Austin shooting range reopens bays six days after blast
The 25-yard section resumes operations Saturday, while the 100-yard range stays shut until Monday.
By Alina Carter ·
Shooting customers at The Range at Austin can return to the 25-yard bays this Saturday, Oct. 31, ending a six-day pause in operations following an explosion.
The facility, located at 8301 S. Interstate 35 frontage road, sent an email to patrons confirming the partial reopening. The 100-yard range remains closed through the weekend, with a planned return to service on Monday, Nov. 2.
The shutdown began at 10:37 a.m. on Oct. 25 when the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office received a report of an explosion. No injuries were recorded, and the office launched an investigation into the cause of the blast.
Witnesses on Reddit described a loud explosion and a brief fireball inside one of the bays. Several accounts stated that staff moved customers out of the building quickly, while one person reported smelling gas in the aftermath.
The business initially told customers that the shooting bays would stay closed indefinitely for maintenance, even though the retail store and gunsmith shop continued to operate. The Range at Austin has not specified which repairs were finished or if investigators have identified a cause.
In the latest communication, the business stated that customers should check in as usual and that existing safety procedures remain in effect.
