I'm not the only one

[Famine]

I've posted mulitple questions over the past month regarding my local gun shop and their prices for ammo, range time, and CCW class. A while back I also mentioned how the guys who worked there seem like dolts. I thought it was perhaps my fault. Maybe I wasn't dressed right? Maybe I asked a newbie question that they had already been asked 20 times that day? For whatever reason, I never got a good vibe from the place.

I have been reluctant to seek out a new place because, frankly, there are none nearby. "Nearby" is a relative term. I live 5 minutes from work, 6 minutes from Lowes (where most of my money goes), and 1 minute from a park, the local gun store, and Beaners. The nearest range, besides the local one, is about 30 minutes away, one that doesn't charge dues.

But then I read something that makes me think I've never been in the wrong. I don't know how much merit you guys put into MCRGO, but there were some reviews on their website that back up what I've been thinking. The following was posted on the MCRGO website:

Reviews
Review: Nice shop. Poor customer service. Actually I shouldn't label the entire shop & staff based on my negative experience with 1 particular employee. After paying for targets and 2 lanes (Tom, I believe his name was, an elderly employee w/a silver plated .45). He treated my nephew and I in such a condescending manner I definitely wouldn't return. "Tom" insisted on following us around the shop and into the range, babysitting us the entire time. He even followed us out into the parking lot after I paid for everthing. Tom, if you're reading this I hope you take it as constructive criticism. While you're at it maybe take a lesson in how to treat your customers. I've been employed in law enforcement for 16 yrs & 4 yrs. in the military. I know weapons safety rules, am familiar with weapons handling & practice safe weapons handling. Tom, you really need to get over yourself. If you dislike your job or customers as much as I think you do maybe it's time to consider retirement.
Reviewer's email: [email protected]


Reviewer's name: John Lacinski


Review: This is good range, somewhat limited with only 6 lanes. Very friendly staff. Easy to get to, its right off US127..DO NOT buy your ammo from this range..they are about $4 per box higher than most other places.
Reviewer's email: [email protected]


Reviewer's name: Dennis Haas


Review: Not a review, a suggestion. It would be nice if you were to put in the description the types of firearms that can shoot at your range and cost to use the range!
Reviewer's email: [email protected]


Reviewer's name: John

I think I will suck it up and find somewhere else to go. These guys posted nearly the exact same things that I've found to be true, so this must be pretty common.

 

[Famine]

I had a second thought, or question I guess. Would paying for a membership at a club be worth it? I mean, you get what you pay for, right? I've been against this in the past, mostly because I am reminded of the snob appeal to members only golf clubs. But I think this may be different. Any thoughts? I checked out a club online and they offer lots of classes that seem interesting. They don't say, however, if the annual fees help cover the cost of these classes or not, or what you actually get from the annual fees. Anyone here a member of a shooting club that can offer your insights?

 

[the pistolero]

Would paying for a membership at a club be worth it?

In my experience? Absolutely! The owner of the gun shop/range where I shot before I joined one of the local gun clubs is a great guy, but it was a pretty good drive from me (60-mile round trip) and, more importantly, when the shop was closed, so was the range. I joined the gun club and am able to go shooting any time I want, and I save about $200 in range fees alone, with how often I shoot. In other words, my gun club membership pays for itself several times over.
I can't speak for the golfers, but my members-only club has some great people who don't look down on fellow shooters and might even let you shoot the guns they brought with them if you ask them nicely. I won't say I spend as much time talking with the gunnies on the line as I do shooting, but I will say it comes close. I don't know about the classes, if you'd have to pay extra for those or if they're funded with your dues, but I think a good part of the dues for whatever club one joins goes for upkeep & insurance. I could be wrong, though...but yeah, a club membership is definitely worth it.

 

[Hardtarget]

I joined a club about three years ago. I've never met a fellow member that I didn't like. Every one...a good guy. Not one of them has ever showed a snob attitude. I shoot a few nice guns, but, several are very "lowly" old single shots. Never a bad day at the club.
If you have a good club close, I say join if you can...and have fun!
Mark.

 

[jeepmor]

In my locale, the local gravel pit is closer than all my club options, so I choose not to drive 30-40 miles one way just to plink. I can drive 20 to the gravel pit and know I'll meet some good people there and have been quite pleased with the etiquette thus far. However, I frequent mid-week when most the open beers and plinking types are not around.

However, it does rain a lot here and I've considered it. You may ask your local club if that have some introductory packages or a daily fee so you can visit first. This way you get a good feel for the vibe and whether or not it fits with your personality.

I'd try this first if it's avaialable, even if it does end up costing more for one year, at least you know its a fit before you plunk down your money. I imagine some clubs will deduct that initial visit fee if you decide to join within (x) number of days after your visit.

For now, the gravel pit is still my easiest option, I'm lazy, so this is the route I choose. Also, it's in the OHV area I frequent in my jeep, so it's dual purpose for me.