Photo by by Shawn Arrajj

Photo by by Shawn Arrajj

Photo by by Shawn Arrajj

Photo by by Shawn Arrajj

The idea of Shooting Sports Texas—a shooting range and gun shop on the border of Cy-Fair and Tomball—was first suggested by the wife of owner Joe Daigle in early 2013.

"She just had surgery for a double lung transplant, and she wanted to make sure I had something to do to keep me out of trouble," said Daigle, a 40-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Daigle's wife died in March 2013, and he started work on the range in July, building from the ground up.

"It took me about a year to get it built," he said. "I put my whole life savings into it, and I'm still adding and improving. This was her wish. It was what she wanted to see."

Daigle, who has been teaching concealed handgun classes since 1995, said he liked the idea of having his own space to conduct classes. His vision for the range also included a retail component—with guns, ammunition and accessories—and gun cleaning and maintenance services. Daigle uses his knowledge of firearms to make recommendations for what best serves a customer's needs. He also lets people test fire guns on the range before purchasing them.

Business was slow in coming for Shooting Sports, partly because of its secluded location. However, one noteworthy detail gives Daigle a positive outlook for the future—everybody who has been to the range once has come back, he said.

The indoor range, which features six shooting stalls, is the only one in the area, Daigle said. The next closest is in the Champions area. Daigle's range has already attracted the attention of several area shooting groups.

"This is a great place for our meetings, not just because it's close, but the way everything is set up works well for instruction," said Tom Gable, assistant club manager with the Northwest Shooter 4-H Club.

Daigle said his dream is to continue to expand, adding on to the shooting range and classroom services. His top priority in running the business is maintaining a safe environment and assuring everything is done according to regulation.

"I have security cameras running at every stall so I can see everything that goes on," Daigle said. "This place means a lot to me, and there is no place for people who don't follow the rules."

Membership

Patrons can pay for individual sessions at Shooting Sports Texas by the hour, but yearly memberships are also available. A membership gives patrons unlimited access to the shooting range during operating hours.

Annual membership—$375

Annual membership for family of four—$475

"It's a great place to shoot. [Owner] Joe is knowledgeable and patient. It's one of the nicer ranges I've been to. There's good A/C and good ventilation so you don't come out smelling like a musket."

—J.J. Martin

Types of classes

Concealed handgun license—Owner Joe Dagle is accredited with the ability to grant concealed carry licenses to those who pass this class, which covers laws, safety and when use of deadly force is permitted. Students must pass an accuracy test from three, seven and 15 yards before a license is granted.

Basic shooting—The class covers how to hold a handgun, safety, sight pattern, dry firing and, after students prove they can handle a gun, shooting at targets at the shooting range.

Tactical shooting—A more intermediate course for students who already know the basics, this class covers how to walk and shoot, draw and shoot, shoot from the body and other self-defense lessons.

Shooting Sports Texas

20003 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball 281-468-5717, www.shootingsportstx.com, Hours: Thu.–Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m.

Private sessions available by appointment