Anyway for an 18 year old to shoot in or near NYC?

Some of you may remember me, I used to post on this site frequently. I have been into firearms since I was at least 15, and I often requested advice from you guys when I did my own "gunsmithing" projects (the only thing i can do in NYC) such as stock refinishing. Well, I'm 18 now and I'm still unable to purchase a rifle or shotgun here in NYC. I can't stand it and if it was up to me I'd be out of this state or at least the city.

I've become so knowledgeable on many aspects of guns because all I've been doing is researching and learning. However, it's not the same as handling a gun in person. I tried to link up with someone on LongIslandFirearms in order to maybe meet up at a nearby range. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out yet. So I was just curious as to whether anyone knows of an alternative way to shoot or at least interact with my local gun community. And no I'm not referring to buying an illegal gun on the corner lol (because that's SO hard in NYC).

I've went to a range in Long Island that has let me rent a rifle. At the time, they charged $55 just to rent an AR. Yes I know I was getting ripped off but it's not like I did it very often. Now... and I'm not joking about this... they charge over $100 to rent an AR. No that was not a typo. The place is Long Island Shooting Center in case you were curious.

I'll be doing plenty of shooting when I get down to OCS for the Marines next summer, but I can't wait that long.. I've been waiting long enough! I'm sure my best bet is to meet up with someone nearby but any other ideas?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance

Ranger Roberts said:

In PA there are a lot of ranges that allow you to rent guns and shoot under their supervision. I grew up in your area, so I know it can be a bit of a trek, but if you are that interested it would be worth it. Hit Rt 80 in NJ and take it out to the Poconos.

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Thanks for the reply. I would definitely do that if I had access to a car. That's why I couldn't meet up with many of the people on LongIslandFirearms; they lived too far out in the Island. That's why it's a bit rough at the moment. But I'll definitely keep that in mind, they don't charge NEARLY as much as they do here neither.

Thanks, I'll give it a try

Wow really? I was actually going to go enlisted at first and at any MCRD I know that you shoot on the range. So I figured it was the same as an Officer.

The range only rented long guns... I believe they had a 10/22, a Kalashnikov, a Mossberg 500, I Hi-Point Carbine, and an AR. They don't rent handguns. Regardless, they overcharge way too much.

There is a gun shop in Nassau County which is pretty close to me, so I guess I can stop by there. I also live like 5 minutes away from LRB Arms (the guys that make custom M14 style rifles).

If I lived closer to a gun shop, I'd hang around there if the owners didn't mind and maybe get to meet locals that own guns.

PR-NJ said:

http://westsidepistolrange.com/

I haven't been here, but I've heard of it.

P.S. I work in Manhattan, but commute from the land of the free, PA.

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I checked out their site and it says that they charge $65 for non-members to rent a .22, which is ridiculous. It's cheaper to rent than over here but it's still not worth it in my opinion.

Reloadron said:

LOL, just happen to be back on the Island seeing some old friends. LRB is in Floral Park. Right now I am in Westbury.

I remember a gun shop on Hempstead Turnpike close to where the coliseum now sits. Don't know them well, visited them about 15 years ago. They may be of further help with clubs and ranges, I don,t know.

Ron

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Yeah, there are some pretty cool guys at LRB. They gave me some milsurp M14 stocks for free to refinish. By the way, I'm living in Glen Oaks, not sure if you're familiar with the area. Most people aren't.

I think you're referring to Mitchel Field out by Garden City. Unfortunately, they don't allow rentals. I'm hoping to meet up with someone next month at Mitchel Field that I met on LongIslandFirearms.

pseudonymity said:

Did you get any responses from this site? There are a pretty active group of shooters there, and I would imagine that there may be a shooter or two in Orange or Dutchess counties that would just be short trip for you on a train out of NYC.

I would take you out, but Saratoga county is a bit more than a day trip.

If you can get just an hour or so upstate, I am almost certain that you could find somebody that would be glad to take you out to the range for a day of shooting.

Check out the Appleseed site as well - the AS often loans out rifles for the program, and there are several coming up in the next few months. Westchester is this weekend, but it is already sold out. There is a shoot in Rotterdam in August, which is about a 30 min drive from the train station in Rensselaer. In October, there are shoots in Saugerties and Westchester again, which are closer to you.

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I have gotten a few replies and I'm trying to coordinate a time with some of the guys on there. The difficult part is just the transportation, however I'm sure I can work something out.

I also may be going to Oneonta this summer, so I may have the chance to visit a range up there.

As for the Appleseed organization, I'll definitely be sure to check it out.

azrudy said:

Hi TMiller556,

Funny I'm from Glen Oaks too! I moved from there in 1987 and live in Az. My friend Neil used to own On Target on Jericho Turnpike many moons ago! I remember there used to be an indoor range and store in Jamaica back in the 80s when I lived there, not sure if it's still there. TnT used to have their own small range too. Used to be a range connected to Edelman's years ago, could check with American Outdoor Sports and see if they have any suggestions. Like you, until I was old enough to legally obtain a permit to purchase, my experience came from reading lots of gunsmithing books, refinishing neighbor's guns and waiting for the summer to go to scout camp so I could use their range!
Good luck!. . . Rudy

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Wow that's funny! What are the chances??

I think I remember the shop on Jericho that you're referring to... I'm unsure if it was On Target or T&T. Whatever it was, it closed up quite a while ago. Too bad I wasn't into guns at 10, I would've loved the place lol

T&T on Jericho reopened, but there are new owners. I've stopped by there once and it seems as if the employees have no intention to acknowledge or even hold a conversation with you if you are not going to buy anything.

The area has surely changed since you have been here... there are really no more ranges besides the ones that require a NYC long gun/handgun permit. There is Mitchel Field out in Garden City and they don't rent unfortunately. I may actually meet up with someone next month over at that range.

I live on 263rd and Union... do you know how annoying it is to know that if I lived about 5-10 blocks over (past the Nassau County/Queens border at Lakeville Road), that I would have absolutely no problem purchasing a firearm? It's ridiculous.

davewil37 said:

OCS at 18???? Do you have a degree? Have you talked to a recruiter?

Dave

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Yes, I maintain frequent contact with my recruiter. No, I would be going to OCS in July of 2014 after my freshman year of college. I'm in Platoon Leaders Class, so I'll be splitting up training into two 6-week stays at OCS, one after my freshman year and one after my senior year. I have not earned a degree, but I am enrolled in a 4 year degree program.