C2 Tactical is Arizona’s Best Shooting Range, and many shooters of every level enjoy the various amenities and benefits at our locations in Scottsdale and Tempe. But did you ever wonder how we got here – how gun ranges evolved from humble beginnings to what we enjoy today?
Primitive Gun Ranges
Homer’s “Iliad” indicates that Greeks also held archery contests to shoot pigeons on top of tall poles to honor the gods. This competition was held on a marked-off section of sand using the mast of a ship to secure the targets.
By the tenth century, marksmanship had evolved into a social and recreational sport. Regarded as the progenitor of great shooters, Swiss hero William Tell gained honor during the 14th century after successfully shooting an apple off his son’s head.
A separate place away from innocent bystanders was necessary for such competitions and other firing activities.
Gun ranges have a rich and significant history dating back to the earliest days of firearms. Militias in colonial America often held target practice sessions to prepare for potential conflicts. These early gun ranges were basic, frequently located in remote areas, and only consisted of a few targets and a berm to catch stray bullets.
The 1941 movie Sergeant York starring Gary Cooper, portrays a typical shooting range and competition. The community gathers and secures turkeys behind a log for a primitive but effective shooting competition.
Organizing Gun Ranges for Formal Uses
However, as firearms technology progressed, the need for more sophisticated gun ranges also increased. Union and Confederate troops utilized makeshift gun ranges during the Civil War to train recruits. However, these ranges were only open fields with targets at varying distances.
It was only in the late 1800s that the first official gun ranges began to emerge. In 1872, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded, with one of its primary goals being to establish safe and effective shooting ranges across the United States. The NRA worked closely with local governments and private organizations to create ranges that were both safe and accessible to the public.
By the turn of the 20th century, gun ranges had become a popular destination for both recreational shooters and military personnel. Many early Olympic shooting events were held at gun ranges across the United States. During World War I and II, gun ranges played a vital role in training soldiers for combat, and many soldiers returned home with a newfound love for shooting sports.
In the post-war years, gun ranges continued to grow in popularity. With the rise of the Cold War, many Americans became interested in shooting as a means of self-defense, and gun ranges across the country saw a surge in membership. Although the popularity of gun ranges waned somewhat in the 1960s and 70s, a renewed interest in shooting sports in the 1980s and 90s led to a resurgence in range construction.
Modern Gun Ranges
Today, gun ranges are more popular than ever. From small, local ranges to massive, state-of-the-art facilities, thousands of ranges across the United States now cater to shooters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the basics or a seasoned marksman looking to hone your skills, there’s a gun range out there for you.
The history of gun ranges in the United States is a crucial one. From their humble beginnings as simple militia training grounds to the modern-day shooting sports facilities we know today, gun ranges have played an essential role in American history. As long as there are firearms, there will be a need for safe and effective gun ranges to help shooters of all skill levels learn, practice and enjoy shooting sports.
Explore the world of shooting and shooting sports at either location of C2 Tactical. We have something to offer every level of shooting enthusiast, including women, newbies, and competition shooters. Contact us today in Scottsdale or Tempe, AZ, to learn about firearms, range reservations, packages, memberships, and more.
Get Your Custom Training Plan
Take our quiz and get clarity on where to begin.