Try Before You Buy
Firearm & Bow Testing in Clarksburg, MO
Don’t Guess. Test It First.
At Mid Missouri Archery & Shooting, we believe that every piece of equipment should feel right before you take it home. That’s why we offer our Try Before You Buy program — a unique opportunity to test bows, crossbows, and select firearms on-site at our private range before you commit to a purchase.
It’s simple: when you visit our shop, we’ll help you narrow down your options, answer your questions, and then give you the chance to shoot the equipment yourself. No pressure. No guessing.
Why Try Before You Buy?
Every shooter is different. What feels great in someone else’s hands may not suit your draw length, grip, or experience level. With Try Before You Buy, you can:
Feel the difference between brands and models
Compare draw weights, trigger pulls, and balance
Confirm comfort, accuracy, and performance
Get professional guidance while testing
Make a confident and informed decision
What You Can Test
We offer range testing for a wide selection of in-stock equipment, including:

Archery:
- Compound bows (various brands and draw weights)
- Crossbows from Ravin, Excalibur, and more
- Recurve bows for traditional shooters
- Youth bows and beginner-friendly models

Firearms (Subject to Availability & Clearance):
- Handguns: Semi-automatic and revolver models
- Rifles: Bolt-action and AR-platform options
- Shotguns for sporting, home defense, or hunting
How It Works
While we accept walk-ins, some services require more time, tools, or parts. For more complex requests, we recommend calling ahead to:
Visit the Shop
Our staff will walk you through current inventory and help identify what you want to try.
1
Choose Your Gear
Select bows or firearms that meet your needs and budget.
2
Get a Range Orientation
We’ll walk you through the safety rules and show you how to handle each item properly.
3
Test It Yourself
Use our private range to test draw cycles, trigger response, recoil, and more.
4
Buy with Confidence
If it feels right and performs well, we’ll finalize your purchase and include setup or service if needed.
5
Range Access Requirements
To ensure safety and compliance, the following guidelines apply to all Try Before You Buy sessions:
Firearm testing requires valid photo ID and legal eligibility to possess a firearm
All range use is supervised by staff
Eye and ear protection required (available if needed)
Range access is by appointment or staff availability — walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed
Participants must follow all posted Range Use Rules
All test items remain property of Mid Missouri Archery & Shooting until purchased
Frequently Asked Questions – Try Before You Buy
Is there a fee to test equipment?
No. Try Before You Buy is a complimentary service for serious buyers. If you’re here to shop, we’re here to help you test.
Do I need to schedule in advance?
We recommend calling ahead, especially for firearm testing. Bow testing is more flexible, but appointments ensure availability and staff time.
What if I test something and decide not to buy?
No pressure. We’re here to help you find the right gear — even if that means waiting or continuing your search.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Guests are welcome, but all participants must follow range safety rules and be supervised during testing.
Bow Testing & Custom Fit
For archery customers, our Try Before You Buy program includes:
Draw weight evaluation
Draw length measurement
Grip style testing
Peep alignment & form assistance
Arrow flight verification
We’ll walk you through how each bow performs — and how to feel the difference in stability, release, and shot cycle. Once you’ve picked the right bow, we’ll include free setup and tuning so it’s ready to shoot before you leave.
Ready to Schedule Service?
Whether it’s time for a cleaning, an accuracy boost, or a full custom build, our gunsmith is ready to help you get the most out of your firearm.
ADDRESS
64286 Old Fifty, Clarksburg, MO 65025
