Great Swamp Shooting Range

Great Swamp Shooting Range operates as Rhode Island's public shooting facility within the Great Swamp Management Area. The setup is straightforward: a 50-yard range and 100-yard range, both covered and equipped with safety baffles and curtains between stations. The baffles are covered in mortar board to minimize ricochets and reduce noise.

• •Handguns
• •Shotguns
• •Rimfire rifles
• •Centerfire rifles (under range officer supervision)
• •Muzzleloaders
• •Air guns

The range runs seasonally from April through October. Weekday hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; weekends close at 5:00 PM. Hours may vary due to staffing, training, maintenance, or weather. The range is closed from November through March.

• •Free permit required before shooting. Applications open February 1 and close October 17 annually.

New adult shooters need: - Completed application - Government-issued photo ID - Gun safety credential (Hunter Safety Card, RI Pistol Permit, military ID, or equivalent)

Minors can apply with parent/guardian supervision (no safety cert required for applicants under 18). Both new applicants and renewals must attend a Range Safety Orientation—typically under one hour, held throughout the season with no appointment needed.

The range has been redesigned with new benches, improved safety baffles and curtains, and a solar-powered range office to reduce energy use.

Great Swamp facilitates the state's Hunter Safety Education Program, focusing on safe storage, transport, handling, and shooting. The range provides a structured environment for accuracy practice, scope sighting, and centerfire rifle training. DEM offers related courses throughout the season.

277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI 02892 (follow signs from the office complex)

• •Range Supervisor: [email protected] | 401-575-6331 (M-F 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM)

• •Education Office: [email protected] | 401-539-0019