User Panel
[#1]
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Well, apparently the range opened Saturday. How they think posting to Facebook is the best way to communicate that - AND NOT THE NEWSLETTER EMAIL I SIGNED UP FOR - is beyond me. I had a non-shooter alert me to this a few minutes ago. Pissed off does not describe me at the moment. View Quote The most advanced indoor range facility in the nation opens up in your backyard, and you get that upset over not getting an email? The number of moving pieces involved in an enterprise of this nature is staggering. Having been involved in the opening of a range myself (about 1/4 the size) I am amazed at what ESS has pulled off here. |
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[#2]
Haven't made it over to the range yet but, have gotten my membership. I am thankful for the range and do think it is remarkable how quickly this seems to have come together. I know the owners have worked long and hard to get to the opening.
We are fortunate to have such a nice facility so close in our area. I wish them luck and good fortune in the coming years. I'll certainly be going in the next day or so. Again thanks and good luck |
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[#3]
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The most advanced indoor range facility in the nation opens up in your backyard, and you get that upset over not getting an email? The number of moving pieces involved in an enterprise of this nature is staggering. Having been involved in the opening of a range myself (about 1/4 the size) I am amazed at what ESS has pulled off here. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Well, apparently the range opened Saturday. How they think posting to Facebook is the best way to communicate that - AND NOT THE NEWSLETTER EMAIL I SIGNED UP FOR - is beyond me. I had a non-shooter alert me to this a few minutes ago. Pissed off does not describe me at the moment. The most advanced indoor range facility in the nation opens up in your backyard, and you get that upset over not getting an email? The number of moving pieces involved in an enterprise of this nature is staggering. Having been involved in the opening of a range myself (about 1/4 the size) I am amazed at what ESS has pulled off here. Nothing I said was incorrect. This will be the last time I address it. I signed up as a member and put my faith in them - and my money - 3 months ago. This "non-advertised" opening was advertised on Facebook. Not via the email newsletter I subscribed to. Not here. Not on their website. But on Facebook. They made the assumption that their members "follow them" on Facebook. A non-member here at work told me about it on Monday asking if I went on Saturday. No, I didn't - I went to F'ing SHARPSHOOTERS - way, way out of my way, all because I don't have Facebook? I didn't want to go shoot at that dump, given the option. I was solo without any obligations all weekend, bored out of my mind, and had no clue they were open for shooting/tours. So, yeah, I was pissed and said so. But a simple "sorry for the miscommunication" would have been fine. Emailing members who paid up front would have seemed like a good idea. They didn't update their website to reflect "Now Open" until Monday afternoon/evening, after my post. I'm sorry I don't want to share pictures of my vacations or my cats and comment on your Grandmother on Facebook. But saying it wasn't "advertised" yet posting it to Facebook (which is "advertising") was a bit silly. So, was I upset? Sure. But I'm over it. Nothing more needs to be said, as what's done is done. If someone wants to continue the conversation, IM me. |
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[#4]
Do you not know the difference between a soft and hard opening. I posted a statement on here last week that said there was a possibility of them opening last weekend in a soft operation. Just because you didn't get an individual e-mail notice is no reason to get all high and mighty.
So get off your high horse, it seems like you are one of those people that is has to be all about you. Enjoy the range this company has built for all of us to enjoy. |
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[#6]
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[#7]
It's not unusual to have a soft launch when you open a new business or other venture. You'd like to first verify that your infrastructure and staff can handle a smaller load before you ramp up. It's one reason a grand opening event is often held weeks after an actual opening. I imagine that they are also pretty busy with work at the site, which is another reason they may not be keeping everyone up to date as well as we would like.
I have been involved in a couple of new businesses and the release of numerous products. You don't get much sleep as you lead up to the opening/release...and then it gets worse as the day arrives and stuff goes off the rails. Either way, thanks to whoever posted the info about them being open. I'm looking forward to checking them out. |
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[#8]
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It's not unusual to have a soft launch when you open a new business or other venture. You'd like to first verify that your infrastructure and staff can handle a smaller load before you ramp up. It's one reason a grand opening event is often held weeks after an actual opening. I imagine that they are also pretty busy with work at the site, which is another reason they may not be keeping everyone up to date as well as we would like. I have been involved in a couple of new businesses and the release of numerous products. You don't get much sleep as you lead up to the opening/release...and then it gets worse as the day arrives and stuff goes off the rails. Either way, thanks to whoever posted the info about them being open. I'm looking forward to checking them out. View Quote The target controls are the slickest I've ever seen. And the booths seem much wider than any of the other local ranges, so sharing lanes is no issue. Best part of the non-shooting side? They had wall-mounted big screen TV's with Fox News on. Take that, Bloomberg. |
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[#9]
Just pulled from their Facebook page:
In order to prepare for our Grand Opening Celebration, Elite Shooting Sports will be closing at 3 p.m. this Friday, November 14th. We will re-open Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. We hope to see you then! |
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[#10]
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Just pulled from their Facebook page: In order to prepare for our Grand Opening Celebration, Elite Shooting Sports will be closing at 3 p.m. this Friday, November 14th. We will re-open Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. We hope to see you then! View Quote Good 'ol Chad Dukes will be on hand Saturday. |
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[#11]
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Good 'ol Chad Dukes will be on hand Saturday. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Just pulled from their Facebook page: In order to prepare for our Grand Opening Celebration, Elite Shooting Sports will be closing at 3 p.m. this Friday, November 14th. We will re-open Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. We hope to see you then! Good 'ol Chad Dukes will be on hand Saturday. any idea what time he will be there? |
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[#12]
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Just pulled from their Facebook page: In order to prepare for our Grand Opening Celebration, Elite Shooting Sports will be closing at 3 p.m. this Friday, November 14th. We will re-open Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. We hope to see you then! Good 'ol Chad Dukes will be on hand Saturday. any idea what time he will be there? He said 10-12 on his show earlier this week. |
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[#13]
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[#14]
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[#15]
Had a nice relaxing evening using the 50 yard range this evening. Only 2 others on the range for the nearly 2 hours I was there. Hardly anyone on the 25 yard ranges either.
Love the size of the shooting lanes. Can easily move around without worry of bumping things and take the stance you want. If I can get a chance I will be back on Saturday to see how things are going with the grand opening. |
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[#16]
Anybody know if the target cameras are just on the 100 range? Would be kinda nice on the 50 too.
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[#17]
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[#18]
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We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Will they be renting firearms? I hope not. We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. Yup. Not a fan of untrained firearms tourists. |
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[#19]
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Yup. Not a fan of untrained firearms tourists. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Will they be renting firearms? I hope not. We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. Yup. Not a fan of untrained firearms tourists. I'm hoping they ask if they have used firearms before, and if not, have an RSO work with them. I assume that's their plan. But I know what happens when you assume. (we all get shot ) |
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[#20]
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I'm hoping they ask if they have used firearms before, and if not, have an RSO work with them. I assume that's their plan. But I know what happens when you assume. (we all get shot ) View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Will they be renting firearms? I hope not. We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. Yup. Not a fan of untrained firearms tourists. I'm hoping they ask if they have used firearms before, and if not, have an RSO work with them. I assume that's their plan. But I know what happens when you assume. (we all get shot ) Yup. Not getting shot again if I can help it. I might go check this place out this afternoon. |
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[#21]
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We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Will they be renting firearms? I hope not. We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. Bummer. One of the things that I like about the NRA range is knowing that the person in the lane next to me isn't some yahoo who has never touched a firearm before...and who just rented the one in their hand at the counter. I have heard of some ranges that will only rent you a firearm if you show up with one. That's a nice compromise. |
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[#22]
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Yup. Not a fan of untrained firearms tourists. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Will they be renting firearms? I hope not. We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. Yup. Not a fan of untrained firearms tourists. |
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[#23]
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Bummer. One of the things that I like about the NRA range is knowing that the person in the lane next to me isn't some yahoo who has never touched a firearm before...and who just rented the one in their hand at the counter. I have heard of some ranges that will only rent you a firearm if you show up with one. That's a nice compromise. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Will they be renting firearms? I hope not. We'll you're going to be disappointed. Firearm rental, $10/hr. Class III, $25/hr. Bummer. One of the things that I like about the NRA range is knowing that the person in the lane next to me isn't some yahoo who has never touched a firearm before...and who just rented the one in their hand at the counter. I have heard of some ranges that will only rent you a firearm if you show up with one. That's a nice compromise. Keep in mind the weekend of the gun shows in Chantilly, that's exactly what happens. People who just bought a gun for the first time heading to the NRA range down the street to kick the tires. Best to avoid those weekends. |
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[#24]
FYI for you members - it appears ammo is sold only to members to stop Joe Public from coming in a clearing shelves. Good news is the prices are cheaper than anywhere you'll find (and it's actually in stock), and they have loads of .22lr. I got a 325rd brick of Federal Auto Match for $19. Same thing PSA just had "on sale" for $29.99 plus shipping.
They told me their plan is to keep ammo at "Walmart prices" as a benefit to people with memberships - and to keep it in stock. |
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[#25]
I got a chance to go shoot today and I have to say this range is outstanding! Well worth the wait. I was able to go late this afternoon and didn't have to wait for a lane. Shot on the 25 yard range and also the 50 yard range. Hope to go tomorrow or sometime next week to try out the 100 yard range.
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[#29]
When is the Ranges page going to get updated? Attn Moderator!
I attended the Open House yesterday, and the BBQ and venue were awesome. Really impressed with the place and the people. The Simulator room alone is worth the trip. I think this place could be classified as a "Destination Resort" for shooters! It's like Disney Land. Thank you ESS for bringing a world class facility to my back yard. |
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[#30]
Thank You all for the kind words. We are doing our best to make every ones experience a pleasant one.
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[#31]
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https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MnD2cqBF9kw/VGkRX9cTjeI/AAAAAAAADxc/QS8zv9b-4Qw/w1412-h798-no/IMAG0456.jpg I went today. I was impressed by the clean and modern decor and range. The staff was friendly. The other ranges that I shoot semi-regularly at are Sharpshooters and Peacemaker. I will probably get a lot of flak for the following but... My only annoyance is that you are only allowed to shoot one firearm at a time on the line. I'm not talking dual wielding, but the practice of transitions from the carbine to handgun is not allowed. And when I am shooting the carbine with my 2 point sling, after a string of fire, I can't have the carbine in a controlled (hands off) hang muzzle pointed down to do admin stuff within my shooting booth. (pick up empty mags , move loaded mags to the front, etc.) Mind you, this is with the chamber open and bolt locked to the rear, safety engaged. I got a reminder for that. I still have 6months left on my membership at Sharpshooters, I will reconsider my options at that time. View Quote Thank You for checking us out. We will always considers suggestions made by our customers. It is important to understand that range rules are established based on ALL customers skill level for the overall safety of the range. Not everyone has been trained in the proper techniques needed to safely do transitions or even pick up empty magazines off the floor with a slung rifle. I have been instructing for over 25 years and still see instances during advanced carbine classes with highly trained, skilled operators muzzling folks because of improper techniques. Customers want to shoot at a safe facility and it is our obligation to provide them a safe environment. While we will take your suggestions to heart, it is important to understand safety is our number one priority. |
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[#32]
Grats on the new range finally opening.
{puts Staff hat on} Please be careful not "advertise" within this thread, as we have strict rules governing such. You're welcome to answer questions about the facility and the rules, just avoid discussing anything concerning sales of items or services.{takes Staff hat off} It really looks like a great place, too bad it's up in NOVA. |
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[#34]
Just got back from my first trip to the new range. I felt kind of under dressed for the place. It has to be the nicest indoor range I've been to and I've been to quite a few over the years.
The staff couldn't have been nicer and we are very lucky to have such a world class range in our back yard |
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[#35]
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Grats on the new range finally opening. {puts Staff hat on} Please be careful not "advertise" within this thread, as we have strict rules governing such. You're welcome to answer questions about the facility and the rules, just avoid discussing anything concerning sales of items or services.{takes Staff hat off} It really looks like a great place, too bad it's up in NOVA. View Quote I have been very careful and respectful not to do so. |
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[#36]
Who is the gunsmith that will be working there and when does he start?
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[#39]
I was there last night for the first time. The easiest way to sum up my experience is, "wow!" The staff is really nice and the facility is amazing. I have lived and shot in NOVA for over 20 years without having one single annual membership to any local range. This will most likely be the first one I get. Oh, and I saw bricks of .22LR on the shelf.
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[#40]
I generally dislike going to public ranges, but, like all of us I need to sustain my proficiency when i'm not teaching at EAG Tactical
Generally not a fan of indoor ranges, but as with Scottsdale Gun Club, Colonial, FLETC and Montgomery County PA range, the benefits of the indoor range offset any issues I might have. I stopped by today and bought a membership. It is an impressive place, and it suits my needs (sustainment, zeroing optics, T&E stuff) And, it is not Sxxxxx Exxxx :) |
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[#41]
Pat - any chance of teaching a class there?
ELITE SHOOTING SPORTS - TRAINING GUEST INSTRUCTOR SERIES: Elite Shooting Sports is proud to partner with some of the leading instructors in the country to bring the “Guest Instructor Series “. This is a variety of classes from self-defense to competition taught by some of the leading instructors and schools across the nation. |
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[#43]
My wife wanted to buy me a membership, but said your webpage says theyre SOLD OUT!?!
Whats up with that?!? |
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[#44]
I was just by there yesterday. The pay upfront annual memberships are sold out, but you can still get an annual membership with monthly payments. If I remember correctly it comes out to be only a few dollars more than the pay upfront memberships were going for. The place was amazing, I don't think I've ever been to such a nice range before. All the staff were very friendly and helpful also. I can't recommend this place enough.
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[#45]
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The pay upfront annual memberships are sold out, but you can still get an annual membership with monthly payments. If I remember correctly it comes out to be only a few dollars more than the pay upfront memberships were going for. View Quote Not exactly. Before, it was a $10 initiation fee +$350 ($360). Now it's a $49.95 initiation fee +$34.95 per month ($469.39). That's an extra $109.39, for the math impaired like me. Not a substantial amount, but it's not a few bucks for sure. And when did they change their hours?? They were 8am to 10pm, now it's 9am to 9pm. Granted, I likely wouldn't have been there at 8am, but was certainly planning to go in the evenings on a regular basis (arriving 8:30-ish). I won't speculate as to why... |
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[#46]
Facebook page said the range was dead between 8-9 and 9-10.
They will adjust hours as needed for more usage. |
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[#47]
Quoted: Facebook page said the range was dead between 8-9 and 9-10. They will adjust hours as needed for more usage. View Quote I was there last Friday at 8:10am and was the only one shooting for a few minutes. When I left a little after 9am, there were two other people there. I saw at least 10 employees that early, probably more I didn't see. That adds up quickly with not much $$$ coming in. |
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[#48]
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Not exactly. Before, it was a $10 initiation fee +$350 ($360). Now it's a $49.95 initiation fee +$34.95 per month ($469.39). That's an extra $109.39, for the math impaired like me. Not a substantial amount, but it's not a few bucks for sure. And when did they change their hours?? They were 8am to 10pm, now it's 9am to 9pm. Granted, I likely wouldn't have been there at 8am, but was certainly planning to go in the evenings on a regular basis (arriving 8:30-ish). I won't speculate as to why... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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The pay upfront annual memberships are sold out, but you can still get an annual membership with monthly payments. If I remember correctly it comes out to be only a few dollars more than the pay upfront memberships were going for. Not exactly. Before, it was a $10 initiation fee +$350 ($360). Now it's a $49.95 initiation fee +$34.95 per month ($469.39). That's an extra $109.39, for the math impaired like me. Not a substantial amount, but it's not a few bucks for sure. And when did they change their hours?? They were 8am to 10pm, now it's 9am to 9pm. Granted, I likely wouldn't have been there at 8am, but was certainly planning to go in the evenings on a regular basis (arriving 8:30-ish). I won't speculate as to why... Ah I see what I did there... forgot about the initiation fee and for some reason was compairing the military discount price of the monthly to the regular price of the pay upfront |
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[#49]
Hi Folks,
Thank You all again we appreciate everyones support. Things are moving along pretty well, we are starting to make the transition from construction mode to operational mode still a lot of work to be done. We are experiencing growing pains like any new business but remain fluid and we are adapting. We did change our hours with as many lanes we have we are easily accommodating our shooters. Most folks do not understand the expense involved to operate a facility like ours including the costs associated with operating our HVAC units on the ranges. It just didn't make good business sense to open earlier and stay later for just a few folks. Should we need to extend the hours again due to demand we will most certainly do so. An update on the 100 yard cameras we are trying to get them installed before the Holiday weekend. The 100 yard range has been a huge success, we did make a change and set a minimum distance of 25 yards to reduce range damage. I laugh now at the so called "experts" that told me I was nuts for wanting to put a 100 yard range in our facility. I may be a little nuts but not for wanting to build a hundred yard range, it is a huge success. There was a question about annual range memberships. We did have a certain number of payed up front annual memberships at a discounted rate available before and during our grand opening but those are sold out. The good news is annuals are still availible on our monthly payment program. We are still cheaper than all the other ranges offering the same type of membership and you save money if you come to our facility more than twice a month. If you are just an occasional user we offer the pay as you go option as well at very competitive rates. Again Thank You all for all your supports, hope to see you out. |
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[#50]
Actually, the 100d range was one of the major attractions.
One of...There are others |
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