I took my son to the range to shoot today. As we approached the counter, one of the young men behind the counter asked what caliber rifle we were going to be firing, and I told him. He asked to see the rounds we were going to be firing, and I obliged, and gave him the five 30- round magazines of ammo we brought. I understand that confirmation is needed to make sure we didn't bring the wrong type of ammo to an indoor range. He immediately snapped at me "don't ever bring loaded magazines like this again". I understand that Hoover Tactical has policies, but I wasn't crazy about the idea of his tone and the fact he was talking to me this way in the presence of my son as I'm being a compliant customer. The man behind the counter emptied all of the magazines in a plastic tray. Again, I have no problem with this. As he was emptying the second magazine, he said "IM GLAD I CHECKED BECAUSE HE HAS ARMOR PIERCING ROUNDS!" He said this where there was no way that the others in line didn't hear it. I tried to tell him that none of the rounds I brought were armor piercing. I told him that I bought the rounds at palmetto state. He replied in a loud and arrogant tone "I don't care where you bought them!" I decided the best thing I could do was to let him conclude whatever he wanted to conclude. A few minutes later I heard him say very quietly "maybe they're alright". After he had unloaded the five 30 round magazines, I went to get the ammo and magazines from the counter. He said "Sorry I had to take them all out, not sorry for you, sorry for me". My line of work, I have to train with firearms. As a matter of fact, my employer has a contract with Hoover Tactical. It's a very convenient location for me as I live about a mile and a half away. But I don't patronize businesses that don't treat me like a customer. I hate leaving bad reviews, but I felt it was my responsibility to report the treatment my son and I received. It was unnecessary. read more

We packed up our range bag and headed to the only indoor range around (Hoover tactical) since it's too hot outside. As we approached the counter, the folks behind us were helped first. We started to fill out the liability waiver and I asked about ammo. I purposefully didn't bring ammo because I wanted to support the business by purchasing their ammo. I was told they were completely out of ammo and that I could find some at Marks outdoors down the road. Then I was told that the pistol range was closed so we would be using our pistols next to all of the rifles. The folks behind us were two young kids with an AK. I wasn't too happy to be sharing the range with these young kids and their AK. I wanted to brush up on some things with my wife so she would still be comfortable with the pistol we bought for her. So without ammo we left and headed to marks outdoors. As I was in the ammo section of marks explaining to the ammo attendant our situation, a random person next to me said that he always gets a mini draco inadvertently waved at him by some untrained young kids. So this would be 0 stars but u give it 1 because the folks at the front counter were very nice and they did tell me where to find ammo. We didn't bother shooting there today and I'll probably never go back unless I hear the safety requirements are being policed far more stringently. Too bad this is the only indoor range around... read more

Michael made this one of the most pleasant buying experiences I've ever had. I have to use at least 85 characters in this review, but I have nothing else to say other than Michael was extremely helpful. read more

Sometimes staff gives information that differs person to person, so it's hard to know what the rules are but overall a good time

Personally, I like Hoover Tactical a lot. They are always professional and very nice. Yes, it can get a little warm inside during hot summer months, but I've been in August before noon and it's not that bad. I like this range and the staff a lot & I would recommend! read more

We had good interactions with 2 of the 3 guys we dealt with, but one was a condescending dickwad. This is not our first time having this experience with this employee. Such a disappointment to have one guy who ruins it for everyone else. read more

Hoover Tactical - Guns & Ammo Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

Hoover Tactical Firearms' shooting range is like that charming, wise old uncle who knows a lot about guns: full of experience, but showing his years. The service here deserves a round of applause. Great guys and great service. The prices were very good. However, the range itself? Well, it's like a well-loved pair of shooting gloves - comfortable but starting to show its age. The range has the charm of an old Western, but with a few more cobwebs and a little less Clint Eastwood. The lanes have that "lived-in" feel. read more

Hoover Tactical offers a wide range of services and products. They sell both new and pre-owned firearms. Their stock rotates pretty quickly. There is always a number of people available at the sales counter to answer your questions or get the answers from another if that's their knowledge niche. Pretty sure this is the only indoor gun range in the area. Pistol range, long gun range, and archery range are all available. You can also try out firearms you might want to buy or just to use but don't want to own--for a small fee. You can pay per time or there are memberships available. Membership is the way to go if you go more than monthly; membership also gets you discounts on some things. I've never seen the snack bar/lunch counter open, though I'm not sure it would provide the necessary traffic for an independent owner to come in and staff it. read more

Will NOT let you shoot if a CAC is your only form of ID. Empty kitchen gives it a post-apocalyptic vibe in the waiting area that is the perfect ambiance if you are in to dystopian prepping. Generally amicable staff. Sorry to have to give it 1 star. read more

Very friendly and helpful staff. Reasonable prices and an excellent gun smith. Good indoor range. They carry a pretty good supply of parts and items to meet your basic needs. Instructors are excellent. read more

Friendly staff and well-stocked facility. As soon as we entered we were greeted, asked if we had been there before and given directives. Upon entering the range area, all the staff wasn't as enthusiastic. Most of the guys back there were awesome, but one guy, the manager of the range, wasn't as approachable. Overall, we enjoyed our time at the range and learned a lot in the sales area. The guy at the sales area was so patient, informative and non-judgemental. I highly recommend going here and purchasing a firearm from this location. read more

See all

I bought membership a month ago. I explained I was from Huntsville and was driving down to shoot with friends (a two hour drive). Even at discounted rate for veteran the membership cost almost 300.00 with no reservations allowed (first red flag). First Saturday during normal hours I come to shoot and there is a two hour wait for a lane. If I shot an hour, this would make for a 7- 8 hour day at the range for one hour of shooting time. Managment had no interest in refunding my money nor did they disclose this could happen or that there would ever be any meaningful wait time when they sold me the membership. When I tried to get a refund or work something out, perhaps pay for one month or something; they were not interested at all in compromise. You bought it sucker, eat it. DONT buy a membership. Definitely not worth it. For a much better and less expensive shooting experience go to the CMP in Talladega. Night and day difference in facilities and attitude. This veteran will actively tell my story of unethical practice of selling memberships when knowledge of such possible delays not mentioned. DONT BUY MEMBERSHIP! NOT AN EtHICAL BUSINESS. The drive to CMP will be less than the time you wait in frustration to shoot on this mediocre range at best. read more

VERY helpful! Dropped by with an old pistol to trade. Got a fair price and they had extra clips for another old pistol I love. And shared lots of great ideas for a target rifle. read more

One of the friendliest gun shops in the country. Great service, knowledgeable staff, and great selection. You'll feel good about giving HT your business. read more

They have someone trying to value trade-ins that has no knowledge of firearms. Like a 4 year old trying to diagnose an engine tick. Even the employees there say "comeback when she's not here cuz she doesn't know anything". Take your business elsewhere people. Also the range is laughable. Almost nothing positive to say other than they have a decent sized parking lot. read more

A great idea for a Sunday afternoon or date night. This place has great educational programs for beginners. A LARGE selection of guns to try before you buy...and a discount if you purchase from them after you try. They have lanes for handguns, as well as a rifle range. Not to mention a fantastic archery range. Highly recommend this place. The team is extremely knowledgeable and professional. read more

See all

Went to Hoover Tactical for my birthday. It was a mixed group with experienced shooters and inexperienced shooters. We had a fantastic time. Our instructor, John, was friendly, patient and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend using this facility. read more

Had a blast with my son. Nice clean well ran. Will be back next time in town. Huge place with nice selection on guns to try. read more

See all

This review is for the range only! The sales people are great! The range not so much. My family came to visit for Thanksgiving so we decided to go on a Tuesday. My husband was a veteran and knew guns very well. There were two other men experienced with guns and three women who were not. We went on ladies day and veterans, and first responders got a discount. There were six of us. We completed the waivers and went in to get some lanes. We were told a party of six was an "event" and required 48 hours in advance reservation... no where did the website say this. My husband said well I won't shoot and neither will another person with us. We were then told even with four people shooting we still had six people and we could not shoot. The person said his boss had left and asked his coworker. He said the same thing. Six people required a reservation and we could not shoot. So... we had to leave. Still can not believe that! But, we ended up shooting elsewhere and had a "blast" without HTF!!!! So be aware if they are busy and you go in with six people they won't let you shoot!!!!! read more

This review is long overdue. I had an amazing time here at the shooting range with my husband about 6 weeks ago. I was also gun shopping. I wish I remembered the gentleman's name who helped us but he spend about an hour counseling me on my options. The staff here are not only passionate about guns but also gun safety. Highly recommended read more

I wanted to sell my pistol and a friend recommended Hoover Tactical. It turned out that they aren't currently buying firearms but will sell on consignment. J. D. and the others there were very friendly and he did a great job with the process. I highly recommend them. read more

This unbelievable!!!!! I LOVE HOOVER TACTICAL AND THE ENTIRE SQUAD!! Today we went back and Kerry helped us!!! When I tell you that this gentleman is AMAZING TO HIS CORE I MEAN IT. He took the time out of his day to fix my gun ALL THE WAY CORRECTLY! He also conversed with me and I can tell you one thing he is a TRUE child of the Most High, whoever you believe that to be!!!! He is kind, resilient, helpful and SUPER KNOWLEDGEABLE about his job. Each person he talks to is a person!!! Not just inanimate object waiting for help! Mr. Kerry thank you for being you and who you are, if the world were full of people like you, JT and Taylor, mannnnnnnnn it literally would be peace on earth!!! You are beyond stand up guy Mr. K and my family and I will be forever grateful and loyal to Hoover Tactical because of you! I don't know who does the hiring or what, but you all Struck PLATINUM again with him!!! Thank you Mr. Kerry for being a beacon of positivity, genuine care, knowledge, and all around pleasant soul. You are remarkable and anyone who crosses you path is truly blessed. May you continue to have all of the blessings and love that you deserve. You are truly an angel on earth! You are truly moreeeeee than a pleasure to be around!!!!!! read more

Excellent customer service! Brian helped us only a couple minutes after we had walked into the store. He was great! Very knowledgable and incredibly helpful! First time I have come into the store myself and will definitely be back! read more

Had a little time to kill so I thought I would stop in and look around a little. Large store front that isn't overly cluttered up with stuff. Makes it nice to move around and see what they have. Large selection of new and used handguns, shotguns, rifles, AR. They also have tactical accessories, ammo, holsters, range back packs, cleaning supplies, shooting gear, etc. Prices seem reasonable across the board. When you go to the back they have a cafeteria and shooting range. Range can be crowded on weekends and during happy hour (Monday through Friday during lunch time). Knowledgeable range workers are very helpful and take great care of you. If you don't have a gun or the proper equipment they can get you set up with all that. Good selection of guns to choose from with a variety of manufacturers and calibers. The staff is friendly and helpful. While I was window shopping I had two people ask if I had any questions or would like to see anything. The food at the cafeteria isn't the best, but it's there so you can get away during your lunch hour and do a little shooting and grab a quick bite to eat. read more

See all

My partner purchased a new firearm and wanted to go and try it out. Hoover tactical has been conveniently located in Hoover for years so we decided to try it out. I've been to ranges a few times and while this one is not the absolute nicest it definitely isn't the worst and is worth a visit if you'd like to get off a couple of practice shots. The front of the store is retail, which is typical. They do offer a variety of guns, ammo, and accessories and the staff is friendly and eager to help you pick out what you need. The range is in the back half of the building. Once you enter the range there are 3 iPads lined up for you to sign in and do the required paperwork to be eligible to use a weapon and the range itself. After you sign in you head to the counter to purchase any ammunition you may need and to pick out your targets. We picked 3 different targets a piece and they ranged from about .25 to .75 cent. Very reasonable. Practice bullets we're about $30 for a 22 if you forget to bring your own. There were about 12 lanes in the pistol room. I would definitely like if there were more lanes for shooting but due to the size of the building I do understand. One thing that concerned me a bit is that though a sign limited the amount of people that can be on a lane at once there were a couple of guest that piled into a single lane anyway. Definitely a safety concern and possible distraction. No one enforced it. There was also a separate room for rifles however I did see patrons in pistol lanes with rifles. Ultimately I did enjoy myself and would return. read more

See all

My dad summed this place up perfectly after we went shooting one afternoon. "It's a bowling alley... with guns." HTF is a huge facility and their gun showroom is the largest I've seen. After walking through the showroom, you enter through glass doors into a cafeteria type setting (think bowling alley or roller rink) complete with concession stand, vending machines, fluorescent lighting, the works. Then you go through a queue to fill out your paperwork, pay and select your target (they have Barney ones... hmmmm). Two separate areas, one for handguns and one for rifles, have several "lanes" each. You will be assigned a certain lane, and then you enter through a double door system. Then you can shoot- that's the fun part. But be aware that many people around you will be there shooting massive charges at rapid speeds and this can be quite jarring. As I am more of a methodical shooter focused on technique, accuracy and precision, watching dudes try to shoot like gangsters in the movies (one handed and awkward) is both comical and annoying (well it depends on my mood). If you want to try out a gun they have for sale, the process is trying to say the least. The salesman will have to escort you to each checkpoint from showroom to the range, and will then stand directly next to you while you shoot your allotted 6 rounds. I found that to be unpleasant despite how much I loved the smooth trigger pull of the Ruger .357 mag revolver (it utilizes piano wire for a nice controlled action... oh lala!). If I really want to shoot and happen to be in the area, I would go to HTF again, but given that it is a bit expensive to shoot there, and the slightly overly micromanaged systems and the big-box store feel, I would rather go to a smaller range or just shoot cans in the backyard at the lake. read more

They tried to verify I had a tax stamp for my SBR. Being that they're not a government agency I felt no obligation to verify anything with them. Just took my business elsewhere. I'm pretty sure it was because they're not use to seeing a young black man with that kind of LEGAL firepower but whatever. People at this place are super rude and wouldn't recommend spending your money with these condescending assholes. I'll drive to warrior ranch in Brookwood before I spend money there again. And their ammo is wayyyyyy over priced. read more

I love Hoover tactical. I've been coming for over 8 years and it feels line a second home. Today a buddy and I came to look at AR's and ready to purchase when a sales associate "mike", bigger guy who wouldn't get off his stool was completely rude and condescending made me realize my business wasn't wanted. I've never had treatment like that from Hoover tactical. I have cash in hand ready to buy and will take my business elsewhere. Sad because of all the good memories eating at their food court and using the range. Oh well, guess I'll build new memories at mark's outdoors a half mile down the road read more

If you are nursing, pregnant, have young children, or do not wish to harm your reproductive health; DO NOT go anywhere near this foul place. They do not replace their range filters and have a massive lead contamination issue; and I mean a "healthy" coating of lead powder throughout the range and possibly the rest of the building. read more

Staff was friendly/knowledgeable. Enjoyed using the Range. I will return soon. Went on a Thursday it was busy but not crowded.

Very disappointing. The gun shop was decent, nice enough people, but I witnessed the rangemaster absolutely berate a guy for leaving his bag in the wrong spot in front of everyone at the range. The rangemaster actually seemed like a decent guy, but that was intimidating and exceptionally poor form. the staff at the range check in counter were disinterested in general. Very unfortunate. The place has a lot of potential, but I won't be coming back. read more

On a positive note the selection is great and the range is well spaced out. Unfortunately the customer service is terrible. The person behind the counter was not only rude and unhelpful but was unaware of policies/rates listed on the website. Instead of wasting everyone's time with half baked comedy routines do your job. Wouldn't recommend for beginners don't expect staff to answer questions. If you do come find out specific rate first as in my experience they tried to rip us off a few times. read more

Just like another local gun shop in Hoover, experienced horrible customer service here. I came to Hoover Tactical with hope's of purchasing my first gun. Before I could get the description of the gun I was looking for out, the customer service rep advised me that they didnt have the gun I wanted. Not only was he rude and didnt allow me to finish speaking, he never offered to sell me other products that were similar to my wants. I would not recommend this location. read more

Great location! There is ample parking and even a great little restaurant inside. Extremely friendly staff that always has excellent advice for pros and amateurs alike. They have a wide array of hand guns and long rifles for reasonable rental prices! Lanes areas are spacious with adjustable lighting as well. If you looking for something to do on a Saturday or you just enjoy putting a few rounds down range I would definitely recommend a visit to Hoover tactical, I never leave without seeing something I want to put on the wish list! read more

See all

Had a group of guys get together and shoot tonight. This place was absolutely incredible! The range officers were very supportive and polite. Had a blast with some friends shooting and eating at their grill!! Have to go for some shooting and a burger! The Bulls Eye Burger had an onion ring and was fantastic!! Love this place!!!! read more

Burger at Shooters inside Hoover Tactical is serious business. Try the Lock n' Loaded and thank me later. Great bun, hand made patty made fresh when you order. read more

See all

It was my first time shooting... or even seeing real guns so everything was so shocking to me. I didn't know what to expect. They have special rates for the lane during the day between 10-2pm, approx. $13 per lane. You can rent the guns there or bring your own. thankfully my friend brought his so i didnt need to rent and just bought some ammos. I also bought 2 targets.... which is probably too much for a newbie like me. I really enjoyed my experience, I thought shooting and targeting would be easy, you see it on tv, play it on computers or consoles. But it is soo different. Reloading the gun was pretty hard, so if you see it in movies the actor being slow, you will be slower. took me a good 10 min. This is definitely a good activity for Hoover area! read more

Great gun range and awesome selection of handguns and riles! Staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. This is my go to tactical store! They have everything you need and more!! read more

From humble beginnings in a small store across the street, Hoover Tactical Firearms ("HTF") has taken over an abandoned Bruno's grocery store front and has grown into one of the most massive gun stores I've ever seen. It's not the best gun store in the area... that honor goes to Simmons. But it's the best source for tactical/police/military supplies by far, and it's a very serviceable gun store in its own right. HTF also has by far the best indoor range in easy driving distance of Birmingham. I'd say their actual gun selection is better than Simmons, but I still think Simmons is the better gun store. The reason: HTF's gun prices are astronomically high. It's almost as if they're playing a practical joke on us. I suppose they can manage to charge those prices, since they're doing gangbuster business and it seems to be working for them. Just shop around... I'd wager you can find guns elsewhere for 80-90% of the price locally, and 65-75% of the price on the internet. On a $1000 gun, that's a lot of extra bullets. Or a range membership to HTF. The store has A LOT to praise. It has the best range, best gun selection, great location, clean space, a knowledgable friendly staff, and a great non-firearm selection... but it has crippling gun prices. I'm a fan, but I'm a fan who can't afford to shop for guns there. read more

My first time using their gun range with my new gun. The guys there are so knowledgeable! One of the guys practically gave me a 30 minute class on gun safety and how to handle my new gun with so much recoil. He oiled my gun, for free! Also, I asked one of the guys to come onto the range for a little extra support and he seemed extremely delighted to help me. I will definitely be going back in the future! read more