About Seneca Sporting Range Inc
Seneca Sporting Range Inc has been an anchor institution in New York’s firearms community since 1978, when it first opened as a specialty gun store. The addition of its pistol range in 1992 transformed it into a comprehensive destination for firearms training, licensing preparation, and professional-grade shooting access. With a 4-star rating across 179 reviews, Seneca has carved out a distinctive niche as the go-to facility for New York City shooters navigating the state’s notoriously complex licensing landscape.
The facility’s greatest asset is its institutional knowledge and human capital. Owner John brings four decades of industry experience and operates as both operator and navigator through New York’s bureaucratic firearms requirements. Multiple reviewers describe him as ‘knowledgeable,’ ‘straightforward,’ and genuinely helpful in explaining what documentation is needed, what costs are realistic, and how the licensing process actually works - not in theory, but in practice. This is invaluable in a jurisdiction where many gun owners feel lost and confused by regulatory requirements. John’s willingness to explain the process clearly and answer questions directly differentiates Seneca from facilities that simply move students through training without addressing their broader licensing concerns.
The instruction staff reinforces this commitment to education. Reviewers specifically name-check instructors Alex and Sal, describing them as ’extremely knowledgeable,’ ‘insightful,’ and committed to ‘process, patience and real-world experience.’ This isn’t generic praise - it reflects a deliberate hiring and training philosophy where instructors are selected for both technical competence and teaching ability. Students consistently note feeling heard, respected, and educated rather than processed or judged. This matters enormously for first-time shooters and people new to firearms safety, who need instructors willing to answer basic questions without condescension.
The physical facility itself receives universal praise. Reviewers highlight ‘spacious, well-lit and ventilated’ shooting alleys - a combination that addresses three critical pain points many shooters experience at poorly-maintained facilities. Ventilation deserves particular emphasis, as poor air quality from lead and gunpowder residue is a legitimate health concern at indoor ranges. Seneca’s investment in ventilation indicates operational seriousness about both customer experience and occupational safety.
Operationally, Seneca positions itself as a comprehensive solution for NYC firearms licensing. The facility offers annual 8-hour firearms certification courses ($200), 47-hour armed security guard training ($1,000), concealed carry courses ($500), and various licensing upgrade consultations. This all-in-one approach matters in a city where many shooters must travel across boroughs or into surrounding counties to find someone who understands New York’s specific requirements. By centralizing licensing education, facility access, and professional guidance, Seneca eliminates the coordination burden that makes legal gun ownership feel overwhelming to many NYC residents.
One note of caution: administrative processes have historically been inconsistent. At least one customer experienced significant delays and disorganization around certificate delivery after completing training, requiring intervention from state authorities to resolve. When service breakdowns occur, the owner’s response has been described as defensive rather than problem-solving oriented. For a facility that excels at customer service and instruction, administrative tightness appears to be an area needing improvement. Prospective customers should clarify policies upfront and confirm any critical documents or procedures in writing.
The 4-star rating across 179 reviews reflects a facility that gets the fundamentals right - expert instruction, professional environment, genuine customer care - while occasionally stumbling on operational execution. For shooters serious about firearms training and navigating NYC’s licensing system, Seneca remains the obvious choice. The relationship with owner John and instructors like Alex and Sal is the primary asset.
Getting There
Seneca Sporting Range Inc is located at 17-16 Weirfield Street in Ridgewood, Queens, easily accessible from most areas of NYC via public transit or vehicle. Operating hours are Monday-Thursday 3-7 PM, Saturday 10 AM-4 PM, with Friday and Sunday closed. Call (718) 497-4545 to discuss licensing needs, course schedules, range fees, and any specific requirements for your training goals. Appointments are recommended for both training courses and range access.