How Texas LTC Instructors Can Avoid Being Gouged by Gun Ranges When Bringing Students There
As a Texas License to Carry (LTC) Instructor, you already invest countless hours into teaching responsible gun ownership, firearm safety, and Texas handgun laws. But one challenge many instructors consistently face is unfair pricing or inflated fees from gun ranges when bringing students for their Texas LTC handgun proficiency test. Red Cliff’s Range Event Coordinator (Chase Seegmiller) told Utah CFP Instructor Phil Snyder in November 2025, that HIS rates are higher than the rest of the world if he wants to train students on their range! Yeah, don’t use them.
If you’re running your own LTC classes—whether in-person or combined with an online Texas LTC course—keeping your costs predictable is critical. Here’s how Texas LTC instructors can avoid being overcharged and protect the value of their classes while maintaining positive relationships with local gun ranges.
1. Know the Standard Market Rates
Before agreeing to any range partnership, research the going rate for:
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Lane rentals
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Qualification fees
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Group rates
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Instructor or school partnerships
Most ranges in Texas charge anywhere from $10–$25 per student for a basic LTC qualification lane fee. Some try to charge $30–$50, which quickly destroys your margins. Hint don’t volunteer you are an instructor.
2. Negotiate a Consistent Instructor Rate
Ranges benefit from your students—period. They get:
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Lane revenue
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Ammo sales
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Target sales
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Potential new long-term customers
Because you’re bringing them business, request a flat instructor rate for your classes, such as:
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$100 for up to 10 students
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$10–$15 per student
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A discounted rate for ongoing monthly classes
This helps you offer stable course pricing without surprise cost hikes.
3. Avoid Ranges That Add Surprise “Instructor Fees”
Some ranges try to charge:
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“Instructor insurance fees”
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“Outside trainer surcharges”
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“Administrative booking fees”
These are rarely legitimate and are often created simply to increase profit. Ask for every fee in writing before committing—and walk away from ranges that shift their pricing at the last minute.
4. Establish a Long-Term Partnership
If you consistently schedule:
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Monthly LTC qualification sessions
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Weekend group classes
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Reoccurring private qualification appointments
…you have leverage.
In exchange for bringing them steady business, negotiate:
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Reduced per-student rates
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Preferred lanes
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Dedicated time slots
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Lower fees for repeat instructors
Ranges appreciate reliability—and they’ll often reward it.
5. Host Your Own Range Days When Possible
Some instructors avoid the issue entirely by:
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Partnering with private landowners
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Leasing time at private training facilities
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Using their own outdoor ranges (if licensed and compliant)
This gives you:
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Zero gouging
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Full schedule control
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Better student experience
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Potential for higher profit margins
Even an occasional private-range option gives you bargaining power with commercial ranges.
6. Consider Bringing Value to the Range
Sometimes you can negotiate better rates by offering something in return, such as:
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Promoting the range during your classes
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Linking to them from your website
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Sending them regular traffic from LTC students
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Helping with safety briefings or range awareness content
Mutual benefit builds strong partnerships.
7. Be Willing to Walk Away
If a gun range is taking advantage of LTC instructors, leave. Texas has hundreds of ranges, and many appreciate LTC instructors. You should never feel pressured into accepting unfair pricing or treatment.
Your students deserve better—and so do you.
8. Promote Ranges That Treat Instructors Right
One of the best ways to stop gouging is to reward the ranges that support instructors. Leave them positive Google reviews, recommend them online, and send your students back for practice sessions.
When good ranges get the attention and business, the bad ones either change—or get left behind.
Final Thoughts
Texas LTC instructors play a critical role in training responsible gun owners across the state. You shouldn’t be penalized with unfair range fees when you’re actually bringing business to them. By negotiating clearly, establishing partnerships, and knowing your worth, you can protect your earnings and continue offering high-quality Texas LTC classes.
If you teach the Texas Online LTC Course, pair it with a fair, reliable range partnership and you’ll deliver a much better experience for your students—without getting gouged in the process.