Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range Reports Strong July Performance; Second 100-Yard Bay Operational

La Luz, New Mexico Reporting by Journalist Chris Edwards — The Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range is marking a significant expansion with the completion of its second 100-yard multipurpose bay and announcing preparations for two major regional championships in the coming weeks.

Facility Expansion Supports Growing Demand

The newly operational 100-yard bay represents a major capacity upgrade. Clean fill material has been delivered and spread across the impact berm and 40 feet along side berms, thanks to donations from local nonprofit organizations. The facility’s decision to construct 100-yard deep bays is already proving beneficial, providing ideal depths for diverse shooting events.

“This depth is ideal for so many different shooting events,” said Mark Douglas, Range Director.

Strong July Operations

The range safely served 816 people in July, including 69 participants in five competitions and events. This month’s activity reflects the facility’s growing importance as a regional shooting venue.

The range continues to support 10 different law enforcement agencies, including the Alamogordo Police Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Department, New Mexico State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and several others.

Regional Championships Bring National Attention

This weekend, the USPSA Area 2 Steel Challenge Championship will draw competitors from Florida to California. Often described as “drag racing with a gun,” the event will utilize all eight General-Purpose bays. The 200-yard bay is being used for participant parking, while the 50-yard bay serves as a function test area. The Otero Practical Shooting Association is hosting and coordinating the competition.

Looking ahead, the range will host the USPSA Area 2 High Desert NM Sectional Championship during the third week of October. The event has already generated significant interest, with 250 registered participants and a waiting list. The new multipurpose bay was one of the key factors in bringing this prestigious championship back to the Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range.

Financial and Operational Update

July brought $7,738.87 in income from fees, target and snack sales, donations, passes, and taxes. The facility’s diverse revenue streams reflect its multi-purpose mission serving competitive shooters, law enforcement agencies, and recreational users.

In July, the range sold 57 passes of various categories, with notable demand from military discount holders (32 passes) and families seeking recreational access.

Community Connections

The report highlighted two touching moments. Staff discovered an abandoned briefcase at the front gate, which turned out to be a donation from a longtime customer who passed away in 2025—a high-quality metallic rifle rest that will serve future range users.

The facility also hosted some unexpected summer visitors: four baby skunks that took refuge under the classroom deck, obtaining water from the HVAC condensation line. The skunks behaved considerately, moving out within a few weeks.

Facility Improvements Continue

The range recently replaced two 25-year-old signs along South Scenic Drive, which serves as a popular walking and exercise area. The facility also coordinated mileage markers along Scenic Boulevard with the Friends of the Land and Legacy Recreation (FOLLR) organization, promoting both the shooting range and the outdoor recreation area.

Growing Digital Presence

The range’s online visibility continues expanding. Facebook generated 7,256 views in July, representing a 57 percent increase from July 2025. Google Business Profile interactions reached 41 calls (up 5.1% year-over-year), with 128 direction requests. Searches for “shooting range” and “shooting range near me” continue to drive discovery of the facility.

Looking Ahead

With two major USPSA championships on the calendar and continued facility improvements, the Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range is positioned as a premier regional venue for competitive and recreational shooting sports.

Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range19 Rockcliff RoadLa Luz, New Mexico(575) 443-9006

For information about range hours, fees, and upcoming events, visit the facility’s website or Facebook page.

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