Maryland is home to many gun ranges. If you’ve been wanting to practice your shooting skills or help your whole family improve their skills, there are plenty of opportunities where you can practice safely.
When shooting as a family or with your kids, it’s important to consider how old kids must be to go to the shooting range in the state of Maryland.
So that’s exactly what we’ll answer for you here.
How old do you have to be to go to the gun range in Maryland?
Each Maryland gun range has their own minimum age requirement, some allowing shooters as young as 8 years old. Below you will find a list of gun ranges and their minimum age requirement.
Keep in mind, that all gun ranges have their own rules so it can differ from range to range.
In our full list of Maryland gun ranges below, we’ll also include the minimum ages to shoot at each location.
Often times youth shooters under the age of 8 are not even permitted in the range itself but may stay in the viewing area with another adult.
Maryland Gun Ranges & Age Requirements
There are so many gun ranges in Maryland including ranges where kids under 18 years of age can shoot. Whether you are bringing first-time shooters or more experienced shooters, there are plenty of ranges to choose from.
You’ll find both indoor ranges and outdoor ranges available. Each has different types of ranges such as a rifle range, rifle or muzzleloader, pistol, skeet range and bow & arrow.
All of the Maryland gun ranges listed here are open to the public and do not require a membership. For a full list of ranges, including those requiring a membership, click here.
Green Ridge State Forest
28700 Headquarters Drive NE
Flintstone, MD 21530-9525
Website
On Target, Inc.
Permanently Closed
2618 Annapolis Road
Severn, MD 21144
Website
Continental Arms
9603 Deereco Road, Suite 500
Timonium, MD 21093
Website
Shooters must be 21 years old or older or accompanied by someone 21 years old or older.
Schrader’s Outdoors
16090 Oakland Road
Henderson, MD 21640
Website
No minimum age requirement
Hap Baker Firearms Facility
Carroll County Landfill
1400 Baltimore Blvd.
225 N. Center St. Room 100
Westminster MD 21157
Website
Minimum age for the pistol range is 21 years
Minimum age for the rifle range is 18 years
Mayberry Archers
2555 Mayberry Road
P.O. Box 2183
Westminster, MD 21158
Website
No minimum age
Fred’s Sports
2895 Crain Hwy
Waldorf, MD 20601
Website
No one under the age of 21, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian while firing a handgun. No one under the age of 18 while firing a long gun.
Izaak Walton League of America, Mt. Airy Chapter
6642 Woodville Road
Mt. Airy, MD 21771
Website
Savage River State Forest
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD 21536
Website
Bel Air Gun Range
2137 North Fountain Green Road
Bel Air, MD 21015
Website
Hopkins Game Farm
13003 Turners Creek Road
P.O. Box 218
Kennedyville, MD 21645
Website
Du Pont Fish & Game Association
33430 Walnut Tree Road
Millington MD 21651
Website
Gilbert Indoor Range
14690 Rothgeb Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
Website
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Needwood Archery Range
Rock Creek Regional Park
Needwood Road and Beech Drive
6700 Needwood Road
Rockville, MD 20855
Website
Cheltenham Wildlife Management Area, Archery Range
11000 Old Indian Head Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Website
Pintail Point
511 Pintail Point Lane
Queenstown, MD 21658
Website
Tuckahoe Bowman, Tuckahoe State Park
13070 Crouse Mill Road
Queen Anne, MD 21657
Website
Izaak Walton League of America, Washington County Chapter
12759 Independence Road
Clear Spring, MD 21722
Website
Delmarva Sporting Clays & Shooting Facility
23501 Marsh Road
Mardela Springs, MD 21837
Website
Minimum Age: Any minor has to be accompanied by an adult
Gunsmoke Outfitters
P. O. Box 690
Bethel Road
Willards, MD 21874
Website
Parental permission
Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by adult in the range and the shooter’s parent or legal guardian must complete a waiver.
Kids under 18 cannot enter with an adult other than their own parent or legal guardian.
Once a child turns 18, they can rent a lane and visit on their own. Anyone under the age of 21 is only able to purchase ammunition for a rifle but not a handgun.
Why is There an Age Requirement for Maryland Gun Ranges?
Each gun range requires an age minimum for a number of reasons. Primarily, these reasons are to:
- Keep participating children and adults safe
- Prevent any accidents from happening
- Encourage responsible gun ownership where everyone is familiar with how their firearms work
Safety at Gun Ranges
Each gun range has a series of rules that are followed by all staff and visitors to ensure everyone remains safe at all times. Some ranges also have a range safety officer on site to ensure safety.
For instance, when the cease fire command is given, all shooting is to be stopped immediately, fingers must be removed from triggers, firearms cleared, put down and wait for further instruction.
As another example, firearms can only be cased and uncased at the firing line.
Gun Range Equipment
Many gun ranges have equipment available for rent but you’ll want to check ahead.
If you have some of your own equipment or plan to purchase some of your own, here are some things you may want to bring to the gun range with you in your range bag:
- Your desired firearm(s)
- Ear protection (make sure to bring the right ones for kids if bringing younger ones with you)
- Eye Protection
- Gun cleaning kit
- Plenty of rounds
You may also wish to bring non-gun related items like water, snacks and a good camera such as a GoPro.
Classes & Training Course
Whether your looking for group or private lessons, many ranges offer training courses and classes to help you improve your shooting skills.
Classes are available for beginners, those with years of experience, as well as, for classes specifically for law enforcement.
Types of Guns Often Used at Maryland Gun Ranges
Let’s look at what type of firearm you can bring or shoot at a Maryland gun range.
A variety of guns can be used at Maryland gun ranges including archery, shotgun, muzzle loader, rifle or handgun. Typically no machine gun or assault weapon is going to be permitted in the range or shooting lane.
Other Commonly Asked Questions About Maryland Gun Ranges
Are permits required to shoot at Maryland gun ranges?
If you plan to purchase your own firearm, you will need a permit depending on what you plan to buy. A long gun, for example, by Maryland law does not require a state permit where a handgun does.
Can pregnant women shoot at a gun range?
You’ll want to check with the gun range you plan on visiting if you are pregnant to make sure they don’t have any specific rules about that. Typically pregnant women are allowed to shoot, however, the best bet is to always speak with your doctor first as every situation is different.
I am not a Maryland Resident. Can I still use gun ranges in Maryland?
Even if you are not a Maryland resident, you can shoot at the gun ranges. You must meet the minimum age requirement and have a valid state issued ID with you. International visitors are able to use their passport. Your ID will be held by the range until your session is over. Some ranges will also hold your credit card during your session as well.
What are the max ranges of the longest shooting lanes?
Typically ranges go up to 50 yards at their longest and of course, there are shorter ranges as well. Different locations have different ranges so make sure to check with the range you will be visiting.
When you bring your own firearm, do you need to provide any documentation?
No, this any registration or other paperwork is typically not required.
If you do bring your own firearm, it is your responsibility to ensure you can legally possess and transport that firearm. You can see the requirements for that here.
Yearly permits are available and are free for kids under 18 years of age when registered with a paying adult.
Can you bring your own firearm and ammunition?
Yes, you can bring your own firearm and ammunition. These will often be checked before you enter the range. If you decide to rent a firearm, you will likely be required to purchase ammunition at the range.
Do gun ranges do background checks?
Most Maryland gun ranges do not do a background check on customers. It is, however, illegal for a convicted felon to own or even operate a gun and doing so would cause additional legal issues for that person. If you have a felony charge, you may want to wait until after your case as well.
Also Good to Know
- Check before bringing steel core ammo
- Closed toed shoes and high-necked shirts is highly recommended to keep hot brass from burning skin
Common Maryland Gun Range Rules
Keep in mind, each gun range is going to have their own specific rules, however, you’ll many similar ones due to safety no matter where you go.
Wrapping It Up
Visiting a range with the family is not only an enjoyable experience, it’s also…
If this is your first visit or you’ve been many times, you’ll have a great time!
