Shooting Ranges in Jacksonville and surrounding areas (Lake City: transfer, purchasing)

[kcr02]

I have never been shooting before but I'm looking into maybe buying a pistol, was hoping to shoot a little before I bought to see if it was even something I could handle/be decent enough at. This might be a stupid question, but when you go to the places that offer rentals, do you need to make a reservation to go in and use their guns and range? And of the two mentioned that offer rentals, which would be friendliest towards someone who knew nothing about guns?? Thanks!!

[majormadmax]

I no longer live in Jax, but I do shoot and can answer your question. Most ranges that have rentals do not require "reservations." As a matter of fact, the main reason most have rentals is to allow people just like yourself to try different styles and calibers of weapons to find out which works best for them. If you don't have friends with guns, this is the next best option. And any range that doesn't offer assistance, especially to a new shooter, isn't worth a damn! But is wouldn't be a bad idea to call ahead to schedule a good time to go out.

The range I shoot at here in San Antonio actually rents fully-auto machine guns, as it is hard to get a license to own one and some folks just have to know what it feels like to shoot $15-$20 worth of ammo in a few seconds...

Cheers! M2

[moving123456]

Originally Posted by titaniummd

I was dusting off my pistols from hibernation while living in Maryland. Anyone recommend a good place to 'target practice' with my handguns?

I recommend the west side.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by moving123456

I recommend the west side.

I don't know if you meant that to be funny, but it made me laugh !

[riveree]

Originally Posted by kcr02

I have never been shooting before but I'm looking into maybe buying a pistol, was hoping to shoot a little before I bought to see if it was even something I could handle/be decent enough at. This might be a stupid question, but when you go to the places that offer rentals, do you need to make a reservation to go in and use their guns and range? And of the two mentioned that offer rentals, which would be friendliest towards someone who knew nothing about guns?? Thanks!!

I'm going to quote myself from page one of this thread:

Gun Gallery: 10268 Beach Blvd 641-1619

This is a modern indoor range. You can rapid fire, the target is on a cable system, the staff is very nice, helpful, and respectful to all (including women...which I really appreciate ) - this is the range to go to.

I would suggest giving them a call to find out when their slow time is so you can show up then. You don't need an appointment/reservation, but to assure you can get the one-on-one time you need, you'll want to avoid their busiest times.

You'll have a large selection of guns to choose from (they just got in some new Sigs that you can rent ). You can also take classes here where they will teach you gun safety, how to shoot, you can get your concealment license if you want one, etc.

These guys will be the ones (possibly the only ones ) who will be cool about you being brand new to it all.

p.s.: If you've never shot a gun, you might want to start with a 9mm .

[kcr02]

Hey Riveree, you were definitely right about Gun Gallery, pretty decent people and very helpful. I ended up purchasing there after testing out a glock rental. 9mm was definitely the right call!!

Note to all who are thinking of purchasing but are unsure: go test it out here because they will help you and be honest (ie they aren't going to try and sell you something that wont work for you just to make more money) and they give you some free time in the range if you buy there...

I am now a very happy gun owner. Gonna have to get that concealed carry permit as soon as me and my new friend become more comfortable with each other.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by kcr02

Hey Riveree, you were definitely right about Gun Gallery, pretty decent people and very helpful. I ended up purchasing there after testing out a glock rental. 9mm was definitely the right call!!

Note to all who are thinking of purchasing but are unsure: go test it out here because they will help you and be honest (ie they aren't going to try and sell you something that wont work for you just to make more money) and they give you some free time in the range if you buy there...

I am now a very happy gun owner. Gonna have to get that concealed carry permit as soon as me and my new friend become more comfortable with each other.

Congrats on the Glock, nice choice .

Another benefit of the conceal license: When you go to gun shows, you can purchase and carry right out of the show if you have your c&c (otherwise you have a waiting period and you have to pick up later at a local shop of their choice) .

[wayneinFL]

A note on the Gateway rifle and pistol club: If you're familiar (read: safe) with your guns, and want to shoot a pistol match there are several disciplines shooting at that range- USPSA, IDPA and SASS. A lot more fun- you will get to rapid fire, etc. More fun than standing on a static target line and slow firing.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by wayneinFL

A note on the Gateway rifle and pistol club: If you're familiar (read: safe) with your guns, and want to shoot a pistol match there are several disciplines shooting at that range- USPSA, IDPA and SASS. A lot more fun- you will get to rapid fire, etc. More fun than standing on a static target line and slow firing.

Gun Gallery on Beach allows rapid firing as well (pistols, not rifles).

[mike8200]

Originally Posted by LM1

FOP range is the only one left in St. Aug. If I recall correctly, you have to be 'sponsored' by someone, be a FOP member and pay an annual fee.

The last public range in St. Augustine (public as much as they had public days where anyone could come to shoot for a fee, as well as annual "memberships" where you could shoot whenever you wanted) is now World Golf Village houses.

I totally agree with Riverees sentiment about Bullseye. They represent the very worst sort of know-it-all blowhard "gun guys" that seem to exist in inordinate numbers in the shooting hobby. Not much of a Gateway fan, although they are fine or sighting in or casual practice.

I had one Deputy tell me that I couldn't go to the sherrifs range as well as Emailed the sherrifs office about it. I was told no but, that may be the standard answer. I had a friend that used to go with a deputy to shoot so I know that it was at least possible. The deputy I asked was my brother so, he may have just not wanted to go with me if that was a requirement.