Sanctum 1791 in Holly Ridge is a private social club for recreational and competitive shooting sports.
Tucked away on 116 scenic acres in Holly Ridge, Sanctum 1791 is not your average gun range. In fact, calling it a gun range almost feels crude. This is a private country club — just swap out the golf clubs and putting greens for tactical targets and clay pigeons. With a moniker that honors the Second Amendment and a hospitality ethos more in line with a luxury resort, Sanctum 1791 is redefining what it means to be a shooter’s paradise.
“This property started off with a team of owners as a place to come spend time together and shoot,” says General Manager Ryan Gilley. “They realized we have golf courses everywhere across the nation, but nothing like this with the same amenities for shooters.”
The idea quickly evolved from a shared private range into a destination — what some staff affectionately call a “gun-try club.” The name, too, is rich with meaning. “The word ‘sanctum’ is a Latin directive of sanctuary, which means freedom and patriotism,” Gilley explains. “And the year 1791 was when the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified to protect the right to keep and bear arms.”
Those guiding principles have shaped the property into one of the most extensive and thoughtfully developed shooting environments in the country. Across the sprawling acreage are a variety of state-of-the-art shooting experiences including a 60-acre sporting clay course, a two-level five-stand, 30 rifle and pistol bays, a 200-yard tactical range and a dedicated youth air rifle zone.
Each space is designed for safety, performance and enjoyment.
Designing the clay course was no afterthought. It was entrusted to Rick Hemingway, one of the most respected names in the sport. Known for building Back Woods Quail Club and helping reinvigorate The Meadows Gun Club, Hemingway brought decades of expertise to the project.
“Rick is one of the biggest names in the game,” Gilley says. “At Sanctum 1791, the course will feel different every time you shoot it.”
It is not just the variety of targets or the terrain — it’s also the technology. The course is electronic, using a card system to launch clay targets.
The tactical range offers just as much excitement and precision. With running-man targets that move side to side, 15
turning targets, steel options and 180-degree firing capability, it’s built for both training and competition. Barricades, advanced firing positions and nighttime lighting round out the space, giving members endless ways to engage.
“You can start at the beginning line and engage targets throughout,” says Marcee Finn, director of shooting and development. “It caters to everybody.”
Younger shooters are not left behind. A dedicated youth air rifle area introduces kids as young as 7 to safe marksmanship, with seated, gallery-style shooting and constant supervision from certified range safety officers.
Finn explains that inclusivity is a significant part of Sanctum’s mission.
“Our goal is to be all inclusive, not just to cater to a specific demographic, but also families, to get youth involved,” he says.
While the ranges themselves are a significant draw, they are only part of what sets Sanctum 1791 apart. The 9,000-square-foot clubhouse feels more like a boutique lodge than a firearms facility. Inside, members can find locker rooms with showers and Tombstone Bar & Grill, which is open Wednesday through Sunday for members and their guests. Lunch and dinner are served daily, with breakfast served on the weekends.
Additionally, Sanctum 1791 features a full-service pro shop named Eastern at Sanctum. Everything from firearms and accessories to sunscreen and bug spray is available.
“You can go anywhere and find a range or a clay course, but here we have a country club,” says Karen Burton, membership and events director. “Make yourself a reservation, dine and enjoy a drink, and relax on our patio/lawn area with outdoor entertainment and a beautiful waterfall.”
The outdoor space extends the atmosphere of leisure and community. A turf-covered patio with fire pits and a waterfall feature plays host to weekend events and live music, inviting both shooters and their families to unwind together. It’s a place where camaraderie thrives just as much as competition. Even the clubhouse’s classroom — used for instruction and meetings — is available for private events.
“Members can reserve/rent classroom space, the Air Rifle Range and the patio/lawn areas for private events,” Burton says.
Of course, safety and education play a central role. Sanctum 1791’s list of classes is as broad as it is deep. There are beginner programs like Sanctum Foundations, intermediate tactical sessions and advanced workshops including low-light scenarios and vehicle defense.
Women’s-only and youth classes offer tailored experiences, while NRA certification courses ensure that every RSO is trained to the highest standard.
“All of our instructors are certified, and every RSO is certified through the NRA,” Finn says. “We offer complimentary safety courses and have an online video that must be watched before your first visit.”
Even the most nervous first-time shooter is welcome.
“Every beginner will have the support of our staff at all times,” Gilley says. “Somebody will be on the range with you. We even offer one-on-one sessions so families can learn together and make lasting memories.”
Additional mini-classes, like Flying With a Firearm or How to Silicon Carbide Your Grip, reflect the club’s commitment to education and empowerment.
Currently, early adopters can become Founding Members, with benefits that include name placement on the Founders Wall and transferable membership status. But there is an even bigger incentive.
“This location is Sanctum 1791 number one,” Burton says. “Our owners have decided as a team to build more facilities across the country. Founding Members will have reciprocity at future locations.”
It is that vision of something larger — something both rooted in heritage and looking toward the future — that sets Sanctum 1791 apart. Whether it’s the glow of clays on a Friday night or the shared pride of a family mastering their first safety course together, Sanctum 1791 offers more than just targets and trigger time. It is a place built on freedom, connection and world-class hospitality.
TAKE AIM
Sanctum 1791
255 Preston Wells Road, Holly Ridge
(910) 660-9903
sanctum1791.com
