Shooting Sports Academy

Great Place for Shooters of All Levels! I recently visited this range with my daughter for her first shooting experience, and I couldnΓÇÖt be happier with how things went. She was very nervous at first, but the gentleman working that day went above and beyond to help. He was incredibly kind, patient, and encouraging, which gave her the confidence she needed to enjoy the experience. The facility is clean, well maintained, and has a welcoming atmosphere thatΓÇÖs perfect for beginners and experienced shooters alike. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a supportive and professional environment to enjoy shooting. WeΓÇÖll definitely be back!

a month ago

Outstanding range, training facility and gun store. Mahesh and his staff are professional and knowledgeable.

a month ago

I did some additional training with Mahesh. He is a great instructor and takes the time to be sure you understand and are safe and confident in your abilities.

a month ago

"No outside ammunition allowed because our backstops are cheap" even though i have the same exact ammunition. "you can only shoot 5 slugs" lol what a joke

2 months ago

Got great training from Mahesh and had a blast ! Pun intended. Joking aside, the instruction is crystal clear and all safe. I am glad I went to this place

3 months ago

I had a private lesson and found the one on one skills training to be extremely valuable; I highly recommend!

3 months ago

4 months ago

Mahesh's style is extremely approachable and is a good teacher, genuinely interested in his students success and getting beginners comfortable.

4 months ago

After 21 years of shooting in the military (USAF, ret), this is my go-to shooting range! Mahesh is awesome and has been happy to help with every issue I have brought to him. He’s a great instructor, store owner, advisor and friend. I take my entire family to SSA to shoot and have never been disappointed! Looking forward to taking some of his training classes…

5 months ago

I have been shooting at this range for several months now and recently completed the Defensive Pistol Class. I learned so much not only about the proper and safe defense of myself and family but also about the fundamentals of handling and shooting safely. It was a game changer for me. Mahesh was our instructor and is a true professional. His knowledge of firearms in general and his patience as a teacher was very much appreciated as I am fairly new to handling and shooting firearms. They offer continuing series of several programs from beginner to advanced which I plan to register for and also will be introducing my family to. Thank you Mahesh and a thank you to Jim who is also always very helpful as well.

7 months ago

From the moment you step in, MaheshΓÇÖs passion for shooting and safety is evident. The facility is impeccably maintained, with well-lit, clean lanes and a variety of targets to suit all skill levels. SSA's dedication to providing top-notch instruction and support ensures that every visit is both enjoyable and educational. Whether youΓÇÖre a seasoned marksman or a novice, youΓÇÖll appreciate the personalized attention and professionalism Mahesh offers. This range is a standout in both quality and customer serviceΓÇöhighly recommended for anyone serious about their shooting practice!

7 months ago

We had a great time there and got some great instructions from the owner Mahesh . Will be going back soon and recommending to all we know thatΓÇÖs interested in shooting sports. Facilty is clean and well ventilated canΓÇÖt say enough good things give it a try if you want a professional honest welcoming place to send some rounds down range . Keep up the great work !!!

7 months ago

9 months ago

I'm so glad my daughter found this place. I had my permit for 7 years but, as a woman, always felt intimidated to go to a range and practice. She finally talked me into the Skill Builder class, and I'm so glad she did. Mahesh the instructor/owner is not only an excellent teacher, he is patient. He explained everything thoroughly, and took the time with each person in the class. After just three sessions, I can honestly say, I am very confident and have no problem walking in to a range now on my own. This range is clean, and simple and the entire staff is friendly. Would highly recommend. I look forward to continue my training at Shooting Sports Academy.

10 months ago

Great staff, reasonably priced. Very friendly place

a year ago

Recently joined as a member, and can say this has been one of my favorite places to go shooting. The owner and range officer are exceptional every time and are very friendly. The facility is clean and they do their best to keep the casings away from the pit you are assigned. I look forward to coming here whenever I can and the environment is very friendly towards new shooters such as myself. Thank you!

a year ago

I highly recommend Shooting Sports Academy for both range practice and training. I enrolled in the Handgun Skillbuilder Sessions as a beginning shooter, and the progress I made in 3 weeks is just amazing! The instructor/owner Mahesh Reddy exceeded all my expectations, helping me to work through previous frustrations and really excel as a new shooter. My accuracy skyrocketed very quickly, and it has been really fun to practice engaging multiple targets. I did (and still do) a lot of dryfire practice to hone the skills I learned in class. You get out of it what you put in!! Looking forward to continuing to train at SSA!!

a year ago

I took the Skill Builder Series in May 2023. The facility is simple, robust, and very clean by indoor range standards. The course included three sessions over three weeks: Fundamentals, Movement, and Low-light. I found that the lesson plans were not overly rigid and that the instructor fostered a sense of horizontal pedagogy without introducing any safety risks. I was introduced to many new concepts and got to practice techniques IΓÇÖd seen elsewhere in a controlled environment under the supervision of an expert. Personally, I found the experience to be worth the cost and hope to return soon. The instructor and owner, Mahesh, has an uncommon style among firearms experts. He is soft-spoken, patient, safety-oriented, and wise enough to make quick preventative calls - he removed and rescheduled a student for a solo lesson after seeing the student jump at every gunshot. MaheshΓÇÖs temperament is precisely tuned to training novice to intermediate shooters - he was understanding but very firm when someone mistakenly unholstered at an inappropriate time, and he will regularly pause an exercise to explain it clearly to any student who is unfamiliar with a given concept. Overall, 9/10. 5/5 instructor, 4/5 facility. If youΓÇÖre getting bored at the range and want to learn some more involved shooting, or if you ever intend to carry a weapon, Shooting Sports Academy should be your first stop.

a year ago

I took a one hour lesson from Mahesh and was very happy with the outcome. He is extremely patient and was able to get me to implement important techniques in a very short time. Well worth the time and money.

a year ago

Found this place through a friend and glad I did. Greeted as soon as I walked through the door, thoroughly briefed on all procedures and regulations, was supplied with ear protection and safety glasses as to I did not have any with me, very reasonable half hour and hourly pricing. The range itself was very nice, temperature controlled and very clean, as was the restroom which was a huge plus. Owner was absolutely amazing to deal with and if you are new makes you feel really comfortable and will help with whatever you need. I will definitely be coming back and getting a membership here, highly recommended.

a year ago

Mahesh is a fantastic instructor. He not only helped me but also my wife. His approach is fun and, most of all, safe. Our skill level has improved.

a year ago

I really like the skill building courses, plus there are opportunities to repeat the drills later on at a nominal cost. Being close to where I live is also a plus, as there are no excuses or obstacles to continue training. In comparison with simply shooting in one direction in a lane, the courses I've taken to this date are three dimensional, with movement, reloads, clearing malfunctions, cover, concealment and low light real-life situations. The owner is knowledgeable, friendly and open to questions and suggestions, with safety his highest priority. Having checked out the alternatives, there really aren't any within a 20 minute radius of Newtown, Bethel, Trumbull or Fairfield. Highly recommended, looking forward to seeing you at Shooting Sports Academy!

a year ago

The owner Mahesh was very knowledgeable and professional. He has a great teaching style and came highly recommended to us and totally lived up to his name. His staff went above and beyond to make us comfortable. Mahesh we will see you soon my friend. Thank You for all the tips.

a year ago

I canΓÇÖt say enough good things about SSA and itΓÇÖs owner/ instructor Mahesh. We were referred to him from a friend and traveled from Long Island to Connecticut to take one of his many courses available and couldnΓÇÖt have been more pleased. He was a pleasure to deal with along with his staff. They have a SAFE, fun and friendly atmosphere where you can feel at home. As an instructor Mahesh was very thorough, patient and professional. We will be returning to take many more of the courses that he provides and instructs. IΓÇÖve dealt With a lot of instructors/trainers in the past and Mahesh was the most knowledgeable, skilled and professional that I have encountered. Would give 100 star rating if I was able to.

a year ago

SSA runs excellent training programs and I have participated both as a student and an instructor. I really enjoy working with Mahesh considering his balanced, disciplined approach to firearm skills and safety.

a year ago

Exceptionally knowledgeable professional

2 years ago

The staff here does an outstanding job!! Love this range. 10 for 10 would recommend!!

2 years ago

The facility itself is nice. I came with my own eyes, ears, targets, guns, and ammo. All I needed was range time. With the first responder discount, it cost me 56 dollars for an hour of range time in 1 lane. Bridgeport shooting range costs 15/hr for one lane. Furthermore, most ranges offer binder clips to hold the target in place. When I noticed there were no binder clips, I was told by the owners wife that I should know to bring my own tape to the range. I have never been to a range that would blame an inconvenience on a customer and then rudely tell them itΓÇÖs their fault they canΓÇÖt put their target up. I came here when it first opened and wasnΓÇÖt impressed. I went back to give them a second chance and was met with the same conclusion, donΓÇÖt waste your time.

2 years ago

2 years ago

Great business, very knowledgeable owner in Mahesh. Within days, he was able to source two tactical shotguns that I had been looking for over 6 months. Nice range and outstanding safety and tactical courses for the novice through the expert.

2 years ago

I participated in the Women's Training Tuesdays, great 4 week course for all levels. The owner and staff are very knowledgeable and make you feel safe. The instructions and tips were spot on. I would recommend the range to anyone for practice and group sessions.

2 years ago

I participated in the WomenΓÇÖs League. We were all at different levels of experience. The staff provided everyone with group and individualized instructions. I am not a beginner shooter. The staff evaluated my current shooting and provided me with correction, advice, and specific drills to enhance my skills. The staff is very friendly and outgoing. We all had lots of fun & laughs throughout the course. I would highly recommend SSA!

2 years ago

I am a NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. Shooting Sports Academy is a fantastic place Mahesh the owner is very knowledgeable in Firearms his prices are reasonable I bought the Sig P320 from him that you see in the photo and is my favorite firearm. The shooting range is great. You will not be disappointed if you come to Shooting Sports Academy I take all my students here.

2 years ago

3 years ago

GREAT PLACE FRIENDLY STAFF.

3 years ago

3 years ago

All around great experience. Husband and Wife owners are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Place is clean and well keep. In this day and age, supporting local business is more important than ever. This place is worth supporting and I'm grateful to have a well run range nearby.

4 years ago

SSA has a great selection of rentals that helped me decide on a purchase. The Staff was patient in listening to my needs and helping me ifind what I was looking for. I will continue to practice here as I feel that I'm always welcome and treated well. Mahesh: Thanks for teaching me and setting me on a safe and responsible path of pistol ownership and care.

4 years ago

Have been six times, trained my wife and I for our basic pistol course. Patient and friendly, always ready to answer any questions we have. Very clean facility and good selection of pistols for rent.

4 years ago

Avoid!

4 years ago