Our story
From a rural firing line to Florida's home range
Manatee Gun and Archery Club was founded in the early 1970s by a small group of sportsmen who wanted a safe place to practice and share their passion for shooting sports. What began as a modest range in rural Manatee County steadily grew as members volunteered their time, built facilities, and welcomed new disciplines of shooting.
Over the decades, the club expanded from a handful of firing lines into a diverse facility supporting rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery, while also hosting competitive events and training opportunities. Today, MGAC stands as one of Florida's most respected shooting clubs, rooted in its tradition of volunteerism and community while continuing to grow with new programs, improved facilities, and a strong membership base that carries forward the founders' vision.
- Early 1970sA small group of sportsmen open a modest range in rural Manatee County.
- The volunteer yearsMembers donate time and labor to build the firing lines, berms and pavilions still in use today.
- New disciplinesRifle, pistol, shotgun and archery join the lineup, followed by competition and training programs.
- Today350 acres, 11 ranges and bays, a 1,000-yard main line, a year-round match calendar and public access four days a week.
