Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Finally after a long internal struggle of whether or not I should spend the money, if I need one, or even want one, yesterday I bought my first gun! I have been shooting many times since I was very young and was fascinated with firearms. Well, I finally decided it was worth the money for the comfort of knowing I can defend myself and to be able to go to the range and shoot for recreation whenever I want, so I popped my gun owner cherry.

I decided to go with the Glock 19 gen 3 since I've heard such high praises about Glock for their reliability and shootability. I also wanted the compact frame to some day soon be able to concealed carry comfortably but still wanted the handling and feel of a full-size frame.

Picked it up from the folks at NOVA Firearms, was kind of an intimidating experience since I had heard mixed reviews about their staff and products being overpriced, also since I am fairly young (22 years old) and have no experience buying guns. They were kind, chatted with me a bit which helped my stress and even knocked a few bucks off the small amount of ammo that I bought since I bought the gun (which wasn't much of a discount, since it was pretty overpriced to begin with, but hey, I wanted some there and then instead of making 2 trips). Background check came back clean quickly and I walked out of the store with my gun in about half an hour tops!

So I have 2 questions for you guys, where are the best ranges in northern VA? I am in Fairfax County. Also would like some tips on storing ammo, the 50 rounds I bought for the range are going to be gone almost immediately but my GDHP defensive loads are likely going to be sitting around for a long time. Thanks in advance, hope you enjoyed my newbie story

Welcome to VGOF!

All of the NoVA members are stuck in traffic now, but I'm sure they will chime in soon.

OakRidgeStars wrote:All of the NoVA members are stuck in traffic now, but I'm sure they will chime in soon.

So true!

Actually I'm on the VRE watching all those stuck in traffic...

I've only been to the NRA range and have been very happy with it. The staff there says the crowds have definitely dropped off now that the warmer weather is here. Best times are in the mornings to avoid a wait.

jcgorla wrote:Actually I'm on the VRE watching all those stuck in traffic...

I've only been to the NRA range and have been very happy with it. The staff there says the crowds have definitely dropped off now that the warmer weather is here. Best times are in the mornings to avoid a wait.

I was going to go there today to test the Glock out since they are closest to me but they said the range wasn't open til 5pm. Now I'm too tired and have to pack for a weekend trip, looks like I won't get a chance to shoot until next week

How are their prices on ammo and targets?

These are the public indoor ranges in NOVA:
Sharpshooters in Lorton
NRA Range in Fairfax
Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly
Silver Eagle Group in Ashburn

Consider signing up for a class at one of these places and enjoy your new pistol. You picked a good one.

P.S. I'm retired and don't do NOVA traffic anymore.

jcgorla wrote:Actually I'm on the VRE watching all those stuck in traffic...

I've only been to the NRA range and have been very happy with it. The staff there says the crowds have definitely dropped off now that the warmer weather is here. Best times are in the mornings to avoid a wait.

The ranges in Chantilly and Lorton are open seven days a week during the daytime.

As to ammo storage, no special procedures, just keep it dry and at room temperature and it will last for decades.

Do Blue Ridge & NRA ranges allow rapid fire or holster draws? Also wondering if either has shoot & scoot areas, and if there is an additional cost to use them. I'd just be happy to shoot without driving an hour+ away but it would be nice to practice these things. The other places I've shot at were either unsupervised ranges where everyone just did whatever they wanted (not exactly safe but hey, do what you gotta do) or out in the sticks in the middle of nowhere.

I should probably just call these places and ask, haha.

zenmaster wrote:Do Blue Ridge & NRA ranges allow rapid fire or holster draws? Also wondering if either has shoot & scoot areas, and if there is an additional cost to use them. I'd just be happy to shoot without driving an hour+ away but it would be nice to practice these things. The other places I've shot at were either unsupervised ranges where everyone just did whatever they wanted (not exactly safe but hey, do what you gotta do) or out in the sticks in the middle of nowhere.

I should probably just call these places and ask, haha.

Both allow holster drawing and rapid firing. However, there is no shooting and moving except during action matches or perhaps some of their classes. You will have to ask if they offer any classes that include shooting and moving.

Of these two ranges, the NRA Range is nicer and also cheaper if you are not an annual member.

Thanks! I appreciate your feedback. My last question is what kind of range ammo they have and if it's fairly priced. My 50 rounds of PMC Bronze is going to be gone in a matter of minutes so I'll need to get some more either before I go or while I'm there.

zenmaster wrote:Thanks! I appreciate your feedback. My last question is what kind of range ammo they have and if it's fairly priced. My 50 rounds of PMC Bronze is going to be gone in a matter of minutes so I'll need to get some more either before I go or while I'm there.

9mm is still rather scarce and the pricing and quantity limits usually imposed reflect this. I recommend you call the range and check. For a ballpark estimate I'm guessing that a 50 round box of 9mm FMJ is going for around $20 coupled with the proviso that it be shot at the range.

please remember to replace your ammo atleast yearly and rotate the chamberd round down in the stack if you keep chambering the same round the bullet will set back in the case

Welcome Aboard !

Congratulations! Enjoy your new weapon!

Welcome to the forum shipmate! I think you'll like here with all us like minded people! Congrats on the gun purchase!