If you could buy enough land to have a 500 yard range and be out of earshot of your neighbors in Tidewater you wouldn't need to make money, you'd already have the whole set. Blackwater did it, the amount of land they own is staggering though, bigger than some counties.
Blackwater USA Rant
- Thread starter Eric F
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The best thing a company can do is hire ex-government officials. Boeing hired military procurement officials and had a scandal, Blackwater and other security companies hire ex-military, low and high ranking. I'm sure all defense contractors do the same.
It's like a bribe. I'll give you a cushy job, you use your contacts to get me taxpayer money.
Yup, the american way indeed.
It's like a bribe. I'll give you a cushy job, you use your contacts to get me taxpayer money.
Yup, the american way indeed.
DENALI
member
Hey there boy's, I've been researching Eric Prince and Blackwater for some years now and would appreciate one of you lad's who's in the know sending me a private message as to who this individual is who has ventured out from Moyock..Thank you.....
Kind of Blued
Member
Not to mention the way that they scarred our gun culture by way of influencing millions of American voter's feelings on guns (as will-bearing tools of automatic death albeit).
From what I can gather Prince and his partner are ordinary average guys who happen to be former SEALs. Nothing to pm, they are americans who saw a business opportunity and a cherry piece of land for a good price. Maybe everyone trains there because the government agencies have the same problem finding places to shoot like we are talking about here. Maybe, just maybe Blackwater offers excellent service as a training venue and their ability to meet the government's needs greatly increased their prescence in the armed security field. People act like making money is a crime in America. Has anyone stopped to think they have gotten less than a fair shake in the media and if you ask a professional soldier at a press conference they have a vested interest in dogging on Blackwater? The gov't hates competition.
SamTuckerMTNMAN
Member
What do you expect from a private mercenary company in bed with the U.S Government? Citizens with arms, trained? You are the future enemy.
st
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Anyone of you that want to train at Blackwater are welcome.
They offer several classes for civilians. Been there, done that and got a tee shirt. So unless you have been to Blackwater you have no idea what your missing out on. If you only rely on the news media for your information then you really don't know what your talking about when it comes to Blackwater and what they do in the sand box.
My head rifle instructor was the XO and senior sniper instructor at Stone Harbor at Camp Lejeune, NC. The other instructors were ex military Special Forces or Viet Nam vets that had 2 to 3 tours in country as snipers. They still offer the precision rifle class for civilains up at North training center even though it isn't in the course catalog.
Before the war started U.S. S.E.A.L.'s use to teach some of the hand gun classes. Todd Jarrett was also teaching pistol classes down there for a few years also.
Course Catalog pdf
They offer several classes for civilians. Been there, done that and got a tee shirt. So unless you have been to Blackwater you have no idea what your missing out on. If you only rely on the news media for your information then you really don't know what your talking about when it comes to Blackwater and what they do in the sand box.
My head rifle instructor was the XO and senior sniper instructor at Stone Harbor at Camp Lejeune, NC. The other instructors were ex military Special Forces or Viet Nam vets that had 2 to 3 tours in country as snipers. They still offer the precision rifle class for civilains up at North training center even though it isn't in the course catalog.
Before the war started U.S. S.E.A.L.'s use to teach some of the hand gun classes. Todd Jarrett was also teaching pistol classes down there for a few years also.
Course Catalog pdf
I dont think any one is really arguing what they do or dont do. Yes they have some good classes You can get some better classes not too far down the road. I am however complaining that they took the only 200 yard public rifle range in South East VA and made in to an expensive hassle to shoot at that no one would want to or can afford to shoot there.
goemado
Member
Just some background information. Eric Prince isn't just an ordinary guy who was a Navy SEAL. His family owned Prince Automotive (and a few other companies) in Holland, MI. I used to work there. After his father (the founder) died, his Mom sold the company for $1.35 Billion - that's after decades of sole, private family ownership with annual sales north of $400 Million and margins north of 25%.
His sister, Betsie, is married to a Devos (Dick) - recent candidate for govenor and son of one of the Amway founders. She's very active in the GOP in Michigan. So Mr. Prince enjoys a decent amount of connection to the Republican machine and access to just a bit of "seed" money to get his little venture off the ground.
Cheers.
His sister, Betsie, is married to a Devos (Dick) - recent candidate for govenor and son of one of the Amway founders. She's very active in the GOP in Michigan. So Mr. Prince enjoys a decent amount of connection to the Republican machine and access to just a bit of "seed" money to get his little venture off the ground.
Cheers.
Scorpiusdeus
member
The Price Family is also deeply connected to various Christian far right organizations such as Family Research Council, Focus On The Family, Christian Freedom International.
Prince worked in the Bush I White house and made some disparaging comments about his experience there. He was quoted as saying "I saw a lot of things I didn't agree with—homosexual groups being invited in, the budget agreement, the Clean Air Act, those kinds of bills.
He's a wealthy religious extremest who's fielded a small army in the Middle East. Hmmm Sound like anyone else we know?
Prince worked in the Bush I White house and made some disparaging comments about his experience there. He was quoted as saying "I saw a lot of things I didn't agree with—homosexual groups being invited in, the budget agreement, the Clean Air Act, those kinds of bills.
He's a wealthy religious extremest who's fielded a small army in the Middle East. Hmmm Sound like anyone else we know?
Focus on the Family is a "far right" organization?
I don't agree with Dobson on a whole lot of things, but in the same way it wouldn't be accurate to say that Amnesty International is "far left", either, despite their leanings.
I'd say that, oh, maybe the Klan is "far right", and International ANSWER is "far left".
And comparing anyone with religious convictions and a bank account to Osama Bin Laden is silly, too. Maybe this guy is just like Osama, but the fact that he's a supporter of, say, James Dobson, and has money are hardly the necessary bits of information to show it.
I don't agree with Dobson on a whole lot of things, but in the same way it wouldn't be accurate to say that Amnesty International is "far left", either, despite their leanings.
I'd say that, oh, maybe the Klan is "far right", and International ANSWER is "far left".
And comparing anyone with religious convictions and a bank account to Osama Bin Laden is silly, too. Maybe this guy is just like Osama, but the fact that he's a supporter of, say, James Dobson, and has money are hardly the necessary bits of information to show it.
Ash
Member
Hmmm,
I'm not rich but I am an evangelical Christian. One of those far right extremists, I'm sure. Perhaps you can refrain from bigoted remarks about religion as they have nothing to do with the discussion.
Ash
I'm not rich but I am an evangelical Christian. One of those far right extremists, I'm sure. Perhaps you can refrain from bigoted remarks about religion as they have nothing to do with the discussion.
Ash
redneck2
Member
I know nothing about Mr Prince. I will say that, if someone's got that much money and still willing to go through the hell it takes to be a SEAL, he's got my respect. They bleed and die just like everyone else in war. And, to promote wacko causes that advocate radical ideas like protecting unborn children and moral values is unbelievable.
Back to topic. Unfortunately, we are all becoming victims of "the American Way". I have every confidence that costs for the shooting range are going out of sight due to insurance costs and other overhead. This is typically being driven by liberals (insurance due to litigation, excessive taxation).
So, all you guys that think big corporations need to pay up, here you go. Unintended consequences and all that.
Nobody "owes" you a cheap place to go shooting. However, you do owe the price of admission.
Back to topic. Unfortunately, we are all becoming victims of "the American Way". I have every confidence that costs for the shooting range are going out of sight due to insurance costs and other overhead. This is typically being driven by liberals (insurance due to litigation, excessive taxation).
So, all you guys that think big corporations need to pay up, here you go. Unintended consequences and all that.
Nobody "owes" you a cheap place to go shooting. However, you do owe the price of admission.
HK G3
Member
Sucks that people are buying out public ranges... 
TEDDY
Member
lost ranges
this happens all over the closing of ranges.mostly it is the development of housing. one thing the gun shop owner sold out.most gun clubs charge several hundred dollar a year.the insurance/taxes and upkeep.and some one here sounds like he does not want to join the NRA.to bad but dont worry when clinton gets done you wont have guns. I am unable to find a indoor range within 75 miles most 100.so I have 90 acres to shoot on .but I am a socialble guy and like to talk guns.
:banghead:
this happens all over the closing of ranges.mostly it is the development of housing. one thing the gun shop owner sold out.most gun clubs charge several hundred dollar a year.the insurance/taxes and upkeep.and some one here sounds like he does not want to join the NRA.to bad but dont worry when clinton gets done you wont have guns. I am unable to find a indoor range within 75 miles most 100.so I have 90 acres to shoot on .but I am a socialble guy and like to talk guns.
:banghead:Vern Humphrey
Member
Have you tried the Lafayette Gun Club on Dare Road in Grafton? I used to be a member there.
motorheadjohn
Member
I am familiar with the range in question. The new owners have improved the place quite a bit. I very much like their new target-hanging system allowing both short and long range placement. It's much cleaner, has better targets, nicer chairs and facilities, etc. I don't have a problem paying the new daily range fee of $30 (double the old rate of $15) but I only get down there a few times a year. If it was my range of choice the increase in price would hurt more.
I would agree the membership rates have gotten crazy. NO argument on that.
I don't see a need for requiring certification on the 200 and 300yd ranges though I heard they were having problems with guys shooting .50 there and the rounds going through the concrete baffles so maybe that explains it.
I am disappointed they no longer have 25-yd steel targets for pistols. I never had a problem with frag coming back but the one range officer told me that was the reason for the change. I have shot the 50yd steel with my pistol there...very challenging and fun.
Eric F - I am a member at LGC up here on the peninsula, if you want to check out their range some time send me a PM or email. The rifle range is only 100yds BUT the indoor pistol range has electronic key card access 24/7. Annual fees are very reasonable.
I would agree the membership rates have gotten crazy. NO argument on that.
I don't see a need for requiring certification on the 200 and 300yd ranges though I heard they were having problems with guys shooting .50 there and the rounds going through the concrete baffles so maybe that explains it.
I am disappointed they no longer have 25-yd steel targets for pistols. I never had a problem with frag coming back but the one range officer told me that was the reason for the change. I have shot the 50yd steel with my pistol there...very challenging and fun.
Eric F - I am a member at LGC up here on the peninsula, if you want to check out their range some time send me a PM or email. The rifle range is only 100yds BUT the indoor pistol range has electronic key card access 24/7. Annual fees are very reasonable.
I live in a relatively small town (lafayette, IN), and have one $200 indoor range, one $50 yearly outdoor club with a range, and one $105 yearly outdoor club (with more high tech stuff).
Anybody that blames insurance, liberals, or conservatives for causing range closures are just showing their bias.
Anybody that blames insurance, liberals, or conservatives for causing range closures are just showing their bias.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Reasonable indeed. When I was a member, they had a 300 yard benchrest range.
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