Shooting ranges in/around Charlotte for beginners? (Monroe, Matthews: to rent, purchase)

[dmulvi5]

Are there any shooting ranges in/around Charlotte for beginners? I am not a gun owner but would like to go to a shooting range as I could potentially be a gun owner in the future. It is my understanding that a lot of these ranges are very unfriendly towards beginners and possibly even prohibit them from coming in the door. Any suggestions?

[sundrop]

I would recommend Firepower in Matthews. They have great patience with newbies.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Chromekitty

I would recommend Firepower in Matthews. They have great patience with newbies.

I second this recommendation

[vmaxnc]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

I second this recommendation

When I have time, this is where I go also. 'Course, I live five minutes from it. They're as good as any other range I've been to for my limited needs. Tell them you're a newbie, and pay attention to what they say. This isn't about learning to throw a baseball, this is potentially life and death stuff.

As far as not accepting newbies, I've never heard that for any range. Here's your first three steps of gun use.

1. ALWAYS handle a gun as if it's loaded. NEVER point it at another person unless your intent is to shoot them.

2. How do you know if a gun is loaded? IT'S ALWAYS LOADED!!!!

3. Refer to step #1.

Do this and no one gets hurt.

[cheesecracker]

Check this link out: http://www.handgunforum.net/north-carolina/15306-nc-shooting-ranges.html

I would suggest Shooters Express
www.shootersexpress.com/indoorrange.htm (http://www.shootersexpress.com/indoorrange.htm - broken link)
2 Caldwell Drive
Belmont, NC 28120 (Gaston County)
Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 1-6
1-800-358-GUNS
Right off I-85 Exit 27

They have very friendly staff and will be glad to give you some pointers on shooting and gun safety.
They have a lot of guns to rent in every caliber.
They have 10 shooting bays and 5 rifle bays.
Good place to go for a new shooter.

Good luck, stay safe.

[paulosfm]

As a newbie 10 years ago, my wife went to Firepower in Matthews, just off Monroe Road. They are very helpful and have lots of handguns to rent so people can get the feel for a new purchase before they put down their money. They have a good range that was upgraded and expanded a couple of years ago. Prices for firearms are competitive compared to other gun stores in the Charlotte area. If a woman is making a purchase or wants more information, I would recommend talk with Ann, since a woman might feel more comfortable with another woman, especially if they don't know much about guns. I have also heard good things about Shooters Edge in Belmont, but since Firepower is 5 minutes from our home, that's where we shop and shoot and they are good people.

[Mike409]

Firepower has a "Basic Handgun Training Coarse". This course is designed to introduce those interested in taking up shooting for the first time. Stop by Firepower or call and ask them about it. I highly recommend some sought of training for new shooters.

Good Luck.


***Keep your booger hooker off the trigger, until you're ready to fire.***