Bass Pro (San Antonio) -Review

[GreenGuy]

I went to the New Bass Pro in San Antonio yesterday to fire a few rounds. Really new Range, only been open a few weeks or so.

Same issues as the other thread about walking in and Trigger Locks. I walked in with my range bag, the folks at the door said, we need to see your firearm. I showed them my CHL. They appeared like they have never seen one of those before. They insisted they needed to lock my weapon.

Again I poilitely pointed to my CHL. Finally rather than arguing I said ok, you want to see my weapon, It isn't in the Bag. Then they were like, uhh.. So right there at the front door, I unholstered, droped the Mag, opended the slided, picked up the ejected round, and handed it to them. (like the other thread) seems silly to handle a firearm in public like that just to put a lock on it.

The range is upstairs. Go in the front door, off to the right is a staircase, take that to the second level and you will see a the range off to your right.

Anyway, once I got to the range, Tommy the Range Master (great guy BTW) said if you have CHL just come on back. I even left the range loaded and concealed, he was fine with that.

8 Lanes I think in groups of two, so you can see all 8 targets. The targets are on a motorized string, 3,7,15 yards are marked, The Air was very clean as well. Like all indoor ranges, it echod a bit, so I used ear plugs and ear muffs. I kept getting hit by my brass, and when I was done the table next to me was covered in my brass, if you go, don't get a lane with a shooter to your immediate left. I was the only one in there which was nice.

You have to purchase your ammo there. I shot 200 Rounds of Winchester White Box .40 Full Metal Jacket with 4 targets in one hour for $72. A little expensive, but I wanted to check out the range. You pay after you leave the range.

The AC will be nice in July. Outdoor ranges tend to get a little hot here in Texas.

It is best to make an appointment, even though they are only getting about 5-10 shooters a day.

I will go there once in awhile just to give them business, but it won't make my switch from my primary range.

The do have an agreement with a CHL instructor, and they teach the CHL class once a month it looks like.

All in all a thumbs up!

[JRG]

Do the other Bass Pro Shops that have ranges require you to purchase your ammo from them?

So if I have a 250 round case in my shooting bag when I walk in, I can't shoot that, I have to shoot theirs?

Joe

[GreenGuy]

I don't know about the other Bass Pro Ranges, but at this one in San Antonio, they told me it was for "my protection" that I had to use their Ammo. They also said, the warranty on the range allowed only certain types of ammo, certain speeds etc, and the only way for them to control that was to force you to use their ammo.

Granted their ammo, is right off the shelf, so you can shoot all the major brands for the same price as buying it, but still, I like to get mine at wallyworld or online.

[txinvestigator]

I don't know about the other Bass Pro Ranges, but at this one in San Antonio, they told me it was for "my protection" that I had to use their Ammo. They also said, the warranty on the range allowed only certain types of ammo, certain speeds etc, and the only way for them to control that was to force you to use their ammo.

Granted their ammo, is right off the shelf, so you can shoot all the major brands for the same price as buying it, but still, I like to get mine at wallyworld or online.

lol If "protection"=profit then I guess so. Modern backstops are rated at least at 2500 FPS, so handgun should not be an issue.

Even the tight wad who owns DFW Gun Range only makes you buy his triple marked up stuff for rental guns.

[GreenGuy]

I just looked at the receipt WWB .40 FMJ 50rnds was $13.99

So marked up, yes, but not outrageous Natchez sells it for $11.75 then ya gotta ship it.

http://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?conte ... ID=WNQ4238

I just don't like them forcing me to do business with them if I want to use their range. I'm sure they have this policy to keep the range "profitable" I can't imagine the range fee alone is keeping it open. The range fee for almost an hour was $12.

So again, this won't be my primary range, but a good third or fourth place to add to my list.

[pbandjelly]

haha, just buy a box of theirs, and well, "supplement" it with your own!

[amcit]

GreenGuy, thanks very much for the post.

I'm new to San Antonio, and I've only shot here at one range so far, A Place to Shoot. The people were nice enough, except if I recall correctly they had posted their shop as a no-carry area.

I also remember having a more or less constant issue with the cable for the target trolley rubbing my head or shoulder, depending on my stance and the placement of the target. I could look at this as part of the training, I suppose. The cables are visible here:
www . aplacetoshoot . com /Pistol%20Range.htm

What would folks say are good ranges in the area and why? I'm seeing the Bullet Hole is getting some compliments, and Rabbi sounds serious about providing good value for his patrons.

What would you say are, uh, ranges that have opportunities to improve? I'm reading some anecdotes about Thunder Gun Range that give me pause.

I would like a place that allows draws from concealment and that allows firing controlled pairs. Also, it would be nice to find a range that rents a good variety of handguns, as my fiancee would like to try some different frames to find something that fits her rather small hands.

Thanks!

David

[The Marshal]

Do the other Bass Pro Shops that have ranges require you to purchase your ammo from them?

So if I have a 250 round case in my shooting bag when I walk in, I can't shoot that, I have to shoot theirs?

Joe

Joe,

Grapevine BassPro did NOT require you to buy ammo, or anything for that matter. I used my own targets.
I shot all I had, and left.

~Bill

[jazr45acp]

Try Bexar Community Shooting Range off of IH10 and Trainer Hale Rd in Marion. The folks there are awesome and well supplied. I'm a member there and we police our own at the shooting lane. Hope that helps some. Later.

[propellerhead]

I just looked at the receipt WWB .40 FMJ 50rnds was $13.99

Walmart has CCI Blazer Brass .40 for $7.57 a box of 50.

[pbandjelly]

Do the other Bass Pro Shops that have ranges require you to purchase your ammo from them?

So if I have a 250 round case in my shooting bag when I walk in, I can't shoot that, I have to shoot theirs?

Joe

Joe,

Grapevine BassPro did NOT require you to buy ammo, or anything for that matter. I used my own targets.
I shot all I had, and left.

~Bill

yeah, but you have to deal with that discourteous cock-eyed guy.....
gee, thanks for the photo copy targets, and the preferential treatment for your "buddy"

[mactex]

What would folks say are good ranges in the area and why? I'm seeing the Bullet Hole is getting some compliments, and Rabbi sounds serious about providing good value for his patrons.

What would you say are, uh, ranges that have opportunities to improve? I'm reading some anecdotes about Thunder Gun Range that give me pause.

I would like a place that allows draws from concealment and that allows firing controlled pairs. Also, it would be nice to find a range that rents a good variety of handguns, as my fiancee would like to try some different frames to find something that fits her rather small hands.

Thanks!

David

I've been using either Bullet Hole or Braken Range. Braken is by for my favorite because they have great range control. Someone from the range is always in charge. The times I've been to Bullet Hole, they have counted on the customers to coordinating range use with each other. While I don't have a big problem with this, I do find it more comfortable to have a good range master around in case of stupid people.

Because they charge by the gun, Braken can be a bit more expensive depending on how many guns you take. Here are links to both places.
http://www.brackenrange.com/
http://www.bullethole.com/

[Tajovo]

Just adding my .02.

This past Saturday I took my CHL class at Bass Pro, from Lonestar Handgun instructor Josh Felker. I was very pleased with both the class and facilities at Bass Pro. The conference room was just the right size for our full class and the range is one of the nicest indoor set ups I’ve seen. The lanes feel a little small but the ventilation and a/c felt very nice. (My last outing was at A Place to Shoot, I was sweating bullets by the time I was done.) I didn’t experience a problem with brass hitting my neighbor or myself.

Tommy was waiting for us when the doors opened at 0800 and the greeters were hard at work locking all of our guns. They couldn’t close my glock case with the trigger lock on so they ended up taking it off and zip tying the whole case shut. I found that a little funny.

On a side note, I highly recommend the CHL course instructed by Mr. Felker, it was very informative and well structured. When you have a chance check out their website. Along with teaching CHL classes and some advanced firearms classes, Josh is also a relator. Every client that buys a house from him get's a free handgun. Now that's a deal!

http://www.lonestarhandgun.com

[Hoppes]

GreenGuy, thanks very much for the post.

I'm new to San Antonio, and I've only shot here at one range so far, A Place to Shoot. The people were nice enough, except if I recall correctly they had posted their shop as a no-carry area.
David

If you get time, try going out to Bracken Range off 1604 on Marbach. You can get directions at their web site:

http://www.brackenrange.com

They have covered 25/15/7 yard pistol range, shotgun/skeet, CHL single target area, and rifle ranges. They are closed on Wednesdays and open some days at noon. It is off 1604 down Nacogdoches down to Marbach Lane. Take a left onto Marbach and the range is on the right a mile or two down on the right. You'll go through two metal gates.

Hours:

http://www.brackenrange.com/hours.htm

Services:

http://www.brackenrange.com/service.htm

Fees:

http://www.brackenrange.com/fees.htm

Location:

http://www.brackenrange.com/location.htm

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[Vic9mm]

Even the tight wad who owns DFW Gun Range only makes you buy his triple marked up stuff for rental guns.

Yea I know exactly what you mean went there once and will never go there again. Target Masters on Jupitor Rd are awsome not to mention there customer services is outstanding and there redoing the place to make it look better.