Bullets & BBQ at Indoor Shooting Range in St. Louis County

Bullets & BBQ at Indoor Shooting Range in St. Louis County: An Honest Review

Imagine combining the thrill of shooting with a mouthwatering BBQ feast, all in a safe, friendly environment. That’s exactly what the Bullets & BBQ tour in St. Louis promises—and from the glowing reviews, it appears to deliver. This experience is centered around Sharpshooters Indoor Gun Range, a well-regarded facility known for its cleanliness, safety, and welcoming staff. For $175 per person, you get approximately two hours of shooting fun topped with some delectable St. Louis-style smoked BBQ.

What really makes this activity stand out is its versatility. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned shooter, the private instruction tailored to your experience level makes this a comfortable introduction—or a fun refresher. Plus, the fact that you can bring your own firearm or choose from a large selection of guns at the range adds flexibility. The cherry on top is the quality of the food, which reviewers consistently praise for its flavor and variety. However, a few might find the price steep if you’re only interested in the shooting part without the meal.

This experience seems well-suited for groups looking for something active, social, and tasty. Families, couples, or even solo travelers with an adventurous streak can all find value here—especially if they enjoy trying new things in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Excellent Safety Standards: The range features ballistic-rated shooting stalls with supervision, making it safe for first-timers.
• Flexible Experience Levels: Private instruction tailored to your skill level ensures comfort whether you’re a beginner or pro.
• All-Inclusive Supplies: Ammunition, targets, eye & ear protection, and firearm rental are included, simplifying planning.
• Quality Food and Atmosphere: The BBQ is often highlighted for its flavor, with options served outside on the deck or in dedicated rooms.
• Convenient Location & Hours: Situated in St. Louis with weekday hours, making it accessible and easy to plan.
• Great for Groups: With a maximum of 40 participants, there’s room for social fun, yet small enough for personal attention.

What to Expect from the Experience

When you arrive at 8135 Gravois Rd, you enter a clean, welcoming environment that emphasizes safety and comfort. You’ll receive a briefing from well-trained staff—often called Range Safety Officers—who monitor all lanes diligently. Whether you bring your own firearm or opt to rent one, the range provides a vast selection of brands and calibers, making it easy to find something that suits your interest.

The core of the activity is the private shooting instruction, which is tailored based on your experience. For complete beginners, this offers a chance to learn fundamentals in a controlled environment, while seasoned shooters can fine-tune their skills. The 20 indoor lanes are ballistic-rated and spacious, ensuring plenty of room for everyone to shoot comfortably. Plus, the range’s superior ventilation and air filtration system keeps the environment fresh and odor-free—a notable perk for indoor gun ranges.

After shooting, you might head outside to enjoy the BBQ—a highlight for many reviewers. Known for being smoked fresh daily, the “Bang Good BBQ” is served either in the Grill, outside deck, or private rooms, making it an adaptable dining experience. Many mention the food quality, with Vanessa_L praising the variety and taste, noting that “the range was clean and the employees were friendly and attentive.”

The Value of the Experience

At $175 per person, this experience packs a lot in. You get full use of the range for about two hours, along with all necessary supplies—including firearm, targets, ammunition, eye and ear protection, and lane rental. While the price might seem on the higher side, reviewers generally feel they receive good value, especially considering the included instruction and the quality of the food.

One important consideration is that additional ammunition costs $27 per box if you want to shoot more beyond the initial one included. If you’re a big shooter, this could add up, but for a casual session, it’s a manageable expense.

The tour is booked an average of 26 days in advance, indicating strong interest and a good level of organization. The small group size (up to 40 participants) ensures everyone gets attention, and the private instruction means you’re not just shooting at random but honing your skills with professional guidance.

The Shooting Experience in Detail

From the reviews, it seems that many find the safety measures and staff professionalism to be a highlight. The staff is described as friendly, well-trained, and attentive, which helps especially first-time shooters feel more relaxed. The environment is praised for its cleanliness and modern facilities—important factors given the nature of the activity.

The private instruction aspect is particularly valued. Even if you’re already familiar with guns, having a safety officer or instructor nearby can boost confidence, correct technique, and introduce new shooting tips. For beginners, this can be invaluable—providing a solid foundation in gun safety and handling.

Many visitors appreciate the flexibility—you can bring your own firearm or rent from the range’s extensive collection. The lanes are spacious, with plenty of elbow room, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience. The ventilation system is often mentioned as a plus, keeping the environment odor-free and well-ventilated.

Food and Relaxation

Once the shooting concludes, the focus shifts to enjoying some of St. Louis’s best BBQ. The food is smoked fresh daily, a point many reviewers emphasize. The menu offers a variety of options, and the outdoor deck provides a relaxed setting to unwind. One reviewer, Vanessa, noted that the food was “really good” with “lots of options to choose from,” which elevates the experience from just shooting to a full outing.

Some visitors opt for private rooms or outdoor seating, making it suitable for groups celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a fun day out. The combination of adventure with delicious food makes this a memorable experience worth considering.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is especially ideal for groups of friends, couples, or families who want to try something different. It’s perfect for beginners eager to learn about shooting in a safe, supervised environment, but also enjoyable for more experienced shooters looking for a fun day with some added instruction.

If you’re a foodie or BBQ lover, the included meal adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a well-rounded outing. On the other hand, if your main goal is to shoot extensively or to get a deep dive into firearms, be aware that additional ammunition costs can add up, and you might want to plan accordingly.

This experience balances safety, fun, and good food, making it suitable for travelers who want a relaxed yet active adventure with a local flavor.

The Sum Up

Bullets & BBQ at Indoor Shooting Range in St. Louis County offers a unique, engaging way to experience the local culture, combining safe, guided shooting with authentic St. Louis-style smoked BBQ. It’s a flexible activity that caters to all skill levels, with the added bonus of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The value for the price is enhanced by the inclusive supplies, private instruction, and high-quality food, making it a particularly good choice for those seeking a fun, social outing. Whether you’re new to guns or a seasoned shooter, the safety measures and friendly staff ensure a positive experience. The outdoor deck and private rooms add a relaxed vibe perfect for groups or special occasions.

If you’re in St. Louis and looking for a memorable, active experience that blends entertainment with local culinary delights, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to book in advance, especially if you want to secure a spot on weekends or during peak times.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the private instruction is tailored to your experience level, making it a comfortable introduction for first-timers.

What is included in the price?
You get full access to the indoor range, firearm rental (or you can bring your own), targets, eye and ear protection, and one box of ammunition.

Can I bring my own firearm?
Yes, you can bring your own firearm if you prefer, or choose from the large selection of guns available at the range.

What about additional ammunition?
Extra ammunition costs $27 per box if you wish to shoot more than the one included.

When can I book this experience?
The activity is available Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and bookings are usually made about 26 days in advance.

Are there any restrictions or special considerations?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The environment is designed to be safe and friendly for all, but always check with the provider if you have specific health or safety concerns.

This experience offers a safe, enjoyable, and tasty way to try something new in St. Louis. Whether for a special occasion or just a fun day out, it’s a memorable combination of shooting and smoked BBQ that appeals to many.