Narratively

Narratively

Share this post

Narratively
Narratively
Home on the Range
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Deep Dives

Home on the Range

Even in America’s least gun-friendly city, a small but steadfast group of New Yorkers insist on staying locked and loaded.

Daniel Krieger
Jun 18, 2013
∙ Paid

Share this post

Narratively
Narratively
Home on the Range
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share
Photos by Jessica Bal

The only public shooting range in Manhattan is tucked away in the basement of a commercial building at 20 West 20th Street. After passing through the lobby and descending a winding staircase, I came to a long corridor whose green walls are adorned with framed newspaper clippings, photos and painted-on golden bullets pointing the way. The muffled blasts of gunfire grew louder as I got closer.

Inside, the long rectangular room had a utilitarian array of chairs, tables, sofas, TVs, lockers and notices on the walls—

“NO Magnums,”

“Wear Eye and Ear Protection,”

“NRA Gun Safety Rules.”

The firing range’s fourteen shooting stalls run the length of the room, sealed off by a wall with large windows.

I visited the Westside Rifle & Pistol Range because I was intrigued that such a place could exist in one of the least gun-friendly cities in the country. I was curious about the rare breed of New Yorker who is licensed to own a gun.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Narratively to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Narratively, Inc.
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More