Went to the NRA range in Fairfax, Va today

[jn1965]

If you are anywhere near Fairfax, Va and you have not gone to the NRA range at their HQ building, you have got to go.

I went at 10:30 Friday morning and had a great experience.
I had not been there before so I had to sign a waiver, get a Range Card ($10) and pass a 'test' 25 questions and open book.

The range is amazing. they let you shoot any caliber pistol and most rifles indoors. They also let you shoot shotgun slugs. The targets are electrically controlled, computerized and will allow for timed shots.

I brought my 'new' Tokarov and shot it for the first time today.
I waited about 1/2 hour for my turn and then put a target out to 15 feet. I just squeezed off 8 shots and was surprised how accurate it was for the first time being held and shot. I shot both Wolf non-corrosive and old Romanian corrosive stuff. I did have one of the old rounds not fire. After waiting a minute or two I ejected it and went on. The rest of the old stuff shot well.
I only had enough time to shoot 64 rounds and since the gun looked like it had never been fired it was just staring to loosen up by the end.

I changed up the distance and was pretty accurate out to 45 feet. I did have trouble with the black military sights against the black target. I just went to Cabellas and bought some glow paint for the front site. I can't wait to go back and try the gun with a more visible sight.

Anybody who has not tried this place is missing out...


The address is
11250 Waples Mills Road
Faifax, Va 22030

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

I used to live in Fairfax County and went to the NRA range many times. I totally agree, it is a great facility with a very helpful staff. Its only flaw was too few positions for the number of customers, or have they added positions?

 

[jn1965]

I think they had 15 positions.

I only waited about 1/2 hour and then there was not a feeling of being rushed once I was on the floor.

I like bigger outdoor ranges but to get a place like this one to train in for $14 a session is great!

I have to try the range at Quantico next

 

[halfded]

Sadly, I live south of Fairfax, and anyone that lives in the area can tell you that from here (Fredericksburg) to Fairfax would be about a 2.5 hr drive each way due to the traffic. I drove past it the other day while meeting a gentlemen for some primers. By the time I got around all the traffic (15 miles of parking lot) i figured it would be in everyone's best interest for me to stay away from the firearms!! I hate traffic, and moreso hate people that can't drive.

I believe at one time we were labeled as having the worst traffic in the country.. Maybe I'll try it out sometime.

How about the range at quantico? Never knew there was one there. Is traffic any better trying to get there?

And one more: Does anyone belong to the Isaac Walton League Range in Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania? I've been wanting to go check it out before I fork over the almost $300 to join. Looks like a nice place but I don't know if I'd rather save the money and just shoot in the woods.

 

[ir3e971]

Does anyone belong to the Isaac Walton League Range in Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania? I've been wanting to go check it out before I fork over the almost $300 to join. Looks like a nice place but I don't know if I'd rather save the money and just shoot in the woods.

The Izak Walton range in Stafford is very nice. This is the one on the South side of the artillery ranges at Quantico. I am a member there, and they have an archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun range. Also two small lakes to fish in. I have always been treated well there.

Also, you can get to the NRA range by taking back roads coming around the south of Quantico, then cutting north to Nokesville. From Nokesville you can cut through Manassas to I66, fairly near the NRA range. The good news is there are 2 gun shops, en route to stop at. Still not fast, I don't think you save any mileage, but this route will keep you off of I95.

I would suggest printing out a MapQuest map if you try it.

 

[halfded]

I was talking about the one on route 3, about 10 miles or so from route 20 and Orange County. How much is membership fo the one in Stafford and what kind of requirements, if any, do they have for membership?

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly also had a range when I lived up there. It was 20 positions, but not well maintained.

If there's one thing I don't miss from living in northern Virginia it's the traffic. Second is probably the air pollution. I now live SE of Charlottesville at Lake Monticello. There are several other northern Virginia escapees I've met here who all say the same thing. The 14-mile ride into Charlottesville takes 20 minutes max.

PS: My local gun club down here is $100/year with tons of indoor and outdoor facilities. http://www.rrpc.org/

 

[ir3e971]

Halfded,

If I remember right it is 165 to join. 100 a year after that.

Requirement to join is to attend a scheduled membership meeting.

 

[simulatedjim]

While you are there you MUST see if the museum is open.

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

I agree. The NRA Museum, a.k.a. National Firearms Museum, is truly something special. Many one of a kind rare pieces. All displayed very nicely.

 

[swinokur]

I was there yesterday, Saturday morning 8-15-09 at about 10 AM. No waiting and there were several empty positions as well. As you mentioned, first rate facility. 14 dollars an hour to shoot is pretty good, and they don't make you buy their ammo as the indoor range near me in the Peoples Republik of Maryland does.

Stu