If you're looking for a range in Alabama, I'd recommend going somewhere else. They still require a…read moreCCW permit to join, even though Alabama went full constitutional carry back in 2023. The state law clearly says no permit is needed to carry concealed anymore, but this place is sticking to the old requirement just to be extra gate keepey about 2A. It's their private property, so they can set their own rules I understand that. But the part that really stands out is how they deny ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE members if they don't have a CCW. Let get real these are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect and defend the Constitution, including the Second Amendment. And yet they're being told they need a government issued permission slip just to shoot at this range BWAHAHAHA. That feels completely backwards and disrespectful to those who serve. Most folks aren't going to go through the extra steps classes, fees, paperwork, fingerprints, photos, and waiting periods when the state already says you're good to go without any of it. If you want a background check just run every member though any of the 1000 background check sites. It ends up just being straight gatekeeping, limiting access to only those who already got the government's approval. CCW permits have ALWAYS been unconstitutional because the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms without needing government permission slips it's a fundamental right, not a privilege granted by the state. Big miss for this range It's disappointing to see a place that's supposed to be pro-gun still doing this in 2026 Alabama, especially when it affects active duty members who just want to go enjoy their rights. If you're looking for a no-hassle spot with better vibes, try the Talladega range, Sentinals, or Hoover Tactical if you need a rifle range and if you are lucky just shoot at a friend's place if you know anyone with land no CCW anti 2a Drama. This one gets a 0/10 from me. Save your time and go elsewhere.

My name is Steve Ross. I've been a member of this range for something like15 years. There's not…read moreanother range within 50 miles that can hold a candle to it, or compare with the Jon's management team, Lee and Dave. Safety is their first and most important requirement, and if you intend to shoot there you're required to take the safety course. You may think you don't need it but a refresher is always in order. An attitude such as I've noted in a couple of posts here doesn't recommend you no matter how experienced you may think you are. All the years I've been a member at FOP Pleasant Grove I've never had a bad experience with any of the staff. My grandson learned to shoot there because I trusted the quality and safety of his instructors, The only times that left a sour note -- and they've been very, very few through the years -- it's been because some member or visitor thought the rules were for someone else. Jon -- thanks for all you do for your members, neighbors and the public. In service, amenities and cost you're the best. Please use my name if you post this review.

TL;DR: This is an amazing firearms training center with outstanding, humble, friendly, and highly…read morequalified instructors. I can't recommend them enough - I bought the lifetime membership! I traveled from Colorado to Alabama to take this two-day shotgun course. Admittedly, I was a little hesitant at first to put such faith in an organization I had no first-hand knowledge of; there was a lot of unknown to me for such an investment. After I purchased the course (which included a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Semi-Automatic shortgun and other freebies ($1,149 MSRP; $1049.99 on Cabelas https://www.cabelas.com/p/beretta-a300-ultima-patrol-semi-auto-shotgun), I also purchased their lifetime membership which was offered at a very discounted rate after the 2-day course/shotgun purchase. More risk. Lastly, I was hesitant about a semi-auto shotgun (vice a pump) for my primary home defense weapon. After firing this weapon for 2 days, I am convinced it is extremely reliable (and potentially faster and definitely less complicated in a high-stress defense situation) and have been made a "believer." It's replacing my Mossberg 590A1 as my primary home defense piece. Our primary instructors were Carter, Steven, and Ammon. Carter, the lead instructor, immediately set a friendly, humble tone for the class of 12 students, all of whom (in our class's case) were fairly veteran gun owners. Every person there was also kind, humble, and a pleasure to be around. While I believe that most people are genuinely friendly, I also believe that when the tone is properly set, as Carter did, that friendliness is brought to the forefront. Great start. I also learned the qualifications of the instructors (https://patriottrainingcenter.com/about-us/). They are all very impressive with many recognized industry qualifications. The book that comes with the course is spiral-bound and 120 pages. It is an AWESOME reference, both during and after the course. We had about 2 hours of instruction and went to the range. SAFETY IS AN ABSOLUTELY TOP PRIORITY HERE. I never felt concerned, even once. These gentlemen know how to run a range, bar none. The training was fun, engaging, exciting, and challenging. I learned so much. They'll tell you at the beginning that it's "drinking from a firehose," but honestly it felt like a great pace to me. Lunch breaks were an hour, and felt generous time-wise, especially if you bring a lunch - there is a microwave and paper plates, bowls, and plastic utensils available (my experience there). For the course, Patriot Training Center sells the ammo package for $280. If you bring your own, HIGHLY recommend you purchase low-recoil buckshot and slugs (~1300 FPM, **NOT** the 1600 FPM full-power ammo!!). They recommend 00 Buck for home defense. Regardless of which ammo you personally choose for home defense, I recommend bringing THAT ammo to test against the targets - we saw a HUGE difference in shot patterns and spread from the "cheap" to the "quality" ammo (they recommend 2 3/4" Federal FliteControl (LE13300) #00 Buck **8-pellet** (not 9-pellet!!), or Hornsby Versatite Black #00 8-pellet shells. In my case, I did not know this ahead of time and had the 1600 FPM buckshot and slugs. Fortunately, the Beretta A300 is a gas-recoil shotgun which reduces recoil about 40% (per their website). FWIW, I was not sore at all after firing about 180-200 shells over 2 days (all birdshot the first day; birdshot, buckshot, and slugs the second day). Not to humble brag (lol), but I am in pretty decent shape - YMMV, so get the low-recoil stuff. As I said before, I also bought their "lifetime membership," which allows you to go back for their other courses, to include 2-day rifle and shotgun, 2- and 4-day pistol (both with and without red dot), and their 2-day active shooter response course. You can attend as many of these courses as your time allows, and as many times as you want. We had a guy in our class who had attended 10+ times already. Amazing, amazing value if you take advantage of it. To sum up, I couldn't be happier with my purchase: great instructors (as human beings), great instruction, great range, and a great experience. Highly recommend!!

Participated in the 2 day Red Dot Pistol Course. Incredible instruction. Good mix of classroom and…read morerange with most of the time spent in live fire. Great instruction that almost felt personal with an instructor/student ratio of 1/3! Really picked up some quality drills and things I can do away from the class to improve my shooting. Real world realism and HIGHLY focused on safety. I have never participated in a firearms class that I wished was a week long! For me it was a total mind shift in regards to quality training and ways I can get better. I will be back again. I highly recommend PTC.

Mac did a wonderful job in teaching my family firearm safety and tactical home protection. He came…read moreto our home for the classroom lesson and he was hands on, which made things so much easier for my family to understand. Mac and Men of Standards Executive Security are the real deal.

Willie is a great teacher! I had a great time learning the basics of my pistol. I would definitely…read morerecommend him to everyone I know.

Has to be the best range in the area. Helpful and friendly staff. Fair pricing. Excellent…read moreselection.

Truly an amazing experience…read more Jim Patterson took the time to educate us on the history of each of the many machine guns that they have available on display and to shoot. It was both educational and much fun. They may have the largest selection of machine guns available to fire. His right hand Wade was a great instructor in how to use a hand gun. A wonderful experience and definitely worth the time and modest investment if you're within 60 miles of Lake Martin, Alabama.

They said it'd be about an hour before they looked at my broken gun. After 2 days I just picked it…read moreup, still untouched. We'd told them we were on vacation and in a hurry.

From the owner: Guns, ammo, and accessories, gunsmithing. Bring your wife to see Kim's Korner - women can shop too!read more