Dlamini BlessingJohannesburg has a strong shooting culture. Whether for sport, self-defence training, or recreational target practice, the city and its surroundings offer numerous shooting ranges catering to all levels of experience. From casual plinkers to serious competitive shooters, there is a range for everyone.
But shooting can be an expensive hobby. Costs include range fees, ammunition, firearm rental, targets, and sometimes membership fees. Understanding the pricing structure is essential for budgeting your trips to the range.
This guide covers everything you need to know about shooting range prices in Johannesburg. We break down range fees, ammunition costs, rental fees, and membership options at the top facilities.
Shooting Range Prices in Johannesburg: Complete Guide
Types Of Shooting Ranges
Indoor Ranges:
Climate-controlled, well-lit, and often more accessible.
Limited to pistol and small calibre rifles.
Generally safer and more controlled environment.
Higher hourly rates due to operating costs.
Outdoor Ranges:
More space, longer distances for rifle shooting.
Can accommodate shotgun sports (skeet, trap).
Often require membership or day fees.
More variable conditions (weather, light).
Private Clubs:
Membership-based with annual fees.
May offer unlimited access or discounted rates.
Often require orientation or safety course.
Strong community of regular shooters.
Public Ranges:
Open to anyone, pay-per-visit.
Often have firearm rentals and ammunition for sale.
Good for beginners and casual shooters.
May have restrictions on calibres and rates of fire.
Quick Reference: Shooting Range Prices (2026)
| Range | Day Fee (R) | Firearm Rental (R) | Ammunition – 50 rounds (R) | Membership (R/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden City | 100 | 150 – 250 | 300 – 500 | 1,200 |
| Magnum United | 80 | 120 – 200 | 250 – 450 | 1,000 |
| False Bay | 120 | 150 – 250 | 300 – 500 | 1,500 |
| JDPC | Members only | Members only | 250 – 450 | 1,200 |
| Cecil Payne | 60 | 100 – 180 | 250 – 400 | 800 |
| SASA | 100 | 150 – 250 | 300 – 500 | 1,300 |
| Doreen Wilson | 50 | 100 – 150 | 250 – 400 | 700 |
| SWAT | 80 | 120 – 200 | 250 – 450 | 1,000 |
| Wolwekrans | 150 | 200 – 300 | 350 – 550 | 1,800 |
| Rooikraal | 100 | 150 – 250 | 300 – 500 | 1,200 |
Note: Prices are estimates for 2026 and include VAT where applicable. Actual costs vary by day, calibre, and specific range rules.
Range Fees
Range fees are the cost to use the facility. They are usually charged per person, per day, or per hour.
Day Fees:
Most ranges charge a flat daily fee, allowing you to shoot for the whole day.
Range: R50 to R150 per person.
Some ranges charge less for additional family members or for afternoon-only sessions.
Hourly Rates:
Some indoor ranges charge by the hour.
Range: R30 to R60 per hour.
Discounts:
Many ranges offer discounts for:
Seniors.
Students.
Military and police.
Members who purchase ammunition from the range.
Firearm Rental
If you do not own a firearm, most ranges offer rentals. You will need to bring a valid ID and may need to be accompanied by a licensed shooter, depending on the range’s policy.
Pistol Rental:
R100 to R250 per firearm, per session.
Popular calibres: 9mm, .38 Special, .22 LR.
Rifle Rental:
R150 to R300 per firearm, per session.
Popular calibres: .223 Rem, .308 Win, .22 LR.
Shotgun Rental:
R100 to R200 per firearm, per session.
For clay pigeon shooting, additional fees for clays.
Requirements:
Valid South African ID or passport.
Minimum age 18 (some ranges allow younger with adult supervision).
Safety briefing may be required.
Some ranges require you to shoot with a licensed member.
Ammunition Costs
Ammunition is a significant ongoing cost. Prices vary by calibre and brand.
Per 50 Rounds (Box):
.22 LR: R80 to R120
9mm: R250 to R350
.38 Special: R300 to R400
.357 Magnum: R400 to R550
.45 ACP: R400 to R600
.223 Rem: R350 to R500
.308 Win: R500 to R800
12 Gauge Shotgun: R200 to R350
Buying in bulk (500 or 1,000 rounds) reduces the cost per round. Some ranges offer discounts if you purchase ammunition from them.
Additional Costs
Targets:
Paper targets: R5 to R20 each.
Cardboard silhouettes: R30 to R50.
Self-adhesive pasters: R20 to R50 per pack.
Some ranges include targets in the day fee.
Safety Equipment:
Eye protection: R50 to R200 if you need to buy.
Ear protection: R30 to R150 for foam plugs or basic muffs.
Electronic ear protection: R500+.
Instruction:
Beginner lessons: R300 to R800 per hour.
Firearm competency training: R1,500 to R3,500 for full course.
Private coaching: R400 to R1,000 per hour.
Membership Options
For regular shooters, membership offers better value than pay-per-visit.
Annual Membership:
R700 to R2,000 per year.
Benefits often include:
Unlimited or discounted range fees.
Priority booking for events.
Access to members-only areas.
Discounts on ammunition and rentals.
Invitations to club shoots and competitions.
Day Membership:
Some ranges offer a “membership for the day” that includes unlimited range access and sometimes discounts on rentals.
Corporate Membership:
Companies can purchase memberships for employees.
Often includes team building events and training.
Top Shooting Ranges In Johannesburg
Golden City Shooting Range
Location: Vereeniging (45 minutes from Johannesburg)
Day Fee: R100
Firearm Rental: R150 to R250
Ammunition: R300 to R500 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,200 per year
One of the largest ranges, offering pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines. Excellent facilities for competitive shooters.
Magnum United Shooting Range
Location: Roodepoort
Day Fee: R80
Firearm Rental: R120 to R200
Ammunition: R250 to R450 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,000 per year
Conveniently located, well-maintained, and popular with IPSC shooters.
False Bay Gun Club
Location: Walkerville
Day Fee: R120
Firearm Rental: R150 to R250
Ammunition: R300 to R500 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,500 per year
Beautiful setting with long-range rifle facilities up to 600 metres. Friendly atmosphere.
JDPC (Johannesburg District Pistol Club)
Location: Rietvlei (near Pretoria)
Day Fee: Members only
Firearm Rental: Members only
Ammunition: R250 to R450 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,200 per year
Premier pistol club with challenging stages and strong competitive focus. Membership required.
Cecil Payne Shooting Range
Location: Roodepoort
Day Fee: R60
Firearm Rental: R100 to R180
Ammunition: R250 to R400 per 50 rounds
Membership: R800 per year
Affordable, relaxed atmosphere, popular with recreational shooters.
SASA (Southern African Shooting Association)
Location: Walkerville
Day Fee: R100
Firearm Rental: R150 to R250
Ammunition: R300 to R500 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,300 per year
Wide variety of disciplines including three-gun. Well-organised and professional.
Doreen Wilson Shooting Range
Location: Muldersdrift
Day Fee: R50
Firearm Rental: R100 to R150
Ammunition: R250 to R400 per 50 rounds
Membership: R700 per year
Family-friendly, less crowded, good for beginners.
SWAT Shooting Range
Location: Randfontein
Day Fee: R80
Firearm Rental: R120 to R200
Ammunition: R250 to R450 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,000 per year
Offers tactical training courses in addition to recreational shooting.
Wolwekrans Shooting Range
Location: Brits (1 hour from Johannesburg)
Day Fee: R150
Firearm Rental: R200 to R300
Ammunition: R350 to R550 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,800 per year
Long-range shooting up to 1,000 metres. Camping facilities available.
Rooikraal Shooting Range
Location: Pretoria East (accessible from northern Johannesburg)
Day Fee: R100
Firearm Rental: R150 to R250
Ammunition: R300 to R500 per 50 rounds
Membership: R1,200 per year
Active IPSC and IDPA programmes. Well-designed stages.
Shooting Range Price Comparison (2026)
| Range | Day Fee (R) | Rental – Pistol (R) | Ammo – 9mm (R) | Membership (R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden City | 100 | 150 – 250 | 250 – 350 | 1,200 |
| Magnum United | 80 | 120 – 200 | 250 – 350 | 1,000 |
| False Bay | 120 | 150 – 250 | 250 – 350 | 1,500 |
| Cecil Payne | 60 | 100 – 180 | 250 – 350 | 800 |
| Doreen Wilson | 50 | 100 – 150 | 250 – 350 | 700 |
| SWAT | 80 | 120 – 200 | 250 – 350 | 1,000 |
Note: Prices are estimates for 2026 and include VAT where applicable. Actual costs vary by range, location, and equipment availability.
Sample Budget For A Day At The Range
First-Time Shooter (No Equipment):
Range fee: R80
Firearm rental: R150
Ammunition (1 box 9mm): R300
Targets: R20
Ear and eye protection (if not provided): R100
Total: R650
Regular Shooter (Own Firearm and Equipment):
Range fee: R80
Ammunition (2 boxes 9mm): R600
Targets: R20
Total: R700
Competitive Shooter (Own Firearm, Bulk Ammo):
Range fee: R0 (member)
Ammunition (200 rounds, bulk purchase): R800
Targets: R20
Total: R820
How To Save Money At The Range
Buy Ammunition In Bulk:
Purchasing 500 or 1,000 rounds significantly reduces the cost per round.
Become A Member:
If you shoot regularly, membership pays for itself.
Share Costs:
Bring a friend and share ammunition and targets.
Use .22 LR For Practice:
22 calibre ammunition is much cheaper than 9mm or larger calibres. Great for practicing fundamentals.
Bring Your Own Equipment:
Buying your own eye and ear protection is cheaper than renting each time.
Reload Your Own Ammunition:
For serious shooters, reloading can reduce costs, but requires an upfront investment in equipment.
Common Questions, FAQ Section
How much does it cost to go to a shooting range in Johannesburg?
Expect to pay R50 to R150 for range fee, R100 to R250 for firearm rental, and R250 to R500 for ammunition. A first-time visit can cost R500 to R800.
Can I shoot at a range without a license?
Yes. Most ranges allow unlicensed shooters to use rental firearms under supervision. You will need to bring a valid ID.
Do I need to book in advance?
For weekends and popular times, yes. Weekdays are usually quieter.
What calibre should I start with?
9mm is the most common and versatile. For beginners, .22 LR is cheaper and has less recoil, great for learning.
Can I bring my own ammunition?
Yes, but some ranges require you to purchase ammunition from them. Check the range’s policy.
Do shooting ranges offer training?
Yes. Most ranges offer beginner lessons and safety courses. Some have professional instructors.
Is shooting safe?
Yes, when proper safety rules are followed. Ranges have strict safety protocols and range officers.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes, comfortable clothing, and no loose items that could interfere with shooting. Avoid low-cut tops that could allow hot brass to fall inside.
Can I shoot a shotgun at these ranges?
Some ranges have dedicated shotgun areas for clay pigeon shooting. Check with the specific range.
Do I need to be a member to shoot at private clubs?
Yes, clubs like JDPC are members-only. Public ranges like Golden City and Magnum United are open to all.
Summary: Which Shooting Range Is Right For You?
Choose Golden City or Magnum United if:
You want a large, well-established range.
You are a competitive or serious enthusiast.
You are willing to drive a bit further.
Choose False Bay if:
You want long-range rifle shooting.
You appreciate a beautiful natural setting.
You are a hunter or precision shooter.
Choose Cecil Payne or Doreen Wilson if:
You are on a budget.
You prefer a relaxed, less formal atmosphere.
You are a recreational shooter.
Choose SWAT if:
You are interested in tactical training.
You want to learn defensive shooting skills.
Choose JDPC or SASA if:
You are a serious competitive shooter.
You want to join a club with a strong community.
You are willing to commit to membership.
Choose Wolwekrans if:
You want 1,000-metre long-range shooting.
You want to camp overnight.
You enjoy a bushveld setting.
Final Warning: Safety First
Shooting ranges are safe places if you follow the rules. Always:
Listen to the range officer.
Keep the firearm pointed downrange.
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Know your target and what is beyond.
Wear eye and ear protection at all times.
No alcohol before or during shooting.
A safe day at the range is a fun day at the range.
Official Resources:
SAPS Firearm Registry: www.saps.gov.za
South African Hunting and Shooting Association: www.sahunt.co.za
National Shooting Association: www.natshoot.co.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Shooting range prices, policies, and hours are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the range before visiting.