I just moved to the area from Boston, where I had a great experience as a member of my local range. I miss those guys since I knew them all personally after several years of shooting every Saturday.
I started to search for a new "home" here in So FL and I visited several ranges and shot at them all. The first one I went to was a sweat box, with a small number of lanes, and outdated and oversized target hangers. I buy my own "splatter" targets and they don't fit. The owner gave me a sheet of large craft paper and some tape so I can use my own targets. Oh well... next!
The next range I went to was OK, their shop was clean and the range was functional but needed clean up; paint and maintenance, not a great experience.
I came to Yelp before visiting Shoot Straight and saw they had several negative reviews. So I had my eyes wide open for arrogant staff and other problems sited in these reviews.
I arrived and waiting just a few minutes until I was greeted and asked to fill out a form, which I did. Then, I was assigned a lane in one of several ranges. The range has a big A/C blower for each lane and can be aimed conveniently for comfort. I found the target hangers were perfect for my own splatter targets and I had a very nice experience. After shooting, I asked to see several firearms in the showcase and was patiently and courteously waited on by one of the staff members. It did take 3 or 4 minutes before someone could help me but it was busy at the time I arrived.
I had several questions about a particular handgun and the person who assisted me was friendly and knowledgeable. I am an experienced shooter and I was granted the courtesy of being able to ask several questions and take my time.
I decided this was the best place so far, so I decided to come back once more for a test, to make sure the staff was as welcoming as I had experienced during the 1st visit. I chose their busiest time as the litmus test. I returned Saturday morning at 10:15, a few minutes after they opened. Once again, I was treated like a gentleman, with respect and courtesy. I spent less than 5 minutes getting my lane and the customer service person checking me in was efficient and welcoming.
I once again had a great shooting experience, I found the range comfortable to work in and easy to get set up. This range is the longest indoor range I had yet to experience, which is a good thing for when I am practicing with a rifle.
The only downside to the range was that the target hangers, which are suspended on wires, took several minutes to "calm down" and stop swaying before I could start shooting. I don't know if this can be fixed, it just may be the characteristics of a long-wire target transport system. But, it is annoying and wastes time. At my last range we never had that problem but it fairness, the length was shorter.
I decided that I would join as a member and I was told to stop by in a few days to pick up my official membership card.
I am happy with the experience I had, I thought the range was well designed, the store had a lot of inventory to choose from and ammo was available, but expensive when compared to buying elsewhere.
I am optimistic that I will enjoy my membership and look forward to getting to know the owner and staff. If you do decide to swing by, remember that a little patience will reward you with a good experience, as it did for me. read more