Harry and Donna Stryker, co-owners of Strykers Shooting World (415 S. Valley Drive), are glad to have a back entrance to their business. The rear entrance off McSwain Drive is getting a lot more use right now during the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) road reconstruction on Valley Drive; it provides customers with easy access to the only indoor shooting range in Southern New Mexico.
“We’re a specialty store. With the road construction blocking access to Strykers, it’s been hard; but we have loyal customers who are elected officials, law enforcement, competitive shooters, people from all walks of life and all ages who just want to be responsible and educated gun owners. That’s why we provide a wide variety of firearms, a huge selection of ammunition, and all the firearm accessories anyone could want,” explains Donna Stryker.
“And of course, Strykers is a destination location with our indoor shooting range – the only one in the region,” notes Harry Stryker. Located on Valley Drive near the Amador intersection - right in the middle of the road reconstruction on Valley Drive - Harry admits they’ve seen about a 40% drop in business and have lost employees. But they stay proactive by connecting with the City of Las Cruces for access signage and attending the NMDOT monthly meetings.
Donna says over time the City and NMDOT have become more responsive to accommodating Valley Drive businesses. She said, “All the rancor won’t help businesses; they didn’t go out of their way to do this to us, stuff just happens.”
Strykers will celebrate its 9th year anniversary this July with a big sale, which should bump up business during what is typically their slowest season; and summer is the perfect time for customers who might want to get their conceal carry license with classes starting every month. For $150, it’s a two-day weekend course that will bring you up to date with classwork and shooting. Summer classes - which both Harry and Donna teach - are June 8, 9; July 20, 21; and August 17, 18.
The shooting range is also a way to beat the heat with its climate controlled temperatures. The first Wednesday of every month, Strykers Shooting World offers a “Ladies special” for the 25-yard shooting range; ladies don’t pay range fees.
For more information, check out the website at http://www.strykersshootingworld.com/ For the most up-to-date information on the Valley Drive road reconstruction, please visit www.valleydrive.net. If you have immediate questions or concerns, please contact Project Manager Ryan Tafoya at (575) 418-7891.
Submitted by The City of Las Cruces, which encourages residents to continue to support local Valley Drive businesses, and work with our local Chambers of Commerce in their efforts to provide support. For the most up-to-date information please visit www.valleydrive.net.