About Bristlecone Shooting, Training, & Retail Center
Located in Lakewood, Colorado, just outside Denver, Bristlecone Shooting, Training, & Retail Center represents a comprehensive approach to firearms education and retail. The facility positions itself as an upscale, family-friendly destination that integrates three essential elements: a modern indoor shooting range, award-winning training programs, and an extensive firearms retail operation.
The facility’s core strength lies in its commitment to safety education and customer guidance. Instructors are consistently praised across multiple reviews for their knowledge, patience, and ability to demystify firearms safety for newcomers. This emphasis on education differentiates Bristlecone from purely commercial ranges - the training component isn’t an afterthought but rather central to the facility’s mission. Classes range from Pistol 101 and Rifle 101 foundations to more specialized offerings like concealed carry certification, ensuring there’s appropriate instruction for every skill level.
From a practical standpoint, Bristlecone addresses common pain points in the shooting sports industry. Their firearm rental model - charging a single $15 fee regardless of how many rental pistols you try - is unusually customer-friendly and removes barriers for people still determining what firearms best suit their needs. The on-site gunsmith adds real value for long-term shooters who need repairs, modifications, or restoration work, while the VR shooting simulator and Shoot House with moveable walls provide training variety beyond traditional lane shooting.
The retail component is equally impressive. Reviews consistently highlight the breadth of inventory spanning budget-friendly options to premium optics, ammunition types, accessories, and protective gear. Staff product recommendations emerge as a repeated theme, with customers appreciating the personalized guidance rather than high-pressure sales tactics. The 20% accessory discounts mentioned in reviews likely reflect membership benefits, reinforcing the facility’s push toward customer retention and loyalty.
Bristlecone’s membership program ($300-$995 annually) offers compelling value, including free range access, lane reservations, 50% rental discounts, and complimentary eye and ear protection. For frequent shooters or those planning to take multiple classes, membership quickly pays for itself. The facility’s competitive monthly events - USPSA matches, bowling pin shoots, and GSSF competitions - also create community and give members goals beyond casual shooting.
For the Denver metro area, Bristlecone occupies a premium position. The facility maintains consistent operating hours (11 AM-7 PM weekdays and Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM Sunday), making it reasonably accessible for both weekday lunch-break shooters and weekend practitioners. While Sunday evenings can get busy during peak shooting season, the breadth of lane capacity and class scheduling helps distribute demand. The facility’s emphasis on creating an upscale experience - combining professional instruction, quality inventory, and service-oriented staff - justifies its 4.8-star rating across 1,300+ reviews.