Albuquerque’s Shooting Range Needs a Make‑over

The Albuquerque Shooting Range Park is a key spot for local gun enthusiasts, offering long‑range target practice, trap and skeet fields, and specialized courses for concealed carry training. It also welcomes women who want to learn safe handling and self‑defense techniques, making it a community hub for responsible shooting. The staff at the park are highly trained National Rifle Association instructors who prioritize safety and friendliness. Whenever I bring new shooters to the facility, I use it as a live classroom to show proper etiquette and range operations. Despite its importance, the park’s condition has slipped due to postponed maintenance. The wooden target frames are riddled with splinters and broken cardboard, creating hazards for users.Shooting lanes also suffer: numbered benches at 15, 25, 50, and 75 yards have damaged distance markers, so shooters struggle to align their targets correctly. Road access is another problem. The path from the registration office to the trap and skeet fields is riddled with potholes that quickly reappear after patching, making the drive unsafe and discouraging visitors. These issues suggest a lack of funding has left the park in decline, turning what should be a municipal gem into a neglected space. The facility’s existence offers an eco‑friendly alternative to off‑site shooting, reducing litter and lead contamination in natural areas. It is essential for city leaders to secure resources that will restore the park’s infrastructure and maintain its safety standards. A well‑managed range supports responsible gun ownership and protects the surrounding environment.