Gun Ranges - Best to Worst

[gremlin42]

Originally Posted by DdotC

Looking to hear experiences on local gun ranges. Where are good places to go for walk ins, and who has great memberships?

I’ve been to a few in the area that literally don’t have the time for new gun owners....

I’ve been to Gilbert’s Indoor Range recently and it was an OK experience but it’s hard to get a time slot. Looking for somewhere that is little more accessible.

I have a membership at Gilbert and for me it’s been worth it, though I did get a discount by signing up on the day of HQL class. I definitely see the frustration of non-members trying to get in when it’s busy. I like the convenience of being able to pop in during my lunch break, and occasionally rent something to try it out. If you live close by I think a membership is worth it, but I certainly prefer outdoor ranges bc I like fresh air and not having my skull rattled by the guy shooting a hand cannon in the next lane.

[DdotC]

What are the perks to having a membership at Gilbert’s?

[Mike1690]

Originally Posted by DdotC

What are the perks to having a membership at Gilbert’s?

I’ve been a member there for years. There is no charge for range time but you have to buy their ammo. On the upside, it’s actually cheaper than the LGS for most stuff. At least it was pre-covid.

[gremlin42]

Originally Posted by Mike1690

I’ve been a member there for years. There is no charge for range time but you have to buy their ammo. On the upside, it’s actually cheaper than the LGS for most stuff. At least it was pre-covid.

Yeah, it's getting up there though. Right now to shoot 9mm at all (I have an M&P 2.0 9mm) you need a membership bc supply is so tight, and you're limited to one box. When I joined a few mos ago, it was under $13 and when I went a couple days ago it was pushing $22 for ordinarily cheapo 115-grain fmj. Besides that, right now the main perk is you can show up on a Saturday and get priority treatment for a lane, or take advantage of members-only hrs 10-12 on the weekend. You get a discounted price on ammo and don't pay a fee to shoot, so most days I go I pay for ammo and that's it. Would be nice if you could bring your own in light of the situation but as I understand it the buying at the range thing is a compromise Gilbert made with the county in order to do business at all. I think annual membership is ordinarily 170 or thereabouts but I paid 115 to get it on HQL class day. I think they have an even better deal now.

[gremlin42]

To clarify, if you're interested in joining, I highly recommend showing up in the middle of a weekday when they're not very busy. And I wouldn't even try showing up to shoot on the weekend without a membership bc it gets crazy. Non-members get on a waiting list and never make it in.

[Cobol2Java]

Originally Posted by EDA98

I really like Delmarva Sporting Clays. But that is likely further than you want to travel

It's a great outdoor range, but yeah, it's about a 90-mile drive for me.

[Cobol2Java]

Originally Posted by Cbr1000rrRyda

This is area only has Maryland Small Arms indoor range. No real choice around here

MSAR's the closest one for me as well. An alternate is Fred's Outdoors in Waldorf (https://fredsoutdoors.com/).

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Originally Posted by trailman

I've been to most of the ranges in Frederick, best is Thurmont Conservation Club for an outdoor range. Not fancy but great facility to get your game on.

[sprp85]

I have recently tried Heritage in Frederick; I suppose Guntry at Owings Mill will provide similar experience (From the look of it).

But yes, Heritage was a decent experience, other than safety folks at the range were being assholes at times.