August 31, 2026

This Lone Star Range is Already a First Shots Legend

By Peter Suciu

Boasting 30 total lanes equipped with programmable action target carriers and an advanced ventilation system, the Texas Legends Gun Range and Training Center has already become a must-visit locale in Allen, Texas, for experienced sport shooters. It offers 16 pistol lanes (15 yards); 11 tactical bays (with 25-yard-long lanes for handguns, rifles and shotguns); and three dedicated 50-yard rifle-only lanes — along with private bays for one-on-one instruction and private training.

It now offers First Shots^® classes, which provide a low-pressure, safe introduction to the shooting sports for complete beginners. This NSSF^® program includes a 90-minute course that presents newcomers with expert instruction, hands-on lane time, eye/ear protection, targets, a rental handgun and 25 rounds of .22 LR ammunition.

It is “everything [someone needs] to get started safely and confidently,” Texas Legends Gun Range explained on its Facebook page, adding at the end of the session, the first timer can keep shooting by purchasing additional ammunition for the class firearm or even try out something new.

Reaching a New Audience

When the Texas Legends Gun Range and Training Center first opened its doors, it wasn’t a planned “field of dreams” type situation, where if you build it, they will come. However, it became established after having officially opened its doors on March 20, 2020.

It attracted just shooters, which isn’t surprising, but the timing worked out.

During the pandemic, the firearms industry saw a large uptick in first-time buyers. At the Texas Legends Gun Range, there was no shortage of individuals who were interested in taking up the shooting sports, but didn’t know where to begin.

“We observed a growing number of new shooters arriving, all in need of guidance,” explained Lucretia Monson, event coordinator, firearm instructor and manager at Texas Legends.

To ensure safety, Monson shared the range doesn’t permit new shooters without them being accompanied by an experienced shooter who has passed a basic proficiency test.

Yet, the laws of supply and demand soon came into play.

“Although we have a substantial number of instructors, they are not always available for immediate student assistance,” added Monson.

To address this, she said the range began tracking the individuals they had to turn away and discovered the NSSF’s First Shots program, which proved to be the ideal solution. The initiative has been very well received by Texas Legends’ customers, and it now offers six classes each week — which often fill up quickly. It has even led the range to schedule additional sessions for larger groups upon request.

“Many of our First Shots students return to utilize their coupon for a pistol package, allowing them to experiment with various firearms and find what suits them best. They also enjoy returning to the range to share their progress with their instructor and showcase their new or chosen firearm. Many of whom have become members and we see weekly on the range.”

— Lucretia Monson, Texas Legends Event Coordinator, Firearm Instructor & Manager

Structured Environment

Nervousness is a common trait among first-time shooters. It is a normal and accepted reaction to the loud noise, physical recoil and the heavy responsibility of handling a firearm. The First Shots program was developed to provide a structured environment to help participants learn and become familiar with essential firearm handling, enabling them to start their firearms journey with confidence and safety.

This has been true at the Texas Legends Gun Range and Training Center, where it truly is a first-time and not a one-time deal.

“Many of our First Shots students return to utilize their coupon for a pistol package, allowing them to experiment with various firearms and find what suits them best,” said Monson. “They also enjoy returning to the range to share their progress with their instructor and showcase their new or chosen firearm. Many of whom have become members and we see weekly on the range.”

The program has already been effective in developing repeat customers, with Monson observing a significant number of local students even becoming members.

“Many visitors from out of town seek the ‘Texas Experience’ without prior firearm experience,” explained Monson. “For these individuals, we provide a First Shots class and always offer to take photos to help them commemorate their experience. Some of them recommend us to others visiting the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As an instructor, it brings me great joy to see former students on the range!”

Get the Right Trainer and the Right Materials

As with any firearms training program, it is necessary to have a qualified, friendly and engaging instructor lead the classes.

“The instructors truly make a difference; their friendliness, encouragement and passion for teaching greatly enhance the experience. For many individuals stepping into this world for the first time, feelings of nervousness, intimidation and even fear of handling a firearm are common. Each participant comes with their own personal motivations and desires to learn the safe and correct way to become proficient shooters. I can relate to this, as I began my firearms journey only during COVID,” Monson said.

She has a firsthand understanding of the overwhelming nature of the information and the “well-meaning advice” that can come from various sources.

First Shots materials and presentation have proven beneficial, providing precise and well-structured information to make instruction easy. It provided the necessary tools for the range to successfully run the program.

“Having patient instructors who take the time to repeat steps as often as necessary, address questions and convey genuine understanding that it’s okay not to know is crucial. It’s why they’re here: to learn and grow. And it’s why we’re here — to create a safe and supportive environment,” Monson continued.

It Begins With Promotions

There is more to just opening a shooting range and hoping first-time shooters will show up. This can be true of established ranges, as well. There may be a perception such places are akin to a secret society lodge, or the ranges only cater to those who have past firearms experience.

Reaching the first-timer shooter clientele isn’t really that hard, but it does take a targeted approach. A directed online campaign has proven to have success deep in the heart of Texas.

“We promote our First Shots program through email blasts and social media, but we find personal interactions yield the greatest results,” suggested Monson.

Inexperienced shooters who visit and cannot safely use the range are encouraged to enroll in a class. Those who call in with inquiries are also directed to such classes. The Texas Legends Gun Range and Training Center has also seen a significant number of people come in through word-of-mouth referrals from previous students and via its Google reviews for the First Shots class.

“The most effective marketing strategy has been delivering an exceptional First Shots experience while showcasing our passion for what we do,” added Monson. “Currently, we only offer First Shots with pistols, as there is less demand for rifles. For those interested in rifles, we typically provide one-on-one instruction after the shooting portion of the class.”

Address The Success

Monson recommends the use of encouragement throughout the process yields positive results. It can begin by encouraging new shooters or those with limited experience to enroll in the course. It also requires some flexibility, which may include the class scheduling to accommodate the clientele’s needs.

The Texas Legends Gun Range and Training Center has tailored its presentation to suit the range’s requirements, and it has also included a QR code for participants to scan and provide their contact information, ensuring they receive the survey.

“We invite them to return after receiving their coupon to try out additional firearms,” said Monson. “We’ve seen many returning customers from the First Shots program who go on to explore the pistol package. Utilize the tools and resources available, as we fill most of our classes by promoting the course and fostering positive word-of-mouth.”

She added other ranges considering becoming a First Shots host should be prepared to embrace it fully.

“It’s a well-structured initiative that equips you with the necessary tools and resources to ensure a safe start for participants. Look for an instructor who not only loves teaching but also enjoys working with beginners. This person should be able to foster a safe environment, especially for those who may feel more hesitant,” Monson continued.

Down in the heart of Texas, this has included a diverse range of instructors with its First Shots program, including both male and female teachers of various ages, experiences and backgrounds, such diversity helps everyone find an instructor who resonates with them.

“Additionally, I encourage shooting ranges to offer more classes while keeping them small. We aim to maintain our classes at five participants or fewer — with a maximum of eight — as we’ve observed new shooters benefit from smaller groups and a more personal setting,” Monson added. “Offering smaller classes multiple times a week allows people to find a schedule that suits them, resulting in a more enjoyable experience overall.”

New Host Webinar Series Highlights Successful Strategies

NSSF has set a bold national goal: help 25,000 new shooters take their First Shots by the end of 2026. To get there, we need ranges, gun clubs, firearm instructors and training facilities across the country to step up — and we’ve made it easier than ever to do exactly that.

We’ve launched a free webinar series to help fuel your success as a First Shots host. Join the next New Host Webinar, launching Tues., Sept. 15 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Titled “Top 7 Mistakes That Keep Classes Empty,” attendees will learn best practices on avoiding the disappointment of unfilled First Shots classes.

These webinars are free, focused and built around one mission: helping you play a meaningful role in growing the shooting sports. Register here to reserve your seat.

Is First Shots Right for Your Range?

Do you want more customers? Is your facility equipped to introduce first-time shooters to safe and fun shooting? Do you have instructors and range safety officers who enjoy working with new shooters? If you answered “yes” to each of these questions — your facility is ready to reap the benefits of hosting First Shots.

An additional incentive to consider: Funding, which was previously limited to marketing efforts, is now available to qualifying NSSF member ranges, instructors and shooting sports organizations to help cover a variety of expenses related to First Shots hosting efforts. Hosts are eligible to receive $15 per First Shots participant, up to a maximum of $1,500.

To learn more or to sign up as a First Shots host, contact Ann Gamauf at [email protected] or Zach Snow at [email protected]. For more information on First Shots, visit the First Shots welcome page on the NSSF website.