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We are open weekends - 
by appointment only

What is the Best Outdoor Shooting Range near Columbus?

public gun range

We are!  On Guard Defense is nestled in the beautiful Hocking Hills just an hour southeast of Columbus with shooting ranges for pistol, rifle, shotgun and archery!

On Guard Defense archery range in Hocking Hills Ohio
Archery Range

Not into guns?  Try your hand at archery!  We have four 30-yard archery ranges with target bags and backstop. 

If you want to zero your bow, you can do so from our elevated tree stand to prepare you for the hunt. No gear?  Rent ours!

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outdoor pistol and rifle range
Pistol/Rifle Ranges

We offer a 65-yard tactical range and a 35-yard pistol range.  Both are designed with the defensive shooter in mind.  Whether you want to zero your new rifle, shoot targets or practice your draw skills -- you can do that and more at On Guard Defense!

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On Guard Defense Winter Specials Tuesday Wednesday and Friday
Gun and Bow Rentals

No gun? No problem! Our handguns rent for a flat fee of $15 and long guns rent for $20. If you want to rent multiple guns, you can choose any three and pay a discounted rate of $40.

Check out our rental inventory below.


FAQsRental Guns
On Guard Defense Winter Specials Tuesday Wednesday and Friday
Bach Parties

If you're looking for a unique and fun way to celebrate your bachelor or bachelorette party, look no further than On Guard Defense.  We're the #1 destination for fun in the Hocking Hills!

Bach Party Packages start at $50 per person.  All packages are customized to suit your needs whether you want to do archery, learn Krav Maga, shoot guns - or any combination.

If your party has 5 or more people, the bachelor (-ette) attends free!!

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On Guard Defense hosts private parties and events, bachelor party, bachelorette party
Private Events

Don't host another boring event at a golf range.  Bring your group to the gun range instead! 

We host corporate events, bachelor & bachelorette parties,  birthdays and more!  Let us help you design an event that no one will soon forget!!

Range and indoor meeting space available.

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Gun Range Packages


Shooting Range

Range Pricing

If you're bringing your own guns and gear and just want to throw some lead down range, the cost is $35 / person for up to 2 hours on range for adults and $20 per minor child.  Additional hours @ $15 / shooter.

Contact us to make a range appointment.

Pistol Package

Includes 2 hours on range, one handgun from our rental fleet, loaner eye/ear protection, paper & steel targets.  Ammo sold separately; prices vary by caliber. - $45 

Contact us to make a range appointment.

Rifle Package

Includes 2 hours range rental, one rifle from our rental fleet, loaner eye/ear protection, paper & steel targets.  Ammo sold separately; prices vary by caliber. - $50

Contact us to make a range appointment.

Shotgun Clays

Includes up to 2 hours on range with clay thrower rental, one shotgun from our rental fleet, loaner eye/ear protection, 25 shotgun shells and 25 clay targets. - $80

If you supply your own guns/ammo, you pay standard range fee ($35) + the price is $20 for the first round and $5 for each additional round.

Contact us to make a range appointment.

Triple Threat

Our Triple Threat 3-Gun Shoot is designed for 4+ shooters who want to experience a more challenging course of fire involving each of the weapon systems (pistol, AR-15 and shotgun) engaging paper, steel & moving targets.
 
You supply guns / ammo: $100 / shooter
We supply guns / ammo $150 / shooter 

Contact us to make a range appointment.

Private Instruction

Not sure you're ready to dive right into a concealed carry class?  Already got your CHL/CCW but want individualized training?

Let us tailor a private range session that meets your unique needs and desired outcome.

Private instruction is available for $50 / hour or $75 / hour for couples.

Contact us to make a range appointment.

Gun Rentals

No gun?  No problem!  Our handguns rent for a flat fee of $15 and long guns rent for $20.  If you want to rent multiple guns, you can choose any three and pay a discounted rate of $40.

Check out our rental inventory below.



Rental Guns

Sign our Waiver

No one shoots on the range until they have completed our Release from Liability Waiver.  You can do so when you get here, but it saves time at check-in if you do so in advance.

If you're bringing guns, we ask that you leave them in your vehicle until after check-in.  CHL / CCW holders should keep their firearms holstered until instructed otherwise.

Online Waiver

Range FAQs

Got questions?  Take a look at our FAQs to find answers to commonly asked questions.  Otherwise, give us a call!


  • FAQs

    Q: A group of us are coming to the range but some are just coming to watch. Is that okay?
    A: Non-shooters are assessed a $20 fee per person.

    Q: How old do you have to be to shoot on your range?
    A: We welcome shooters ages 10 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.

    Q: I am pregnant. Can I still shoot at your range?
    A: Lead exposure is a potential risk to you & your baby. Since we want you to be healthy, we do not allow expectant moms to shoot on our range.

    Q: I want to join my friends at your range to shoot but I'm nervous because I've never shot before. Should I just stay home?
    A: We specialize in new shooters which are typically our BEST shooters! Yes, you read that right!! Our team will guide you through the gun safety rules and give you a hands-on demonstration of the proper gun handling techniques. We show you how to load/unload the firearm & how to resolve common malfunctions. When you're out on the range, you're never unsupervised since we have one or more Range Safety Officers present ON range at ALL times that will assist you, when needed.  Come on out with your friends & you'll have a blast!

    Q: What are your hours?
    A: Public range hours are available 7 days a week from 10AM - 6PM by appointment. 

    Q: Do I have to make an appointment to reserve range time?
    A: While we do accept walk-ins, your best bet is to reserve range time by calling ahead. In addition to our public ranges, we hold various classes and group events which may not be published on our website. We don't want you to waste a trip out here only to find that there is no availability.

    Q: Can I bring my own ammo or do I have to buy it from you?
    A: Guests may bring their own ammo or purchase it from us. Steel core, green tips, tracer & armor-piercing ammo, black powder & Tannerite are prohibited.

    Q: Are there any limits on the caliber of gun I can shoot at your range?
    A: Our pistol & rifle ranges are rated up to, but not including, 50 caliber.  Muzzleloaders are prohibited.

    Q: I don't have eye & ear protection. Can I get those from you?
    A: Yes. You can borrow eye & ear protection from us at no extra charge.

    Q: Do I have to bring my own targets?
    A: No. We provide target stands with paper & steel targets on the pistol and rifle ranges. Clay targets are available for purchase or have been included in your sporting clay package. Premium targets (swinging, drop-down, etc.) are
    available to rent for additional charge. You are also welcome to bring your own targets to use.

    Q: I just bought a new rifle that I need to zero. Do I still have to pay $35 for 2 hours when I will only be there for 1 hour?
    A: No. Our standard rate of $35 / shooter assumes you'll be here for ~2 hours. For one hour or less, you pay the discounted rate of $20.

    Q: What's the best way to find your range?
    A: We're located at 66211 Bethel Road, New Plymouth, Ohio 45654. While it might sound simple to plug it into your GPS and hit "GO", we're in the sticks of the Hocking Hills so here's a few tips.

    Cell service is dicey out here so plug in the address before you head out while you have a strong signal. For those coming from Route 33 in Logan, ignore your GPS if it tells you anything other than taking Route 93 from Route 33. Follow 33 to Logan and take the 2nd exit (Route 93) and head south. Follow 93 South until you reach Bethel Road. Turn left onto Bethel Road and veer left to follow the road past the entrance to Ravenwood Castle. Continue on Bethel Road and our facility is located on the left hand side of the road approximately 1/4 mile past the castle entrance.

Private Event Packages


Group Classroom

All in the Family

If you're a household with guns, you need to be a household that trains all members of the family on the safe and proper use of firearms.  Packages are based on training for one type of firearm (pistol, rifle, shotgun).  Ammunition is purchased separately based on how much you shoot.

Adults: $50 / Minor Children: $20
 

Bachelor Party

Don't waste your money on a trip to Vegas when you can bring the boys out to the Hocking Hills for the ultimate Bachelor Party! 

Don't worry if some of the guys are new to guns.  We tailor a package that includes personal instruction so everyone is on the same page and design a course of fire that is challenging & fun!!

Check out our Bach Party page for more details! 

Bachelorette Party

The boys can't have all the fun!  The Hocking Hills is also the perfect place to gather the girls and soak up all there is to see and do here.

We offer parties that can include archery, unarmed self-defense (Krav Maga), shooting or a combination of activities! 

Check out our Bach Party page for more details!

Birthdays

Birthdays are something to celebrate and there's no place better than the range!  We can help plan a birthday bash that includes archery or guns.  Our training center is also a great place to host family and friends for food / cake before or after your shooting event!

Contact us for a quote to host birthday parties for kids large and small!!

Corporate Event

Get your team off of Zoom and out to the range!  Whether coming together for a team meeting or escaping to the Hocking Hills for a weekend business retreat, we can accommodate groups up to 40 in our conference/training room to take care of business (if you must!) and then design team-building activities on the shooting range.

Contact us for a quote.   

Customized Training

Our grey man (ladies, too!) training is for clients who prioritize and protect their privacy and prefer taking classes with their own peeps separate from our standard public classes. 

Choose from any of our standard course offerings or let us tailor a customized class that exceeds your expectations!

Contact us for a quote.

Archery Range Packages


Archery Range

Range Pricing

If you've got your own gear and just want to use our archery range, the cost if $15 / hour for adults and kids.

We have an elevated tree stand set at 30 yards if you wish to zero from it. 

Intro to Archery

Whether due to the Olympic Games or Hunger Games, if you want to try your hand at archery, we can help!  We'll provide the up to two hours on the range, rental gear and a certified NASP Instructor to guide you through proper safety, form and technique to get your shots on target!!

Adults: $55 / Minor Children: $35
 

Kids Archery Party

Looking for something to do for the littles?  Bring them out with their friends for an archery party!  There's really no age limit; kids just need to be strong enough to manage a bow draw weight of 12 pounds.  We use Genesis-brand bows and have NASP-Certified Instructors to help them be successful.  Archery is an excellent skill and tons of fun!

Contact us for a quote.  

Rental Guns


Heritage Rough Rider
Smith & Wesson 22 Compact
  • Caliber - .22LR
  • Single action only
  • Great for new shooters, very little recoil
Smith&Wesson M&P 22 Compact
Smith & Wesson 22 Compact
  • Caliber  - .22LR
  • Reduced scale version of full sized M&P semi-automatic pistol
  • Great for new shooters, very little recoil
Smith & Wesson M&P 380 EZ
Smith & Wesson M&P 380EZ
  • Caliber  - .380 auto
  • EZ to rack slide
  • Smallest recommended caliber self defense semi-automatic
Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm EZ
Smith & Wesson M&P 9EZ
  • Caliber  - 9mm
  • EZ to rack slide
  • Most common and least expensive self defense cartridge
Sig Sauer P365XL
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  • Caliber  - 9mm
  • Micro-compact concealed carry
  • Holosun red dot optic
Sig Sauer P365
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  • Caliber  - 9mm
  • Micro-compact concealed carry
  • Tritium night sights with a similar feel to the Sig P320
Glock 43
Glock 43
  • Caliber  - 9mm
  • Micro-compact concealed carry
  • Glock's smallest 9mm
Glock 17
Glock 17
  • Caliber  - 9mm
  • Most widely used law enforcement pistol
  • Full size frame
Glock 19
Glock 19
  • Caliber  - 9mm
  • Excellent concealed handgun option
  • Compact frame
Sig Sauer P320
Sig Sauer P320
  • Caliber  - 9mm
  • Compact concealed carry semi-automatic pistol
  • Smaller version of US Military Service pistol M17 and M18
Ruger GP100 Revolver
Ruger GP100 Revolver
  • Caliber  - .357 Magnum or .38 Special
  • Double action / Single action revolver
  • Smooth trigger press with excellent accuracy

Rental Rifles


Ruger 10/22
Ruger 10/22
  • Caliber  - .22LR
  • Great for new shooters, very little recoil.
  • Features a red/green reflex sight making this rifle easy to aim
Ruger 10/22 Tactical
Ruger 10/22 Tactical
  • Caliber  - .22LR
  • ATI Tactical conversion kit
  • Features a red/green reflex sight
Smith&Wesson M&P 15
Smith&Wesson M&P 15
  • Caliber  - .223 or 5.56mm or .22LR
  • M4 style carbine semi-automatic rifle - AR15 platform
  • Features an EOTECH  Holographic Weapon Sight
Savage 110
Smith&Wesson M&P 15
  • Caliber  - .223
  • Bolt action rifle
  • Features a scope
Henry Big Boy Lever Action
Henry Big Boy Lever Action
  • Caliber  - .357 Magnum .38 Special
  • Lever action cowboy rifle
  • Beautiful wooden furniture
Henry Lever Action
Henry Big Boy Lever Action
  • Caliber  - .22LR
  • Lever action cowboy rifle
  • Great for new shooters, very little recoil
Marlin 1894 Lever Action
Marlin 1894 Lever Action
  • Caliber  - .45 Long Colt
  • Lever action cowboy rifle
  • Beautiful wooden furniture

Rental Shotguns


Mossberg 500
Mossberg 500
  • Caliber  - 12 Gauge
  • Pump action
  • Great for targets or clays
Remington 870
Remington 870
  • Caliber  - 12 Gauge or 20 Gauge
  • Pump action
  • Great for targets or clays
Mossberg 930 JM Pro
Remington 870
  • Caliber  - 12 Gauge
  • Semi-automatic
  • Great for targets or clays

Rental Archery Gear


Genesis Bow
Remington 870
  • Draw weight - 12 to 20lbs
  • Passive aiming - no sights
  • Great for beginners
Recurve Bow
Remington 870
  • Draw weight - 35lbs
  • Simple sight
  • More advanced bow
Hoyt Powermax
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  • Draw weight - 50lbs
  • Features an EZ-V Sight
  • Compound Bow
Crossbow
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  • Draw weight - 150lbs
  • Features a scope
  • Great for beginners