Shoot Straight Tampa — Attraction in Temple Terrace

Veterans and law-abiding citizens — steer clear of this place.

I recently purchased a firearm from this business at the Tampa Bay Gun Show, and the experience was an absolute disaster from start to finish. Due to their own error, they mixed up my Social Security number with someone else's, causing my background check to be denied. This wasn’t just a small clerical mistake — it was a serious mishandling of my sensitive personal information, and it led to my firearm being rerouted to a different FFL (their Tampa location), forcing me to restart the entire process.

After three days of no communication, I was told my background had cleared. I drove an hour out of my way to pick it up, only to be told that no background had even been started. I was asked to fill out new paperwork, and when I asked if I could use my new address (where I had just started moving), the employee said, “wherever you sleep at night.” I wrote that address down — then was told it didn’t match my ID, so they couldn't proceed.

I said no problem, I’ll fill out a new form with my current address that matches my ID. That’s when I was told I couldn’t do that because it would be a felony — which is completely false. Writing your current legal residence on a 4473 is not a felony. Instead of allowing me to correct the form, they insisted I buy a fishing license with the new address just to proceed. So I paid the extra money and did exactly that. Only then did they move forward with the background check, after also taking my Concealed Carry License.

I was told they would call me when the background cleared. 24 hours passed and I heard nothing, so I called to check the status. The employee told me, “We don’t call you when it’s ready. It’s up to you to check the status.”

At this point, I was livid. The lack of communication, professionalism, and basic courtesy was shocking. They mishandled my private data, gave me the runaround multiple times, and completely wasted my time.

As a veteran, I’ve purchased many firearms over the years and have never encountered this level of incompetence or disrespect. This shop showed zero regard for my time, my privacy, or my service. The dismissive attitude toward veterans was especially offensive — it's clear they only acknowledge “active duty” service members. Veterans like myself? We’re treated like an afterthought.

This was my first and last time doing business with this company. They’ve lost my respect, trust, and future business. If you’re a veteran, a responsible gun owner, or just someone who values their time and personal information, look elsewhere. This company doesn’t deserve...

My first visit I couldn't enter because someone had an ND into the sprinkler system in the range and they had to close early. However they were back open the very next day. Which I was not expecting but the "get back to business as usual eagerness" is commendable.

I was going in to get my handgun sighted as I was having trouble hitting my target consistently when I had visited another range down in Sarasota. The gentleman behind the counter was friendly and took my gun to test it and he was satisfied with how it shot already. He advised me that I may just be used to rifles and noted that shooters who are used to rifles tend to shoot low and to the left (Right-handed and that was what I was doing). He suggested more practice with a clearer target.

This past weekend I went to my buddy's range which is Shooter's World as he was trying out his new gun. I practiced and was able to improve based on the gentleman at Shoot Straight's advice as well as some stance advice from a veteran. Shooter's World charges $20 an hour for their 25 yd range and $30 for their 100 yd range, but Shoot Straight only charges $20 for all their ranges ($10 if you are a first responder). FURTHER MORE, you need a Shooter's card at Shooter's World which is $10 a year. If you are female, Shoot Straight has a "ladies shoot free" on Mondays. They have fewer lanes than Shooter's World but they have way better deals and membership plans. My buddy and I are coming here next time to shoot the rifles.

Also the store atmosphere is much more of a gun store than Shooter's World is. Shooter's World's store had a lot more "gift shop merch" like apparel and kiddie toys. Where as Shoot Straight has a lot more of what you are actually looking for, which is firearms and firearm accessories. Also mounts are up on the walls at Shoot Straight.

As a final note, Shoot Straight is very involved in the Florida Gun shows that travel around the state. (I think they are the host?) They have the largest selection, longest table, in the dead center of the show. They are the OG's as some might say. Last show I went to the biggest thing they were sell at their table head was the M&P15 Sport 2. An excellent budget option of a civilian AR-15 for a "grab-a-gun" rush. It wasn't what I was looking for, but it was an option I had considered when I started my research into AR-15s.

I have yet to visit their range but that will be very soon and this shop comes with my...

Visiting Shoot Straight Tampa proved to be a regrettable experience that left me with a strong feeling of disappointment. Here’s a recount of my troubling encounter:

Excruciating Wait Time: Despite adhering to the process and submitting all required paperwork promptly, I found myself waiting for nearly 2 hours. What was even more disconcerting was the fact that many customers who arrived after me seemed to be served more quickly.

Mixed Messages from Staff: The inconsistency in communication from the employees only added to the frustration. One assured me I was next in line, while another seemed unaware that my paperwork had even been processed.

Mishandling of Personal Documents: To add insult to injury, when I decided to abort my purchase due to the prolonged wait and requested the return of my IDs, the staff couldn’t locate my paperwork immediately. The sheer thought of a business misplacing personal and sensitive information is deeply concerning.

Disregard for Customer's Wishes: Upon locating my paperwork, rather than respecting my wish to cancel, the staff went ahead to file the background check right in front of me. They then had the audacity to charge me $5 for the submission, which they decided to execute at the last possible moment, in full view of a clearly disgruntled customer.

Poor Customer Service: Throughout this entire ordeal, not once did I receive an apology or even an acknowledgment that the service was subpar. It felt as though the employees lacked the basic understanding of customer service or even the simple principle of respect.

In conclusion, Shoot Straight Tampa displayed an astonishing lack of professionalism and an alarming disregard for customer satisfaction. Based on my experience, it is evident that they prioritize processing fees over customer trust and service quality. I strongly urge potential patrons to consider other establishments where your business, time, and trust...