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Hi all. I am re-locating to the Steiner Ranch area of Austin (unincorporated Travis County just outside the city limit on the edge of Hill Country). Since I am new here, I really don't know the lay of the land. I am wondering where the closest places to shoot are? I passed by Red's Range while driving around one day, but it's obviously not very close to Steiner Ranch (Hwy 620 just north of Lakeway).

Also, if anyone could recommend a good gun shop, I would also appreciate it. New weapons don't interest me nearly as much as being able to hunt down used classic Smith & Wesson revolvers, and I'm interested in finding out which shops are worth stopping by occasionally to see what is new in the consignment bin.

Thanks in advance for your help - I can't quite put into words how exciting it is to move from California with our draconian gun laws to a state like Texas that remembers what the words "freedom" and "rights" mean.

Welcome to the U.S. and the local area.
The closest gun shop to you is Sportsman Finest near the intersection of Bee Caves Rd. and Hwy 71. August is the firearm's manager and he's good folks. If you are looking for something in particular, he can help. They have a good selection, prices in line or cheaper than most (like Red's or McBride's), including a lot of top of the line pistols, ie Wilson, Baer, and Brown. It's a dangerous place to visit.

I think the closest range is Red's indoor range in Oak Hill, there is another one outdoor range near Hamilton Pool on Hamilton Pool Road. I haven't been out there in years. Last time I saw something mentioned on it, they had banned FMJ. Don't know what the truth is.

If you widen your travel range a little, there are several others.
Welcome to the neighborhood.

Welcome to the Austin area - I'm at the same end of town as you are and drive past Steiner Ranch during the week during my commute. (If you try Steiner Ranch Steakhouse let me know what you think - it's supposed to be good, but pricey. And I haven't heard of any trouble since the murder that took place there shortly after they opened.)

Red's in Oak Hill is the nearest range I'm aware of. Hill Country Rifle Range out on Hamilton Pool Road used to host IDPA, USPSA, and cowboy action shooting clubs, but the owner - known locally as Crazy Richard - finally alienated all the clubs that used to shoot out there and ultimately closed down to the public; I understand the range south of Bergstrom Airport actually bought a lot of his shooting benches.

As River Rat mentioned, the nearest gun shop is Sportsman's Finest, on Bee Cave Road just north of 71 , more or less across from the Bee Cave HEB. Their prices aren't the best, but they have a lot of NFA stuff to drool over if you're so inclined, as well as some rather pricey shotguns and rifles and a good-for-the-area selection of pistols.

Red's in Oak Hill usually has a decent selection of new guns as well.

One of the oldest gun shops in Austin is McBride's on Lamar - the sales people are knowledgeable and courteous, but the prices aren't particularly attractive. But they do seem to attract more used guns than many other shops.

Heritage on 183 . . . well, I did quite a bit of business with the original owners, but after one instance of doing business with the new ones I vowed never to darken their door again.

And if you don't mind a little ride, Cabela's in Buda (south on I-35, the better part of an hour's drive from where you're at) has quite the selection - since you mentioned classic S&W revolvers, the last time I looked they even had a couple of "Registered Magnums" in their Gun Library. Bring plenty of $$$ if you want one of these. (Oh, wait a minute - you came from Cali . . . if you sold a house there you're probably flush with cash. Go for it! ) Cabela's prices are OK if you get on their mailing list, join the Cabela's Club, and hold off on your purchase until coupons and promotions come in the mail.

Once again, welcome to Texas.