Shoot Straight Lakeland — Local services in Lakeland

UPDATE 2018: Went back to use the range recently, which I had done several times last year. There were two people by the range access area, and the guy asked for my card. I gave it to him and the guy said you will need a new card for 2018. The girl apparently had said quietly "Over here sir", which I didn't hear. She then said very rudely "Over here SIR", while some other guy kind of pushed his way in front of me to give his range card over. The girl handling the registration could not have been more cold to me, and they both looked at me like I was some kind of murdering criminal about to shoot the place up. I was dressed in a button down shirt and khakis with a range bag. That was the last straw, I will never set foot in this store again. I will literally drive the 2 hours to Ocala or pay to go to Tenoroc. When I can afford a private club membership I'll be taking my money there. They have a great selection of firearms, but their prices are a little high. I got my SIG, and found that when I stripped it down, there was wear on the rails...I got the display gun I think, which they are racking the slide back and forth for customers without lube. I wasn't too happy about that. Also the staff is not very friendly. I don't know if it's because I have a New York accent, or because they are like that to every customer, but either I'm treated like I don't know anything, or I'm treated like I'm being totally annoying by asking them simple and reasonable questions. For example, I asked about the fitment of their Galco shoulder holsters, and was asked "Why would you want to use a shoulder holster anyway?", and told "I'm not opening the box for you", so I could see if the $200 holster fits my body. First of all carrying OWB or IWB is a big pain in the ass for me. I'm not going to lie, I'm a chubby guy. I'm not HUGE, but I have always found shoulder rigs to be way more comfortable when carrying all day. Secondly, if I can't check out a product like a holster, especially an expensive one, how could I know for sure it's going to fit? And I wasn't offered any opinion on the matter or information, just a hard glare from the employee, and "what we have out is all we've got". In fact, many times when I walk in the store, I feel like I get glared at by whoever is closest to the door. All in all they do not make you feel welcome there, and for someone who has bought two very expensive SIG handguns in the last 6 months from them, I think it's uncalled for. There are plenty of other places in Florida to shoot and shop for guns, the only reason I continued to frequent them is...

Pretty nice if not for one problem. I went in wanting to shoot my newly built LR-308 with a 3D printed lower. They were helpful with pointing out some of the things I needed to tweak on it, like barrel nut torque, and were (understandably) somewhat wary of the fact it was a printed gun especially with the high cartridge pressures etc. Regardless though, I was allowed to pay the fee & go in. I got in a good half hour of shooting which was nice, until one of the staff came in & let me know that after calling the range’s owner, it turned out he decided he didn’t want an unserialized gun in there and I’d have to leave.

Now it wasn’t a huge problem for me because I only wanted to test the thing out, so mission accomplished - but apparently I’m not welcome there with an unregistered lower, so I’ll have to find a different range now. The staff cited it was simply a “CYA” matter (Cover Your A--); I guess I understand if they don’t want liability issues or something, BUT I’m really not sure what difference it could possibly make legally speaking, plus idk how they would’ve even known or checked its serial number if it had one. Seems like it shouldn’t really be any of their business anyway. Not to mention that it just comes off as quite an anti-2A type of attitude to not allow any unserialized guns. Again, it had nothing to do with the potential safety issues of the lower being printed - because I was still let in initially - but rather the fact it wasn’t registered.

So, I don’t know. This might not be a problem for you... The range was fine, the employees seemed friendly, and their selection in the store was pretty great. But just be aware if you happen to have a printed/unserialized gun of any sort, you won’t be able to...

The first time I went to this place to look around and purchase a firearm I tried to get the attention of some of the staff but they seemed not to care if I was there or not. After about an hour I purchased it and was just trying to talk to guy ringing me up, he seemed to blow me off. I think he wasn't even listening to me because he didnt even answer any of the questions I had about it. This was the first and final time I ever stepped foot inside shootstraight again. There is a lot of different gun store around Lakeland that have way better prices and friendlier staff. If your business is to sell firearms to keep the doors open, your staff should jump on all potential sales with urgency and attention. To be the best at selling what others can offer you have to execute better than them. You can sell at high prices but if your staff has a smile on their faces and a open arms, customers will be loyal. The owners need to take control of the staffs minds and turn them into sales men and women. Give the customers a hand shake and welcome them in. Give them the experience they dreamed about and they will always come back.

Edit: So I passed by shoot straight and my brother in law convinced me to stop in again. I tell you what, this place has done a complete 180. Sales person came to greet us right away. Help us the whole time. My brother in law bought a firearm and I bought a couple mags and other things. I promised not to do business here again, but today's experience has changed my attitude towards shoot straight. The sales guys name was Dillon. He gave us the experience every customer should have. Great guy, great smile, and the right attitude won me again. I would recommend this place now for...