Guns, like cars and dumbbells, are often associated with boys. That’s why every time I watch action films, I always find it cool when the main character is a girl with impressive gun skills. This inspired me to try firing a gun just for the experience, though I didn’t have a specific plan on when to visit a shooting range.
Fortunately, I was lucky to be invited by Miss Alyssa Neo of RMDC to visit Stronghand Shooting Range on October 4, 2015 (see the end of this post for the complete address). Stronghand Shooting Range opened in October 2010, and the following year, it was recognized by the National Police Academy as the Best Shooting Range in the Philippines. This place is definitely worth your time if you’re looking for fun indoor activities in Manila.
Moreover, Stronghand Shooting Range is Asia’s first and only toxic-free indoor shooting range. A toxic-free environment means the absence of harmful toxins commonly found in shooting practice, such as airborne lead, barium oxide, sulfur oxide, and antimony oxide.
Stronghand Shooting Range Facilities
Requirements
You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID — no ID, no shooting. Participants must also be 18 years old or above. You are allowed to bring a camera and phone inside the training room. I’m pleased to share that the ear muffs smell clean and well-maintained.
Training
Conducted by Mr. Randy Nanadiego, a PPSA member and NROI chief range officer, I’ve learned the rules of gun safety, how to handle and clear a pistol, and how to shoot a target.
Heads up:
• Guns are heavy, so expect your arms to feel exhausted — hence, you really need to have a strong hand. Pun intended!
• Loading bullets into the magazine requires a lot of strength.
• The gun should always be pointed downrange (at the target area), even when at rest.
• Keep your index finger off the trigger when not shooting.
• When aiming at the bullseye, you might experience that “double-eyed” feeling.
As I listened to the instructor, he emphasized that holding a gun is both a privilege and a responsibility. It has the power to take a life or save one; thus, he explained what true self-defense means. Possessing a gun does not necessarily mean using it to harm someone, especially if there is no immediate threat.
I learned from Stronghand Shooting Range that the right stance includes bending the knees, positioning your dominant foot at a 45-degree angle, extending your arms fully, maintaining a strong grip, leaning forward, and focusing on the target — all essential components for hitting the bullseye.
Since I am right-handed, Sir Randy said that my dominant eye should be the right. However, when I started shooting, it seemed like my left eye was the one guiding my aim. He then suggested that I might actually be left-handed. It’s fascinating to discover that fact.
So I held a .45 caliber with .45 ammo. Given the opportunity for 20 shots, I hit my one and only bullseye on my third attempt at a 5-meter distance. I scored 6 As, 1 C, and 3 Ds. For my 10-meter distance, I managed 4 As, 4 Ds, and 2 bullets missed the target board. Lol!
The instructor said that I was pulling the trigger too hard, which caused my shots to go sideways. He compared it to an SLR camera, where pictures get blurry when the shutter button is pressed too forcefully. I appreciated the comparison; it made the concept easier to understand.
After that, I had a certificate telling that I have completed the “Proper & Practical Pistol” course. Nice! I thank the universe for allowing me to accomplish this goal of mine. If I just have enough money, I guess I’m having this as my hobby. FYI, every Wednesday is Ladies Shoot so a 50% off for range fee and firearm rental.
For rates, here it is. You may also message their Facebook page.
Membership – 5,000
renewal – 2,000
| item | member | guest | Foreign |
| Range fee | 100 | 500 | 750 |
| Firearm rental | 300 | 500 | 750 |
| lesson | 800 | 1,000 | 1,500 |
| Ultrasonic gun cleaning | 500 | 1,000 | 1,500 |
Non-toxic ammo |
|||
| 9 MM | 9 | 10 | 15 |
| 40 SW | 10.35 | 11.5 | 15 |
| 45 ACP | 10.35 | 11.5 | 15 |
| 38 SPL | 9 | 10 | 15 |
| 380 ACP | 8.1 | 9 | 15 |
| 357 SIG | 10.35 | 11.5 | 15 |
| 357 MAG | 10.8 | 12 | 15 |
| 10 MM | 10.8 | 12 | 15 |
| 38 SPR | 10.35 | 11.5 | 15 |
| 44 MAG | 14.85 | 16.5 | 22 |
So, whether taking this as a new hobby, new learning, or just to have a unique day, head on at:
Stronghand Shooting Range address: La Defense Building 1660 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Cubao QC.
721-7174 or 0927-424-3855
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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but not swayed to write positive reviews. Photo watermark is named after my old site.
