Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

the wife and I shot there this weekend - slight improvement in the air handling - still too hot. And get this - they have changed the signage about gun transfers - these people are some simple F$@%'& I have sent an email to the owner 2+ weeks ago - no reponse - nada - zilch - there is zero customer service there.... I will purchase an unlimited membership at NRA as soon as my membership expires at Gilberts

Went to Gilberts Thursday after work and the range was hot hot hot. I spoke to the RSO and one of the other folks. They told me that they have asked a local company to come out and give them an estimate for in range A/C. Not sure if/when its going to happen but I'll wait and see. The good thing is that with fall approaching the problem will likely go away for a while.

That's good news because I went today and shot there for the first time and it was really uncomfortable. It was hot and I was breathing way more smoke than I do at the NRA range. I will say that I felt more welcome than I have in the past though. The people seemed nicer and more helpful.

more welcome? yeah - they want your money and after you join they change the rules and give you the run around - there is ZERO customer service there - I sent an email to the owner weeks ago - still no response - oh and the problem about a hot range going away in the fall is simply not true - when I joined in March 2009 the weather was cool - but the range was always hot and the air was thick - seems like there are a couple members on this board that work at Gilberts (sharp shooters)

dean2k wrote:more welcome? yeah - they want your money and after you join they change the rules and give you the run around - there is ZERO customer service there - I sent an email to the owner weeks ago - still no response - oh and the problem about a hot range going away in the fall is simply not true - when I joined in March 2009 the weather was cool - but the range was always hot and the air was thick - seems like there are a couple members on this board that work at Gilberts (sharp shooters)

Nope, I dont work there. Only do my business there and have zero affiliation other than a premium membership. The range is indeed hot. Other than that it seems you had a bad experience. I will continue to call the shots as I see them. For me customer service is good, the range temp sucks big time. The prices are ok - not the best. I can handle guns, wander freely, and never have to wait for a lane. Its also close - within 10 minute drive.

dean2k wrote:more welcome? yeah - they want your money and after you join they change the rules and give you the run around - there is ZERO customer service there - I sent an email to the owner weeks ago - still no response - oh and the problem about a hot range going away in the fall is simply not true - when I joined in March 2009 the weather was cool - but the range was always hot and the air was thick - seems like there are a couple members on this board that work at Gilberts (sharp shooters)

Ok, I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt before re: their "lack" of customer service and I explained how to get around that and even a night or two to visit. As for the "hot" air on the lanes, it's going to be HOT during the summer months. I have been shooting there for the last three years to include March, and didn't have the hot air issues that you claim to be having. It seems to me that someone is putting kitty litter in your Wheaties or something like that. If going there is such concern for you, than why do you continue to go?

Been there several times, purchased a couple of Colts, brought a couple of pieces for repair, and also used the consignment service to sell a couple. Brought a buddy of mine who since then had bought pieces and used gunsmith services. That was 3 years ago when customer service was great and sales staff was always attentive.

Recently, I noticed a big change. Been there twice to shoot with a couple of friends new to the firearms world. Nothing but "Hi" from the gunsmith I used to transact business with. Honestly, I am very disappointed with this rather cold treatment; actually he was the one who convinced me to purchase a one-year membership (he did not mention that I am entitled to two guest passes until a female associate of theirs told me by accident). I am going to let my membership expire the end of this year and move on to another place. Silver Eagle, Quantico, or Isaac Walton might be worth considering. Gilbert's is not far from me but if customer service sucks, who cares about distance. Things have really changed since Ernie sold the business.

Tinygnat219 wrote: Ok, I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt before re: their "lack" of customer service and I explained how to get around that and even a night or two to visit. As for the "hot" air on the lanes, it's going to be HOT during the summer months. I have been shooting there for the last three years to include March, and didn't have the hot air issues that you claim to be having. It seems to me that someone is putting kitty litter in your Wheaties or something like that. If going there is such concern for you, than why do you continue to go?

Why do I continue to go there? Because I dropped $300+ on a year membership for my wife and I. Who knew this shop's customer service was so f#$%ing lousy and the range a sauna. Further, there changes to the benefits of membership seems rather arbitrary. Finally, is there an owner? Apparently not - I have asked to speak with the owner - the response is that the owner does not work there. No wonder the customer service sucks. Take a look tinygnat219 - this place is getting bad reviews - and not just from me. If you have some influence down there - tell them to refund me 50% of my membership - and I will not continue to post here - in fact - I will even delete most of my posts about this piss poor range. BTW - Why should I have to "get around" (as you put it) the poor customer service? I don't know about you or anyone else, but needing to get around poor customer service at a club where membership fees have been paid seems absurd at best.

I was there recently and they asked if I was firing Wolf 9mm, which I was. They then told me that I was no longer allowed to shot wolf, because it would set the backstop on fire. What's up with that?

No idea but I know some of the RSO's there, so I'll ask next time I see them.

frac wrote:I was there recently and they asked if I was firing Wolf 9mm, which I was. They then told me that I was no longer allowed to shot wolf, because it would set the backstop on fire. What's up with that?

That sounds pretty silly to me.

By the way - welcome aboard, frac. Take a moment to visit the New Members area so we can all give you a hearty welcome

http://vagunforum.net/new-members/

Hmmm. I'm a member and shoot their regularly. Never saw anything in the rules about it. I'd ask someone up front. You should be able to get a copy of the range rules.

Just talked to one of the RSO's (my son in fact). They don't want Wolf ammo shot there because apparently Wolf tends to use steel core projectiles. Steel sparks if it hits the floor. So they are trying to mitigate fire hazards.

Aroooo wrote:Just talked to one of the RSO's (my son in fact). They don't want Wolf ammo shot there because apparently Wolf tends to use steel core projectiles. Steel sparks if it hits the floor. So they are trying to mitigate fire hazards.

I wonder if thats in the rules. If not, then it should be.

They are working that up now.

Aroooo wrote:They are working that up now.

Good deal, but I'm not sure all Wolf is steel core. AK, yes. Handgun I'm not sure. And I think they make some Wolf AK thats not.

I thought wolf had steel casings in some of there amm, not the bullets, could be wrong though.

40shooter wrote:I thought wolf had steel casings in some of there amm, not the bullets, could be wrong though.

Most - if not all - of the the AK is steel core in the bullet. Cheaper and more available than lead over there. I think I remember reading somewhere that they do have make a lead core version.

Apparently Wolf is transitioning to more steel core as it is cheaper than lead, as zephyp mentioned. Given that Sharpshooters/Gilbert's uses a rubber backstop they want to minimize fire risks.

I was at Gilbert's/Sharp Shooters yesterday morning. I was shhoting my 12 gauge, my Marlin Model 60 .22LR, .357 Magnum revolver & Glock 27. It did get a little hot on the range, but nothing too unbearable. I may be going back today.