Kristian Frandsen of Denmark shoots an AR-15–style rifle at The Range at Austin as he visits for Formula 1, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Visitors in town for Formula 1 try their hand at target practice at The Range at Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Targets are seen hanging for practice shooting at The Range at Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Katie Kim of San Francisco reacts to hearing an AR-15–style rifle shot for the first time at The Range at Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Kristian Frandsen of Denmark shoots a handgun during target practice at The Range at Austin as he visits for Formula 1, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Bullet casings are seen on the ground of the shooting range at The Range at Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Kaj Frandsen smiles after shooting a handgun for the first time at The Range at Austin while visiting for Formula 1, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
A Danish family of four is gathered in a stark white room, their hands in their laps. Their faces reveal a quiet mix of excitement and apprehension.
On a small table in front of them, a Glock 19 handgun and an AR-15-style rifle lay side by side.
Article continues below this ad
“Have you tried Texas barbecue yet?” asks Jamey Raley, an instructor at The Range at Austin. He’s making small talk as he sets up his training materials.
“Not yet,” replies Kristian Frandsen, glancing at his younger brother with a grin.
Raley smiles warmly. “Guns and barbecue — that’s what you come here for.”
Employee Jamey Raley instructs a family from Denmark about gun safety rules before they shoot at The Range at Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
It’s the Friday of Formula 1 weekend, and gun ranges across Austin are buzzing. Visitors from Europe, Canada and South America sign liability waivers, choose their weapons, receive basic safety lessons and step into the stalls to begin shooting — an activity many describe as “the ultimate American experience.”
Article continues below this ad
“Every time there’s an F1 race, there’s an increase in traffic,” said Benjamin Mouser, who works at Shield Wall Range and Training Facility in southwest Austin. “There are a lot of tourists, and they want to try shooting for the first time.”
A growing F1 weekend ritual
For some international visitors, a trip to a Texas gun range has become a travel tradition.
“When we come to the U.S. we always go to the gun range, because we don’t tend to have them back home,” said Andrew Smith, who was visiting from London with three friends. “The rules at home are a lot stricter.”
Article continues below this ad
Smith and his group first came to The Range two years ago during the U.S. Grand Prix weekend. They returned this year to relive the thrill and to enjoy Austin’s food and nightlife scene.
“I think it’s probably one of the nicest cities we’ve been to in the States,” Smith said.
First-timers and photo ops
For others, the experience is something to check off the list.
Article continues below this ad
Katie Kim and her boyfriend, Alejandro Romero, visited The Range from San Francisco. Romero had been to a gun range before, but it was Kim’s first time.
“I’ve been wanting to come to a shooting range,” Kim said, recording a video of the neatly displayed rifles in the retail section. “It feels very Texas.”
Katie Kim of San Francisco takes a video as she visits a gun range for the first time at The Range at Austin while visiting Austin for Formula 1, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Chris Armstrong brought his wife and young son to the range so he could shoot a pistol for the first time. Armstrong lives in the Falkland Islands, off the coast of Argentina.
Article continues below this ad
“It was good fun,” he said after his shooting session. “Very professional, very well-organized — and something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Armstrong was surprised by the sheer variety of guns on display when you walk into the range.
“I wasn’t expecting so much stock to be available, or so many historic weapons,” he added, gesturing toward a section of specialized firearms for collectors.
Gun ranges as tourist attractions
Across Texas, gun ranges have leaned into their appeal as tourist destinations, especially during major events like the U.S. Grand Prix.
Article continues below this ad
Highway billboards advertise experiences to visitors and locals alike. Outside of Houston, one well-known sign reads simply: “$40 Machine Gun Rentals.”
The Range at Austin markets itself with the slogan, “Do the Texas Thing.” The 52,000-square-foot facility has developed a reputation as a high-end shooting destination, offering concierge-style instruction and firearm rentals.
International visitors need only a valid photo ID, a signed safety waiver and a rental agreement to participate.
The Frandsens’ day out
Back in the training room at The Range, Raley performs a demonstration for the Frandsen family.
Article continues below this ad
“You pull it into your shoulder and you bring your head down,” Raley said, resting his cheek against the stock of an AR-15. “You look through here, and you’ll see a red dot — wherever that red dot is, that’s where your round’s going to fire.”
Under Raley’s watchful eye, the Danish family learns the correct way to hold each weapon, how to turn the safety on and off, how to load and reload and other rules of the range.
On the way to the stalls, Raley emphasizes the importance of wearing eye and ear protection.
“Do you want to come inside?” he asks Karina Frandsen, who hesitates to put on her protective equipment.
Article continues below this ad
She shakes her head, laughing nervously. “I’ll watch from out here.”
Behind the observation glass, Karina fiddles with her hands as her husband and two sons step into position. Before that day, she had never even seen a gun in person before.
Kristian Frandsen of Denmark is instructed on how to properly shoot an AR-15–style rifle at The Range at Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The sharp crack of gunfire echoes through the range. She flinches with each shot, covering her face with her hand — until she peeks through her fingers and sees her son turn around, grinning, to give her a thumbs up.
Article continues below this ad
She exhales and starts to giggle.
“It’s different,” she said. “But that’s why we came here, to try something new.”