There are two reviews here... one for the store and then one for the gun range:
The STORE:
As other Yelpers point out, this place is big, and the decor is all decked out with the typical outdoors type of items, animal heads, birds, smaller game animals and the like. The aquarium and small little stream lined by artificial foliage is a great touch too. If nothing else, this is a nice place to walk thru just to look over the decor. If you have kids there is a little target range, much like you would see at a six flags.
Of course here you'll find tons and tons of fishing gear, a good selection of rifles, shotguns and pistols, as well as boats, some camping gear and all sorts of clothing geared to the outdoor enthusiast. There is an archery section and a limited knife selection as well. If you look thru the clothing sections, you can find sizes up to 5X on some of the racks.
I have found is that the staff here are generally on top of their game when it comes to knowing the product. I've at least experienced this with the guys behind the gun counter... they are full of good information and advice which is helping me narrow down my search for a pistol. I also like this place for it at times has some quirky items which you normally would not find someplace else, yet it is a great device.
As typical with other BPS, this place does come with a price. So, if I'm researching something, and want to get more than what is on-line I'll come here and obtain some great advice and hands on inspection. I'll then look else where to see if I can find it cheaper and if not, then I'll return back to BPS and get it or order it on-line.
As there are not many BPS around, this is one of those stores that many people have not visited. So, this is a nice walk in for friends or relatives who are visiting, and they like this sort of thing... even if it is just to gawk at the layout/decor of the place.
Overall, I give the store 4 stars.
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The RANGE:
For the range itself I'll break it up a bit in terms of rating the various things:
Check In Process: For obvious reasons they simply don't want you walking through the store with gun and ammo in hand. Thus, the check in process is a bit lengthily... or at least time consuming as they lock up everything which takes up a bit of time to do. In the end, I understand their overall security issue, but I do find it as an inconvenience. Check In = 1 Star
The Staff: Overall, they are nice, but I do at times get the feeling of being talked down upon and that they have a I'm better than you attitude. There is one guy, kind of funny, but at the same time he seems to have the natural ability of rubbing people's feathers the wrong way. Staff = 2 Stars
The Range: This is perhaps the cleanest range I've ever been to and well maintained. The air quality is outstanding and the noise level, even when at full capacity is extremely low. You only get a hint of a pressure wave when someone is using large bore guns. The lighting is also adequate and your able to see the target at all distances. I also like the automatic feature of sending out and retrieving the target. Although, don't forget to ask the rang master for the code in sending out & retrieving the target. Range = 5 Stars
Miscellaneous: The cost is pricey as with anything associated with BassPro. Rules on the FOID card... every shooter needs one so here they don't permit you to have your friends camp on along as what other ranges permit. Misc = 2 Stars
Thus, my overall rating for the Range would be 2 stars.
Would I come again to use the gun range? Yes. As it just happens to be the closest range to me and on the week day there always seems to be plenty of spaces open. So, within a 90 min window, I can get here, shoot off 200 rounds and be right back home again. On the weekends however, this place is always jammed packed, thus suggest calling well in advance to reserve a spot. But, then again, it's the weekend, drive a bit further North and visit Bristol. read more