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Posted: 2/25/2009 5:52:04 AM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By gmshtr:
Hello fellow shooters, I thought it was about time that I threw in my $.02 before this thread got locked! It is true that I accepted a trial offer from Silver Eagle Group as their Lead Instructor. Since I owned Shooters Paradise for a while (before it burned down), they also intended to use me as a Business Developer. I will make no comments as to their political contributions, since I've not heard all of the facts from the parties involved. Posting my OPINIONS as to why would be irresponsible conjecture. I found out about their contributions shortly after accepting the position, but I refused to let my political views get in the way of what I wanted to do here...provide the best training to the public to help them better prepare to effectively defend themselves. From the business side, I've expressed the same concerns that most of you have had (short of the political contributions) to the owners with good response. In no way am I defending them, but I can tell you from a business owner's perspective, things usually move quite a bit slower than we would like. I think we're making steps in the right direction to help provide a better environment for our MAIN customer focus. The "us versus them" aura was much stronger when I first arrived, but I think more and more people (including upper management) are starting to realize that the standard issue shooter (YOU AND ME) are the ones who will be paying the rent. That's not to say that SEG won't be putting a SERIOUS focus on gov't and LEO contracts. There needs to be a way to pay for all of this, and it doesn't take a math degree to realize that consumer sales won't cover it. Understand that even if I stay with Silver Eagle Group, I will most likely not be training many of the upcoming courses after March. I intend to assemble and train a cadre of instructors to teach the material while I focus on the administrative side of things (yeah, I know that sticks...and I hate it, but someone's got to do it). I will probably teach some of the specialty courses I'm developing, but the course cost will be higher. I hope that some of you will be able to overlook some of your concerns with Silver Eagle Group. Trust me, I understand where the anxiety is coming from, but I will continue to give the public the best product available as long as I'm allowed to be here. I hope to see you all soon. Take care and God bless, Phil Strader Ad info edited out...VA-gunnut Phil, If you were teaching those classes at those prices ANYWHERE else, I would take a bunch of them. However, my shadow will never darken SEG's doorstep. No check I ever write will be deposited in their account. Not a nickle of my money will be funnelled to politicians working directly against our constitution. You have a tough sale on your hands here, which is too bad for an instructor of your caliber. V/r Shooter |
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Posted: 2/25/2009 6:25:40 AM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By gmshtr:
Sorry about that. Not meant as an ad. I'll shut up now.  Phil, you're welcome to share your opinions, just the course outline and pricing was to much. 
I know some of the posts in this thread are a bit heated, but I don't think anyone is holding a grudge against the people that work there. I think the whole problem stems from the owners. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/25/2009 7:51:53 PM EDT
[#3]
Received an email from Phil via the Silver Eagle IDPA/USPSA match email list. I only mention this since he has already emailed it to the public. Phil is leaving SEG as his wife has been diagnosed with a serious illness. He is going back to Oklahoma to be with her for surgeries and hopefully recovery.
I don't personally know Phil, but it was great to shoot with him at a match and also to be warned by him for a violation. 
I don't work for SEG and I know my post count and join date might make it appear that I'm an apologist for them, but I'm not. I'm just a guy who is locked in for a year pass who is going to get his money out of the backstops. I thought it appropriate to let fellow shooters know that one of our own is facing hard times. Best of wishes to Phil and his wife. |
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Posted: 2/26/2009 2:03:23 PM EDT
[#4]
In case some of you haven't heard, AWB v2.0 was announced yesterday by Eric Holder. I bet he received a complimentary founders membership to SEG.
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Posted: 2/26/2009 2:07:54 PM EDT
[#5]
Originally Posted By 1badf350:
In case some of you haven't heard, AWB v2.0 was announced yesterday by Eric Holder. I bet he received a complimentary founders membership to SEG. Didn' the fuck stick that owns blue ridge arsenal vote for Obama as well? |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/26/2009 2:14:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MarineHawk]
[#6]
Originally Posted By 1badf350:
In case some of you haven't heard, AWB v2.0 was announced yesterday by Eric Holder. I bet he received a complimentary founders membership to SEG. Yes, but don't worry. In five years or so, when the Obama/SEG gun control program is complete, SEG will build a blackpowder range in a separate building so that we can then fire the only civilian-legal guns––flintlocks. Those of us regular shooters not in the Obama administration will not be allowed near the Obamassiah's guns-are-for-police-and-military-only followers shooting in the fancy, renamed "I-Love-Obama" main SEG facility. Latte and quiche will be served free complimentary of SEG at the latter. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/26/2009 3:40:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: NovaShooter]
[#7]
Yeh I thought I saw a video with him (BRA Owner) in a news interview where he actually admitted to voting Democratic
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Posted: 7/13/2009 3:46:31 PM EDT
[#8]
So how is SEG been doing ? How long are they going to stay in business, I hear its pretty dead there.
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Posted: 7/13/2009 3:59:43 PM EDT
[#9]
Originally Posted By ANGST: So how is SEG been doing ? How long are they going to stay in business, I hear its pretty dead there. Good. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 7/13/2009 5:28:47 PM EDT
[#10]
Originally Posted By ANGST:
So how is SEG been doing ? How long are they going to stay in business, I hear its pretty dead there. When I was in there to shoot a couple of weeks ago, every lane in the range I was shooting on was filled. There was also a Home Defense class going on a week later that had a dozen plus attendees. I don't really get out there during the week. |
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Posted: 7/13/2009 6:32:52 PM EDT
[#11]
Originally Posted By ANGST:
So how is SEG been doing ? How long are they going to stay in business, I hear its pretty dead there. You bumped this? Meet me at the VCDL table at the Expo center at 5pm the first night of the next show. I'm gonna smack you in the back of the head 3 Stooges style! 
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VA, USA
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Posted: 7/13/2009 11:12:46 PM EDT
[#12]
I was going to get out there to shoot just the other day...had all my guns loaded up and ready to go.....then I remembered that they're a bunch of two-faced back-stabbing lib-suckers that will never get a penny of my money, so I went elsewhere.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 7/13/2009 11:36:14 PM EDT
[#13]
Is it possible to kill a thread without physically attacking the servers?
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VA, USA
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Posted: 7/14/2009 9:49:00 AM EDT
[#14]
Originally Posted By Pomerol:
Consult Human Events online. Use their research to see who contributed over 70% of Obama's money... Wall Street. And... 2 former clients who told me themsleves that they did ( who more than afilliated with with investing your money ). This isn't rocket science. Wow, that's quite a stretch. So what you're saying is that we should avoid doing business with any publicly traded corporation? We should avoid any publicly traded securities? Leave the talk about finance to the financial experts. Dude, your business is failing because you pissed off your potential customers by supporting a political figure that appears hostile to the industry and hobby. Further, half the people don't even know where this range is, evidence of a rather inadequate marketing campaign. Lastly, statements like the one quoted above make me think you're a moron that talk about things without actual knowledge. I see enough of that annoying behavior at shooting ranges with people talking about guns...I don't need to hear it about financial markets and politics. I'll stick to the NRA range and various outdoor ranges in parks. |
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Posted: 7/14/2009 9:50:30 AM EDT
[#15]
Originally Posted By 1badf350:
Originally Posted By ANGST:
So how is SEG been doing ? How long are they going to stay in business, I hear its pretty dead there. You bumped this? Meet me at the VCDL table at the Expo center at 5pm the first night of the next show. I'm gonna smack you in the back of the head 3 Stooges style! 
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VA, USA
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Posted: 7/14/2009 11:54:00 AM EDT
[#16]
Let it go. . .live in the nowwwwwwwww.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/18/2010 12:16:44 PM EDT
[#17]
Originally Posted By Davewvu:
Originally Posted By Pomerol:
Consult Human Events online. Use their research to see who contributed over 70% of Obama's money... Wall Street. And... 2 former clients who told me themsleves that they did ( who more than afilliated with with investing your money ). This isn't rocket science. Wow, that's quite a stretch. So what you're saying is that we should avoid doing business with any publicly traded corporation? We should avoid any publicly traded securities? Leave the talk about finance to the financial experts. Dude, your business is failing because you pissed off your potential customers by supporting a political figure that appears hostile to the industry and hobby. Further, half the people don't even know where this range is, evidence of a rather inadequate marketing campaign. Lastly, statements like the one quoted above make me think you're a moron that talk about things without actual knowledge. I see enough of that annoying behavior at shooting ranges with people talking about guns...I don't need to hear it about financial markets and politics. I'll stick to the NRA range and various outdoor ranges in parks. Well put Dave. I've never been to SEG, thinking that is was had only expensive front-end fee memberships. Now, knowing of the bad politics (yes bad politics routinely, and to the gretest extent possible, direct my shopping decisions) and the rumored and demonstrated snooty, argumentative attitude of the staff, I won't be going there, not even as a guest. Doesn't help to hear one of their affiliated instructors talking down the NRA either. I think we can look forward to the prospect of buying the place out of Chapter 7, with right-miinded owners and a more mainstream marketing approach. Mike |
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Posted: 1/18/2010 12:27:42 PM EDT
[#18]
Can't we just let this one die....
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/18/2010 12:38:38 PM EDT
[#19]
Holy 6 month old thread revival Batman!
Seriously. . .this has been debated to death. If you object to their political donations; go elsewhere, problem resolved. Do we have to keep spaming the lists with old business? |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/18/2010 1:28:16 PM EDT
[#20]
Hello, old thread. I've missed you. Thank you mike for reuniting us. |
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Posted: 1/18/2010 1:48:38 PM EDT
[#21]
Originally Posted By Shadowbody:
Holy 6 month old thread revival Batman! Seriously. . .this has been debated to death. If you object to their political donations; go elsewhere, problem resolved. Do we have to keep spaming the lists with old business? Recently people have asked for opinions on SEG in 2 separate threads in the past week. I think this need a bump. |
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Posted: 1/18/2010 1:57:28 PM EDT
[#22]
This thread is set so that it will not archive during site clean-up. This was done to make sure any newer members would be able to make an informed decision about this place, and whether or not to support them.
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Posted: 1/18/2010 2:52:30 PM EDT
[#23]
I am glad this thread still gets brought up from time to time. I'm sure the SEG folks would love for it to get archived......too bad.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/18/2010 3:19:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Glarus]
[#24]
...
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Posted: 1/18/2010 4:40:28 PM EDT
[#25]
Well, this thread was a real eye opener. Sadly - I did not see it in time and have already purchased a membership (did so before I knew ar15.com existed). So, sorry folks, looks like I gave money to the bad guys.
Having said that - unless I want to travel the to the NRA range (30 min - 60 depending on wonderful NOVA traffic) & wait, it looks like I'm kinda screwed for a place to shoot. By the posts here BRA supports the anti-gun folks also. Also - I would really like to know where you got the information on their political contributions? Lastly - this whole idea really, really is doing a bender on what little gray matter I have left. A fireing range that supports anti-firearm ownership candidates???? A firing range that ruffed up the attorney that won the DC firearms ownership case????? 
Argh. |
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Posted: 1/18/2010 8:32:14 PM EDT
[#26]
Originally Posted By KaosDad:
I would really like to know where you got the information on their political contributions? VA state and local candidates: http://www.vpap.org/ Federal candidates: http://www.opensecrets.org/ |
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Posted: 1/18/2010 8:54:20 PM EDT
[#27]
Originally Posted By Bubbles:
Originally Posted By KaosDad:
I would really like to know where you got the information on their political contributions? VA state and local candidates: http://www.vpap.org/ Federal candidates: http://www.opensecrets.org/ Thank you. I appreciate your effort & time. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 1/19/2010 8:58:22 PM EDT
[#28]
I live in Ashburn, building in Leesburg and have been going to SEG on and off since it opened (20+ times) Got the vibe that I didn't really belong even though I probably make more than half the posers in there. I actually bought my Stag Arms AR15 a week or so after Obama got elected and told the staff I might buy two because I was nervous about what our new socialist carbon copy Carter might do. None of them took that too badly, but I suppose the help has no say as to where money is donated.
I am proud to say that I will no longer be contributing to an anti-gun organization. No matter how the money ends up in their hands it will no longer come from mine. |
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Posted: 2/2/2010 7:27:13 PM EDT
[#29]
I wanted to chirp in here.
I've heard the negative comments about SEG's political affiliations and didn't look too much into it since I didn't see the proof. After reading through the threads, I can't believe they would donate to gun-grabbers. I may reconsider my membership there next year but unfortunately this is the best facility (looking past politics) for me to shoot at in NoVA. With that said, I view SEG's facilities as top notch. The RSO's are nice (there's only one that I met who is a tool) and they offer a lot of value to me as a NoVA shooter. I try to go 1-2 times a week and have a membership pass there and can typically just walk in and out without waiting. Also, for the amount that I go their annual pass is a good deal. I'm on the fence about it really, but I did take a class there that I thought was well done and have always been treated well. The political contributions are really lame and will ask the owners for their rationale if I get a chance to speak to them. |
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Posted: 2/2/2010 7:54:33 PM EDT
[#30]
Originally Posted By manosteel00:
snip.... Guess it makes no difference who you are funding with your cash......Just remember that when we lose more freedoms.... |
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WV, USA
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Posted: 2/2/2010 8:23:31 PM EDT
[#31]
Many, many valid reasons as to why not go any range. Aside from the times when the weather is inclement having the capability to range up to 400yds is much better.
Not to mention some range rapid fire rules.... "What do you mean no 3-4 shot bursts...?"
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/2/2010 9:03:02 PM EDT
[#32]
I'll just leave this here.
BRA After reading all 8 pages of this thread, I won't be going to SEG either. |
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Posted: 2/2/2010 10:03:49 PM EDT
[#33]
Originally Posted By manosteel00:
I wanted to chirp in here. I've heard the negative comments about SEG's political affiliations and didn't look too much into it since I didn't see the proof. After reading through the threads, I can't believe they would donate to gun-grabbers. I may reconsider my membership there next year but unfortunately this is the best facility (looking past politics) for me to shoot at in NoVA. With that said, I view SEG's facilities as top notch. The RSO's are nice (there's only one that I met who is a tool) and they offer a lot of value to me as a NoVA shooter. I try to go 1-2 times a week and have a membership pass there and can typically just walk in and out without waiting. Also, for the amount that I go their annual pass is a good deal. I'm on the fence about it really, but I did take a class there that I thought was well done and have always been treated well. The political contributions are really lame and will ask the owners for their rationale if I get a chance to speak to them. The proof is 100% unambiguous. Don't take our word for it. Research who the owners are, research who they contribute to, and research what those recipients push for on the Hill. Seriously, their explanation is "we are trying to break into the government contracting world." However, one doesn't break into contracting on the hill, they do it in the executive agencies, where people ACTUALLY spend the money... |
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Posted: 2/2/2010 11:20:19 PM EDT
[#34]
Originally Posted By shooter220:
The proof is 100% unambiguous. Don't take our word for it. Research who the owners are, research who they contribute to, and research what those recipients push for on the Hill. Seriously, their explanation is "we are trying to break into the government contracting world." However, one doesn't break into contracting on the hill, they do it in the executive agencies, where people ACTUALLY spend the money... Speaking as someone with a business that has a CAGE, DUNS, etc... you don't "break into the government contracting world" by buying a few legislators. Well, ok, you do if your product can't compete on the open market (think ARMS). But it doesn't last long, and will get very expensive after the GAO finds out. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/2/2010 11:51:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Sumo]
[#35]
Originally Posted By manosteel00:
I wanted to chirp in here. I've heard the negative comments about SEG's political affiliations and didn't look too much into it since I didn't see the proof. After reading through the threads, I can't believe they would donate to gun-grabbers. I may reconsider my membership there next year but unfortunately this is the best facility (looking past politics) for me to shoot at in NoVA. With that said, I view SEG's facilities as top notch. The RSO's are nice (there's only one that I met who is a tool) and they offer a lot of value to me as a NoVA shooter. I try to go 1-2 times a week and have a membership pass there and can typically just walk in and out without waiting. Also, for the amount that I go their annual pass is a good deal. I'm on the fence about it really, but I did take a class there that I thought was well done and have always been treated well. The political contributions are really lame and will ask the owners for their rationale if I get a chance to speak to them. Dario O Marquez, Jr president and CEO of the Silver Eagle Group Campaign Contributions Committee $35,000 Moran for Governor - Brian $5,000 Bulova for Fairfax County Board Chair - Sharon $5,000 Howell for Senate - Janet $500 Plum for Delegate - Kenneth This was just for the last year. Something to think about. ETA. IIRC you are fairly new to the area. Brian Moron is the brother of Jim. I and a lot of others went out of our way in the dem primary last year to vote for deeds out of fear that he would win the primary. Take a look at Jim's record it would be similar. Brian was best know as one of the biggest fund raisers for the national dem party. Bulova is as bad as that worthless piece of shit connolly who was the past Chairman of FFX county board of supervisors(currently in the house of representatives) and received money from Marquez. The other two I don't know much about since I am not in their area but you can review their voting record online. |
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Posted: 2/3/2010 10:53:14 PM EDT
[#36]
An interesting thread......
For me, it's too far for the $$ for one. An hour or so to get there, plus the $$ for an hour's shooting time - for about the same amount of time, I can just drive up to our farm in PA and shoot all day for less than $25 in gas. Plus, w/ my schedule I only have the weekend to shoot anyway. If this is the same Dario Marquez (and I believe it is, as there can't be too many folks with that name), he used to be co-owner (and maybe still does) of MVM, a security-guard company. I used to work for him, for a short time, back in the early 90's after getting off active-duty. I never had any talks with him about politics, as it never came up. I do find it, ummm...., interesting, as others have said, that he and his son (?) make a living in the firearms business, as well as an armed-guard business (if they are still involved in that), but donate their $$ to politicians who's wet-dream would be to totally abolish their ownership by us commoners. Maybe they think that the total-ban wouldn't apply to them for some reason - don't know. And for that reason, giving $$ to the very people who want to destroy our rights, is the #1 reason that I'd never cross the threshold of their business, even if I was in the area. I also noted the complete absense of the OP since his 'arm-chair' comment - hmmm......
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Posted: 2/3/2010 11:10:44 PM EDT
[#37]
Originally Posted By Tanker06: An interesting thread...... I do find it, ummm...., interesting, as others have said, that he and his son (?) make a living in the firearms business, as well as an armed-guard business (if they are still involved in that), but donate their $$ to politicians who's wet-dream would be to totally abolish their ownership by us commoners. Maybe they think that the total-ban wouldn't apply to them for some reason - don't know. That was my objection to the place when it first came up. They designed the range for the "elites" and .gov contracts. They don't care what the "commoners" can do. Well, that was up until their original business model didn't work out. Then they were all for letting the "commoners" come and join. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/4/2010 7:39:29 AM EDT
[#38]
Originally Posted By VA-gunnut:
Originally Posted By Tanker06:
An interesting thread...... I do find it, ummm...., interesting, as others have said, that he and his son (?) make a living in the firearms business, as well as an armed-guard business (if they are still involved in that), but donate their $$ to politicians who's wet-dream would be to totally abolish their ownership by us commoners. Maybe they think that the total-ban wouldn't apply to them for some reason - don't know. That was my objection to the place when it first came up. They designed the range for the "elites" and .gov contracts. They don't care what the "commoners" can do. Well, that was up until their original business model didn't work out. Then they were all for letting the "commoners" come and join. Glad I'm not the only one that noticed that. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/4/2010 11:18:30 AM EDT
[#39]
Originally Posted By Tanker06:
I also noted the complete absense of the OP since his 'arm-chair' comment - hmmm...... Dunno why. But it might be because he was no longer employed by SEG as of late last year. |
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Posted: 2/4/2010 2:03:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: VAAR]
[#40]
Originally Posted By manosteel00:
I wanted to chirp in here. I've heard the negative comments about SEG's political affiliations and didn't look too much into it since I didn't see the proof. After reading through the threads, I can't believe they would donate to gun-grabbers. I may reconsider my membership there next year but unfortunately this is the best facility (looking past politics) for me to shoot at in NoVA. With that said, I view SEG's facilities as top notch. The RSO's are nice (there's only one that I met who is a tool) and they offer a lot of value to me as a NoVA shooter. I try to go 1-2 times a week and have a membership pass there and can typically just walk in and out without waiting. Also, for the amount that I go their annual pass is a good deal. I'm on the fence about it really, but I did take a class there that I thought was well done and have always been treated well. The political contributions are really lame and will ask the owners for their rationale if I get a chance to speak to them. You can't "look past politics." More than a hobby, our way of life is at stake. Time to take a stand. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/27/2010 3:57:37 PM EDT
[#41]
I both live and work within 20 minutes of SEG. When I heard that it was first opening up, I was excited at the prospect of a decent range. I immediately asked about membership options and was quoted the $50k buy in and a monthly fee... That was enough to turn me off on the spot.
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Posted: 2/27/2010 4:17:17 PM EDT
[#42]
Don't forget the two Izaak Walton Leagues in the NoVA Area. I live in Stafford and belong to the Alexandria Chapter, whose range is only 7 miles from my house:
Alexandria Chapter Property/Meeting Site: 2729 Garrisonville Rd. Stafford, VA 22554 Chapter Website: Alexandria To Join Contact: Pete Williams (Membership Officer) Phone: (540)286-0963 Arlington-Fairfax Chapter Property/Meeting Site: 14708 Mount Olive Rd. Centreville, VA 20122-0366 Chapter Website: Arlington To Join Contact: Robert Crisman (Membership Officer) Phone: Chapterhouse (703)631-4495 Email: [email protected] |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 2/28/2010 10:05:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: alphasigmookie]
[#43]
When are the IDPA matches? Website says monday night but no time is posted. I'd like to attend sometime, but not sure it will be feasible to get home and then brave the rush hour traffic to make it. Google says 45 min from my place without traffic. Betting on at least 1.5 hours on a Monday night after work.
Edit....guess I didn't see the other 7 pages... |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/28/2010 10:23:46 PM EDT
[#44]
Originally Posted By Defender3:
Don't forget the two Izaak Walton Leagues in the NoVA Area. I live in Stafford and belong to the Alexandria Chapter, whose range is only 7 miles from my house: Alexandria Chapter Property/Meeting Site: 2729 Garrisonville Rd. Stafford, VA 22554 Chapter Website: Alexandria To Join Contact: Pete Williams (Membership Officer) Phone: (540)286-0963 Arlington-Fairfax Chapter Property/Meeting Site: 14708 Mount Olive Rd. Centreville, VA 20122-0366 Chapter Website: Arlington To Join Contact: Robert Crisman (Membership Officer) Phone: Chapterhouse (703)631-4495 Email: [email protected] forgot the IWLA of Prince William County....they have facilities in Brentsville, including an indoor 25 yard range, and an outdoor 50 yard rifle/pistol range that is currently closed.... i'll try and conjure up the contact info... |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 3/1/2010 4:16:10 PM EDT
[#45]
Originally Posted By ANGST: Originally Posted By Pomerol: Hello Gents: Yes, I am an RSO/INST at SEG and no, I am not advertising for them. I am just genuinely curious why some of you on our hometown forum do not shoot here. If you have been here you can attest to how cool the place is and how cool we RSO's are. We are very accomodating and helpful and the retail area is chock full of goodies. Is it the price? Is it my breath? Really, just for me, I personally want to know. Possible general reasons : 1) Obama donations from owners. (Not really sure if this is ACTUALLY keeping people from there , or just mostly people who would of never gone there anyways) This is my reason, also one of the chief reasons (there were a few others as well), that I dropped my membership at BRA. I just personally feel that we have enough problems trying to fight off the violations of our rights with out contributing to the groups that are intent upon doing so. go figure  |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 3/1/2010 4:18:52 PM EDT
[#46]
Originally Posted By BaronFitz: Hmmm... 1. Cost- I can shoot for ~$10 less for an hour at the NRA, even if the wait can be atrocious. I enjoy watching people shoot through the window while I wait anyway. It's entertaining, and often instructive for one reason or another. 2. Cause- I know my money given to the NRA supports a good cause, and won't get funneled to dirty gun grabbers in political contributions. A gun shop owner supporting His Awesomeness and others like him seems to me to be like a liquor store owner pulling for prohibition. I have to admit that it's a lot closer to me than the NRA, and the prospect of getting to shoot a scenario instead of just blasting away at a hanging paper sounds rather nice. I just don't want my money to end up in the pockets of politicians who want my RKBA to consist of having my weapons locked up at the gun club for occasional visitation, like Hong Kong. Just my 2 cents. I agree with all above... cost is less of an issue as far as I am concerned however, as I am happy to pay a little more if there are some cool features... as I have heard SEG has.... unfortunately from point 2 on.... thats the deal breaker for me. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 3/1/2010 4:35:01 PM EDT
[#47]
Originally Posted By gplg: If all you people refusing to support a local gun range in a very liberal area because they donated money to some libs, you better shut off your computer because Microsoft and IBM donated money to Obama. You better stop using Google because so did they. Better switch banks if you are using Chevy Chase or Citibank and you better stop going to movies and watching TV because Time Warner supported him as well. ummm... no. There is quite a difference between using a device as a necessity because there are no other viable (non-anti_gun supporting) options. And supporting a range which does this... in an area where there are at least 2 other quality ranges who support gun rights. nice try though... |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 3/1/2010 4:54:17 PM EDT
[#48]
Originally Posted By gmshtr: Hello fellow shooters, I thought it was about time that I threw in my $.02 before this thread got locked! It is true that I accepted a trial offer from Silver Eagle Group as their Lead Instructor. Since I owned Shooters Paradise for a while (before it burned down), they also intended to use me as a Business Developer. I will make no comments as to their political contributions, since I've not heard all of the facts from the parties involved. Posting my OPINIONS as to why would be irresponsible conjecture. I found out about their contributions shortly after accepting the position, but I refused to let my political views get in the way of what I wanted to do here...provide the best training to the public to help them better prepare to effectively defend themselves. From the business side, I've expressed the same concerns that most of you have had (short of the political contributions) to the owners with good response. In no way am I defending them, but I can tell you from a business owner's perspective, things usually move quite a bit slower than we would like. I think we're making steps in the right direction to help provide a better environment for our MAIN customer focus. The "us versus them" aura was much stronger when I first arrived, but I think more and more people (including upper management) are starting to realize that the standard issue shooter (YOU AND ME) are the ones who will be paying the rent. That's not to say that SEG won't be putting a SERIOUS focus on gov't and LEO contracts. There needs to be a way to pay for all of this, and it doesn't take a math degree to realize that consumer sales won't cover it. Understand that even if I stay with Silver Eagle Group, I will most likely not be training many of the upcoming courses after March. I intend to assemble and train a cadre of instructors to teach the material while I focus on the administrative side of things (yeah, I know that sticks...and I hate it, but someone's got to do it). I will probably teach some of the specialty courses I'm developing, but the course cost will be higher. I hope that some of you will be able to overlook some of your concerns with Silver Eagle Group. Trust me, I understand where the anxiety is coming from, but I will continue to give the public the best product available as long as I'm allowed to be here. I hope to see you all soon. Take care and God bless, Phil Strader Ad info edited out...VA-gunnut Phil, Thank you for posting. I sincerely respect you as a shooter and trainer within our community. Unfortunately, I cannot look past the political component, I really could care less about cost when it comes to a group that stands firmly behind our rights. However, in this case, SEG obviously does not. That is not to say that all employees, training staff, instructors etc, agree with ownership position. In fact, I would venture to guess that a majority do not. That does not negate, however, the fact that SEG does indeed support ANTI's, both politically and FINANCIALLY. This is a deal breaker for me and from what I am reading a great number of people on this board. I would imagine that this would follow suit with VA shooters outside of the AR15.com forums as well. There will always be shooters who are willing to overlook this kind of thing, and I imagine that there may even be enough of them to support SEG as a business. The ownership should be aware though, of the business they have lost with their political contributions and their treatment of certain people viewed as leaders within our community. Because the fact is they have lost the business, Certainly they have lost mine. Having said all of that, I look forward to the day I can join a class with you.... it just wont be at SEG or having anything to do with SEG. I hope you understand... and I am sure that you do. KW |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 3/1/2010 5:07:15 PM EDT
[#49]
Originally Posted By Sumo:
Dario O Marquez, Jr president and CEO of the Silver Eagle Group Campaign Contributions Committee $35,000 Moran for Governor - Brian $5,000 Bulova for Fairfax County Board Chair - Sharon $5,000 Howell for Senate - Janet $500 Plum for Delegate - Kenneth This was just for the last year. Something to think about. ETA. IIRC you are fairly new to the area. Brian Moron is the brother of Jim. I and a lot of others went out of our way in the dem primary last year to vote for deeds out of fear that he would win the primary. Take a look at Jim's record it would be similar. Brian was best know as one of the biggest fund raisers for the national dem party. Bulova is as bad as that worthless piece of shit connolly who was the past Chairman of FFX county board of supervisors(currently in the house of representatives) and received money from Marquez. The other two I don't know much about since I am not in their area but you can review their voting record online. I also heard they eat babies and worship the dark lord. Kick puppies and listen to Yani while using the bible to wipe their bums. I say we stone them as appearently a difference of opinion is a difference of principle. |
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Posted: 3/1/2010 5:18:31 PM EDT
[#50]
Originally Posted By Shadowbody: Originally Posted By Sumo: Dario O Marquez, Jr president and CEO of the Silver Eagle Group Campaign Contributions Committee $35,000 Moran for Governor - Brian $5,000 Bulova for Fairfax County Board Chair - Sharon $5,000 Howell for Senate - Janet $500 Plum for Delegate - Kenneth This was just for the last year. Something to think about. ETA. IIRC you are fairly new to the area. Brian Moron is the brother of Jim. I and a lot of others went out of our way in the dem primary last year to vote for deeds out of fear that he would win the primary. Take a look at Jim's record it would be similar. Brian was best know as one of the biggest fund raisers for the national dem party. Bulova is as bad as that worthless piece of shit connolly who was the past Chairman of FFX county board of supervisors(currently in the house of representatives) and received money from Marquez. The other two I don't know much about since I am not in their area but you can review their voting record online. I also heard they eat babies and worship the dark lord. Kick puppies and listen to Yani while using the bible to wipe their bums. I say we stone them as appearently a difference of opinion is a difference of principle. Is this supposed to be your sarcastic way of saying you'll spend you money with whom you choose? |
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