Northern Virginia Shoot?

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Mtg At Nra Range

Countertop, I could understand why you would not see mtnbkr at Hooters but what were you looking at in the NRA range?????????? :rolleyes:

XD40, I also shoot and carry [XD 9 sub compact] XD’s. If I can remember I will bring an XD9-V10 on Wed 03-02.
 
Neither one of us knew who we were looking for. I had a suspicion it was him, but not enough of one to introduce myself.

Me: Uh, hi, my name is Chris, are you "countertop"?
Him: Uhh, no, go away freak.

:p

Chris
 
Me: Uh, hi, my name is Chris, are you "countertop"?
Him: Uhh, no, go away freak
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Of course, what he didn't tell you was that there were multiple Chris's listed on the sign in sheet -

However, If I was much more assertive and outgoing than I normally am, it may have gone like this

Me (standing on Chair): Uh, hi, my name is Countertop, is anyone here Mtnbkr?
The NRA Range: Uuhh, go away freak. Your not allowed to shoot here anymore
 
Time to bring more confusion to the table, my name is Chris as well. I had no clue that there was an NRA range around here. Is it at that NRA museum? Never heard of it and am looking for a good place to shoot. What are the rates and rules of this place? I went to Shooters Paradise in Woodbridge but didnt really like the facilities too well. Too small! Im a bit of a n00b with handguns and this is my first. When I went to SP it was my first time actually shooting the gun but it was great even though my rear sight is off about 1mm. I wouldnt mind shooting with a couple of you guys or letting you shoot my XD.
 
Xd 40

Yes the range is under the parking garage. Just follow the road around to the garage and the signs will direct you to the range. All you have to do is pass the written safety test. The test is easy if you have taken any NRA training you know the information and it is posted on the walls in the classroom. It takes about 20 minutes so leave yourself a half hour to take the test and have the range personnel make you a range membership card. The cost is $15.00 per hour for non NRA members and $12.00 for members.

Countertop, Kony and I found people from the High Road at the range. The people that we asked that we not from the road web site were very nice about it and when we explained why we asked some thought it was a good idea. I will leave word with the range people and they can point me out to other High Road members.
 
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Countertop, Kony and I found people from the High Road at the range. The people that we asked that we not from the road web site were very nice about it and when we explained why we asked some thought it was a good idea. I will leave word with the range people and they can point me out to other High Road members.
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The range folks who've been there for a few years all know who I am - though along with all the crowds (it has become so unbearable I alternate between canceling my membership altogether or starting a petition to only allow NRA members) I have found they seem to have a lot of new staff too (or at least lots of people I've never seen there before). I mentioned to one on sunday that they really ought to give first priority for open lanes to Annual Range members (or in my case Family plan members) followed by NRA members followed by the general public and he looked at me like i was crazy and said its 1) always been this way and 2) there would be a lot of angry customers if they did that. Incredible. As bad as blue ridge arsenal is, at least they give their annual members first priority on open lanes. I didn't pay $265 to sit around for 2 1/2 hours before I could shoot.
 
XD40, that would be great. I am pretty much a noob myself so no need for worry. All of the folks I have shot with have been patient with me as I progress through the learning curve. As for the NRA range, it is a very nice set-up. Very well-lit. They are, however, more strict about safety (which is a good thing!). :) Though, I have heard some shooters complain of an uncomfortable "fishbowl" effect there because the staff is constantly watching you. Never bothered me in the couple times I've shot there, though. As for having another Chris, we may just have to start calling someone "C-note" or something to distinguish you guys. How about "XD Chris"? :)


Counter, that sucks. I am actually thinking of doing an annual NRA range membership as Blue Ridge (where I shoot every Friday) is not taking any new members for a while. :cuss:
 
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, that sucks. I am actually thinking of doing an annual NRA range membership as Blue Ridge (where I shoot every Friday) is not taking any new members for a while.
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It does. The NRA was always a great place, but the last few times have had me turning around twice and waiting over 2 hours twice. Not going to do that any more. I am still trying to figure out what route I should take to correct the situation. The father of my son's best friend is an NRA-ILA lobbyist and I am going to mention it to him - maybe get the complaint up the food chain more quickly. A bunch of us sitting around waiting were talking about it on Saturday and I have a feeling the Range manager is going to be inundated with letters in the next couple of weeks.

As for Blue Ridge - I've never been a fan of it - always thought it seemed dirty and dangerous. They have improved the staff a ton with the new managers - and prices have come down, but after being there for the suicide a couple of weeks ago, I don't know if I'll go back anytime soon.
 
Suicide? Im trying to find a good place to shoot that has somewhat nice and roomy lanes. I just want to be able to have my range bag in sight and out of the way of anyone walking by. The NRA range looks pretty nice from the photos on the site. Blue Ridge Arsenal looks worth a try. Ive heard of Clark Brothers but I cant find any info on it. Has anyone been there that can give me some info as far as prices and what ammo can be used? Oh and is it clean? If not then I'll probably just head to the NRA range. You said I have to take a written test first to shoot?
 
You can read about the suicide here.

Clark Brothers is in warrenton. Its outdoors and you need to buy your ammo there. Otherwise its pretty good. There is also a great range in Staunton, VA or you can try Quantico.

Blue Ridge isn't particularly clean or well lit, but many people like it. I always thought they attracted riff raff, but now that the NRA is open to the general public they seem to have some strange people there too (not that being an NRA member is exclusive or anything). It is, the nicest indoor range in the country though and the test at lest provides a base level of knowledge. Its not very hard, and you cant fail it. If you get a question wrong, they just go over why your answer is wrong and what the right answer is.

You can also try shooters paradise in springfield and there is a small range in Annandale. Izaak Walton has a range, but you need to be a member, as does the Fairfax Rod and Reel Club.
 
Ive heard of Clark Brothers but I cant find any info on it
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It's not a bad range if it isn't busy. There's not "cost" involved, but to shoot there, you are supposed to buy ammo or something from them. I usually buy a box of ammo and use my own after it runs out. I've never been questioned on it. The problem with Clark Bros is if you get a bunch of regulars there. They'll fire a couple shots, spend 10 minutes jawing with their buds, then fire another couple shots. I've seen 2-3 guys doing this when there was people waiting to get a lane. The rimfire benchrest shooters were the worst in this regard. Otherwise, it's not place. It's the only place if you're not an IWL or Fairfax Rod and Gun Club member and you want to shoot BP.

NRA is still my favorite, but the last few times I've been, I've waited at least 20 minutes. Before they started allowing the general public to shoot without being escorted by a member, you would almost be alone on the range this time of year (different story around hunting season).

Chris
 
Sounds good, thanks! I'll probably check out Clark Brothers tomorrow to see what its like. Im assuming going during the week is better than the weekend because of less people right?
 
Im assuming going during the week is better than the weekend because of less people right?
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Dunno. Their hours are limited (range closes at 5pm I think), so I rarely get there during the week. Weekends during hunting season are busy, weekends outside of season haven't been too bad the last time I was there.

Hard to say really. I've only been there twice in the past 5 years.

Chris
 
I didn't pay $265 to sit around for 2 1/2 hours before I could shoot.
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Amen! Do you know why they changed it from members only in the first place?
 
Titus

I have no idea why they changed it. Spoke to my friend the NRA lobbyist last night and he was shocked to here they made annual and NRA members wait just as long as the general public. He was going to look into it.
 
Didnt get to shoot today :( . Not sure when I'll be shooting again but I cant seem to get enough of it. I wish I still lived in NM so I could just run out back and shoot to my hearts content.
 
Not sure when I'll be shooting again but I cant seem to get enough of it. I wish I still lived in NM so I could just run out back and shoot to my hearts content.
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I won't be able to get back out till next week. However, my wife is leaving to visit family on the 4th for 2 weeks and I expect to get a lot of range time in during that period.

Maybe we can all meet on the 5th at the NRA and weather permitting, head over to Bull Run afterward for some wobble trap or sporting clays or five stand.
 
Ill have to wait until I see how one of my papers that is due for a class next week goes, but saturday the 5th work well for me. I prefer shooting during the week, but with work and school it hardly happens that way. Keep us updated with possible times, if we are doing NRA or bull run on saturday.
 
I might have Sat morning and early afternoon free if you guys wanna do something. We have friends coming into town, so my free time is based on what time they'll arrive and how long my "honey-do" list is. :D

Chris
 
First Wed

Ok the first Wed is 03-02. I will be at the NRA range at 1830 [6:30pm].
I will have a S&W performace center Model 19-7. This is know as the K-comp pistol. .357 mag, power ported, taped frame [no opticals], trigger over travel screw, and trigger / hammer polishing.
Will anyone else be able to make it?
XD40 do you want to try the XD9-V10?
 
I'll try to be there.

My wife is leaving to visit family on Saturday so she may want me to stay around the house, but then again, she may request I get out of her way as she packs.
 
I won't be there on Wednsday - but will be there on Saturday late afternoon and probably Sunday morning too. I can head over the next Wednsday (3/9) if folks are going to be there then too
 
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