Pioneer Shooting Center — Attraction in City of Mount Vernon

I came here for my uncles birthday excited and somewhat nervous as it was my first time handling guns of any kind. After a friendly introduction to the staff, me and my group of 5 were unsure of where to begin, as it was a first for all of us. We were introduced to all the guns we could (as well as the ones we couldn’t) use, and even introduced to a Groupon deal that allowed us to start off with a “tame” weapon and some savings - yes! We filled out some seamless paperwork and we were off to the range! The instructors gave us a very thorough and easily digestible walkthrough of range safety and taught us how to handle our first rifle. After a few rounds and endless smiles from the group, I’d become more confident (and, dare I say, good) with our first weapon. We went rather early, so luckily we had the range nearly to ourselves most of the time and benefit not only from the space but also from the individualized attention. Wanting more, I asked the instructors if I could move up to anything else. And move up I did. I tried an AK-47. I tried an AR-15. I tried a 20-gauge and figured I could use more kick, so I went for the 12-gauge right after. I even tried a bolt-action. All the while, I was getting super detailed instruction on how to use each weapon as well as how to better my accuracy. With every weapon I tried out, I was left wanting to try at least 3 more. I found myself asking my instructor to just put anything in front of me, as I was just THAT carried away by how much fun I was having. I’d gone to celebrate my uncles birthday, but it felt like I was celebrating mine. After trying what seemed like every weapon I was legally allowed to, I paid what was to me a more than fair price for all the fun I had and all the knowledge that was bestowed upon me in just two hour’s time. I felt safe and well-taught under the supervision and guidance of my instructors, and the care that they took into explaining each weapon, it’s quirks, and how to safely operate them was better than the teaching I’ve gotten from some university professors. All in all, I would absolutely live here if I could, and the only time the smile faded from my face was when it was time to leave. Will be back very soon.

Special thank you to Walter and every other staff member who helped make it an incredibly fun...

Quite a commute. This place sits in a solitary village near Yonkers which took me about an hour to get through with traffic and has street meter parking only. The range is connected to the shop upstairs where you can buy guns of all shapes and sizes at your disposal albeit pending the background check done on every customer and the waivers signed regarding safety laws and precautions. Probably one of the safest places to be because of the high security measures in place like guards, cameras, bulletproof glass, bell assigned doorbell entry gates, etc. The exterior looks a bit outdated and abandoned like but the basement is where the real work is done. The range is pretty compact but comes with about 10 staff members all etching to help and retain their own respective roles. The wait time is anywhere from 5-15 minutes and its on a first come first serve basis so timing is everything. They give you the headset which is big enough to fit glasses if you use them like me and a headset which basically covers you from the loud noises dealt by the guns. It doesn’t muffle the sound all the way but it will be way less ear damaging. I got a groupon for $65 which gave me an hour of range time along with a safety course taught by the instructor how to safe handle a firearm and about 50 bullets. The targets are controlled manually by a switch panel on the right and their are about 5 lone sections each designed the same way and same amount of space so more then 1 person can go at a time. The shooting range goes from 10 to 40 feet and the bullet shell casings are cleaned up by the staff so you can spend more time focusing on accuracy and trajectory. I really did enjoy this experience and I think you...

I never even got in. So I ended up going on Veteran's Day Friday as other ranges in the area were closed. I suspect they may have gotten increased demand for this reason. I called ahead to make sure they were open and was told they were. I suspect the person who answered may have been from the gun store as when I got there the store was empty. I went to the door and rang the door bell multiple times and nothing. I went to the gun store and the person said the range is open and to keep trying and they would let them know I am waiting. The only reason I got in was because an employee showed up for work and let me in. I then waited for the party before me to be done getting processed. Only to be told they were full and to come back in an hour or two. Note the whole thing was about 30 minutes. Waiting 30 minutes to be told there is no space for you is bad customer service IMHO. The door bell seemed to have an intercom. Maybe it was broken, but I feel like they could have at least informed me of the situation vs ignoring me.

Suggestions:

1. Use the intercom to inform people.
2. Put up a sign at the door when full.
3. Have a website where you can check if...