Top 10 Shooting Ranges in Johannesburg (2026)

Johannesburg has a rich history with firearms. Whether for sport, self-defence training, or recreational target shooting, the city and its surroundings offer some of the best shooting facilities in the country. From world-class Olympic ranges to informal bushveld plinking spots, there is something for every shooter.

This guide ranks the top 10 shooting ranges in and around Johannesburg for 2026. We cover facilities, disciplines, membership options, and what makes each range unique.

Top 10 Shooting Ranges in Johannesburg: Complete Guide

How The Ranges Were Selected

We considered:

– Range facilities and maintenance.
– Range safety and professionalism of staff.
– Variety of shooting disciplines offered.
– Accessibility from Johannesburg.
– Membership options and public access.
– Reputation within the shooting community.

1. Golden City Shooting Range

Location: Vereeniging
Distance from Joburg: 45 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, IPSC, IDPA, hunting

Golden City is one of the largest and most well-established shooting ranges in Gauteng. It has been operating for over 40 years and hosts numerous national and provincial competitions.

What makes it special:

– Multiple ranges for different disciplines.
– Dedicated IPSC and IDPA bays.
– 200-metre rifle range.
– Shotgun range with skeet and trap.
– Hunting simulator.
– On-site gun shop and gunsmith.

Facilities:

– 100-metre zeroing range.
– 200-metre precision rifle range.
– Multiple pistol bays.
– Skeet and trap ranges.
– Clubhouse with catering.
– Braai areas for members.

Membership: Annual membership required for regular use. Day visitors welcome with member escort.

Best for: Competitive shooters, hunters, serious enthusiasts.

2. Magnum United Shooting Range

Location: Roodepoort
Distance from Joburg: 30 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, IPSC, steel challenge

Magnum United is conveniently located in Roodepoort, making it the most accessible serious shooting range for Johannesburg residents. The facilities are world-class, and the club has a strong competitive shooting culture.

What makes it special:

– Home to the Johannesburg Magnum United Pistol Club.
– Regular IPSC and steel challenge matches.
– Well-maintained bays with electronic scoring options.
– Friendly, knowledgeable staff.
– Active shooting community.

Facilities:

– Multiple pistol bays.
– 100-metre rifle range.
– Shotgun range.
– Clubhouse with refreshments.
– Gun shop on site.

Membership: Required for regular use. Day passes available for visitors.

Best for: IPSC shooters, competitive pistol enthusiasts.

3. False Bay Gun Club

Location: Walkerville
Distance from Joburg: 40 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, long-range, hunting

Despite the name, False Bay Gun Club is located south of Johannesburg, not near the ocean. It is one of the most scenic ranges in the area, set in natural bushveld with abundant birdlife.

What makes it special:

– Stunning natural setting.
– Long-range rifle range up to 600 metres.
– Dedicated hunting simulator.
– Friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
– Regular social events and competitions.

Facilities:

– 600-metre rifle range.
– Multiple pistol bays.
– Shotgun range.
– Hunting simulator.
– Clubhouse with bar and catering.
– Braai areas.

Membership: Required. Limited public access.

Best for: Long-range shooters, hunters, those seeking a club atmosphere.

4. JDPC (Johannesburg District Pistol Club)

Location: Rietvlei, near Pretoria
Distance from Joburg: 50 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, IPSC, IDPA, steel challenge

JDPC is one of the premier pistol clubs in the country. It has hosted national championships and is known for its challenging stages and professional organisation.

What makes it special:

– National-level competitions.
– Technically challenging stages.
– Excellent safety standards.
– Strong focus on IPSC and IDPA.
– Active junior development programme.

Facilities:

– Multiple purpose-built pistol bays.
– Covered firing points.
– Clubhouse.
– Braai areas.

Membership: Required. New members must attend safety orientation.

Best for: Serious pistol competitors, IPSC and IDPA shooters.

5. Cecil Payne Shooting Range

Location: Roodepoort
Distance from Joburg: 30 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, hunting

Cecil Payne is a well-established range in the Roodepoort area. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and is popular with recreational shooters and hunters.

What makes it special:

– Friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
– Good facilities for recreational shooting.
– Hunting simulator for practice.
– Regular club shoots.
– On-site gunsmith.

Facilities:

– 100-metre rifle range.
– Multiple pistol bays.
– Hunting simulator.
– Clubhouse.
– Braai areas.

Membership: Annual membership available. Day visitors welcome.

Best for: Recreational shooters, hunters, those new to the sport.

6. Southern African Shooting Association

Location: Walkerville
Distance from Joburg: 40 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, IPSC, IDPA, three-gun

SASA is a large, well-organised range south of Johannesburg. It offers a wide variety of shooting disciplines and is particularly known for its three-gun matches.

What makes it special:

– Three-gun matches.
– Diverse range of disciplines.
– Active ladies and junior programmes.
– Well-maintained facilities.
– Professional range officers.

Facilities:

– Multiple pistol bays.
– 100-metre rifle range.
– Shotgun range.
– Three-gun bays.
– Clubhouse with catering.
– Braai areas.

Membership: Required. New members must complete orientation.

Best for: Three-gun shooters, those wanting variety.

7. Doreen Wilson Shooting Range

Location: Muldersdrift
Distance from Joburg: 35 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun

Doreen Wilson is a smaller, family-oriented range in the Muldersdrift area. It is popular with local shooters and offers a relaxed, friendly environment.

What makes it special:

– Family-friendly atmosphere.
– Good for beginners.
– Regular social shoots.
– Less crowded than larger ranges.
– Beautiful countryside setting.

Facilities:

– 50-metre rifle range.
– Pistol bays.
– Clubhouse.
– Picnic areas.

Membership: Annual membership available. Day visitors welcome.

Best for: Families, beginners, recreational shooters.

8. Wolwekrans Shooting Range

Location: Brits
Distance from Joburg: 1 hour
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, long-range, hunting

Wolwekrans is a bit further afield, but worth the drive. It offers long-range shooting up to 1,000 metres and is set in beautiful bushveld surroundings.

What makes it special:

– 1,000-metre long-range rifle range.
– Bushveld setting with game sightings.
– Hunting simulator.
– Camping facilities available.
– Friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Facilities:

– 1,000-metre rifle range.
– 300-metre rifle range.
– Multiple pistol bays.
– Hunting simulator.
– Camping and caravan sites.
– Clubhouse.

Membership: Annual membership required. Day visitors welcome.

Best for: Long-range shooters, hunters, those wanting a weekend away.

9. Rooikraal Shooting Range

Location: Pretoria East
Distance from Joburg: 50 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, IPSC, IDPA

Rooikraal is a well-regarded range on the eastern side of Pretoria, accessible from northern Johannesburg. It has a strong competitive shooting culture and excellent facilities.

What makes it special:

– Active IPSC and IDPA programmes.
– Well-designed stages.
– Good facilities for practice.
– Friendly, competitive atmosphere.
– Regular league shoots.

Facilities:

– Multiple pistol bays.
– 100-metre rifle range.
– Shotgun range.
– Clubhouse.
– Braai areas.

Membership: Required. New members must attend safety briefing.

Best for: Competitive pistol shooters, those in northern Joburg.

10. SWAT Shooting Range

Location: Randfontein
Distance from Joburg: 45 minutes
Type: Outdoor range
Disciplines: Pistol, rifle, shotgun, tactical training

SWAT Shooting Range offers a mix of recreational shooting and tactical training. They run courses for civilians and security professionals.

What makes it special:

– Tactical training courses.
– Dynamic shooting bays.
– Force-on-force training options.
– Experienced instructors.
– Less formal than some clubs.

Facilities:

– Multiple dynamic bays.
– 100-metre rifle range.
– Training facility.
– Clubhouse.

Membership: Day visitors welcome. Training courses require booking.

Best for: Tactical training, defensive shooting practice.

Shooting Ranges Comparison Table

Range	Location	Distance	Disciplines	Best For
Golden City	Vereeniging	45 min	All	Competitive shooting
Magnum United	Roodepoort	30 min	Pistol, IPSC	IPSC shooters
False Bay	Walkerville	40 min	All, long-range	Long-range, hunting
JDPC	Rietvlei	50 min	Pistol	Serious competitors
Cecil Payne	Roodepoort	30 min	All	Recreational shooters
SASA	Walkerville	40 min	All, three-gun	Three-gun
Doreen Wilson	Muldersdrift	35 min	Pistol, rifle	Beginners, families
Wolwekrans	Brits	60 min	Long-range	Long-range, camping
Rooikraal	Pretoria East	50 min	Pistol, IPSC	Competitive shooters
SWAT	Randfontein	45 min	Tactical	Training courses

What To Bring To A Shooting Range

Essential items:

– Your firearm in a secure case or bag.
– Ammunition (check range calibre restrictions).
– Eye and ear protection.
– Targets (some ranges supply, some require you to bring).
– Stapler or tape for fixing targets.
– Water and snacks.
– Sunscreen and hat.
– Closed shoes.

Rental options:

Most ranges offer firearm rentals. Golden City, Magnum United, and SWAT have rental fleets. Ammunition is usually available for purchase.

Safety Rules At Shooting Ranges

– Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
– Keep the muzzle pointed downrange at all times.
– Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
– Know your target and what is beyond it.
– Follow range officer instructions immediately.
– Wear eye and ear protection at all times.
– No alcohol before or during shooting.
– No handling firearms behind the firing line.

Membership vs. Day Visitors

Range	Membership Required	Day Visitor Policy
Golden City	Yes	With member escort
Magnum United	Yes	Day passes available
False Bay	Yes	Limited public access
JDPC	Yes	Members only
Cecil Payne	Optional	Day visitors welcome
SASA	Yes	With member escort
Doreen Wilson	Optional	Day visitors welcome
Wolwekrans	Yes	Day visitors welcome
Rooikraal	Yes	With member escort
SWAT	Optional	Day visitors welcome

If you are new to shooting, start with a range that welcomes day visitors. Cecil Payne, Doreen Wilson, and SWAT are good options.

Firearm Licensing And Legal Requirements

To shoot at a range, you must:

– Be the holder of a valid firearm licence, or
– Be accompanied by a licensed firearm owner, or
– Use a rental firearm under range supervision.

Foreign visitors:

– May shoot with a rental firearm on their passport.
– Must complete range safety induction.
– Some ranges require international shooting permits.

Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section

Do I need my own firearm to shoot at a range?

No. Many ranges offer firearm rentals. Golden City, Magnum United, and SWAT have rental fleets with a variety of calibres.

Can I bring my children to a shooting range?

Yes, but age restrictions apply. Most ranges allow children from 12 years upwards to shoot under close supervision. Some have junior programmes.

What calibres are allowed?

Most ranges allow common calibres: 9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .223 Rem, .308 Win. Some ranges restrict large calibres like .50 BMG.

Do I need to book in advance?

For weekends and public holidays, booking is recommended. Weekdays are usually quieter.

Can I shoot shotgun at these ranges?

Yes. Golden City, False Bay, and SASA have dedicated shotgun ranges with skeet and trap.

Is there coaching available?

Most ranges have experienced shooters willing to help beginners. Some offer formal coaching. SWAT runs tactical training courses.

What does it cost to shoot?

Range fees: R50 to R150 per day. Ammunition: R300 to R800 per box depending on calibre. Rental firearms: R100 to R250 per firearm.

Can I zero my hunting rifle?

Yes. Most ranges with 100-metre or longer ranges allow rifle zeroing. Golden City and False Bay are popular for this.

Are there indoor ranges in Johannesburg?

There are no major indoor ranges in Johannesburg. All ranges on this list are outdoor.

Do ranges offer gun storage?

Some ranges offer temporary storage for members. None offer long-term safe storage.

Summary: Which Shooting Range Should You Choose?

Choose Golden City if:

– You want the most comprehensive facilities.
– You are a serious competitor or hunter.
– You are willing to drive to Vereeniging.

Choose Magnum United if:

– You want convenience from Johannesburg.
– You are an IPSC shooter.
– You want a strong club atmosphere.

Choose False Bay if:

– You want long-range rifle shooting.
– You appreciate a beautiful natural setting.
– You are a hunter.

Choose JDPC if:

– You are a serious pistol competitor.
– You want challenging stages.
– You are willing to travel to Pretoria.

Choose Cecil Payne if:

– You are a recreational shooter.
– You want a relaxed atmosphere.
– You are new to the sport.

Choose SASA if:

– You want three-gun matches.
– You enjoy variety in disciplines.
– You want a well-organised club.

Choose Doreen Wilson if:

– You want a family-friendly environment.
– You are introducing children to shooting.
– You prefer a smaller, quieter range.

Choose Wolwekrans if:

– You want 1,000-metre long-range shooting.
– You want to camp overnight.
– You enjoy bushveld surroundings.

Choose Rooikraal if:

– You live in northern Johannesburg or Pretoria.
– You are a competitive pistol shooter.
– You want active IPSC and IDPA programmes.

Choose SWAT if:

– You want tactical training.
– You are interested in defensive shooting.
– You want professional instruction.

Final Warning: Safety First

Shooting ranges are safe places if you follow the rules. The moment you become complacent, you put yourself and others at risk.

– Listen to the range officers.
– If you are unsure, ask.
– Never handle a firearm behind the firing line.
– Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
– Enjoy the sport, but respect the responsibility.

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 facilities, membership policies, and operating hours are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the range before visiting.