Posted: 2/7/2012 2:25:29 PM EDT
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Howdy,
My wife is very likely getting a job in Blacksburg in the next few weeks, so we have about a 95% chance at moving to the area. While nothing is yet set in stone, and we still need to get the "official" word from her wouldbe employer, it's a fair enough shot that I'm now needing more information about some items to help with planning. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Before I get into the questions we have, a little background and additional info follows, as it might help get more accurate answers. Bear with me, as this'll probably be longwinded...Just trying to be complete. :) We'll be in the area for a couple of days next week (driving in 14 FEB, likely late-ish), but obviously that won't give as much of a chance as I'd prefer to really get a feel on certain things. If anyone has suggestions on good (hopefully at least some non-college teenybopper type places...lol) places to eat and the like, please let me know. Wednesday afternoon and most of the day Thursday, I'll be bored while my wife is at her wouldbe employer getting shown around and such, so I'd be quite happy to find a bit of food, maybe a beer, and some good black rifle, etc. talk, if anyone is up for it, as well. Background: I'm former Army and the last few years have been working chiefly overseas as a security contractor (I'll now be working from home). I used to live in NoVA and in Richmond for a short time, but never got out west much (I mostly just kept an apartment there while overseas), so have only a wee bit of experience with VA in general. My wife is a scientist. She's late 20's, and I'm mid-30's. Conservative/Constitutionalist, both, and neither of us wants to live any closer than about 40 minutes to anyplace very "city-like". We're used to having our 250 acres here to shoot on, hike, etc., so areas with available, reasonably-priced land of at least 25 acres (prefer more) are the only places we're likely to be interested in for property shopping. Again, we prefer being a bit away from town, so having to drive in for her work is fine. We both shoot (a good bit), we both ride horses, have 3 dogs and a couple horses. Property in an area with the least chance of being hassled for shooting, riding, etc. (on what will be our own or leased property) is a must. I cook, so good grocery store/meat market type info would be great. We don't yet have any kids, though we're plotting for the future, so no kid-specific info needed just now. Actual questions: 1.) Are there parts of Blacksburg or the general area to avoid, due to crime, high prices, basic idiots, etc.? 2.) How do people in the general––or specific––area tend to react to firearms (use, talk, etc.), open carry, concealed permit bits, boltface logo stickers, maxpedition bags, and Texas license plates (only partly joking...lol)? 3.) How far out (specific counties or areas) would we likely need to check for property, based on what I described above? 4.) Any advice on good general mechanic/transmission/4x4 shops in the area (for a 97 Dodge 4x4 w/Cummins and a F150)? 5.) Best gun shops/receiving FFLs, hospital/doctors/dentists/vets? 6.) Good feed stores, horse-related shops, etc.? 7.) Decent movie theater? 8.) Closest UPS/FedEx place that doesn't freak out if shipping firearms (to manufacturer, gunsmith, if sold online, etc.)? I know the above is a bit long, but any/all advice anyone is willing to share on it all is sincerely appreciated. Thanks, Y'all! |
| There are 3 good local shops who do transfers Whitetail Outfiters is the best around with a good selection of guns and ammo at decent prices. Movie theater would be in Christiansburg dunno if there is one in bburg. There aren't really bad parts of Blacksburg. In general the people are very pro gun unless you live near tech. For land check Giles County and the McCoy area of Montgomery County or Brush Mountain. Dunno about feed stores. I've never shipped a gun with anyone but USPS here. |
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Lived in the area all my life except for time in the Navy and a year after getting married. So I will try to help you out with a few of your questions.
1.) Are there parts of Blacksburg or the general area to avoid, due to crime, high prices, basic idiots, etc.? Not really. Naturally the off campus apartments etc get stupid when the kids get drunk but for the most part its really a nice town. 2.) How do people in the general––or specific––area tend to react to firearms (use, talk, etc.), open carry, concealed permit bits, boltface logo stickers, maxpedition bags, and Texas license plates (only partly joking...lol)? Except for right at Tech most folks ignore guns. I CCW but barely keep it covered due to shirts and jackets moving. The further you are from downtown, the less people notice you. 3.) How far out (specific counties or areas) would we likely need to check for property, based on what I described above? There are several areas just minutes from Blacksburg that would certainly fit the bill. A lot of horse mini farms in the area. The area between Roanoke and Blacksburg on US 460 has some farms that have been up for sale. You can easily get a great property 10-40 minutes away. 4.) Any advice on good general mechanic/transmission/4x4 shops in the area (for a 97 Dodge 4x4 w/Cummins and a F150)? Not really. There are some but I have no experience with them. 5.) Best gun shops/receiving FFLs, hospital/doctors/dentists/vets? Gun shops I use Roanoke Firearms in Roanoke exclusively but there are others in the area. Montgomery Regional Hospital and the New River Medical Center are your 2 local choices. If you need a dental referral, I can get a name of a good one for you. 6.) Good feed stores, horse-related shops, etc.? Tractor Supply is in Christiansburg and Southern States is just down the road from it. There are a couple saddle/tack shops in the area. 7.) Decent movie theater? The big one at the mall. There are others in Roanoke and the surrounding areas. There is still a drive in http://www.starlitedrivein.info/ 8.) Closest UPS/FedEx place that doesn't freak out if shipping firearms (to manufacturer, gunsmith, if sold online, etc.)? Fed-Ex drop off in Christiansburg. Here is a map of some of the items listed above. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=203052051449166060585.0004b86a6fa43ec1e6ae9&msa=0&ll=37.136235,-80.450478&spn=0.195693,0.33886 If you need more details, shoot me a PM. I will be happy to help if I can. |
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Quoted:
Lived in the area all my life except for time in the Navy and a year after getting married. So I will try to help you out with a few of your questions. 1.) Are there parts of Blacksburg or the general area to avoid, due to crime, high prices, basic idiots, etc.? Not really. Naturally the off campus apartments etc get stupid when the kids get drunk but for the most part its really a nice town. 2.) How do people in the general––or specific––area tend to react to firearms (use, talk, etc.), open carry, concealed permit bits, boltface logo stickers, maxpedition bags, and Texas license plates (only partly joking...lol)? Except for right at Tech most folks ignore guns. I CCW but barely keep it covered due to shirts and jackets moving. The further you are from downtown, the less people notice you. 3.) How far out (specific counties or areas) would we likely need to check for property, based on what I described above? There are several areas just minutes from Blacksburg that would certainly fit the bill. A lot of horse mini farms in the area. The area between Roanoke and Blacksburg on US 460 has some farms that have been up for sale. You can easily get a great property 10-40 minutes away. 4.) Any advice on good general mechanic/transmission/4x4 shops in the area (for a 97 Dodge 4x4 w/Cummins and a F150)? Not really. There are some but I have no experience with them. 5.) Best gun shops/receiving FFLs, hospital/doctors/dentists/vets? Gun shops I use Roanoke Firearms in Roanoke exclusively but there are others in the area. Montgomery Regional Hospital and the New River Medical Center are your 2 local choices. If you need a dental referral, I can get a name of a good one for you. 6.) Good feed stores, horse-related shops, etc.? Tractor Supply is in Christiansburg and Southern States is just down the road from it. There are a couple saddle/tack shops in the area. 7.) Decent movie theater? The big one at the mall. There are others in Roanoke and the surrounding areas. There is still a drive in http://www.starlitedrivein.info/ 8.) Closest UPS/FedEx place that doesn't freak out if shipping firearms (to manufacturer, gunsmith, if sold online, etc.)? Fed-Ex drop off in Christiansburg. Here is a map of some of the items listed above. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=203052051449166060585.0004b86a6fa43ec1e6ae9&msa=0&ll=37.136235,-80.450478&spn=0.195693,0.33886 If you need more details, shoot me a PM. I will be happy to help if I can. Everything that my good friend above said is spot on. In terms of dentists, I would avoid the one directly in front of MRH after what he did to my wisdom teeth. I lived in Blacksburg for six years and only left for work. Great little town. |
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Land can be had in montgomery county for decent money. My wifes uncle just bought 40 acres for 70K with a house (Almost a tear down). It is just off of 114, I think that is the number, but it is the road that goes from C-burg to Radford.
Decent free range is just west of BB on 460. The pawn shop on Main Street used to do $20 transferrs, but I think they closed. As for food, I stayed close to the college, but most places are still good to go. Mikes has great burgers, PK's has great pizza, and boudreauxs was very good as well. Not sure if the latter is still there, but it had a new orleans style to it if the name didn't give it away. There are enough ag people near to keep the hippies/liberals in only certain locations. If I had waited another month after taking my job out of college I would have taken a different local job(Offered to me after I moved) and I would still be living there... I really can't think of a better place to live |
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I just said that I personally use Roanoke Firearms. I am dead in the middle of Roanoke and Blacksburg. We typically spend 50% of our time going either way. I trust the guys at RF and after some weird or aggravating dealings at some of the other shops I just don't frequent the others much. I am not saying they are bad, just not my kind of places. I also stop in Trader Jerrys in Salem occasionally. Most of the NRV FFLs have dried up over the years. There are still a few but I don't seem to get by them much. I do hear there is a new shop out towards Giles that I will probably check out soon.
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Quoted:
I just said that I personally use Roanoke Firearms. I am dead in the middle of Roanoke and Blacksburg. We typically spend 50% of our time going either way. I trust the guys at RF and after some weird or aggravating dealings at some of the other shops I just don't frequent the others much. I am not saying they are bad, just not my kind of places. I also stop in Trader Jerrys in Salem occasionally. Most of the NRV FFLs have dried up over the years. There are still a few but I don't seem to get by them much. I do hear there is a new shop out towards Giles that I will probably check out soon. I'm not knocking you for going to Roanoke I was just wondering if I was missing out on something. I've only been there twice since the new management took over. |
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Thanks, Y'all! USNDOC, really appreciate the info and map...Looks like it'll be quite handy! Anyone else have anything, or just want to grab lunch while I'm out there next week? Jefferson National Forest is just 5min away and FULL of stuff to do... I cant tell you how many times a 12ga or a fishing rod was in my truck ready for a mad get away right after class. IM me for good hunting and fishing spots 
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I second what most everyone else says. I'd like to add to stay away from the Mexican restaurants in the area. You will be GREATLY disappointed. I don't know why it is but they lack that Mexican food flavor that is found everywhere else.
Also, go check out the shooting range just 6 miles down the road on RT460 and a little further on the same road Atlas Tactical. I haven't been to Atlas Tactical yet but I hear its a pretty neat store with knowledgeable employees. |
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Quoted: Actual questions: 1.) Are there parts of Blacksburg or the general area to avoid, due to crime, high prices, basic idiots, etc.? 2.) How do people in the general––or specific––area tend to react to firearms (use, talk, etc.), open carry, concealed permit bits, boltface logo stickers, maxpedition bags, and Texas license plates (only partly joking...lol)? 3.) How far out (specific counties or areas) would we likely need to check for property, based on what I described above? 4.) Any advice on good general mechanic/transmission/4x4 shops in the area (for a 97 Dodge 4x4 w/Cummins and a F150)? 5.) Best gun shops/receiving FFLs, hospital/doctors/dentists/vets? 6.) Good feed stores, horse-related shops, etc.? 7.) Decent movie theater? 8.) Closest UPS/FedEx place that doesn't freak out if shipping firearms (to manufacturer, gunsmith, if sold online, etc.)? I know the above is a bit long, but any/all advice anyone is willing to share on it all is sincerely appreciated. Thanks, Y'all! I've lived here since '95. 1)There aren't any bad places to avoid in Blacksburg. It's a nice town and I've stumbled around drunk, and unarmed at 3am in the morning with no fear (this was back during the day) and I still really have no worries leaving a bar a tad bit over-served at 2am. The worst "area" is on the other side of the river over in Parrot. 2)No one gives a shit about guns. Everyone around here has them and I've had very little issue with carrying a handgun, both concealed and open. Most of the area embraces the gun culture, and this shouldn't be of any concern, at all for you. Quite a few LEO are also gun people and will also treat you like you deserve to be treated. 3)You don't need to look far to find open area. A 10 minute drive gets you pretty much in the sticks. Giles, Craig, Floyd, and parts of Montgomery are also nice places to live and have/own land with minimal commute (less than 40 minutes). 4)Alum Ridge Auto Repair is the only place that I trust for any work on autos. Russell Stump is a fantastic person who does good work for a good price. 5)Gunshops- Miller's Gunshop (Christiansburg), White Tail Outfitters (Riner), Trader Jerry's(Salem), Roanoke Firearms(Roanoke) and JT (or is it TJ I can never remember) Tactical (Radford)are all good places to do business and I've bought/transferred guns from everyone with good results. 6)There's two Southern States, one if Blacksburg, the other in Christiansburg, I have no idea about livestock so I have no idea if they are good places or not. 7)We have a new 14 theater complex at the New River Valley Mall 8)I hardly ever ship anything out (most comes in  ) so I don't know about UPS. |
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Quoted: I second what most everyone else says. I'd like to add to stay away from the Mexican restaurants in the area. You will be GREATLY disappointed. I don't know why it is but they lack that Mexican food flavor that is found everywhere else.  I love Cinco De Mayo |
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Quoted: Roanoke Firearms is what...an hour away from Blacksburg? Not trying to hijack but why to all the way there? How much are their transfers? Try 40 minutes. It's not like its a long drive, my wife does it everyday. We spend a lot of time in Roanoke, for us it is just another town down the road. |
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Quoted:Gunshops- Miller's Gunshop (Christiansburg), White Tail Outfitters (Riner), Trader Jerry's(Salem), Roanoke Firearms(Roanoke) and JT (or is it TJ I can never remember) Tactical (Radford)are all good places to do business and I've bought/transferred guns from everyone with good results.
T&J Tactical. They are also a class 2 licensed manufacturer and class 3 dealer. The only one in the area that I know of. Quoted:
Quoted:
I second what most everyone else says. I'd like to add to stay away from the Mexican restaurants in the area. You will be GREATLY disappointed. I don't know why it is but they lack that Mexican food flavor that is found everywhere else. I love Cinco De Mayo Haha! I've found that locals like it but if you've had Mexican on the West coast or down South, there just is no comparing them. The OP should give it a try and tell us what he thinks. |
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Quoted: I've done more business at with Jeff at T&J than I have anywhere else. He and his brother and father are a riot.Quoted:Gunshops- Miller's Gunshop (Christiansburg), White Tail Outfitters (Riner), Trader Jerry's(Salem), Roanoke Firearms(Roanoke) and JT (or is it TJ I can never remember) Tactical (Radford)are all good places to do business and I've bought/transferred guns from everyone with good results. T&J Tactical. They are also a class 2 licensed manufacturer and class 3 dealer. The only one in the area that I know of. Quoted: Quoted: I second what most everyone else says. I'd like to add to stay away from the Mexican restaurants in the area. You will be GREATLY disappointed. I don't know why it is but they lack that Mexican food flavor that is found everywhere else. I love Cinco De Mayo Haha! I've found that locals like it but if you've had Mexican on the West coast or down South, there just is no comparing them. The OP should give it a try and tell us what he thinks. |
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I really appreciate all the help, Y'all! We got to town last night, and my wife is at her interview now, so I'll be eyeballing the local shop suggestions and hitting one or two today. I've got about 3 hours before she's finished for the day, so it'll have to be somewhere not too far out. As to the Mexican places, I try not to judge them too harshly outside Texas and Mexico, but I'll certainly let Y'all know what I think (most likely starting with Cinco de Mayo). :)
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Quoted: I really appreciate all the help, Y'all! We got to town last night, and my wife is at her interview now, so I'll be eyeballing the local shop suggestions and hitting one or two today. I've got about 3 hours before she's finished for the day, so it'll have to be somewhere not too far out. As to the Mexican places, I try not to judge them too harshly outside Texas and Mexico, but I'll certainly let Y'all know what I think (most likely starting with Cinco de Mayo). :) My wife and I usually go to Cinco De Mayo for drinks before going to the movie theater in the same shopping center. 2 margaritas will give you a good pre-movie buzz. El Rodeo is also pretty good and they have them all over. Seriously though, I know this isn't Texas having been there for a Hun farm shoot, but this is a great place to live. Oh and if you like fishing, it doesn't get any better than the New River.
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Both the post office and the ups stores refused to ship my rifle for me (this was only about 4 years ago). I ended up having to drive 30 minutes to the nearest ups hub where the dude didn't even bat an eye.
As for guns and tactical backpacks, just remember that tech has a large agriculture program, and an ROTC. |
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There is a new gun shop down the road from Blacksburg past the range called Atlas Tactical. They focus on Alexander Arms stuff.
And if you can find someone who is a member, there is an Izaak Walton range just outside of Christiansburg that would serve you better than the Public Range in Blacksburg. There is a member fee, but it is well worth it. And Welcome!!!
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Quoted:
There is a new gun shop down the road from Blacksburg past the range called Atlas Tactical. They focus on Alexander Arms stuff. And if you can find someone who is a member, there is an Izaak Walton range just outside of Christiansburg that would serve you better than the Public Range in Blacksburg. There is a member fee, but it is well worth it. And Welcome!!! Two things: 1) Atlas Tactical is royally pissing me off lately and they don't have anymore AA stuff, I heard they sold Bill's guns and never paid the company for them... 2) I'm joining Izaak Walton this evening so if you need a sponsor shoot me a pm and we can meet up. The new member meetings are every third Thursday of each month. The initial payment is $135 which includes a one time $25 initation fee. |
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Well, while we won't have the "official" word until next week sometime, it all seemed to go well...We tried the Indian restaurant in town, which is good, and ate at Sal's and a place called (I think) Bulls and Bones with people from the company. My wife and I made it to Miller's and Whitetail Outfitters today, so had fun shopping a bit. We eyeballed a few properties around here and up in Giles county.
Thanks, again, for Y'alls' suggestions and such! I'll update here once we know on the move, etc. :) |