Bullets & BBQ at Indoor Shooting Range in St. Louis County

Bullets & BBQ at Indoor Shooting Range in St. Louis County: An Authentic, Fun-Filled Experience

When you think of St. Louis, images of the Gateway Arch, vibrant neighborhoods, and legendary BBQ come to mind. But for something a bit different — and surprisingly engaging — there’s the Bullets & BBQ experience at the Sharpshooters Indoor Gun Range. For $175 per person, this roughly two-hour outing combines private shooting instruction with a hearty taste of the city’s famous smoked meats. What’s more, it’s designed to be inclusive, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned shooter craving a safe, controlled environment.

We love that this experience offers top-notch safety features like superior ventilation and ballistic-rated stalls, making it comfortable even for first-timers. Plus, the friendly, credentialed staff ensures you feel supported throughout. The highlight for us? The blend of hands-on shooting with professional guidance, followed by mouth-watering barbecue — a true taste of local flavor in a relaxed setting.

One small consideration is that, while the package includes one box of ammunition, additional rounds are sold separately at $27. If you’re planning to shoot extensively, keep that in mind. Still, for an all-in-one experience that balances excitement with good food, it’s hard to beat for value. This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to try shooting in a safe environment and food lovers wanting a true taste of St. Louis — especially those who appreciate a bit of instruction and camaraderie.

Key Points

• Safe and comfortable environment with top-tier ventilation and safety standards.
• Inclusive for all skill levels, from complete novices to experienced shooters.
• Delicious St. Louis-style BBQ served in a relaxed, friendly setting.
• All necessary supplies included—firearm, safety gear, targets, and ammunition.
• Flexible experience options with private instruction tailored to your group.
• Convenient location with friendly staff and easy access.

The Experience: What to Expect

The Bullets & BBQ tour begins at the Sharpshooters Indoor Gun Range in St. Louis County, a facility praised for its cleanliness and professional staff. With 20 indoor lanes, the range offers plenty of space for groups to spread out, ensuring that no one feels cramped. The environment is designed with safety and comfort in mind, featuring ballistic-rated stalls that protect you from stray bullets while still allowing plenty of room to maneuver.

Pricing includes a firearm (you can bring your own if you prefer), eye and ear protection, targets, and one box of ammunition. If you want to shoot more than once, extra ammo is available for $27 per box. During your session, you’ll be guided by credentialed Range Safety Officers, who monitor all lanes, maintaining a friendly and professional atmosphere. Whether you’re new to guns or have some experience, the instruction is tailored to your group’s comfort level.

What’s unique about this experience is the private instruction component. You can opt for a lesson suited to your skill level, which makes it ideal for beginners who might feel nervous about their first shot or seasoned shooters looking to refine their technique. The staff is known for being friendly and well-trained, eager to answer questions or offer tips, making the entire process approachable.

Before or after shooting, the experience continues at the Smokestack Smoke House, a local favorite known for its fresh, smoked meats. The BBQ is served outside on their deck, in private rooms, or through their grill, offering a laid-back setting to relax, review your shots, or just enjoy some hearty food. Their menu boasts mouth-watering, freshly smoked barbecue, which many reviewers have praised for its flavor and variety.

Authenticity and Comfort

What truly sets this experience apart is its balance of authenticity and comfort. You’re not just shooting targets; you’re in a spotless, professionally managed range where safety is paramount. The ventilation system ensures fresh air, which is often a concern in indoor ranges, giving you peace of mind. The friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages questions and learning.

And then there’s the food. Based on reviews, the BBQ is considered a highlight — “Great food, fun time,” as one guest put it. The variety and freshness of the smoked meats show that this isn’t just a gimmick but a genuine local experience. It’s a perfect way to wind down after the shooting portion, sharing stories and laughs over delicious, well-prepared BBQ.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is versatile. It’s ideal for first-timers who want a safe, guided introduction to shooting. At the same time, more experienced shooters will appreciate the private instruction options and the chance to practice in a clean, controlled environment. Food lovers will love the local BBQ — it’s a true taste of St. Louis’ culinary pride. And anyone interested in combining an outdoor activity with a relaxed meal will find this to be a well-rounded outing.

Travelers seeking a unique, memorable activity that offers both excitement and comfort will find this tour hits the mark. It’s also a good choice for groups, couples, or even solo travelers who want to learn something new in a friendly setting.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start at the range with a briefing from the staff, who explain safety procedures and help you select your firearm if needed. You’ll then be escorted to your lane, where targets, eye and ear protection, and ammunition are ready for you. The private instruction can be as hands-on or as relaxed as you prefer, making it perfect for beginners or those wanting to sharpen their skills.

Shooting sessions typically last around an hour, during which you’ll have plenty of space to practice, ask questions, and get comfortable. The staff’s friendly, credentialed nature reassures many guests, especially those new to firearms.

After your shooting stint, you’ll head over to the Smokestack Smoke House for your BBQ feast. Here, you can enjoy a variety of smoked meats along with classic sides, served outside or in private rooms. Many reviews mention the delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and generous portions.

The entire experience is about two hours, but the memories and tastes can last much longer. The combination of adventure and great food makes this a genuinely satisfying outing.

Insights and Authentic Perspectives from Visitors

One reviewer mentioned, “Overall, we had a great experience. The food was really good. There was lots of options to choose from. the range was clean and the employees were friendly and attentive.” This highlights the dual appeal of quality shooting practice and excellent dining.

Another noted, “The range was spotless and well-maintained, and the staff made us feel comfortable from start to finish.” That cleanliness and attention to guest comfort are key reasons why this experience stands out.

While some might think a shooting range and BBQ pairing sounds unusual, the friendly staff and well-organized environment make it accessible and fun. Plus, the value for money — which includes everything from gear to instruction and food — is considered fair by most, especially given the high safety standards and quality.

Pricing and Value

At $175 per person, this experience may seem on the higher side for some. But when you consider that it includes all equipment, professional guidance, targets, and a hearty barbecue meal**, the value becomes clearer. Extra ammunition at $27 per box is an additional cost to keep in mind, especially if you’re eager to shoot more.

This package offers a safe, educational environment for newcomers and a relaxed, fun atmosphere for experienced shooters, which is a rare combo. The inclusion of delicious local BBQ adds a memorable local flavor, making the whole outing feel well-rounded and satisfying.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for an activity that combines adventure, learning, and great food, this Bullets & BBQ experience ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers curious about firearms but unsure of safety, as well as food lovers who want to enjoy some of St. Louis’ iconic barbecue in a relaxed setting. Couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers can all find value here, thanks to the friendly staff and well-organized environment.

While it’s not a casual stroll in the park — expect some noise, the need for safety gear, and a bit of focus — the overall atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly. If you’re seeking a memorable, hands-on experience that combines learning with local flavors, this tour offers a very satisfying way to spend a few hours in St. Louis.

FAQ

Is the experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the experience is designed to be flexible for all skill levels. The private instruction allows you to learn at your own pace, making it perfect for first-timers.

What is included in the price?
The price covers full access to the indoor range, firearm (or you can bring your own), eye and ear protection, targets, and one box of ammunition.

Can I shoot more than one box of ammunition?
Yes, additional ammunition is available for purchase at $27 per box.

Are safety measures in place?
Absolutely. The range features ballistic-rated stalls and superior ventilation. Staff are credentialed and attentive, ensuring your safety and comfort.

What if I want to bring my own firearm?
You can bring your own firearm if you prefer, and the package price still applies.

What is the dining experience like?
Post-shooting, you can enjoy St. Louis-style BBQ at the Smokestack Smoke House, which many guests praise for its flavor and freshness.

Is transportation available?
The range is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

To sum it up, if you’re after an authentic, fun, and safe shooting experience paired with delicious local BBQ, this tour is highly recommended. It offers a nice balance of adventure and relaxation, making it a memorable highlight of your trip to St. Louis.