SCDNR James O. Thomason Firing Range
SCDNR James O. Thomason Firing Range is a free, supervised outdoor public shooting facility in Spartanburg County offering dedicated pistol, rifle, and shotgun areas staffed by on-site SCDNR personnel.
The hits
- Free public admission to supervised outdoor shooting bays.
- On-site SCDNR staff and volunteers who provide safety oversight, equipment guidance, and hands-on assistance.
- Multiple dedicated ranges, including a 25-yard pistol bay, a 100-yard rifle bay, and a 200-yard rifle bay with multiple positions.
- Complimentary public-use rifle rests, spotting scopes, and a limited inventory of loaner target stands.
- Family-friendly environment with mandatory adult supervision requirements for visitors under 16.
The misses
- Rapid fire and practical drills are prohibited; forced-reset triggers and fast-paced shooting tactics are not permitted.
- Visitors must supply their own firearms, ammunition, paper targets, eye and ear protection, and compliant target stands - no retail or rental services are available on site.
- Some visitors report that rule enforcement, particularly around parking areas and target-stand regulations, can feel abrupt or unwelcoming.