[NOVAdude]

I am a recent transplant to Arlington, VA. I sold off all my guns before moving, and now I have the itch not only to shoot, but also to purchase some pistols.

Where are the best places to go for selection, price, and service that is close to Arlington?

What are some good ranges in the area, and what are thier rates for rentals and range time?

Thanks.

[mtnbkr]

There are lots of good shops around here. I'm not familiar with Arlington at all though. I'll just list my favorites and let you decide what is convenient to you.

Shops:
Potomac Arms in Alexandria. It's right on the river, in Old Town Alexandria

Galyans in Fairfax. It's a big sporting goods store near I66. They have a good hunting dept and a good selection of guns. They're not your small, local shop, but they are a good place.

Virginia Arms in Manassas. This one's a hike for you. I like it because of the service and they're about 2 miles from my house :)

Ranges:

The NRA range is the only indoor range worth mentioning. Fees are $12/hour for NRA Members. Guests can shoot for $15. 50yds, well lit, good clientele. Handguns, rifles up to 458Winchester, shotguns with slugs, no shotshells.

Clark Brothers in Warrenton is ok, but a hike for you. It's free if you buy something at their shop. Tends to get crowded with "regulars" who spend half their time talking instead of shooting. Damn near impossible to get a rifle slot during hunting season (not helped by the benchrest wannabes who spend half the day there).

Bull Run Shooting Center in Centerville is nice if you like shotgun games or archery. For shotgun, it's priced by the game.

Chris

[moxie]

Hi,

Gilbert's is not only the best gun shop in the area, but one of the best ranges, and very close to you. It's just down I-395 south of Springfield by the Lorton tank farm. Another good gun shop and range is Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly. As mentioned the NRA range in Fairfax is super. Galyan's is a good place to buy guns and ammo, but isn't a "gun shop." All of these places are in the phone book, and may have websites, such as here:

http://www.gilbertrange.com/

[4Truck]

All of the above stated are acceptable.


Shooter's Paradise is a decent range, but their prices are high

Blue Ridge Arsenal is Ok, but nothing to write home about

Another vote for Virginia Arms, they are an excellent shop, top notch service, and fair prices

If you wanted to take a drive, Loudoun Guns is a pretty nice store in Leesburg

[fatboyclone]

National Pawnbrokers in Arlington used to have a nice selection of handguns, but that was a few years ago. All of the above mentioned shops are nice, but I'll have to endorse VA Arms in Manassas as being top notch in the NOVA area. Bernie, Patrick, and David are awesome guys that know their stuff.

[SCOTTx88]

Go to Richmond this weekend.At the showplace on mechanicsville turnpike.Really good gunshow.Heres the link. http://www.cegunshows.com/richmond.htm

[XLMiguel]

NOVAdude,
There's an indoor range in Anandale, (Anandale Small Arms Range) on Columbia Pike just north of 236 (Little River Tpk), in the basement of a Korean restraunt, across form Giant Food. It's the oldest indoor range in NOVA - 7 lanes, 50', they have ammo, targets, rental guns, cleaning supplies. Not as nice as the NRA, but, hey - it's only 15-20 minutes away( depending on where you live in Arlington), good for a quick fix.

Welcome to THR. There's a bunch of us that get together at odd intervals to shoot at the NRA range, and then have a bite to eat. Check the 'live fire exercises' forum and come on out -

E-mail me and I'll send you the complete VCDL list of ranges, etc. in the area (at least down t Richmond).

[Mike Irwin]

Word of warning:

Handgun purchases in Fairfax County and Alexandria are, I believe, 3 and 7 day waiting periods, respectively.

The waiting period in Arlington, I've been told, is as long as the police feel like taking to screw around with you. It explains why National is the ONLY firearms dealer left in Arlington.

Loudon Guns and Virginia Arms have no waiting period, as they're outside of Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria counties.

Galyans isn't cheap. Blue Ridge Arsenal can best be described as "manufacturer's suggested retail PLUS whatever they want to charge on top of that." Their gun prices are completely insane. Plus the owner thinks that gun shows should be outlawed. Not for any great esoteric reasons, but because he doesn't want to do them, but they take business from his shop. He's an :cuss: hole.

[Smurfslayer]

Welcome to the Commonwealth, and specifically, Northern VA.

for ranges, Shooter's Paradise is a little closer, cleaner than Blue Ridge Arsenal. I haven't been to Gilberts... Obviously, NRA's range would be the 'benchmark'...

For purchasing, while they aren't the closest by any stretch, Virginia Arms gets the bulk of my purchase or transfer business... come to think of it, they've gotten all my purchase or transfer business. They're very qualified, run a good business, and they're good people too.

[moxie]

Be advised that the little range in Annandale is open only occasionally, and not reliably. Also, you must use their ammo which does not include magnums. You cannot bring your own.

[mtnbkr]

Galyans isn't cheap

Maybe not the cheapest, but they are lower than most. The last few times I bought guns, I compared prices with them. Every time, they were lower or within 5%. They weren't the lowest price on my last purchase, but they were the 2nd lowest. Va Arms was the lowest, and a local shop for me.

Either way, I use Galyans as a sanity check on prices (and even buy when the price is significantly lower).

Blue Ridge is a cesspool that will never get my money again.


Chris

[Mike Irwin]

Galyans is cheapest in one arena -- ammo.

I buy almost all of my 9mm ammo there.

[renaissance]

GILBERTS!
Hands Down.
Reasonable Prices for buying New
Good Deals Used
Reasonable Fees for Shooting (Monthly)
Excellent Membership Deal (shooting AND Discounts Buying)
A Staff that KNOWS their Guns and Shooting.
On site > (often > "While you Watch") > repairs and service.
Tall Tales - Good Fellowship

They "treat you like family" (For whatever that means to you)

Try it
You'll like it

(Lousey Coffee, though)

[NOVAdude]

Thanks for all the great info. I was a casual shooter at best in my past lifetime, so I'm looking forward to getting into a bit more.

Currently, I'm searching for a new 9mm autoloader. I'm debating the merits of a Glock 19, Walther p99, Springfield XD, etc. I look forward to trying one out.

Hopefully, I'll be able to clear the waiting period easily, there is nothing that would make em stand out whatsoever.

[guy293]

I really like the NRA Range--very clean and well maintained.

I have found that Potomac Arms and Gilberts tend to be overpriced compared to gunshow prices. I use Gilberts as a transfer FFL ($15 to receive a handgun) and usually buy firearms on line or from the local area gunshows. I try to buy some accessories, cleaning supplies, etc at Gilberts to thank them for doing the transfers.

[David Park]

In addition to the places already mentioned, check out the local gun shows. They're not as big as the Richmond show, but some good deals can be found.
http://www.vcdl.org/odgs.htm

I buy mostly from Virginia Arms or gun shows, buy supplies from Potomac Arms since it's close to work, and have a range membership at Gilberts. They have rental guns, including a Glock 19. I believe Virginia Arms stocks all the guns you're interested in, and buying there would avoid a waiting period.

[JohnBT]

ROAD TRIP.

Green Top, south of Ashland on Route 1. A half-mile west of the Atlee-Elmont exit on I-95.

You can drive almost to Richmond in the time you'd spend stop-and-going your way around the D.C. suburbs.

John

[mtnbkr]

Oh yeah, I forgot about Greentop. That is a great store. From Arlington, you could get there almost as fast as you could get to Va Arms in Manassas or Clark Bros in Warrenton. It's definately worth the trip IMO.

Edit to add: Speaking of road trips, we should pick a saturday to do a RT to Greentop's. Instead of the foo foo dinners and range trips, let's goad each other into buying more guns and ammo :D :neener: :evil:

Chris

[XLMiguel]

moxie - I don't know when you were last there, but I shoot at Anadale with fair regularity (at least monthly), and though I have caught them when the guy that runs it was out geting lunch, by and large, they're open when they say they're open. I always bring my own ammo, though I buy some of theirs when I don't bring enough. They do allow magnums, I've shot my .357 there on several occasions. It is a 'small arms' range, so they do limit you to pistol calibers, but they do allow shotguns, FWIW.

[moxie]

Mike in VA,
Thanks for the update. It's been a few years and the range has obviously improved. Good deal!

Moxie

[41mag M&P]

Another vote for Greentop.

I haven't been there for about 2.5years, but the selection was very good.

[JohnBT]

More Green Top.

Don't wait for the whole page to load, just look at the picture at the top - that's one aisle of rifles.

Then there's the handgun counter with the expensive rifles and shotguns behind the counter on the wall. If you find a new gun you like they'll go back in the warehouse and get you an unopened one if you like. The computerized registers give them access to the inventory, so ask if you don't see it.

www.greentophuntfish.com

Lots and lots of fishing stuff, bows, reloading, and hunting clothes too. Seven days a week. Bring money or plastic :)

John

[22x9]

Purcell's in Purcellville, VA

Dale's prices are very reasonable. $30 transfer fee(last time I checked was 1 yr ago). Decent Inventory. Will order anything for ya.


Loudoun Guns in Leesburg, VA

Prices are MSRP. $50 transfer fee(last time I check was 2 yrs ago). Large Inventory, lots of accessories in stock.

[sernv99]

adding to this thread to help out fellow nova shooters:

I highly recommend VA Arms in Manassas. $20 for transfer, in store prices are cheaper than other places in NoVA tha tI have visited (Bkue Ridge, Gilberts, Clarks). Bernie (the owner) will answer your emails as well. Very helpful guy!! Ammo is cheaper there as well for in store stock (not counting walmart). I bought a CZ-75 stainless from them, which was $100 cheaper than any other place carrying CZ stainless. They have a consignment section where they check the functionality of the gun before putting it on sale.


Gilberts in Springfield is a rip-off. Nice guy who helped me at the counter but their prices are out of wack. They have member and non-member prices. Don't know their fees on transfer, range use, or ammo.

Blue Ridge in Chantilly is ok. Gun prices are high, ammo prices are high, paper target prices are high, range fee is $20/hr for non-member, $35/month for member (unlimited range time, member only range time on Sat. from 8 10am). I use this place to shoot since its 10 minutes from my house but I might try the NRA range instead. Non-member transfer fee is $50.

Clarks Brothers in Warrenton: reminds me of an old time gun shop but it was packed when I went on a Sat. morning. Ammo prices were high, gun selection was ok (no assualt rifles), prices were ok, about the same as VA Arms on some pistols I saw. Range was PACKED but I know if you buy their ammo from there they will let you shoot for free. They sell reloading equipment.

Guns and Ammo Warehouse in Manassas: couple miles down the road from VA Arms. Good gun selection, nice selection of used pistols and rifles/shotguns, some assault rifles, prices are a but higher than VA arms, at least for the CZ stainless I was looking at but I think they were comparable to other gunshops when I priced their SIG 1911 so it may depend on the gun. Nice sales people, helpful. Parking can be a pain if on a Saturday. Consignment section but its buyer beware, buy at your own risk.
.

Loudon Guns in Leesburg: good place, prices are about the same as VA Arms, but may vary depending on the gun. They are a class 3 dealer. They have a selection of assault rifles, consigment as well. Friendly staff.

[ripmyfly]

Green Top. I drive 515 miles to do business w/ them!

[GBExpat]

Another vote for Virginia Arms, they are an excellent shop, top notch service, and fair prices

They must have gotten their act together ... I went in acoupla times after noticing them in that shopping strip a few years ago.

Last time I walked in (2002?03?), shortly after they opened in the morning, the guy behind the counter asked if I was looking for something in particular. I told him that I would currently like to find a Llama MiniMax .45acp. He called to the guy in back at the desk asking about these and that guy responded that they were no longer made or available ... and then they both started entertaining themselves by carrying on a shouted conversation about how bad Llamas are and its a good thing that they are no longer made and on and on.

I walked the entire store quietly perusing their stock (one item I remember was a stamped-steel CETME in plastic for $800+ ... you could buy them new at the time in wood from the online vendors for ~$300), thanked them when I had worked my way back to the door and left.

As soon as I returned home I got online, found the Llama MiniMax that I was looking for online, purchased it and sent an email to my 01FFL Buddy asking him to fax his license to the vendor.

My MiniMax is accurate and very reliable, if a tad bit overbuilt.

I s'pose it is about time that I wander back into Va Arms and check them out again.

[kle]

Gilberts in Springfield is a rip-off. Nice guy who helped me at the counter but their prices are out of wack. They have member and non-member prices. Don't know their fees on transfer, range use, or ammo.


I transferred a Ruger 10/22 through them back in March, which was $25 to transfer (up from $15 a year ago). Then I got onto their range to try it out.

They have several range membership options: monthly ($8/mo, and you don't get their members-only rates on guns), semi-annually (don't know how much it is), and annually (something like $250/yr). With the monthly membership, you have to pay $10 to use the range; with the other memberships you don't have to pay per visit. Rentals are $10, and you have to buy/use their ammo in their rentals. Their range is (I think) 10- or 12- positions, 25 yards.

I don't usually go there, though, because it's not as convenient for me to get to--the NRA Range and Blue Ridge Arsenal are much closer.

---

To shoot at the NRA Range, new shooters must take a 'safety' test and pay a one-time $10 fee for this test. Afterwards, it's $18 to shoot for non-NRA members per hour per lane, $14 for NRA members. Additional shooters per hour per lane are $12 if the first shooter is a non-NRA member, $8 if the first shooter is an NRA member. They offer annual memberships at $350 for non-NRA members, $300 for NRA members, with discounts for Military/Law Enforcement. There are also family membership options.

They do not rent guns at the NRA Range, but they do stock and sell ammunition for the popular calibers, as well as a limited selection of cleaning supplies.

---

Blue Ridge Arsenal was, IIRC, $20 per lane per hour, $10 for additional shooters, $12 to rent (and you have to use their ammo, of course). I've only been there twice, though, and I wasn't really that impressed with the place or its staff. This was almost two years ago, so maybe things have improved.

[sernv99]

right over the county line, going from Fairfax into PWC on Rt 28, is a shop called Dominion Arms, in a little strip mall. Anyone been there?

how are the pawn shops around here? worth visiting to find any steals or bargains? I'm not big on pawn shops but I do hear every so often of people scoring a good deal on a gun.

anyone a member of Quantico Shooting Club? I'm elgible to join as a regular member and wish to shoot my semi-auto rifle there (.308 caliber). Blue Ridge allows rifle up to .308 I think...or 30-06. but the 25 yard range isnt enough to have fun with your rifle there

[kle]

right over the county line, going from Fairfax into PWC on Rt 28, is a shop called Dominion Arms, in a little strip mall. Anyone been there?

I've been there once. If you're into military surplus stuff (like boots and canteens and whatnot), they've got some of it there. Kinda dingy, though, with a not-so-good selection of handguns (mainly old ones), and a small selection of rifles. They transfer personal stuff for $25, and transfer wholesaler stuff (budsgunshop.com et al) for $50.

[kle]

Blue Ridge allows rifle up to .308 I think...or 30-06. but the 25 yard range isnt enough to have fun with your rifle there

I thought they also opened a 50-yd rifle range...or maybe it was a 25-yd rifles-only range...

[Samuel Adams]

I was a LEO in NOVA in the early 90's and there was a gun store on W. Church Rd. in Sterling that got quite a bit of my money. Does anybody know if it is still there?

[CajunBass]

Clarks Brothers in Warrenton: reminds me of an old time gun shop but it was packed when I went on a Sat. morning. Ammo prices were high, gun selection was ok (no assualt rifles), prices were ok, about the same as VA Arms on some pistols I saw. Range was PACKED but I know if you buy their ammo from there they will let you shoot for free. They sell reloading equipment.

Clark Brothers is like a museum. Worth the trip just to look around. Ammo prices are high. If you buy ammo there, range time is free. I tend to shoot my rimfires there. The ammo costs more than other places, but the free range time balances it out. A box of 22's lasts a long time. I usually go on a weekday and it's not usually crowded. Never been there on a weekend. Oh, the last time I was there they had a rack full of AR type rifles behind the counter and I believe I've seen some AK's and SKS's on the used rack.

I've bought a couple of guns from Clark Brothers, but generally I drive down to Richmond to buy from Greentops. I stop there about once a week. Now if you drive all the way down to Greentops, you might as well jump on 295 and run down to Mechanicsville and stop at DeGoff's while you're in the neighborhood. There's a Gander Mountain more or less across the street from Greentops, but who cares? They're building a Bass Pro Shops just up the street too.

[Joe Mamma]

Virginia Arms is a great place. I'll give them the highest compliment I can: It's run the same way I would run a gun store. The transfer prices are cheap ($20), gun/ammo/supplies prices are very good, and the service is very good too. The owner and employees are all good guys that (1) don't pressure you into buying something you don't want, (2) don't bad mouth particular guns/brands for no good reason, and (3) don't BS you when they have no idea what they're talking about. It's very different from most gun stores!

Also, they've got an excellent armorer (Robb) on-site full time too. He's very knowledgeable and very skilled. He's one of the few guys that I trust to work on my guns without hesitation.

Joe Mamma

[sernv99]

I didn't know Clarks sold assault rifles. I was there 2 weeks ago and didnt see any....maybe I just missed them on the rack :uhoh:

I wanted to get into tactical shotgunning, like blasting away at targets with a tactical shotgun rather than sporting clays/trap/skeet. Blue Ridge allows you to use slugs and buckshot I believe but that range isn't really ideal to shoot shotgun there. Anyone know of a better place to do that? Or know of some abandoned gravel pit LOL

[crebralfix]

Another reason to shop at Virginia Arms is their no BS guarantee:

"No sale final until you're satisfied."

They mean it.

I returned a dud Kimber Tactical Ultra II and USED gear: holster, mags, worn out spring assemblies, and so forth.

Of course, they got all that money right back, but that's not the point. They stand behind EVERYTHING they sell.

[crebralfix]

Pricing:

(I'm just using Glock as an example)

It's NORTHERN Virginia...prices are generally stupid due to affluence. Blue Ridge Arsenal used to sell Glocks for $650-699 (depending upon the year; now they've come down to sane prices). VA Arms has had Glocks for $535 since 1999 or 2000.

If you go in there, sometimes they'll work a deal with you...just ask! Sometimes they throw in ammo or a mag. Always ask on consignment guns. You should always do your due diligence on pricing and call all the stores in the area.

You may pay $20-50 more, with some weird deltas here and there. But, if you're the type to bitch about a small difference like that, then go ahead and buy from someone else. Just try returning a dud gun or holster to Guns & Ammo Warehouse ($529 for Glocks), Dominion Arms, Gilbert's, or Blue Ridge Arsenal. Even better...try returning it to the guy you bought it from at a gun show.

Sometimes, a few dollars in savings isn't worth it down the road.