The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearms industry trade association, has awarded its highest Five-Star rating for range excellence to Saddle River Range.
Saddle River is located in Conroe, Texas, a briskly growing suburb of roughly 82,000 located approximately 40 miles north of Houston.
"We were very impressed with Saddle River. It is one of those ranges you walk into and say, ‘What’s not to like!’" said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Range Services. "From its comprehensive website and thoroughly knowledgeable staff to its training programs, creative event listings, the supporting retail stores, in-house restaurant and, of course, the outstanding ranges themselves, it is clear that this facility has captured the interest of the local populace and gained a reputation as sportsmen’s destination for many outside the Conroe area."
Saddle River’s firearms range boasts a four-tier membership program, but also offers walk-on range access for as little as $13 for non-members. Shooters can bring their own or rent one of the nearly 100 loaner firearms, including several full-autos, for use on the 24-lane, 100-percent fresh air circulation range. Group and private instruction is available from NRA-certified instructors, and a simulator training room adds variety and entertainment.
Saddle River has an active action shooting league, hosts a "Date Night" two-for-one every Friday that even extends the discount to the range’s café, features a weekly Shooter’s Challenge match and is the frequent choice for corporate gatherings and private parties.
Saddle River Range proprietor Thom Bolsch
The bright, airily designed firearms retail center is a Sig Sauer Elite Dealer, and Saddle Ridge also caters to the area’s many archers, with a two-bay, 20-lane bow range and its own dedicated archery pro shop.
"Being a Five-Star range really shows the commitment our staff, customers and leadership all have to make this a great place for the shooting sports," said Saddle River’s proprietor, Thom Bolsch. "Being one of only 25 NSSF Five-Star indoor ranges in the country and currently the only one in Texas is very gratifying. We just want people to give Saddle River Range a shot, to experience the clean, safe and friendly environment and have a good time."
"I really can’t thank our team enough for all they do," he added. "This award represents recognition of our hard work."
The range operates Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
NSSF’s highly respected Star-Rating Range Program works to encourage ranges of all sizes and locations to excel. Applying for rating requires answering a comprehensive questionnaire and business owner self-evaluation of the facilities, staff, community outreach and other criteria. Ranges that appear to meet the criteria for Four- or Five-Star rating receive an on-site evaluation by NSSF staff. NSSF Member ranges that meet a Three-Star rating are recognized for being a part of the Star-Rating range family and are provided guidance to improve their facilities and achieve the higher two ratings.
For more information, including instructions on how to apply for NSSF’s Star-Rating Range Program, contact Zach Snow at zsnow@nssf.org.
