Looking 4 local ranges and instructor

[Sweetpea]

Hi - I'm in Alexandria and wondering if anyone knows of a good place to shoot (near by) besides the NRA-HQ range. I like it but not the drive. And would anyone be able to recommend an instructor? I'm thinking about getting into competition but have no idea how to start! I have a SigP220 and I am so in love with it! I know its the gun that's hitting all those marks and not me! Thanks!

[AFRET2000]

Hi - I'm in Alexandria and wondering if anyone knows of a good place to shoot (near by) besides the NRA-HQ range. I like it but not the drive. And would anyone be able to recommend an instructor? I'm thinking about getting into competition but have no idea how to start! I have a SigP220 and I am so in love with it! I know its the gun that's hitting all those marks and not me! Thanks!

Hey, If you type on Google search, shooting range alexandria va, you will get several near by places to choose from. Just pick one and give them a call. They all have safety class for all levels and that meet conceal permit requirement. I myself am going to sign up at Gilberts Small Arm Range for the safety class to get my concealed permit. PS, Im not indorsing Gilberts, they just happened to be close--I have no idea if it's a good place or not. Good Luck

[zephyp]

Hi Sweetpea and welcome to the forum! I'm also in Alexandria and Gilbert's is probably the closest, but not the best. Having said that, they also are not the worst. Check out this topic here in VGOF for some reviews of shops and ranges.

http://vagunforum.net/merchant-reviews/

If you're DOD civilian or military Quantico looks like a nice place. I've recently sent in an application and hope to try them out soon. It's a little farther than Gilbert's but they have outdoor ranges for pistol, rifle, shotgun and classes. I believe the instructors are USMC trained and no one shoots like a Marine. You can find their page here if you're interested.

http://www.quanticoshootingclub.com/

[Sweetpea]

Thanks! Looks like Gilberts is basically it. I went in there to check it out and it seemed really dark. I'll have to actually shoot there before I make up my mind I suppose. I'm not DOD so Quantico is out for me but it does look nice. The merchant review page was helpful. Thanks for that! I hadn't found that yet.

[zephyp]

No problem Sweetpea. I'm going to join Quantico and will be able to sponsor if you're interested. Its a bit of a drive for me but its outside which I prefer and they have a rifle range. There are also a couple of places in the Manassas and Chantilly area. Here's a site where you can search for ranges. Just fill in your search criteria.

http://www.rangelog.com/FreeResources/S ... fault.aspx

[Sweetpea]

I'm a member at the nra range and I really like it. I was just hoping to be spoiled and have a nice range closer in!

[zephyp]

I hear ya. Reminds me of the good old days when I lived in AZ. You packed everything up, drove out to your favorite place in the desert, and had some good fun. The best part is that much of AZ is public land and was around a 10 mile drive for me.

[logistixz]

Thanks! Looks like Gilberts is basically it. I went in there to check it out and it seemed really dark. I'll have to actually shoot there before I make up my mind I suppose. I'm not DOD so Quantico is out for me but it does look nice. The merchant review page was helpful. Thanks for that! I hadn't found that yet.

Sweetpea, remember to look directly up for the light switch when in the booths at gilberts to turn on the light directly above you.

[Jericho01]

Been going to Gilbert's for a few years then stopped for a long time. I='ve been back and I was there twice last month with a buddy of mine. during our last visit, he complained of stuffiness and had a little difficulty in breathing after being there for an hour. I noticed that their ventilation is not very efficient; this range is more than 20 years old and probably needs major renovation esp. with its ventilation system.

Blue Ridge Arsenal is in Chantilly; The Range is in Fredericksburg, Quantico Shooting Club (membership only). Don't know of any place else that closer to where you are.

[Sweetpea]

Thanks for the info! I've been in Giberts a few times just to buy stuff and maybe shoot but the guys I came across who work there were never overly friendly so I didn't ever stay to shoot. Just didn't feel comfortable. I've been going to the NRA range and really like it there. I do want to try Blue Ridge someday too.

[zephyp]

I was very uncomfortable the first time I visited Gilberts, but like it now. There are better places to shop and shoot, but Gilbert's does grow on you and for me its close. The range isn't a dark dank place. It's not as clean as some and they do have lighting at the stations once you pull the switch. Also, plenty of used rifles and shotguns out so you can handle them without someone standing over you. All in all a pretty decent collection of new pistols and used rifles/shotguns. They also have a nice selection of ARs. Plenty of accessories and they cater to reloaders. No primers last time I was there unless you load shotshells.