While I'm waiting for my local PD to get their act together regarding my FID & Purchase Permit (they lost one of my reference letters) I'm looking to join a range. Shore Shot and Brick Armory are both local to me. Does anyone have any pros/cons on which range is better? Price, customer service, hours, any input is appreciated. Thanks!

I am sure this will spark much debate since many of the members here seem to be BA fan's.

 

I have been a member of Shore Shot for many years, they have a 10 lane indoor range that is being redone, they will soon

have a new trap in it allowing all calibers to be shot for members from what I was told. I believe member ship is $225.00 a year with 5 or so guest passes. Members get discounts on ammo and some other stuff also. Monday nights they have fun shoots, the range is closed to the general public they remove the lanes and have holster drawing, shooting at bowling pins and other objects.

 

There are many employees and most are knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. They have a huge amount of hand guns in stock at all times and lower prices then anyone in the area and in many cases in the state. They can get you anything you want with no money down, If you decide against it when it shows there is no charge to you unless it something unsellable like a Barret .50 cal rifle. Just about everyone in there knows my name which is nice I really like it there a lot. I belong to Central Jersey and still maintain my member ship at shore shot. It does get crowded from time to time but good things often do, members have 1st privilege over non members to the range so no wait is ever to long.

 

I have dealt with BA 2 times in the past all I will say is they did not leave a stellar taste in my mouth either time. once was in the old building the 2nd in the new both before the range was opened so I decided to stay where I was happy at. I suggest hitting them both get a feel for the place the staff and the environment then make your choice.

 

I just remembered if you purchase a pistol or long gun from Shore shot and are not a member you should receive a $25.00 voucher off membership fee's and they have a ton of pistols to rent. They will allow you to purchase a pistol and will hold it free of charge until your permits come in if you are a member. There are a lot of little things to many to remember but that is what counts for me in the end.

 

They have 2 NRA certified range masters that are there on the weekends and at the busy hours during the week.

You can also get beginner safety and pistol classes there if you wish.

 

The only thing I am not happy with is the cost of their ammo since the self induced shortage, their prices have dropped

but not enough. The only thing I will give them is they sell a lot more then they can get from their distributor at any given time. I have been there when they sent an employee to PA to canvas all the local sellers for ammo to keep them going a few months back. They do allow you to bring your own ammo and I buy in bulk online or at Dick's if I need something last minute. Steel cased ammo is not allowed which is really the only crappy rule.

 

Good Luck

I stopped by Shore Shot yesterday, just to check it out, and it was a little crowded, but not too bad. I actually signed up for a Firearms safety course for Wednesday night. I'm on the fence on getting a Glock 19, or a Sig 226. I see that they have both to rent, so I may have to try out both :mrgreen:

I'm on the fence on getting a Glock 19, or a Sig 226. I see that they have both to rent, so I may have to try out both

 

2 excellent gun's, I am not much of a Glock fan but they hold their own.

Renting is a good way to go, get a feel for each and make a educated hands on decision.

I love my P226R, I did get it from BA, and did shoot one before buying. Sigs had come recommeneded by two of my employees and a guy who works at BA PT who is a bit of a Sig aficionado I knew the aforementioned person outside of BA and also knew others thru work that went there, so it was a case of being around people I knew. I did go to SS once, nice staff, lots of selection, rent them all and see what you like. It's GREAT to have alternatives, I think us in the So. Monmouth/N. Ocean area are extremely lucky as far as firearms in NJ go (shops, FFLS, ranges).

I stopped by Shore Shot yesterday, just to check it out, and it was a little crowded, but not too bad. I actually signed up for a Firearms safety course for Wednesday night. I'm on the fence on getting a Glock 19, or a Sig 226. I see that they have both to rent, so I may have to try out both :mrgreen:

 

Get the SIG. I fell in love with the 226R 2 years ago and purchased one this past summer. It just gets better every time you shoot it. Glock is not bad either, I recently picked up the 23 (same frame as the 19, but in .40) that maks was selling and it is great. But get the SIG first.

I love my 226 Elite and I have the .357 sig barrel and swapping out is a breeze

 

Almost everyone who shoots my gun loves it. You are welcome to do so if you come down to BA on a Tuesday night

 

tiny

When I was trying to figure out what to get, I test fired a bunch of handguns at Shore Shots three or four times. Great selection, and pretty nice guys who run it. No comment about their prices, as its been awhile, and I wasn't really paying attention to prices at the time. I just was a bit turned off during the whole ammo shortage, and their exuberant prices for non-members kind of drove me out (this was before I had my FID so I couldn't buy my own ammo at the time).

Member at BA now actually. Obvious plus that its a non-official hangout, I would say nicer range. And the new classrooms and scenario area are pretty awesome.

But hey, just figure out your own preference and go from there (or support both!)

Quite a few years ago, my friend and I went into SS and I was turned off by the guy behind the counter immediately.Long Story. A few years later I went in to look at pistols with another friend and the guy beind the counter was a DB. I have heard good things about them lately but I was turned off with my experiences.

 

I shoot at BA and am very happy. Clean range with a couple more ports than SS I believe and very friendly staff. The guys have treated us well. I bring my kids in there and the guys set up targets for them and make them feel comfortable. My wife shoots and feels very comfortable and does not feel talked down to being a female as some shops we have been in do.

 

Go in and check out both, see which you like better. We have a shoot on Tuesdays at BA around 2000 every week.

Just come in on a tuesday to shoot with us and check it out. We are indeed lucky to have a number of places to shoot. I dont think its a question of BA vs ShoreShot, you are not restricted to only one. Also, dont rush into a membership at one range or another.

 

You have to seperate this into two topics. Range and Store.

 

For the stores... ShoreShot seems to have alot more handguns, Brick Armory has alot more rifles/long guns. Prices... well lets put it this way, if you are paying the asking price.... :doh: I have bought and sold at BA and have paid a fare price. Prices are coming in line.

 

As far as where to shoot... I dont like the range at ShoreShot. to me, it screams old, and like Tiny, I dont deal with old and blah tooo well. What I like about BA's indoor range is that it is newer, has a nice new ventilation system. Newer. You can shoot up to 50 cal. No holes in the ceiling.... except from some wild PTR shots that bring down the pulley systems. :mrgreen:

 

Aside from BA, you have Ft. Dix, Old Bridge, and Central Jersey. There are plenty of places to shoot.

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll have to check out BA on my next day off.

if your close to brick armory and shore shot your also close to CJRPC. only 200 a year, and you get great outdoor facilities plus a 24 hour indoor range the same size as shoreshot.

only 200 a year! SWEEEEEEEEET! :drool:

There is a one time capitol investment fee of $400. Great club best in the state.

if your close to brick armory and shore shot your also close to CJRPC. only 200 a year, and you get great outdoor facilities plus a 24 hour indoor range the same size as shoreshot.

 

It maybe 10 lanes but its much smaller then shore shot that's for sure. when full there is not to much room for moving.

It is nice though brand new, but they have a lot more restrictions on calibers also.

Neither. Join CJRPC and don't look back.

I've found the people at BA to be better then shoreshot overall -- I also like the facility better

 

As far as guns / ammo go, SS has better pistol selection where BA has a better long gun selection.

 

When it comes to membership, I think CJ will get my money as I can't justify 250 or whatever it is just for an indoor shooting range. CJ has indoor / outdoor / skeet / trap / archery all for about the same price.

Im friendly with the guys at Shore Shot. I think all of the regulars there are friendly, with some being more knowledgeable than others (as is the case almost anywhere). I transfer my guns through them ($35 for members, plus $15 NICS of course), frequently using them to ship when the receiving FFL won't accept from an individual. I think they are top notch. The big guy (Tiny) can be a little gruff, but he is a really good dude. Kenny (usually there during the days) is as helpful as can be, and is my favorite to deal with. Andy, who works Tue/Fri nights, is knowledgeable and is quick to help with gun advice and even the occasional repair. The only individual there I have ever found to be less than pleasant is the guy who works weekends with the Neal Diamond haircut. I think he just fills in when they're busy.

I have been going to Brick Armory over the last two months or so to meet up with NJGF members. I like the layout and especially that they have a bench in the back of the shooting room to place your gun cases, equipment, etc. It is also cleaner and brighter, although that doesn't matter to me. I know that there are people out there that don't care for Phil at BA, but he has never been anything but nice with me. Also, the tall thin guy (whose name I don't recall) that works evenings is very knowledgeable and helpful.

With all that said, both places have their advantages. I have found Shore Shot to be really good when it came to helping me select a gun or fix one when I screwed something up. One downside to Shore Shot is that I sometimes find them to be crowded on a weekend or even sometimes a weeknight. I have yet to see that at BA, but it might just be because I go there less often.

After all that blather, my advice is to go to each a few times. Try to make it apples-to-apples though. For example, don't compare a Saturday afternoon at BA to a Wednesday night at SS.

Last time I was at shore shot it was my wife and I, on the range for about 90 mins, I purchased two boxes of ammo, and 5 paper targets. When we were ready to leave I got to the register and the clerk should have been wearing a ski mask because he robbed me of about $175.00. That was THE LAST time I will step foot in SS. I prefer outdoor shooting with rifles, but for indoors its BA for me. Very helpful and nice staff.

 

On a side note, please pardon any spelling errors, I'm typing on my blackberry in a dr.s office waiting room bored outta my mind. Shoulda gone to da free clinic!!! Hahahaha

Last time I was at shore shot it was my wife and I, on the range for about 90 mins, I purchased two boxes of ammo, and 5 paper targets. When we were ready to leave I got to the register and the clerk should have been wearing a ski mask because he robbed me of about $175.00. That was THE LAST time I will step foot in SS. I prefer outdoor shooting with rifles, but for indoors its BA for me. Very helpful and nice staff.

 

On a side note, please pardon any spelling errors, I'm typing on my blackberry in a dr.s office waiting room bored outta my mind. Shoulda gone to da free clinic!!! Hahahaha

 

Chad,

I am sure you're right, but I am trying to figure out how you could have a $175 bill. From my memory and assuming a most expensive case scenario (i.e. you and your wife are not members, you didn't bring a gun and rented one in the most expensive caliber and bought ammo for it there):

2 walk-ons is $40

1 gun rental is $10

2 boxes of the most expensive ammo (44mag) at the height of the shortage = $75

2 packs of tagets = $5

Ammo was and is still high there, the most common caliber being .45acp I think it was about $30.00 a box last week give or take a few for members, being that I buy all my ammo in bulk from other resources it does not effect me. Are they high yes but all American ammo distributors are behind in production and prices are still out of control. Dick's has okay prioces but they order for enough for a chain of national stores not one location. This self induced inflation will come down soon enough, firearms have drasticly in the last 60 day's ammo will soon enough. If it were me I would have no issues at all telling Billy or Kyle(owners) that I love the facility but the prices are to much for me to shoot here. When they can be they are the kind of people that will go the extra mile and try to hook you up.

The CJ range is only 50ft as opposed to 25yards at SS.

Last time I was at shore shot it was my wife and I, on the range for about 90 mins, I purchased two boxes of ammo, and 5 paper targets. When we were ready to leave I got to the register and the clerk should have been wearing a ski mask because he robbed me of about $175.00. That was THE LAST time I will step foot in SS. I prefer outdoor shooting with rifles, but for indoors its BA for me. Very helpful and nice staff.

 

On a side note, please pardon any spelling errors, I'm typing on my blackberry in a dr.s office waiting room bored outta my mind. Shoulda gone to da free clinic!!! Hahahaha

 

Chad,

I am sure you're right, but I am trying to figure out how you could have a $175 bill. From my memory and assuming a most expensive case scenario (i.e. you and your wife are not members, you didn't bring a gun and rented one in the most expensive caliber and bought ammo for it there):

2 walk-ons is $40

1 gun rental is $10

2 boxes of the most expensive ammo (44mag) at the height of the shortage = $75

2 packs of tagets = $5

 

 

I did question it at first, the clerk assured me it was correct, although he did not itemize it for me. We did have our own firearms. I do not remember what ammo but more than likely it was either 9mm or 45, perhaps 40. He told me we were each charged by the hour. :violin:

Last time I was at shore shot it was my wife and I, on the range for about 90 mins, I purchased two boxes of ammo, and 5 paper targets. When we were ready to leave I got to the register and the clerk should have been wearing a ski mask because he robbed me of about $175.00. That was THE LAST time I will step foot in SS. I prefer outdoor shooting with rifles, but for indoors its BA for me. Very helpful and nice staff.

 

On a side note, please pardon any spelling errors, I'm typing on my blackberry in a dr.s office waiting room bored outta my mind. Shoulda gone to da free clinic!!! Hahahaha

Were you able to walk after that?

I did question it at first, the clerk assured me it was correct, although he did not itemize it for me. We did have our own firearms. I do not remember what ammo but more than likely it was either 9mm or 45, perhaps 40. He told me we were each charged by the hour. :violin:

 

Chad, I'm sorry to hear it. Whether it was a mistake or intentional by the cashier, you're still unjustifiably out a lot of money. I wouldn't go back somewhere either if that happened to me. I guess I'll see you at BA some Tuesday.

I've found the people at BA to be better then shoreshot overall -- I also like the facility better

 

As far as guns / ammo go, SS has better pistol selection where BA has a better long gun selection.

 

When it comes to membership, I think CJ will get my money as I can't justify 250 or whatever it is just for an indoor shooting range. CJ has indoor / outdoor / skeet / trap / archery all for about the same price.

 

B.A. does offer a special price for forum members.

 

I agree though, if it wasn't for the $400 fee for the first year at CJ, I'd already be a member.

I've found the people at BA to be better then shoreshot overall -- I also like the facility better

 

As far as guns / ammo go, SS has better pistol selection where BA has a better long gun selection.

 

When it comes to membership, I think CJ will get my money as I can't justify 250 or whatever it is just for an indoor shooting range. CJ has indoor / outdoor / skeet / trap / archery all for about the same price.

 

B.A. does offer a special price for forum members.

 

I agree though, if it wasn't for the $400 fee for the first year at CJ, I'd already be a member.

 

x2

x3 (altho I wish it was closer).

 

Hell, I am 10mn from OB and if that wasn't so expensive, I would join that.

 

These upfront 1x fees are bullsh!t (altho OB is like $385 year now or something).

The way it was 'splained to me was the capital contribution fees ($400 one time at CJRPC) were the aggregate of all the extra fees members paid over the years for various extra/emergency things, in addition to the yearly membership fee ($200). the point being the oldest member and newest member are equal as far as paying for facilites & upgrades. I understand if its far away and you cant make it much, that's a lot, or if you shoot very little its not worth it. I don't have a beef with any club that does this, if its known beforehand, you have the choice. Taxes always go up (this IS NJ, after all) and there are always some things to pay for, like lead remediation, dealing with insurance----I would bet that's a HUGE expense for any gun club, especially in a Demolib HELL like Middlesex county :twisted: ) Ft. Dix is an option nearby, super cheap but limited operating hours and pistol range has been closed forever, so it seems.

Over the years the funds have been used for repairs, upgrades and land purchases. CJRPC owns 180 acres. A fraction is used for ranges the rest is a buffer. Think about the foresight that took so we don't have to worry about urban encroachment.