After reading many of the reviews, I decided to try and add an additional take on this shooting range. I'm giving it 5 stars because if you're an experienced shooter with your own firearm, there is no better value. Bullet Hole will give you everything you need to have a solid day at the range and keep up on your shooting skills.
To start, you cannot rent firearms here; Bullet Hole is for firearms owners who are looking to practice / improve / maintain their shooting skills or just squeeze off some rounds. As a result, the patrons are generally experienced shooters and there's a no-frills, but friendly/good vibe atmosphere that permeates the range. Although it's usually busy on weekends, I've yet to encounter wait time as there are enough ports to handle the volume of shooters. You park on the side of the building as mentioned in other reviews, pulling in to the graveled area running along the train tracks. There's always plenty of space and have yet to encounter any difficulty finding a parking spot.
They have an impressive array of all types of firearms (handguns and long guns) for sale and the prices are virtually identical to any other gun store in NJ; they are expensive, but you will not get ripped off any more than purchasing any where else. Ammo prices, however, are EXCELLENT and rival online bulk purchases when factoring in shipping. Prices for shooting are perhaps the most affordable in NJ; less than $15 for an hour of range time and targets at $0.65 each; an hour with 5 targets is less than $20.00 and you can share your port with someone else for no additional charge.
The staff is very helpful with people who have questions; in fact, every time I've been to the range (I frequent 3-4 times per month) the staff is assisting a customer and taking time to thoroughly explain and help with a potential purchase. As far as the staff being "rude" as posted by a few reviewers, they have a no-nonsense attitude and have to remember that this is a gun shop and range - not a Starbucks. They have to keep a watchful eye on what's going on in the front sales/staging area as everyone who is there for shooting is carrying a firearm (again-no rentals). For the customers' protection, they are professionally cautious with individuals that are new but once you get to know the staff and they recognize you, they are quite friendly and they begin to treat you like part of the Bullet Hole "family". A few of the staff have some "Northern NJ attitude" but it's nothing personal nor intended to be offensive and when you understand it, it's actually their sense of humor; being born and raised in Northern NJ, I was never offended and joke right back with them.
As far as the range itself is concerned, it's kept clean and well organized especially considering it's size compared to some of the larger ranges in NJ. The ventilation system is powerful (you can hear the roar of the exhaust fans when you're outside) and I've never left the range with even the slightest hint of smelling like gunpowder. The target holders work just as well, if not better than some of the other ranges as the clips are fixed on the racks and are protected by the upper steel frame. John, the main RSO on the weekends is a no-nonsense individual who does a great job keeping an experienced shooting crowd in-line and safe. He is extremely helpful and will answer any questions you may have. He has eyes like a hawk and will notice safety transgressions, while at the same time not being too obtrusive into your range outing; testimony to the professionalism yet solid experience one has at Bullet Hole. Once again, keep in mind that the experienced shooters coming here are often packing some serious rigs and the vigilance of the RSO's over that much firepower is for everyone's safety and benefit. John, for one, knows his stuff and is very friendly with regular shooters who often chat with him.
An added benefit to shooting side-by-side with experienced individuals is that many patrons will discuss their firearms with each other and are willing to let each other try their firearms (firearms DO NOT leave their ports - again, the RSO's are vigilant and do their jobs very well) - you have to step into another port if you're offered by another shooter to sample their firearm. This is what adds a really good vibe to the range.
Overall, I highly recommend Bullet Hole; if you're looking for a no-frills, economical range that is very safe and where you can shoot just about anything, this is the place for you. read more