South Plains College Firearms Range will reopen Sept. 11

LEVELLAND – The Firearms Range at South Plains College Law Enforcement Technology Department will reopen to the public at 4 p.m.. on Sept. 11. 

The range has been closed for the past 18 months while the 40-year-old facility underwent safety improvements. Upgrades include a new rubber berm backstop as well as a new ventilation system. The range is open on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m.. and costs $4. Participants must bring their own gun (unloaded) and ammunition. Targets will be provided. 

"We finally completed the $250,000 renovation that included safety and ventilation," said Kenny Burns, department chairperson for professional services and energy. "Thanks to the SPC administration and our board of regents, we were able to give the range the improvements it desperately needed." 

Burns said there are a few colleges that have firearms ranges, and many of them have shut down due to maintenance and upkeep. However, SPC believes in community and believes that this is a need for the community and region. 

All participants must possess one of the following items for use of the range: a handgun license (LTC), work as a peace officer, or have taken a basic firearms course through SPC Law Enforcement.

For more information, contact Burns at (806) 716-2357 or email kburns@southplainscollege.edu.