GAT Guns — Local services in Dundee Township

Gat Guns is about the closest range for me, although my opinion has changed over time about the quality of their ranges. I'll break it down from the pistol range, rifle range, and store itself.

Pistol - Three separate range rooms (a, b, c) with numerous stalls in each. The pistol ranges are by far thee busiest at most times of the day. Even on packed days with lines close to being out the door, there's always accommodation. I don't mind their pistol range, it's "OK." The air ventilation seems to pull a nice draft but the range can sometimes be cold. I have found over time little issues with the target pulley controls or LED stalls lights...but otherwise everything is fine. Target holder is a dinky PVC deal and if shot costs $3 to replace. The holder itself holds only at a target center, therefore targets do blow around often with the HVAC blowing. Lighting down range seems a little dim at times but overall is good. All in all, I'd shoot here again.

Rifle - I believe they have three total, two 50 yard and one 75. These ranges are by far the most updated and modern as it is part of the new building addition. In each stall is a touch screen panel with pre-set distances (set in feet...which can be confusing when yard seems to be the shooting standard). As stated, the presets are 50-125-175?-225ft. Their rifle ranges are separate and you can't obviously shoot pistols here based on those presets...even if you wanted to...they wouldn't let you. The rifle ranges are also least if not barely used. Therefore they have the HVAC shut down along with the lights off. When I went in for the first time, they had just turned on the heat. A big cold draft was pulled the entire time. They don't want to pay the overhead on having the system at least set to a minimum temperature. Instead it is left off and turned on when one enters, which within you're allotted shooting hour...the range will still be whichever temperature it was before. Down range was also again very dark, although I should have asked about the lighting. My biggest gripe was, the fact that you're required to sit down in any of the rifle ranges. This....I have a hard time understanding. I advised I was shooting an AR with iron sights and no mount/bi-pod. Still, I was told I had to sit. This in turn was uncomfortable, let alone all ejected casings flew right off the wall and into my lap. Set all that aside, the choice of targets are physically smaller then that of the larger "pistol only" targets. Pricing for the 75 yard is also something to the tune of $30 versus 20-something for 50 yard. You are also unable to lateral to pistol ranges unless you pay a combo price. Long story short, I'll make the extra drive and shoot with RKA Gun Gallery in Plano for rifle (PS one fee allows pistol & rifle shooting, with being allowed to stand for rifle shooting).

Store Itself - Amazing selection of all types of ammo, maintenance supplies, and best of all....guns. Their entire upstairs is a gun emporium of awesomeness. Plenty of selection for classics to pistols to beyond. Staff are always friendly and asking whether or not you need help. They seem knowledgeable as well. Also, there are many classrooms and what not for various classes and things they host.

Overall in summary, I'd go here to buy any ammo or supplies. I'd only shoot here...

I called Gat 1-21 and spoke with Paul. I let Paul know what I was looking for and asked a couple of questions and sounded well informed. So much I took a drive from where I live (Gurnee area) all the way to East Dundee

When I got to the store I spoke with Matt and let him know that Paul had put something aside for me. Matt again was great in helping me through the process. There where a few minor mistakes; he had put the wrong address on my paperwork no big deal. I also asked Matt if it where possible before I picked my item up if they could have the sight installed and sighted. He let me know that was no big deal although I would have to pay extra. Which is totally reasonable.

I had traded in a item and was using that for the down payment on the new item. I got the price difference and decided I would write a check when I pick the item up.

I called 1-23 to confirm the sight would be taken care of as agreed and I was put on hold for a few moments and then the line was disconnected. I called back and explained that I was on hold and what I was asking. Someone came back on the line and said the gunsmith was 6 weeks out and they could not complete the service I needed. I explained what Matt had said and was put back on hold. The same person came back on the line and said I could call the gunsmith and see what could be done. That is rather annoying given the fact that A. Matt and I had agreed that could be done. B. Why am I doing the leg work? Isn't that what I am paying GAT for?

I picked the item up 1-24 wrote them the check, Lauren looked over it to make sure it was correct and I was out the door.

I get a call 1-25 asking if I could come back in because I had made a mistake on the check. I asked Lauren if I could just bring in cash and she said that would be fine.

I go to the store 1-27 with Cash and Lauren takes care what needed to be done however there was a slight issue when I asked if I could have the check and the copy of it they had made back. Lauren said this was not possible and I explained to her that I had just had our account numbers stolen so I am extra protective. She spoke with Randy who agreed to cut the numbers off the bottom of the copy they took of the check and give me the original check back.

The extra trip I had to make was my mistake and is not the reason for the two stars. The reason is the issue of getting it sighted. On 1-26 I took the item to another gun store closer to my house and before I could even get home they had it installed and sighted. It took them less then 20 minutes.

I've been to GAT a bunch over the years and I've never head a seamless experience. While they have some great folks like Matt, Paul, Lauren and Randy they also have some seemingly rude folks that hang up on you in the hopes you...

So i was going here for about a couple years before I Blacklisted them. First reason, they wouldn't refund cash on a item bought with cash. Supposedly they don't give cash refunds, which would of been great to know before I spent $200 on something. The cashier should tell everyone that pays with cash, that you'll never see those bills ever again. They do offer store credit though. Second reason is their pistol and rifle range is in bad condition The ventilation is poor compared to other places I've been. The machines that sends the targets out and brings them back is messed up on ALOT of lanes. They also charge $30 to shoot at the 75 yard rifle. Way to expensive, because they kick you out after an hour. Place was empty by the way, we were the only ones in there. Employee was extremely rude last time we went, and that was the last straw. This used to be my go-to for range and all gun stuff. Not any more. Other places to go to that are closer to me, with staff not so rude, and normal rules for product return.

**Update for response from gat guns owner. Actually you didn't make an exception. You gave me store credit after pointing out your policy, not a check. I Didn't feel like arguing with you guys over a couple hundred bucks. Not sure where your signs are posted now ( haven't been there for a while), but there should be a huge sign by the register written in bright red so everyone sees it. Very shady if you ask me to not make it totally clear and transparent what your return Policy is at time...