Opinion
WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has awarded Main Line Armory with its coveted Five-Star rating for range excellence. Five stars is the highest rating in NSSF’s star-rating system, which evaluates shooting facilities based on appearance, management, shooting sports development and amenities.
Main Line Armory is a 30,000-square-foot destination luxury indoor range located in Malvern, Pennsylvania — the western end of the historic Pennsylvania Railroad’s Philadelphia “Main Line.” Main Line Armory was founded in 2020 by veterans eager to serve their local community through training and an elevated customer experience, opening in 2023.
“Main Line Armory is well deserving of a Five-Star rating for range excellence. They meet all the marks (and then some) within the rating system which evaluates ranges based on Appearance, Management, Shooting Sports Development and Amenities,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. “The residents of Malvern and the surrounding areas are very fortunate to have such a first-class facility in their community to learn, build their skillsets and connect with others who enjoy the shooting sports.”
Inspired by local history and its proximity to Valley Forge and other significant sites, Main Line Armory incorporated elements of the Revolutionary War into its branding and throughout the facility. Three, 25-yard bays are named after Revolutionary War Generals who frequented the Main Line of Philadelphia.
“We knew that if we were going to create an indoor range that truly appealed to our local community, we couldn’t just build something modern. The space needed classic, timeless design elements that made people feel at home the moment they walked in. For many, this industry can feel intimidating — and we wanted to change that,” said Greg and Katie Butler, Main Line Armory Founders.
Main Line Armory has 21 state-of-the-art firing lanes, featuring custom LED lighting, touchscreen target controls and programmable scenarios. Range guests can practice with precision using 360-degree rotating targets and red/blue track-mounted lighting, simulating real-life scenarios. For guests seeking an exclusive experience, there is a five-lane private VIP shooting bay. Additionally, this facility is the only indoor shooting range in the Malvern area to offer a fresh-air ventilation system.
Membership is a key growth segment at Main Line Armory, which currently boasts more than 1,000 members across four membership levels. All membership plans include free 25-yard range time, discounts on training and services and invitation to private/member-only events — as well as access to the opulent Valley Forge Member Lounge. The Lounge has a walk-in humidor, cigar-smoking area, large fireplace, leather sofa seating and a kitchen area. To bolster connections in the community and among members, Main Line Armory regularly hosts themed events — such as Star Wars Night, Ladies Shoot & Sip, Bourbon & Barrel, Zombie Shoot and more.
In addition to its exceptional range facility, Main Line Armory has an expansive 4,000-square-foot retail space offering a robust selection of firearms and accessories. In addition, the Lady Knox Boutique — named after Lucy Knox, who concealed her husband’s firearm while joining Washington’s army at Valley Forge — features a wide range of concealed carry products for women and is the only showroom of its kind in the firearms industry.
As a veteran-owned business, Main Line Armory takes great effort to honor our country’s veterans and war heroes.
An example of this is the Dog Tag Chandelier Veterans War Memorial, which hangs in the main waiting area. The chandelier includes the dog tag of every service member killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, numbering 5,261, personally strung by Main Line Armory owners and their children.
Main Line Armory’s focus on training and safe storage underscores its position as a trusted, authoritative resource for gun owners in its community. The Main Line Armory Firearms Training Academy offers an expansive assortment of courses to appeal to students of all skill and interest levels, hosting both classroom and range sessions. Another way Main Line Armory serves its customers is by offering on-site storage options, such as locker and gun safe rentals.
“We’re proud to see Main Line Armory reach this milestone,” said Aaron Leisenring, Main Line Armory Operations Consultant. “The NSSF Five-Star evaluation provided a clear blueprint for elevating operations, identifying gaps and enhancing the experience for every guest. For any indoor range striving for excellence, it’s a must.”
About The National Shooting Sports Foundation
NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and 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
Membership dues for https://mainlinearmory.com/ is eye popping but lane rental for guests is in line with other ranges. Gorgeous facility though the hard surfaces in parts of the shooting bays makes me wonder how loud it is.