717 Armory — Local services in Rutherford

Originally gave this shop 5 stars and unfortunately I felt that I have to adjust my review after today. Went there looking to do some shooting with a recently purchased pistol. I’m not a member so I went to the non member 25 yard range. It was pretty busy which isn’t a bad thing. I like to see the shops business is doing well but the people there were the issue. I lost count of all the unsafe manipulations i witnessed by other patrons of the range. Large groups all sharing a range which is against the rules (supposed to be 2 per lane only), then the guy next to me was having trouble clearing a malfunction and pointed the gun right at me! I raised my voice and told him to point the gun down range to clear it and to be more careful. Also there were about half a dozen times I counted people shooting the roof. I could tell because of the sound of rounds ricocheting off the steel beams. Complete amateurs in there who are a threat to everyone’s safety. There HAS to be a range safety officer present in that range. After that I hurried up and finished the 100 rounds I bought and got the hell out of there. I spoke with employees at the counter to tell them about the unsafe actions going on in there and they said they’d try to talk to people and watch it more closely. Staff was helpful and courteous but I’m afraid to say that this place is an accident waiting to happen unless they can get a qualified range safety officer in that non member range to supervise the amateurs. Had it not been for the staff I would’ve given this place 1-2 stars. Memberships are expensive but if this is the only place you can shoot I highly recommend the purchase so you can have a far better experience away from all the unsafe amateurs who have no idea what they’re doing and frankly should be under strict supervision. I’ve been shooting for nearly 20 years and this was one of the more scary experiences I’ve had at a public range. Hate to say so but unless things change for the better I won’t be back except for taking classes or purchasing/transferring firearms. I really hope nobody gets hurt here cause it’s a very clean and well run shop. They really have to stress the rules and monitor these people or someone...

Let me preface by saying that I have purchased a gun directly from 717, had a gun cerakoted by the shop gifted to me, sold a gun to them, have had 2 guns shipped to this armory, and have had private lessons. This armory is not only the best in the area, but it's the best I've ever been to EVER. Pat and his team are not only super knowledgeable but also incredibly personable and friendly. At no point are they pushy and I feel immediately at home and welcome every time I visit.

As for my lessons, GOD BLESS my instructor, Pat. In the few short weeks we've worked together, I've learned more than I thought I was capable of. As someone who seriously struggles with the space between her ears, Pat is just what I need. He doesn't push too hard but he doesn't talk to me like I'm stupid or baby me either. I'm not one to pull the "woman card" but every chick knows what it's like to be surrounded by dudes that think they know more than you and talk down to you regardless of your skill and I can honestly say I've never felt that way. Pat somehow knows before I do when I need a mental break and he's teaching me to be more confident in myself and my abilities every session. He doesn't just care about the money and the paper I put rounds through, he cares about ME too. His patience and calm demeanor are not only impressive, but refreshing in a normally stressful setting.

There are people who read books, consider themselves experts and try to instruct based on what "should" happen but learning from someone who has actually 'been there and done that' makes all the difference because they know what it feels like through every step of the process. Whether I am on the job or at home, everyone is much safer because of everything Pat has taught me and I cannot...

Went to 717 for the first time today. The range is well set up,the staff is friendly and helpful,but the 25 yard range is a horror show. We took pistols to practice,and I asked one of the employees if there was a limit for caliber. He said "50 cal",which should have informed me ,but we went anyhow,and were using our 9mm handguns,when a guy with a short "black rifle" moved into the next lane.I was clearing a failure to chamber properly on my 9mm when he fired his first shot,and the concussion from that 223 made me jump so badly that I lost control of the slide and had my thumb caught in the chamber,which was no fun at all,but I survived. I understand the advice ,which I learned a LONG time ago,but stuck m,y thumb in there anyhow,because I had no other option,and paid the price,this time. My friend and I left soon after,because the concussion and muzzle blast from the short 223 was too much-we both came home with headaches and hearing issues,even with our ear protection in place. This basically "no restriction" policy does not make for a friendly fun shoot. The shooting lanes are fine ,but the noise protection side walls are too short for an unlimited range. I will probably not go back there any time soon,even after the thumb and hearing heal up. Nice...