Nassau County Rifle & Pistol Range at Mitchel Field

It’s clearly an older gun range. It definitely needs a bit of a makeover, but it gets the job done. The employees are really very nice. Even though I got yelled at for taking pics, he didn’t do it in a mean way (if that makes sense). Its an enclosed range so you really hear the guns. And shotguns make the whole place vibrate. It was a bit unsettling at first, because I’m used to outside ranges, but I got used to if after a while. You can buy ammo here too. Overall a fun hour spent.

I recently returned to Long Island after years away and decided to have a morning at the range. Well, very little has changed at this facility in my 20 year absence. The facility is poorly lit, poorly ventilated and drab. The target carriers are in poor shape. The holders are now coat hanger wire, previously they were at least small gauge rebar years ago. Millions were spent developing the sports complex around this range so it is clear what Nassau County’s position on the shooting sports truly are. I will save my money and time and go to the ranges at Brookhaven or Westchester.

Sorry for the late review on the pistol range here in Nassau County.
I went here back on June 1^st, to obtain my HR218 certification.
This review is specifically for the location only.
The location is functional, if not pretty. Being retired law enforcement, I have qualified in much worse locations than this. So, honestly, some of the reviews claiming this place is terrible is just plain wrong.
And if there are people who’s feelings get hurt because they are being yelled at for safety violations, then there is probably a pretty darn good reason for the yelling. It’s called safety folks.
Any of the employees I spoke with here were polite and professional. One could not ask for anything more.

Shooting range.
Me and my girl both like to shoot– and we picked up a Groupon for a Historic military experience which is held at the Nassau County rifle range.
The place is a bit dated– you can tell it is a county owned operation by the military bunker style appearance and the drab government paint job all around, but it is functional and got the job done.
The actual range was adequate and did what it was supposed to do: Stop the lead downrange from bouncing around.
They really could use some sprucing up of the place but overall it was fine for what we were doing there. Unfortunately you either need to bring your own weapons or find a Groupon for a course like we did –you cannot show up and rent a gun for some casual plinking.
Parking in front.

Last visit the lighting seemed very dim. The ventilation was off which made it kind of stuffy and uncomfortable. Must’ve been the particular room we were in. The prices are ok for leisure pass holders and the hours are great. The lighting needs to improve.

First time use of this range, people seem ok. The only thing that i think could be improve is tha target, it’s manual and the clip seems very flimpsy. You might need extra ear protection in this indoor range because a 12 gauge shotgun just crazy loud!
I would understand why some range would yell to others if they not following the rule, because safety is not a game, I would rather get yelled at than get shot by my or anybody’s negligence/​mistake.
So far i like this range, the only downside for shotgun is using slugs which is lots of kick and expensive. I might come with handgun or .22lr nextime.
Place seems hard to find, so use this google map that i take, Railroad Ave

Stay safe!

Sounds like reviewer Chumlee has an ax to grind. I am submitting this review to give a more impartial perspective to those who are interested.
I have been to pistol ranges in other counties that are administered by the parks dept. The practice of charging a higher rate to non-​residents is very common. The range is large and clean with many points. It is a safe range with cameras in each room overlooking the 5 – 6 points in each. The rules are clearly stated. The assumption that a new gun owner is A. a thug (like some bigoted fool stated) or B. has received no safety instruction is unfounded. Range safety rules are clearly stated. Anybody who violates the safety rules can be seen on camera and asked to leave. There is no public range charging $ 10 an hour that provides someone standing in the point with you watching your every move.
I have no knowledge of anyone selling used brass. I also don’t know if it is illegal. I do know accusations of illegal activity should be addressed in some way other than hiding behind a computer screen and slinging bs.
The practice of a large group PAYING for time at the range is also very common. It doesn’t matter if it’s NCPD or a local shooting club. They can pay and use the range just like the rest of us. If it’s full we wait or come back another day. That’s why they put their phone number online and «strongly urge» people to call befor ecoming down.
Want airconditioning? Go to a private range. I HATE being hot and even I can stand an hour at the point in hot weather.
Some other counties have their public range outdoors. Ever shoot in 92 degrees and direct sunlight? Ever shoot in the rain? Ever shoot in frigid cold? It sucks.
The range at Mitchell field is pretty darn good for the fee we pay.
To be fair, they are a bit outdated, aside from that I have no complaints. Before moving to Nassau I used to drive out here to practice.
I’ll keep coming here as long as they stay open.

I have been going here for years and nothing has changed. The taxes we pay should at least have some upgrades to this facility. Its not that nobody target shoots.
Hey Nassau County wake up and spend a few to upgrade.

I’m going to try not to repeat everything that has been said by the previous reviewers, but their comments pretty much sum things up. The Nassau County range is fine. There are some things that could use improvement, but overall it’s a good range. The pros definitely outweigh the cons and anyone looking to do some decent target shooting should consider the range at Mitchel Field. For the record, I’ve listed some of the pros and cons below:
Pros (+)
— Inexpensive (for Nassau County residents)
— Convenient hours of operation
— Many shooting points
— Allow most guns/​calibers
— Knowledgable Range Officers
Cons (-)
— No climate control (Hot and Stuffy)
— Manual target pulleys

I found it hot inside the lobby and freezing in the shooting area. The ladies restroom was small but clean. I didn’t interact with any staff but they seemed fine as well as the clientele. But, they should really take down the albeit small yet offensive, anti-​muslim «no mosque» sticker on the glass. By the way, I think all religions encourage irrational thinking so this isn’t me preferring one religion to another.

This is the only Nassau Country run pistol range available and they are in need of some funding. On the website it says they had a major renovation in 2005 but that unfortunately did not include air conditioning, which this range desperately needs. Nothing better then trying to improve your shooting skills while covered in sweat; It must have been 95 degrees indoors during my last visit. Between the lack of AC and the heat from weapons firing, it becomes pretty unbearable fast and others are pretty vocal about it.
At least NC gave the staff an indoor air conditioning unit since they are forced to endure it all day, but the exhaust is pumped into the building making it hotter. All points are equipped with manual crank style target pulleys and the place is pretty basic. It would be great to see some funds be granted for improvements and considering this is the only county run range available, it should be better maintained.
On the bright side, the staff are all courteous and helpful, hours are great and the prices are fair if you have the Nassau Country Leisure pass. Private gun clubs can be very expensive and some take membership a little too seriously in my opinion, but after a good hour long summer shooting session in the sweat bunkers over at Mitchel Field; coughing up a few hundred a year for motorized points and climate control doesn’t seem so unreasonable.
Be aware of your surroundings and who is doing what, when a range officer is not present. The good and bad thing about a county run range is that it’s open to the general public. Well, there are bullet holes in the glass between the points and the hallway. Last time I was there, I was glad to see all the tables have been removed and will hopefully solve that problem.
—- Updated —–
Fall through Spring, it’s pretty good. Still needs updating, but they have good ventilation. This is a no frills, no nonsense range and it works.