About a year ago, I decided I wanted to become proficient with handguns. I don't really have many "gun people" in my life which meant taking up this study mostly on my own. Modern semi-auto handguns are not dramatically different from one another in overall function but each has a particular feeling in the hand, different ergonomics, and distinct style and placement of the controls. My feeling, and the general consensus among most shooters I've talked to, is that the best way to start is to go to a range where you can rent a variety of weapons and try as many as possible. In the Arcata/Eureka area, Ballistic Precision looked like the best choice. They have a large variety of platforms for rental use and a very clean, modern range. The shop is well maintained and welcoming. It is not bedazzled with political garbage - it's a place for shooting. As with most ranges, renting a gun requires either that you bring in a weapon of your own (any functioning pistol or long gun), or that a friend comes with you. This is a standard safety custom at gun ranges. I spent several months coming in, renting something off the wall, and talking shop with the folks behind the counter. Trying a variety of weapons allowed me to understand what I shot well, and what I didn't, what felt good in the hand and what felt awkward. I narrowed my interests on a particular platform and came in every week or so to practice, slowly finding and understanding some of my limitations and weak points. At this point, I decided I could get a lot out of some instruction on the fundamentals. Honestly, I probably should have done this sooner but I'm obstinate like that. I signed up for Ballistic's Handgun Basics class. This was a one-on-one class with Oliver - the friendly guy who's almost always behind the counter. We spent a couple of classroom hours upstairs going over the basics of handgun anatomy, firearm safety, and technique - not just the dos and don'ts but the hows and the whys. I am pretty familiar with this stuff at this point but it never hurts to go over it again. We then spent some time working on stance, grip, sight picture, trigger pull, and follow through. If you've never shot before, Oliver's curriculum will provide an excellent starting place. Last, we spent some time on the range downstairs. This section was pretty brief - we only shot about 25 rounds in total - but Oliver's guidance was super helpful. I was doing OK as a shooter already but the comments and suggestions I got in that short time have already had an impact on my performance. There really is no substitute for having a trained shooter observe and guide your technique. Ballistic Precision is a great place to shoot. The environment is clean and welcoming, the people are friendly and professional, and the training is excellent. I have and will continue to recommend them to friends that are interested in a local spot to improve their shooting. read more

Shout out to SCOTT at Ballistic Precision for going above and beyond in customer service when my husband and I needed help with some very old firearms and disposal of some old ammo. Who knew a random call would lead us to the perfect person to take great care of our unexpected situation. Scott is very knowledgeable and so helpful. Ballistic Precision is definitely the number one place to go for your firearm needs. Thank you Scott! Must be those twin girls who made you so patient in strange situations! We appreciate all you did for us to make our travels safe. Two Boomers Breaking Bad 3/14/26 read more

Supportive, encouraging staff, excellent safety instructor and all around great experience for a young man's birthday. Highly recommend.

My party was 2 first time females to this range wanting to try different models in consideration to buy. The staff was super helpful and knowledgeable. It had been close to 10 years since either of us fired a gun so we greatly appreciated the brief refresher course. One team member even offered to accompany us to our lane just to get us started and comfortable. They have a nice selection of rentals, many 9mm pistols. They also have "happy hour" specials during the week with reduced pricing. We will definitely be back for happy hour to try some other models. read more

My girlfriend and I were staying in Trinidad for a short getaway, and I saw a sign for the indoor shooting range here. We have never handled any firearms ever before in our lives so this seemed like a great opportunity to have our first experience. We walked in during their "happy hour" which includes reduced gun range prices. We were given access to their impressive line of rental firearms, we just had to purchase the ammo. We started off with a .22 LR rifle to get warmed up. Then we moved to a 9mm Glock and finally their .223 AR. We had an absolute blast. They made sure we knew how to handle each firearm, and with the limited firearm knowledge my girlfriend and I had, were able to smoothly sail throughout every turn we took shooting. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming even though we were first time shooters. I will definitely come back the next time I visit the area. read more

I cannot say enough about the introduction class. The instructor, Oliver, was thorough and patient. As a person who was a bit timid coming into class I left more knowledgable, educated, and had some practice in the shooting area under my belt. Thank you for the incredible work you guys do. read more

The people here are knowledgeable, friendly and make everything easy for you. Especially if you are new to firearms. Top notch service, excellent prices and the best of the best. Please check them out if you are new to shooting or need advice for anything. They are absolutely the best! read more

Wonderful staff. Great services and prices. Easy to find, easy to park. quick easy service. high quality equipment. We had a 100% positive experience . I would highly recommend and will likely buy the membership and take others there too. read more

Oliver was a great instructor. Very helpful and knowledgeable. The staff were also very helpful and accommodating. Glad I found this place.

My husband and I have visited a number of shooting ranges and we can tell you from personal experience that this place is top notch!!! The BEST part of this place is an awesome young man named Oliver. He is extremely friendly and greeted us with a cheerful hello as soon as we walked in the door. Since this was our first visit, he helped us get checked in and described all of the services that Ballistic Precision had to offer. We got set up on a lane and were very impressed with the cleanliness as we have been to some ranges that were dingy and poorly lit. After checking out we stayed and talked with Oliver for about a half an hour asking a variety of questions and found him to be extremely knowledgeable. When he learned that we were in the market for some specific items he even called another local business to help us locate them. We live in Southern California but if we lived up here we would definitely become members. This place is awesome! Oliver is even more AWESOME!!! WE WILL BE BACK!!! read more

Had a great time with a group shooting as a novice for my second time at a range. The only reason I came back and will keep coming back is Heidi!!! What a badass. She was mellow, extremely knowledgeable, encouraging, and not ever condescending. She made me better in the space of minutes. She really knows her shit. 10/10 recommend. read more