Sharpshooters

[bullseye678]

To start I'd have to say I didn't have very high hopes for this place based on some of the reviews I read. However, after going there tonight to break in my Springfield EMP .40, it will be my local pistol range. For me, it's pretty convenient as it's only ~5 miles away.

The staff members weren't rude but they weren't the most chatty either. That doesn't bother me at all; I went to shoot, not to make small talk. They seemed to have a pretty good selection on accessories. I did notice they had my gun for sale and it was ~$380 more than I paid from Jerry's Guns at the gun show. Based on that observation, I would say their gun prices may be a little over the top. The range itself was OK and the RSO was attentive to what was going on. I didn't feel unsafe as I have in other ranges in the past. My only complaint was the air felt a little stagnant. They could use a little more circulation.

All in all I had a good experience and will go back again.

[eternity059]

I've had nothing but good experiences with the sales staff and RO's at Sharpshooters. Their firearms are ridiculously over priced so I do not purchase firearms from them.

The staff are friendly and RO's are attentive and from time to time will hand out some targets for us to try. In the last 3 months I've shot there at least 10 times and introduced numerous friends and fellow shooters to the range and we've all had great experiences.

The range is a bit dark and their cicurlation system could use an update but they are remodeling soon to allow higher caliber ammo use next month.

The best thing about this range is they are not time nazi's like some of the other ranges in the area if they are not busy. There have been several occasions that we would have a lane for an hour and shoot for almost 2 on a slow Sunday.

As long as you are not looking to purchase a firearm, all is well. They staff does give great recommendations when you are looking for one as I was searching for a SD gun for my fiance. They broke down the pro's and con's of a semi auto and revolver and what they would recommend dependent on how she was planning to carry it.

[boss]

The range is a bit dark and their cicurlation system could use an update but they are remodeling soon to allow higher caliber ammo use next month.

I've been hearing about the remodeling/upgrades for ever...can anybody else confirm this? I've been on the fence for an annual membership somewhere and would love to get one at Sharpshooters if that were the case.

[jrswanson1]

The range is a bit dark and their cicurlation system could use an update but they are remodeling soon to allow higher caliber ammo use next month.

I've been hearing about the remodeling/upgrades for ever...can anybody else confirm this? I've been on the fence for an annual membership somewhere and would love to get one at Sharpshooters if that were the case.

Yup, there's a sign up saying they're closing the range for a week to do upgrades in May. I'm going to do an annual membership since I'm getting a lot more serious about competition shooting and I need more trigger time.

[eternity059]

I think it was the week of May 13th iirc.

[boss]

That is awesome news. Anybody know up to what caliber they're upgrading the range to?

[jrswanson1]

That is awesome news. Anybody know up to what caliber they're upgrading the range to?

I don't know, but I'm asking on the way home today. As for their prices, they charge retail for everything. Trader Jerry's is a discount place since his stores are in the boonies and rent isn't outrageous like it is in Fairfax County.

[eternity059]

From what I remember, up to 5.56 rounds

[jrswanson1]

From what I remember, up to 5.56 rounds

Well, there goes my excuse for buying a pistol caliber AR. At least I'll get some practice in with all of my competition guns in one place without having to drive to the NRA range.

[gunlawyer]

I like SharpShooters. I picked up a can from them on Sunday and it was bizarre to see it all so quiet and empty of people due to the range renovation/improvement going on. They advised they are set to re-open the range in the next two weeks or so, can't remember the exact date.

To shoot rifle calibers, you will need to buy the ammo from them but they promised to keep the prices reasonable. The purpose of this is to ensure folks don't hammer the new rifle resistant baffles with God Knows What AP ammo that the customers brought from home. Seems fair to me.

Sure the retail prices are a bit steep but, what the heck, it is a clean, well-run shop with friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. With a staff that large and in that handy location, the overhead kinda requires some higher end retail prices.

My only issues with them were in the past with poor ventilation on the range at times. It got smoky and I sure would not want to have known how much vaporized lead I was sucking down. Hopefully the new set up will be ventilated better.

I like that the range monitors keep the NOOBs and Range Retards in line safety wise but manage to do so without being Range Nazi’s. Not an easy line to walk. Just good people all around on the staff.

Overall, a nice, helpful, clean shop with a good staff, retail on the guns is at the top of the curve but it is what it is. I will be renewing my membership!

Stay safe,

CGT

[jrswanson1]

I was told they'd allow up to 30-06 on their range. I'm there twice a month, I really should buy a membership.

[Chasbo00]

Glad they are doing a extensive range renovation. It was overdue.

[KimberHighCap86]

hey they allow rifle up to 30-06 and its a 2 dolloar one time fee to shoot rifles.

[zimm17]

More reviews over in the "gun shops" section in a thread I started back in August. http://vagunforum.net/merchant-reviews/ ... 14419.html

[swollengoat]

As a new resident, having come from FL, where there seems to be a range/LGS every other block, I was a little disappointed that there was only ONE range within reasonable distance of my residence: Sharpshooters. My overall impression is:
- Great program for the range use - and the range is more than adequate for my needs at the moment.
- I started with a monthly membership, but will be picking up a 6-mos. membership when this one expires, meaning I can shoot for the cost of gas & ammo ..
- The RO's are extremely friendly and helpful. No holier-than-though attitude
- The sales team could use some training in 'customer experience' and treating EVERY person that enters the store with the professionalism and courtesy a consumer deserves -- and should expect -- from any 'retail' agent -- instead of the 'our club' mentality that's palpable (I had the unfortunate experience of having to listen to a salesman steer a gentleman's wife/GF in a purchase direction that was based entirely on sticker price and NOT on her needs/abilities ... I almost interceded, but decided not to get off to a bad start on my first visit) -- I'm sure the team is great and much more helpful once they get to know you, but I still disagree with not treating ALL consumers well -- whether it's their first visit or fourtieth ..
- Their pricing is excessive on firearms and accessories (disappointing as I'd like to support local business as much as possible)
- Their transfer charge is 4x what I used to have to pay -- which now has to be a considerable factor when looking to purchase another firearm.
- They need to take better care of their rental guns. I brought a friend last time and I had him try out the M&P full-size 9mm ... At first, his shots were all over the place, so I borrowed it and fired off a quick string of 5 and was disappointed that my group was left by about 3 inches. Then I looked at the sights: the rear sight had drifted to the very edge of the dovetail. So back it went ...

All in all, I'm pretty happy with the place -- especially since I will be using it primarily for shooting and not to purchase firearms ...

Does anyone know any other LGS's in the area that charge $20 or so for a firearm transfer? (SS charges $40 -- which I found outrageous when I've transfered online purchases for less than $15 back down south ...

Any help appreciated ... I'm about to add a few to my collection and would like to keep shipping & transfer fee well below 10 - 20% of total cost ...

Thanks.

SG

[DaRoller]

Does anyone know any other LGS's in the area that charge $20 or so for a firearm transfer? (SS charges $40 -- which I found outrageous when I've transfered online purchases for less than $15 back down south ...

Any help appreciated ... I'm about to add a few to my collection and would like to keep shipping & transfer fee well below 10 - 20% of total cost ...

Thanks.

SG

From what I've seen, shops in the area are all $35+. There's a guy I use over in Burke that's only $25: James Madden of J&M Supply. He's on file with Bud's, if you use them (if you do, you can't go through SS anyway, they won't accept transfers from them).

[FatAndy]

SS charges $40

Should drop to $25 once you get your longer term membership. That's as cheap as it gets for a brick and mortar store around here.