November 10, 2026
Hillsdale College’s Halter Center Recognized as NSSF Five-Star Range
WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has awarded its prestigious Five-Star rating to the John A. Halter Shooting Sports Education Center at Hillsdale College. This marks the first time a university-owned and operated facility has achieved Five-Star status — the highest rating in NSSF’s star-rating system, which evaluates shooting facilities based on appearance, management, shooting sports development and amenities.
The Halter Center is a state-of-the-art shooting facility located five miles from the Hillsdale College campus in Hillsdale, Mich. Opened in 2008, the Halter Center aims to introduce individuals to the shooting sports and encourage interest across all levels of experience. Home to Hillsdale College’s collegiate shooting teams and the USA Shooting National Team, the Halter Center is also a resource for the surrounding region through camps, conferences and other public programming.
“Hillsdale College’s Halter Center stands in a class of its own. It would take something truly exceptional for the first university-owned and operated range to join the exclusive community of NSSF Five-Star rated ranges, and the Halter Center checks all the boxes,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. “The Halter Center has expansive range amenities, comprehensive services available to Hillsdale students and the public, as well as an attentive and engaged staff. It delivers in every facet of providing a top-class experience for range guests.”
Across its 125-acre facility, the Halter Center boasts four international skeet fields, a 25-station sporting clays course, eight American trap fields, five international bunkers, an action shooting range, an enclosed and climate-controlled five-stand range, an international archery range and the new Nimrod Complex, a 62,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor rifle and pistol building. It also features the AcuSport Lodge and Grill, along with eight cottages to accommodate overnight lodging.
“The John A. Halter Shooting Education Center is honored to have earned the prestigious Five-Star rating. It’s a testament to our professional and dedicated staff and the unwavering support of Hillsdale College,” said Matt Little, Halter Center Director. “With the support of NSSF, the Halter Shooting Center will continue to grow and excel teaching the shooting sports and the importance of Second Amendment.”
Home to Hillsdale’s national championship-winning shotgun and action shooting teams, the Halter Center serves as a world-class training venue for its student athletes. Olympians also have a regular presence around Hillsdale College. Through a partnership with the USA Shooting National Team established in 2019, the Halter Center serves as host for numerous national and international USA Shooting competitions, as well as training camps, for both junior and senior divisions.
Hillsdale College’s commitment to growing the shooting sports starts with its own students. In August, coinciding with the launch of the fall semester, Hillsdale hosted orientation activities for incoming freshmen at the Halter Center. Nearly 400 freshmen rotated through programming that included an introduction to the shooting sports with professional safety instruction and supervised air rifle shooting. Throughout the event, Hillsdale coaches and instructors emphasized safety, personal responsibility and respect for the activity.
Recently, Hillsdale College began offering NSSF’s First Shots® curriculum to serve as a component of credited courses for enrolled students — another way the university is emphasizing a safe introduction to recreational shooting.
The Halter Center is open to the public, offering range memberships as well as classes, camps and other programming focused on the shooting sports and the principles of the Constitution.
About NSSF
NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.
About NSSF’s Star Rating System
To achieve a Four- or Five-Star rating, ranges must demonstrate excellence in all aspects of management and operations. Ranges that earn a rating are prominently featured on NSSF’s Find a Range resource at LetsGoShooting.org, WhereToShoot.org and on the WhereToShoot mobile app. Does your shooting range have what it takes? Learn more about the program criteria and apply today to join the family of Star-Rated Ranges.
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