Colonial Shooting Academy

[familyman]

I went to Colonial Shooting academy today. It was very nice. They are having a soft opening. The retail space was huge although not everything is in stock yet; I'd say about 60%. Everything was priced reasonably. The ammo was CHEAP!!! As in price. Some of the best retail ammo prices I have seen. The people were really nice although some were not as knowledgeable about their own place As I would have liked, but hey, they might have been hired last week. I am not yet a member, so I paid my $20. I watched the 5 minute video (keep you booger hook off the bang switch, don't point it at nobody...that sort of thing). There was no background check as one article said. Then I was assigned a lane (lane written on the staple gun they gave me). There are a set of double doors that are a sound barrier. You put on your eyes and ears then pass through the next set of doors. The range safety officer was there and asked if I knew how to operate the target. I didn't so he showed me.

I am used to the ones at Dominion Shooting Range so I didn't know they came in digital. You punch in your desired distance and off it goes. There is a spotlight illuminating the target. The target can also be programmed to be moving and rotating. I wasn't going to get fancy on my first time out. The lanes were very well lit and comfortable. Very well ventilated.

Oh, and yes, you can shoot your own FMJ ammo.

I asked for a tour and they showed me the constitutional members lounge. I was shocked to see the door had a fingerprint scanner to get in!!! Very swanky inside but I was thinking there might be a TV in there for the amount they are charging for that premo membership.

All in all, it was a good experience. All the people shooting were neatly dressed and seemed more the upscale sort than the shady types I run into DSR. Dominion Shooting range is cheaper, tis true ([DSR] $8 range fee, $10 rental fee, plus expensive ammo vs. [CSA] $20 range fee, $15 rental fee, plus inexpensive ammo). But I much preferred the atmosphere of CSA. I will be going back. Don't know if I can afford the membership, but I like the option of bringing my own ammo.