughout the night. The night finishes with food, drinks, and a visit to the Buck & Doe’s Style boutique.

Visit our website and contact us today to get more information on all of our exciting options for women!