If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline-packed date night that’s actually exciting, it’s time to head to the gun range.
Military spouses know that shooting isn’t just a skill. It’s an experience. And whether you’re both range regulars or your service member is the expert and you’re just there to show off your sharpshooting skills (or learn them), a gun range date is hands-down one of the most fun ways to mix things up.
Here’s how to plan a gun range date night that’s more than just target practice, since this is way more fun than sitting in a loud restaurant struggling to hear each other talk. The best date night starts with picking the right spot. Not every gun range is the same, and if you’re thinking all ranges are just rows of lanes and paper targets, you’re missing out.
What to look for in a range
Do you want to go to an indoor or an outdoor range? Outdoor ranges can feel more relaxed, especially if you’re planning to make a whole evening of it. But indoor ranges? Perfect for a controlled environment where weather won’t mess up your plans.
Do they allow rentals? If you don’t own firearms (or want to try something new), look for a range with rental options. Some have full arsenals to choose from, meaning you can go from a simple pistol to testing out something way more exciting.
Are they military-friendly? Some ranges offer military discounts or extra perks for service members and spouses. Check for discounts on range time, ammo, or rental fees.
Do they allow date-friendly activities? Some ranges have fun reactive targets, steel plates or even competitions you can do together. If you want this to be more than just standing in a lane shooting paper, find a range that gives you options.
Once you’ve picked your location, call ahead to check for any special requirements, classes, or reservations you might need to make.
Set the vibe and make this a real date night
Listen, this isn’t just another trip to the range. It’s a date. That means treating it like an actual event, not just tagging along for “errands with firearms.”
Dress for the range, but make it cute. You don’t have to go full tactical, but jeans, boots, and a fitted tee? Effortlessly cool. Skip the low-cut tops (brass burns are real), but do your hair, put on makeup, whatever makes you feel good.
Make a friendly competition out of it. Set up a little wager like, loser buys dessert or does all the dishes and laundry for the week. If your spouse is an expert, challenge them to hit trick shots. If you’re the better shot, now’s your time to shine.
Create your own “shooting games.” Some ranges let you buy zombie targets, playing card targets, or even silhouette challenges. Pick a fun one and see who can land the best shots.
Choose a playlist for the drive there. If you’re going for a high-energy date, play something that hypes you both up. If you want it to feel smooth and effortless, go for a classic country, rock, or even military-themed playlist to set the mood.
Pick the right firearm for maximum fun
Not all guns are created equal and neither are date nights. If you really want to make this experience unforgettable, be strategic about what you shoot.
Start with what you know. If you’re both comfortable with handguns, begin there to warm up.
Rent something new and exciting. If you usually shoot pistols, try a rifle or shotgun for a completely different experience. Some ranges even have machine guns for rent (yes, really).
Go for something completely ridiculous. Ever shot a .50 caliber? A lever-action rifle? A vintage military pistol? Find something unique that you wouldn’t normally shoot and make it part of the experience.
Try shooting one-handed or doing challenges. If you’re feeling competitive, test out new skills like off-hand shooting, speed drills, or accuracy challenges.
The goal here? Make this more than just another day at the range.
Plan the perfect post-range activities
The shooting might be over, but the night isn’t. Keep the energy going with the perfect post-range plans.
Hit a BBQ joint or a steakhouse. Nothing pairs better with a gun range date than ribs, burgers or a steak dinner.
Go for drinks at a military-friendly bar. If you want to keep it casual, find a local bar where you can recap the best shots of the night over drinks.
Head home and keep the competition going. Break out a deck of cards, play darts, or even challenge each other to a video game battle make this date last. Military couples know that the best dates aren’t always fancy dinners or movie nights. Sometimes, the best dates are the ones where you’re laughing, competing, trying something new, and making memories together.
So next time you’re planning a date night, skip the standard plans and head to the range. It’s a guaranteed good time, and honestly? Way more fun than overpriced appetizers and small talk.