silver eagle group, ashburn va

[flowmaster]

anyone been to this range? its located in an industrial park in ashburn VA near rte606 and waxpool road, not far from the wegmans on route 28.

i went to the range when they opened, when it was free to go. i was less than impressed. i shot on the first range, all the way on the left (if you're walking in the front door, on the left) and it was very loud. the shooting partitions were shaking from the percussion of my friend's M1 garand, something i've never seen before. the place at the time lacked sound deadening material and we were shooting in basically a cynder block room with nothing on the walls. needless to say it was very loud and i hope they've remedied the situation by now, because my ears hurt after shooting with 26db hearing protection. their electronic target mover system was great when it worked, but the range master spent more time resetting the target movers than he did actually policing the firing line. they had one stapler for the entire firing line and nothing to sweep up the brass. the hand washing station consisted of a small sink bolted to the wall that looked like it was intended for residential use, with no mirror, soap, towels, or trash can.

HUGE place, but didn't seem to offer much. they want people to spend big money to belong there, just like a country club, but they offered a largely-empty retail area with gray painted concrete floors, similar to what you'd put down in a residential garage bay. less than impressive considering the kind of money they want for you to be a member. the good part is that you can shoot there withotu being a member, but it is more expensive than other ranges, costing $25 per person, per hour, whereas the NRA range is 12 for NRA members, 14 for non-members, and blue ridge is $15. personally, i save my hearing and a few bucks in my wallet and go somewhere else.

the cool part about this place is that the in house gun shop is a class 3 dealer. they had silencers in stock when i was there and a good assortment of them. the gun shop staff was less than i would have expected, not knowing what a PSL was, but it was their opening day, so i'll let it slide. i'd say go there if its convenient for you or if you want to do tactical training and classes, but otherwise i'd go somewhere else.

its hard to see in from the lobby/retail area to the firing line because of multiple layers of perforated plexiglass. the place has a ton of shooting stations so i bet you wouldn't have to wait to go shooting on a saturday, definately the biggest indoor range in NOVA.

opinions?

[Ohmess]

I've been there a couple of times; noticed an improvement each time. The first time I was meeting a buddy who was running late, so I got the grand tour. Saw the weight room and "Member's Lounge." Retail space was empty. Range was as described; I like the NRA a lot better.

Rented a full auto M-4 the second time I was there. That was kinda cool, but last time I was there the M-4 wasn't feeding properly.

Every time I've been there they have had some sort of problem with their payment system. That's been kind of a pain.

I'll probably go back. I handled a MSAR imitation Steyr AUG and really liked it last time, and they plan to have one for rent soon. Also, they are trying to schedule a demonstration day for HK, which I will definately attend if they set it up.

[mourneblade]

I got an annual pass there when it opened up. The Staff seems pretty nice and I've only had to wait to shoot once. The ammo prices don't seem too bad. I've been looking for another HK45 mag online and was surprised that they had it in stock and it was cheaper than most places online. My only gripe is they don't have enough business yet to be open on weekday mornings.

[Utah]

You really do not want to be shooting at Silver Eagle...there are numerous threads on AR15.com about their political contributions to anti-gun candidates...

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=8&f=24&t=336768

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=8&f=24&t=337087

[allingeneral]

I'll never go there... and I hope federal contracting doesn't work out for them either.

I don;t understand how someone can run a business selling to the 2nd amendment and then vote for and financially support the most anti-gun candidate to run for the presidency in decades.

Makes me sick to my stomach. I can;t even find an emoticon that's fitting :-/

[SELFDEFENSE]

Set off quite the food fight on AR15.com.
Will be going there with a group in 2 weeks. Maybe I'll ask them about the contributions.

[alby]

I live in Ashburn and it was my understanding that Silver Eagle required a membership which
was tens of thousands of dollars. Something akin to buying a Golf Club Membership. Is this
still true? Or can the average working man throw down a few bucks and shoot some targets
like you can at Blue Ridge or NRA ranges?

[flowmaster]

yeah, read my first post. its more expensive per hour than the NRA or blue ridge, but its really close to where you live.

the whole country club style membership includes a once a month car detailing, valet service, and storage of your firearms. still not worth it to me, the place has painted concrete floors!

[Hiwaytahell]

I went there a few months ago. Nothing like i've seen before. More expensive as compared to other places as stated above.
I hear if you are a "founders member' they give you an AR and a Kimber.45. But, its 5 figures for that membership...yikes.

[lyellowdragonl]

i was there a couple of days ago and i must say the the things there are nice, some of the people were friendly, but when i was in the range i kept getting bothered by the people about stupid things. Also to have someone always behind me and watching me got very annoying. I do understand point the gun down the range but wtf when i have a glock with it cocked back with no rounds or mag in the damn thing on the table sideways to refill the damn mag they come up bitching. I have never been bothered 3 times in like 10 mins at any other range in VA( i actually never been bothered at all). They were always behind my back looking over my shoulder. All i can say was that i was almost ready to leave, but paying 25$ for a hr was stupid expendsive when NRA is 18 for non member and Blue Ridge is 20 with out someone standing behind your back watching everything you do. Im not going to be going back.

[MDukes]

I live in Ashburn and it was my understanding that Silver Eagle required a membership which
was tens of thousands of dollars. Something akin to buying a Golf Club Membership. Is this
still true? Or can the average working man throw down a few bucks and shoot some targets
like you can at Blue Ridge or NRA ranges?

Silver Eagle Group is open to the public 2-8pm during the week and earlier on weekends. Its only $25 for a regular day pass, but if you were interested in an annual pass there is a $100 annual fee, then its $35 for an individual pass per month and $45 for a family pass for two adults. Unless your active duty military or local law enforcement, in which case you don't have an annual fee.

And as for the painted cement, you should definitely go take another look at the place, I think you will be pleasantly surprised after your last visit.

If you are interested in an annual membership, mention Melissa. You can also contact her if you have any questions or comments while you're there as well.

[MDukes]

i was there a couple of days ago and i must say the the things there are nice, some of the people were friendly, but when i was in the range i kept getting bothered by the people about stupid things. Also to have someone always behind me and watching me got very annoying. I do understand point the gun down the range but wtf when i have a glock with it cocked back with no rounds or mag in the damn thing on the table sideways to refill the damn mag they come up bitching. I have never been bothered 3 times in like 10 mins at any other range in VA( i actually never been bothered at all). They were always behind my back looking over my shoulder. All i can say was that i was almost ready to leave, but paying 25$ for a hr was stupid expendsive when NRA is 18 for non member and Blue Ridge is 20 with out someone standing behind your back watching everything you do. Im not going to be going back.

Before you're bashing the RSO's for doing their jobs, you should really consider whether you want the guy next to you, who doesn't have an empty gun, being pointed at you while he's paying attention to something else. Cause really, safety first , I'd rather know they're being too careful and keeping an eye on everyone than not paying enough attention and someone getting hurt because of it.

[allingeneral]

Mdukes - what's your role over at SEG?


It's a tough judgment call because although you may know yourself to be a stickler for the rules and one who does things right, there are two problems.

1) The RSO doesn't know you from Adam. You're just another guy at the range pointing a gun downrange - he's seen over 100 of you today and 8 of you did something stupid.

2) Everyone makes mistakes - even those of us who know the rules and etiquette

I do agree that I don't want someone looking over my shoulder the whole time - that would tend to be a bit annoying.

Stay safe!

[Tinygnat219]

The Silver Eagle Group looks like a promising venture. However, their yearly rates are just too high. Pretty much something like 500 for the year. For those that live out that way, it's also pretty much the only game in town.

[meadmkr]

While the yearly membership isn't cheap it is a lot cheaper than some alternatives. I live here in Sterling so it's less than 20 minutes from my driveway to TSEG depending on the traffic lights. That means I get some range time in more often and even during the week.
As to RSOs, I've been a range coach/RSO in the military and from what I've observed they are just doing their job. I've brought new shooters with me and never had to really worry about what the others around us are doing which isn't what I observed over in Chantilly or in Warrenton....

Political views aside I think they have a well-run facility and great, helpful staff. And not having to drive an hour+ to shoot makes it worth it to me!

Cheers
Chris in Sterling

[Tinygnat219]

I was just at the SEG on Saturday. Not a lot of activity there. THey have some huge retail spaces, but are sparse on their inventory.

It looks like a loftily grand facility that's simply not getting the use they envisioned.

[logistixz]

i havent been there personally so i cannot speak from that standpoint but going on just assuming what their business plan may be (aiming towards that higher end client) i just dont see it working too well for them. as it stands already there isnt too many places to shoot at around the area that i would consider a "standard run of the mill" shooting range, let alone a place that would require you to drop major cash on particular memberships. heck, i dont know i could totally be wrong on this i havent even been to the place.

[maljay]

I might not agree with their political views but that aside, I think it is the best range in NoVA. I have been to some of the others and had to wait for over an hour at some, breathe the heavy air at some, and overall not respect the inattention of the range officials at some. I have never had to wait for a lane at Silver Eagle. They will also allow you to draw from a holster and double tap which some ranges forbid and is another reason for the range to be watched closely. You might not like the attention that they give you and everyone else to ensure everyones safety and that is fine. I do not want you shooting next to me if you feel that it is unimportant to point an empty gun downrange. The staff will leave you alone if you are safe. I am willing to pay the higher fees for a safe experience. Besides, it probably has the cleanest air of any range around. Go check it out again. They have had some growing pains just like any business but I think they have their act together now. And you are correct, their retail inventory is somewhat lacking but that is okay, the local gun shops and internet sights generally have better deals than the ranges around here anyway. Stay safe.

[zephyp]

I have never had to wait for a lane at Silver Eagle. They will also allow you to draw from a holster and double tap which some ranges forbid and is another reason for the range to be watched closely.

One of the things I love about Gilberts. Never wait for a lane and I can practice combat draws and double taps. Nothing in their rules forbid it and no one says anything about it. I was practicing something Bill showed me today. Draw from behind the hip, double tap to the chest, and one in the head. The guy in the next lane leaned around with wide eyes and told me he was real glad he's not a bad guy coming for me...

Not to mix Gilberts with this thread, but the heat on the range adds a nice mix of stress to your shooting experience. Nothing beats hitting your marks while its 95 degrees with sweat dripping in your eyes...

[Sweetpea]

what is a double tap?