Colonial Academy in Richmond

[Snakester]

Went to Colonial Academy Shooting Range Wednesday morning . It is quite a place , very friendly staff and all that waited on seemed very knowledgeable . I don't have a membership , they ran through the prices and told me what included. Pretty informative , not overwhelming. Filled out a little paper work then watched a ten minute Safety Video and then went shooting. Nice range , top notch equipment . I shot my M&P 15-22 , 555 rd. bx. and 50 rds. in my Bond Arms Derringer .45 Colt. It was a good experience , nice shooting environment. I will probably go back , not interested in a membership . I enjoy shooting outside and with no one looking over my shoulder.

[ShotgunBlast]

That's a nice haul from Hopewell. I've been there and I like it too. I don't like that they charge by the hour. Don't want to feel like I'm always against the clock. Smoking Gun not doing it for you anymore?

[Snakester]

Smoking Gun is ok if it's raining cats and dogs and you just have to shoot ! I really like Ft. Lee , less than 5 miles away.$5 /for 1st hr. $2.50/ hr. after that.You shoot your own ammo. I wish they were open more. A lot of times they are closed on posted open hours.Some of the Military Guy's have Weapons that you would not believe. Everyone should try it.

[fmf]

I don't like that they charge by the hour.

That's exactly why I decided to get a membership. If I take a friend with me, we'll easily spend 2-3+ hours shooting and if I'm alone on my lunch break, I can grab a quick sandwich in the cafe and shoot for 1/2 hour. No time limits and lane reservation for members is a great thing.

[Rimfaxe]

Yes, this is an awesome place. I'm so glad that they are in Richmond. They are usually very crowded on the weekends, but fortunately they have recently designated 'member only' times for the ranges. This is a good change, especially for those that ponied up the buck for an annual membership.

I've bought a number of things from their shop- both guns and accessories. They have some pretty good folks working the counter, but there are some that can be kind of snotty on the phone. I know they're busy but you shouldn't treat customers and members that way sometimes.

The ammo selection and gun selection look like the day after Christmas-- it is picked clean for the most part. Not their fault, but it would be nice if we could get the basics. There is currently a two box limit on range ammo. Hopefully this will get better some day.

[arkypete]

A long time ago in Staunton, Bob Pastori had a nice little eatery named The Different Drummer. He made it point to make the beer 25 cents more then his competition. Like wise his burgers, lunch 25 to 50 cents more.
I suggested that his prices were limiting the volumn of customers, Bob smiled and said "I know!"

Jim