The Glock 19 may be the single most recognized handgun on any range in America — and for good reason. It’s compact enough for concealed carry, large enough for comfortable shooting, and reliable enough to be trusted by law enforcement and military personnel worldwide. Its striker-fired action, lack of external manual safety, and consistent trigger pull make it one of the most training-friendly pistols ever made.

At our Kennesaw range, the Glock 19 is a perennial favorite among both first-time visitors and seasoned daily carriers. If there’s one pistol to understand thoroughly — its grip, its trigger, its manual of arms — this is it. The simplicity that makes it approachable for beginners is the same simplicity that makes it a serious tool for experienced shooters.

The ZEV Technologies HyperComp is one of the most talked-about performance pistols on the range right now — and once you shoot one, it’s easy to understand why. Built on ZEV’s OZ9 V2 platform, the HyperComp integrates four tapered vertical ports directly into the barrel that vent gases upward to dramatically reduce muzzle rise. The result is one of the flattest-shooting compact pistols available, letting you stay on target and get back on the sights faster than virtually any standard pistol in its class.

What makes the HyperComp particularly clever is what it doesn’t do — it delivers compensator-level recoil reduction without adding any extra length or mass to the overall setup. ZEV’s patented steel receiver runs the full length of the pistol, providing more than double the slide-to-frame contact of a standard polymer frame, which further reduces vibration and felt recoil. For experienced shooters in the Kennesaw and Atlanta area who want a serious performance upgrade for range sessions or competition, the HyperComp is a standout choice. ZEV also introduced a Combat HyperComp slide kit in 2025 that lets Gen 3 Glock 19 owners drop the top end onto their existing frame — making the platform more accessible than ever.

Smith & Wesson’s M&P line has long been a staple at ranges and in holsters across Georgia and the Southeast. The Shield Plus specifically has become one of the most popular compact carry pistols in recent years — slim enough for everyday carry, with a higher-capacity magazine than its predecessors and a refined trigger that makes it genuinely enjoyable to shoot at the range.

For new shooters in the Kennesaw and Marietta area looking for their first carry-oriented pistol, the Shield Plus is frequently recommended for its balance of shootability, size, and value. It’s approachable for beginners without feeling like a compromise for more experienced hands.

No list of popular range firearms is complete without the 1911. Designed by John Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in — as the name suggests — 1911, this platform has remained in continuous production and widespread use for over a century. At ranges across Metro Atlanta, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly entry models to hand-fitted custom builds, all sharing the same iconic single-action trigger and grip angle that generations of shooters have come to love.

The 1911’s manual of arms is more involved than modern striker-fired pistols, making it a platform that rewards dedicated training. For intermediate and experienced shooters, that engagement is part of the appeal. The crisp, short trigger reset is widely regarded as one of the finest in any production handgun.

The Ruger 10/22 is arguably the most popular rifle in America — and it’s earned that status by being genuinely excellent at what it does. Chambered in the affordable and low-recoil .22 LR cartridge, the 10/22 has introduced more shooters to rifle fundamentals than perhaps any other platform in history. Its reliability is legendary, its aftermarket customization options are nearly limitless, and the cost per round makes extended range sessions genuinely affordable.

For first-time rifle shooters in Georgia, the 10/22 is the ideal starting point. The minimal recoil lets you focus entirely on fundamentals — sight alignment, trigger control, breathing — without the distraction of managing a heavier-recoiling cartridge. Seasoned shooters love it for casual plinking and skill maintenance between centerfire sessions.

The AR-15 platform is the most widely owned centerfire rifle in the United States, and its presence at any Atlanta-area shooting range reflects that reality. Available from manufacturers including Ruger, Daniel Defense, Smith & Wesson, and many others, the AR-15’s modular design, manageable recoil, and broad accessory ecosystem make it one of the most versatile rifles available for home defense, range training, and recreation.

For intermediate shooters looking to develop rifle skills beyond rimfire, the AR-15 is a natural progression. Its ergonomics are intuitive, replacement parts and accessories are universally available, and the variety of configurations — from compact home defense builds to precision mid-range setups — means the platform can grow alongside your skills.

The Mossberg 500 is one of the best-selling shotguns in American history — a pump-action workhorse that’s equally at home in a duck blind, a home defense role, or a range session. Its ambidextrous safety, dual extractors, and straightforward manual of arms make it accessible to new shotgun shooters while its proven reliability keeps it in the hands of experienced ones.

For Kennesaw and Atlanta-area shooters new to shotguns, the Mossberg 500 is an excellent introduction to the platform. Understanding pump-action mechanics, managing 12-gauge recoil, and developing a consistent mount and swing are foundational skills — and the 500 is a forgiving, reliable tool for building them.