The range will be closing at 5:00PM Wednesday, Nov 27th.

The range will be closing at 5:00PM Wednesday, Nov 27th.

Range Team

Our dedicated team is there to create a welcoming and safe environment and educate you about firearm use.

Meet GRITR Range Team

Eric Neal

Range Manager

Eric, 38, medically retired after serving 12 years in the military as an Army Special Forces, Green Beret. He is a highly decorated combat disabled veteran and graduate of the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, Military Free-Fall school, Special Forces Sniper Course, and the Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis & Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTAETC). He earned his bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Science from the University of North Texas, and a masters in business from the University of Southern California. Prior to retirement, he served as his unit’s Director of Training. On his free time he enjoys spending quality time with his 3 daughters, reading, cooking, and going to the gym.

Stephen “Steve” Waschka

Training Coordinator

Steve, 28, is a USCCA Firearm Instructor, Range Safety Officer, certified in basic pistol and basic rifle instruction. He is also a United States Marine Corps reservist and has served 5 years as an Artillery Fire Control Specialist. These Marines are critical for defensive and offensive indirect fire missions. Steve has been with GRITR Range since September 2020. He is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology. During his free time he enjoys fishing, and spending time with friends and family.

Coolest gun ever shot: MK19 Automatic Grenade Launcher
Farthest shot made: 800 yards
Favorite handgun for rent: Beretta M9A3

Kalyn “Bucky” Buchanan

Range Supervisor

Bucky, 33, is a Texas LTC instructor and a CCHDF firearm instructor. He served 5 years in the Marine Corps as a Military police officer. While stationed in Camp Pendleton, he was attached to the Special Reaction Team. This unit spent most of its time training with various outside law enforcement agencies and training other units in weapons and tacticsIn his free time, Bucky has various interests such as home improvement projects, watching horror movies, and hanging out with his 3 dogs and his wife.
 
Coolest gun ever shot: MP5
Farthest shot ever made: 900 yrds
Favorite gun for rent: Staccato C2

Michael Conrad

Lead Firearm Instructor

Mike, 27, is a USCCA Range Safety Officer and CCHDF firearm instructor. He served 4 years in the Marine Corps as a machine gunner. Marine Corps machine gunners  operate a variety of machine guns, including the 7.62 mm Medium Machine-Gun, the 50 cal., and the 40mm Heavy Machine-Gun. They provide direct fire support to infantry rifle squads, platoons, and companies. Currently, Mike is an 11B Infantryman in the Texas national guard. He aspires to become a US Army Special Forces “Green Beret”. During his free time, Mike has various interests such as Weight lifting, jiu-jitsu, red dirt country music, and going to football games.

Coolest gun ever shot: M240L
Furthest shot made: 1000 yards
Favorite handgun for rent: Hi-point

Robert “Rob” Rose

Lead Firearm Instructor

Rob, 28, is a USCCA certified Range Safety Officer and Instructor. He is a former paralegal and avid researcher of 2A law. He has concealed carry training through Louisiana State Police, as well as a long personal life around firearms. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in pre-law from Louisiana Tech University. Prior to Gritr, he was director of operations for a clothing company, as well as an entrepreneur. On his off time, he enjoys weightlifting, cooking, shooting, working on cars, paintball, and spending time with friends and family.

Coolest gun ever shot: FG 42 Auto rifle
Farthest shot made: 1000 yards
Favorite handgun for rent: Archon Type-B

Robert “Bobby” Harris

Firearm Instructor

Bobby, 25, is a USCCA Range Safety Officer and CCHDF instructor. He was an infantryman in the Marine Corps with 1st Bn, 3rd Marines; and the 3rd Littoral Combat Task Force. He acted as a designated marksman, combat life-saver, fireteam leader, and combat marksmanship instructor. He also competed in multiple Marine Corps shooting competitions. He is currently working towards his Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation, and is a licensed airplane pilot. He aspires to become an airline pilot. He enjoys flying, weight lifting, and studying history.

Coolest gun ever shot: Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifle
Farthest shot made: 1125 meters
Favorite handgun for rent: Staccato XC

Jared Smithwick

Firearm Instructor

Jared, 27, Is a USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer and Instructor. He served 4 years in the United States Coast Guard as a Gunnersmate. In this position, he worked with everything from small arms to 76mm weapons systems. His responsibilities included training personnel in proper handling of weapons, ammunition, and pyrotechnics. During his time off he enjoys hunting, shooting, cooking, and gunsmithing.

Coolest gun ever shot: 455 Webley Revolver
Farthest shot made: 1000 yards
Favorite handgun for rent: Scorpion EVO3

Joshua Whiteurst

Firearm Instructor

Josh, 32, Is a USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer and Instructor. He is a Texas native who started his career as a firearms instructor over a decade ago. He competed with the International Defensive Pistol Association (I.D.P.A.) in 2017. After learning the ropes in competition shooting, he found a new passion for defensive shooting and security. He currently holds an LTC instructor certification and went on to attain his Level 3 armed security certification. Additionally, he owns Secure the Mind Training Group. SMTG seeks to functionally and practically train citizens, security firms, and LEO professionals on the basis of protecting oneself by sharpening our most valuable asset, our mind. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and attending baseball games.

Coolest gun ever shot: Barret 50 cal
Furthest shot made: 140 yards with a 1911
Favorite handgun for rent: Staccato XC

AJ Lonky

Firearm Instructor

AJ, 27, is a USCCA Range Safety Officer and CCHDF Instructor. AJ served 4 years in 1st Bn, 3rd Marines, as a Scout Sniper and team leader. Scout Snipers provided close reconnaissance and surveillance to the infantry battalion. By doctrine, a Scout Sniper is a Marine highly skilled in field craft and marksmanship who delivers long range precision fire on selected targets from concealed positions in support of combat operations. As a scout sniper, AJ deployed to multiple countries in the pacific theater to support joint US and coalition force security operations. AJ is currently pursuing certification to be a firefighter to continue serving his community. During his free time he enjoys going to the gym and practicing mixed martial arts. 
 
Coolest gun ever shot: Mk13 Sniper system
Farthest shot ever made: 1550 meters
Favorite gun for rent: SA 35