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American Shooting Center
Category: Active Life Gun/Rifle Ranges Gun/Rifle Ranges [Edit]
5590 Ruffin Rd(between Hazard Way & Chesapeake Dr)
San Diego, CA 92123
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
(858) 279-7233
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
84 reviews for American Shooting Center
84 reviews in English
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Review from Ryan P.
Chula Vista, CA
2/3/2012
I really enjoy shooting at ASC. It's within about 10 or 12 minutes of my office, so I will occasionally go shoot at lunch to avoid the crowds on the weekends. The lanes are clean and safe; and the ammo prices are perfectly reasonable.
When I do venture down on the weekends, I hear a lot of complaints about the wait. What do people expect? The State of California is openly hostile to gun sellers. There are only 8 ranges in a city of nearly 3 Million people. Of course it is busy. Bring something to read and prepare for a wait (or go on a weekday). The staff is very down to earth. I have never found them to be rude. -
Review from Alfred M.
San Diego, CA
2/19/2012
Bunch of racist assholes. If you are an older caucasian male, you will get get helped first. Otherwise, if you're an asian in your 30's, forget about it. I waited 10 minutes to get help and each time they would pass me up for another customer.
I also would not recommend shooting here. There's too many beginners that can't handle or operate a gun, and most are concerned about how they look on video (posting it on Facebook) than the actual safety of others! I once saw an idiot walk out of the range to return his gun with his finger on the trigger. WTF! You're not holding a water pistol!
If you aren't concerned about accidentally getting shot in the leg by these Facebook fanatics, go ahead and shoot here. Real people who are concerned with safety will shoot at other ranges. -
Review from Wendy C.
San Diego, CA
12/20/2011
Not my favorite place, but I do go here a lot because it's convenient.
PROS:
-Centrally located
-A decent amount of lanes (16 I believe?). However this doesn't change the 1+ hour waiting time during peak times on the weekends
-Semi-decent selection of guns to purchase and rent
CONS:
-Long waiting times
-No seating in the lobby... which for someone as lazy as me is kind of irritating because of the long waiting times
-Annoying/obnoxious employees who either (1) are just plain rude, especially when it's busy, or (2) overly helpful even when you don't want them to be
-Lots of beginners who don't know what they're doing and cause worry about getting shot
Like I said, not my favorite, but sometimes I just don't feel like driving very far. -
Review from Bella D.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2012
I enjoy going to this indoor range but it does get really busy on the weekend. Staff is nice and helpful with the rentals.
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Review from Jaybea R.
Chula Vista, CA
5/10/2012
Really Good Prices for the Shooting Range. Plus the workers are really nice and the people who shoot with you help you out also. Love it.
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Review from Anger Q.
San Diego, CA
5/1/2012
I come here when I'm mad at work
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Review from Ryan K.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2012
I went to P2K a few weeks ago on a groupon, and had a blast. I'm a novice shooter, and go only every few years. Every time, though, I remember how awesome guns are. Well after my experience at P2K, I decided to finally buckle down and buy myself a 9mm handgun.
In order to do that, several of my friends recommended I go to a range and just shoot all different types of 9mms and see what I like. P2K was closed and way the hell out in El Cajon (behind a quarry) so I decided to hit up ASC. I hadn't been here in 10 years. I asked my brother to come with me since you need a partner to rent a gun if you don't have a gun of your own, and he was willing. I came in, and told this young dude that I wanted to rent like 4 or 5 guns and shoot them all, 50 rounds each, and see what I liked, so I could buy one.
Here's a word of warning: THEY ARE NOT FRIENDLY OR HELPFUL TO BEGINNERS OR NOVICES. We got really terrible treatment by this young guy who was a total douchebag. I asked if we had to take a safety test, but he just handed me a gun and asked me to remove the magazine and lock the slide back. Apparently this was my safety/knowledge test, and I guess I failed because he told me I couldn't shoot there that day. I was surprised, but I *am* a beginner, so I asked a few questions about what I did wrong and was ready to roll out and come back with a friend who's a former Marine and has guns.
A nicer middle-aged dude came over and was like, Yeah, hold on a sec, and talked to me about the guns. Maybe he had heard what I wanted to do and saw $$$$ flashing in his eyes (just my range visit was $170, and the gun I wanted was $500), but he talked me through everything and showed me all the guns I was interested in firing, and was really super helpful. He cleared me and my brother to shoot, and we went in and did it.
I have to say, this place is like 3X louder inside than P2K. Over there I only have to wear foam earplugs and I feel comfortable. At ASC I need my foam earplugs AND the over-ear ones they give to you and it's still waaaaaay too freaking loud in there. Some dude brought his like 4-year-old daughter in and everytime this other dude fired his AR-15, the girl started crying. Then one of the cartridges flew out of the gun after he fired and hit the little girl on the head, and she was bawling for like 10 minutes. Maybe don't bring a small child into a shooting range????
Anyway, I would have given this place 2 stars ONLY for the really nice middle-aged guy, because he was AWESOME, but then every single other person working there was a total asshole. Every time someone opened both sound chamber doors at once, the employees would instinctively just snap and yell at them "OPEN ONE FUCKING DOOR AT A TIME! GOD!" They were really rude to people, had really condescending attitudes, and were just plain mean at times.
I can understand if they're bitter and jaded from dealing with idiots every day, but if you can't handle working with customers, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU WORKING IN CUSTOMER SERVICE?
I returned one of the guns I had fired and that same young douchebag asked me how it was, and I said I didn't like it. He was like "A lot of beginners say that. People with talent can really appreciate this gun. It's something you're just born with, though - you can't learn it. I can see why YOU didn't like it." Thanks, dick, insult your customers because they don't like your favorite gun?
I just walked away and talked to the middle-aged dude who had helped me before, and he walked me through my HSC test and everything and I got my HSC and it was very nice. Everyone working there should be like this guy. It'd take this place to 5 stars in a heartbeat.
I decided to buy a Glock 17 after all that mess, and a nice gentleman on the range shooting a Glock 17 next to me told me I could get better prices and service down the hill on Murphy Canyon Rd. at http://GlockStore.com. Their physical location is like a mile away from ASC. I drove there, saved $50, and bought myself my first handgun. The http://GlockStore.com people were super friendly, really excited that I was making my first handgun purchase.
I guess I'll still go to ASC in a pinch, but only if literally every other range in 50 miles is closed. This place just left a terrible taste in my mouth, and not to mention while I was shooting there were like 20 people in line behind me. The waits here on the weekend are RIDICULOUS.
Let's compare it to P2K:
P2K is cleaner. P2K is nicer inside. P2K is quieter. P2K has chairs and tables inside for you to sit, whereas ASC makes you stand around like an ass while you wait for 2 hours. The people at P2K are friendlier and very helpful. P2K makes you take a test to make sure you're not an idiot to shoot there, at ASC they just hand you a gun and see what you can do. P2K is VERY FRIENDLY TO BEGINNERS: they were so nice and helpful it was shocking.
My advice: go somewhere else. Oh, and I'm a 30-year-old white guy, if that matters. -
Review from Jose G.
San Diego, CA
4/21/2012
Just went the other day staff was friendly great range one of the few you can take shotguns to price was better than discount gun mart .only spent $50 for lane two pairs of each eye's & ear's ammo and targets ...I will be going back
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Review from Adron B.
San Diego, CA
4/24/2012
Nice clean range, easy process to get into the range, nice selection of guns. I have gone here ~ 5 times. PPT wasn't the smoothest here (compare to elite guns in OC) but wasn't terrible. The bad side comes when they are busy: no parking and long waits, lots of new shooters, and the staff doesn't have time for you.
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Review from Ronald N.
El Centro, CA
2/20/2012
Great place to shoot don't get me wrong, however, all employees are rude with no sense of customer service whatsoever. I used to think they were law enforcement friendly, but that's just when paying for a lane. Otherwise they will treat you with disrespect like everyone else.
For new shooters be prepared to get treated like dirt by the employees especially if you've never shot before. Employees treat non-shooters as if they are un-worthy to step foot into their store. It sounds unreal but I've seen it happen many times right in front of other customers.
For experienced shooters, you'll get treated as if you're one word away from ticking off the employees. If you stutter or make the slightest mistake in your decision making during check-out/check-in, you'll automatically be on every employee's sh*t list. It's so unbelievable it's actually kind of funny.
Again, the lanes are good plus you're able to shoot from the holster. However, honestly, you're better off shooting elsewhere.
Bad Experience: Inside the range, a shooter placed her gun down on the table and flicked the switch to pull the target back. The wires holding the target immediately snapped off. When the employee was confronted about the situation, the shooters were immediately treated like reckless customers and were charged an additional $20.00 for shooting out the cable. (One of the individuals was experienced in handling firearms and practiced all safe handling and firing instruction for the rest of his group). The group tried to explain that the firearm was not in anyone's hands and was locked back and safely on the table before the cable snapped, however, the group was treated with disrespect from the employees and were required to pay the $20.00 to replace the cable. Note that the mechanism to move the target was working for a couple of yards before it snapped.
I understand that people believe that if you treat them nice and with respect that you should receive the same type of treatment right? That rule does not apply here, I never once treated the employees with disrespect nor have I ever tried "schooling" them in gun laws or safety. Maybe I just had an employee that was having a bad day? Seeing as how it's a weekend, I can understand that with the influx of customers coming in it can get pretty chaotic, however, in almost every instance while the customer is being polite, the employee treats them with disrespect. Treat the employees with respect and be treated with disrespect. (I'm not asking the employees to treat everyone like kings and queens, I'm sure you could google "customer service" so you could come to your own conclusion as to what that means to you.)
I wanted to at least give this place two stars but after being treated like that by the employees and witnessing time and time again, the way other customers are treated, I'll have to give this place one star and advise everyone considering shooting here to look somewhere else for a range. -
Review from William R.
Ramona, CA
3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a pretty good gun range. I have been here twice and had good experiences both times. Leave your rifle at home and break out the pistols!
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Review from Randy R.
San Diego, CA
10/28/2011
My past experiences here have not been good. There was NO emphasis of any kind on safety. It was basically a brief questionnaire asking if you have ever shot a gun before. Kind of a joke.
While shooting or reloading at my lane I saw several people walking around pointing their rifles in every direction saying "oh damn, I have a misfire". I couldn't help myself and I said "That's a hot weapon you asshole!! keep it pointed down range!!" I even saw one guy walk out to the counter with the same scenario!! Needless to say I packed up and left! Didn't feel like getting shot that day. Will never go back. -
Review from Katharine L.
San Diego, CA
11/4/2011
American Shooting Center is my favorite range in San Diego. A few years ago I took their Level 1 Handgun class and have been hooked every since.
There are a number of lanes so when you go during non-peak times, it's easy to get a lane. Ammo is regularly in stock and competitively purchased. Normally the neighbor shooters in the next lane are friendly and like to chat it up regarding the different firearms you are using. Overall, it's a great place to go shooting!
After reading a number of the Yelp reviews there are a few things that just bothered the hell out of me.
Staff: These are good old boys and they love God and the USA. I'm
sure they don't like a little pip-squeak trying to school them on gun laws, ammo and firearms. I've personally never had a problem with the staff there and they are very attentive to my questions and needs.... that could be due to the fact that I'm a girl though, and I'm not, to quote a bunch of the reviews on here, "an asshole."
Safety: Of all the times I've been to ASC, I've only had one experience where I thought that someone was being irresponsible and they left before it became an issue. If you think your safety is being threatened and you don't feel comfortable schooling the offender in proper gun usage, then go get a staff person.
Long Waits: The range gets slammed on the weekends. I don't understand how people are upset by the long waits when they go during peak hours. That's like being mad that the lunchtime line at In & Out Burger is long. Don't be upset with ASC for allowing their members to jump the line, that's the point of the membership. -
Review from Alisha S.
El Centro, CA
2/20/2012
I love going to shooting ranges. But I don't recommend coming here. The wait to shoot is about 2.5 hours long, and the quality of the range isn't the best. As an experienced shooter I came with friends, who I brought for the first time, and this place left them with a sour taste. :(. During our session, the station we were at was falling apart, and of course we hadn't noticed because we were all setting up and it's not our job to inspect the station!!!
Anyway, after a couple rounds our station couldn't take the pressure from the gun fire and the rope snapped. To make a long story short, we got blamed and charged for the already damaged lane! What a rip off! Customers paying for the range's upkeep! -
Review from Alan K.
Los Angeles, CA
3/8/2012
Things about the range:
- The range is split in two parts
A swinging door divides the two rooms. We got the lane closest to the swinging door, and my friends who were hanging back behind the yellow line were constantly moving to let people in and out.
- Reloads are expensive
I brought a XDm 9mm and a SA 1911 .45Auto with me, and a bag of 9mm was $18 and a bag of .45s was $22. We opted out and took a trip to Wal-Mart, and bought Federal brand 9mm for $12 a box. I'd trust factory over ASC's reloads any day.
- Questionable reloads
The powder seemed much dirtier than some other commercial reloads I've used
- Selection of firearms is small, but they have some cool goodies
While I waited for a lane, I was looking at their guns. They have a couple AR-15s, a couple shotguns (didn't take a good look, but looked like a Mossberg 500 and a Remington 870), a couple racks of common handguns (a couple I remember: Ruger LC9, a couple mil-spec 1911s, Sig Sauger P226 and several other Pro models, and a Glock or two), and, surprisingly, a HK SL8-6.
- Wait wasn't too long
Got there, the guy behind the counter told us that if any members came along and wanted to shoot, they'd be prioritized over us non-members. We got a lane in about 20-30 minutes, which isn't too bad for a Saturday afternoon (LA Gun Club is usually 2 hours+)
- Friendly staff
I don't know why everyone is saying they have bad customer service. I walked up to the counter, the old guy behind the counter was kind enough to tell me ammo would be cheaper if we went to Wal-Mart. After he left, the younger guys were friendly enough. We had some small talk here and there, and they seemed like okay guys to me, and I'm Asian. I saw a couple posts saying that you have to be a old, Caucasian to be treated well as a customer at ASC, but it was pleasant enough.
Overall, if you want to shoot but you don't want to go further out to a nicer place, ASC will do the trick. It's not the nicest place, and they don't have the fairest prices, but sometimes you just want to get a couple boxes of ammo downrange and go home. -
Review from David M.
San Diego, CA
10/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been here several times this year & out of the few ranges that are in or near around this one... I would say based on the size, I prefer this place.
Now, I've read lots of negative reviews about the courtesy of the employees here.. I must say there is some truth to this. But in the defense of the employees, if you come in on a weekend, you have to expect things to be a bit chaotic. Long lines of regulars & people coming out for the first time to get their first shooting experience. A mixture of bad attituedes of customers who have been waiting too long & employees who are probably on their 30th argument of the night, makes it a bit of a stressful experience.
But its a simple fix if you are flexible with your schedule. Just come in during the weekday or early on the weekend & you should be ok.
Regarding pricing.. no BIG discounts or deals. Kind of average to what's out there. But for those Active duty Military or Law Enforcement, bring your ID and show it at the front, you'll get a discount.
Finally I have to say that I am not a fan of the Member program they have their. Its pretty pricey to join and only way you will benefit from it is if you go every other week. If you are not a member and come in on a booked weekend, expect to be bumped behind a member if they get there after you.
Overall, I really do like this place compared to others. You can shoot almost any caliber gun here & the place is well lit, with enough space in the store so that you dont get a claustrophobic feeling while you wait. -
Review from John D.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2012
I have to agree with the reviewers that say that the customer service here sucks. The guys there are condescending and rude. I was waiting patiently in line to ask a question and when it was finally my turn to be helped(15 mins later) They guy was rude and very short with his answers. I just left the building thanking the good lord that there are other shooting ranges like P2K in El Cajon that I have never had issues with, ever! My advice to those of you interested in going here for a great shooting experience. Go any where else but The American Shooting Center
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Review from Ryan B.
Oceanside, CA
8/7/2011
Unless you plan on buying a membership do not bother with this place.
Unless you have the membership, you cannot reserve a lane and walk ins are bumped to the end of the line. We ended up waiting an hour and a half and no walk ins were accepted still. People were waiting all over the shop waiting their turn. After seeing how things were run today, I have no plans on buying a membership. Iron Sights here I come. -
Review from Realtor Karl B.
San Diego, CA
5/30/2011
Worst service ever...
First time ever shooting and we had 3 experts in our group of 16.
2 of the 4 workers were just plain rude the whole time.
I had fun, we paid $23/each for an hour, but I will never come back, because I don't want to deal with these employees ever again.
If there's any other shooting range options for you, please go there. -
Review from Joe A.
La Mesa, CA
7/1/2011
This is by far the worst customer service I have ever experienced! I been to several Shooting centers and all have been great, best advice for someone thinking about going here... DON'T unless you want to be ignored and wait FOREVER!!!! Go to Discount Gun Mart, they actually help
there customers! -
Review from Luckey D.
La Mesa, CA
4/2/2011 1 photo
Hubby and I went March 31st as a belated b-day present for him. We had stopped by the Sunday before and asked about prices and busy times. We got there about 1 pm and it was busy but not packed.
We don't own a gun and their gun rental is cheap! $10! Hubby knew he wanted to shoot a 9 mm handgun and we took their recommendation and rented the 226 Sig/Saur (10 round clip) and afterwards decided we didn't like it and would try something different next time.
Total price was $71 for 2 shooters in one lane, 1 gun rental, and 2-50 round bags of ammo (which included two targets). I chose the target with 5 bullseyes arranged like a dice because I didn't want to shoot at a human form and that gave each of us one bullseye to aim at per clip/turn.
I've only shot outside before so at first it was a little unnerving to feel the concussion from the 2 shotguns a few lanes over but after focusing on my lane/target/gun I quickly forgot about them.
The employees are nice and everything feels very safe. We will definitely be back. -
Review from Jeff S.
1/25/2011 4 photos
This years hobby is shooting... so I've been around to a few different ranges. You can look at my reviews for each, but out of all the ones in San Diego, my favorite is American Shooting Center.
First off my caveats... I bought a membership here in December for $250. It was a holiday sale. Normally membership is $350. With that being said because of the membership I wait on average of 5 minutes. I've gone in on a Saturday and the line was literally 2 hours for non members.
Range rentals are $10 for a combination of handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
Ammo is Walmart prices + $6 bucks on average
Lane rentals are $15 per hour, and $10 per person after that. Unlimited time...
Pros:
- The range is close by to me, right off two freeways.
- Range itself is nice and clean, has 14 lanes (2 sections of 7 lanes)
- Range allows you to shoot up to .308 caliber, meaning I can shoot my AR or shot gun
- Range has a store where you can pick up supplies, ammo and handguns.
- Some staff are exceptionally friendly and nice.
Cons:
- I've seen wait times up to 2 hours. Looks like a refuge camp on the weekends with people waiting.
- Some of the staff can be assholish...
I'm high on this place because its 10 minutes from my house. I can call in and reserve a lane, bring in my firearms, shoot and leave. My tips is if your looking for a place centrally located near mid San Diego (Mira Mesa/La Jollaish) then this is the place to go. -
Review from Gregory M.
San Diego, CA
12/13/2010
This is a shooting range for those who have no idea what they are doing or what a good shooting range actually is. If I had to choose between this place to shoot and a crowded room full of the cutest puppies and kittens in the world, I would choose the puppy/kitten room.. I wouldn't actually ever go there again even if it was the last place on earth. Like stated in another review the staff really seems like you are bothering them by helping pay their salary...
My recommendation is make the drive either to any of these places ranked in my opinion as best to third best:
1) South Bay Rod and Gun Club, Dulzura ($75 a year to shoot and wonderful staff... Thats it!)
2) Iron Sights up by Oceanside, (Great staff!)
3)Project 2000 in El Cajon (or is it Rancho San Diego?) Anyways, friendly staff. -
Review from Eric S.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2011
Nice shooting range, staff here pretty rude and unhelpful. I went in to ask some questions about owning a gun and shooting at the range, and was met with snide remarks balking at the thought of offering useful advice to another human being. Instead of taking a second to answer a simple question the guy I spoke to made sure he came up with some snide remarks to make clear that he would rather be doing anything else in the world but talking to a customer. Well point taken, needless to say never coming back again.
No folks, the only talking I recommend doing here is when answering "cash" or "credit". And even then be prepared to deal with a slow and generally unhelpful staff. -
Review from Colette G.
San Diego, CA
12/16/2011
Very safe and professional place to learn and practice shooting. I have only been shooting one other time and had forgotten a lot of it. They were great about showing me what to do and going over everything. They offer classes for people with no experience. They have fun targets to choose from and a wide selection of items for purchase in the store area.
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Review from Abigail N.
San Diego, CA
3/7/2011
Say hello to my little friend!!!
Been to ASC a handful of times and after going in yesterday I reminded myself to write a review on them.
Great place to unload your stresses (no pun intended). The front desk is really helpful and even though we came at what seemed like a busy time, I was able to get checked in and get my gear in no time. The whole checking in process took about 3 minutes (read over the acknowledgement, have them write down my info from my DL and such)..
We only paid for the stall and that was super cheap. All of the other times I had to pay for the rental and the ammo and that ended up costing a pretty penny. My cousins have their own guns so if you have your own guns and bullets, all you would need to pay for is your stall- not too bad.
Inside the actual shooting range is extremely loud, even with the ear muffs. When my cousin shot the A-R I jumped myself at how loud that bad boy was.
All in all, ASC is a great place! A great place to learn the basics of a firearm and taking a jab at shooting targets. -
Review from Julie M.
Chula Vista, CA
2/9/2011
Hm...well wanted to surprise my husband with a unique date so I surprised him with this place. First off right when you walk in the lines are kind of wierd. We didn't know what line to get in because you get in line then other people (im' guessing members) get in front of you so it took forever just to get our name in and we went on a Thursday. Then when they called our name the guy asked us if we knew how to shoot a gun. I said No because I never really shot off a gun. My husband did and thank goodness he said yes, I asked the guy would if we said no. He said we wouldn't have let you shoot here. Uh, before they called us up he was helping some other guy learn the guy and what to do. So WTH??? My husband had fun but I didn't like shooting off the gun. And dang! we spent 50$ for everything we need to shoot 50 rounds? (whatever the cheapest amount of ammo was)
one good thing is GIRLS this is where the guys are! Plenty of cuty, beefy military guys and young police officers here. Goodluck -
Review from Caren L.
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I do not like guns. After going through a lesson and target practice at the American Shooting Center, I still don't like guns.
But, if I had to do it all over, learning the basics (safety, gun types, etc), I would be happy to do it again at this place. For someone who has a lifelong aversion to firearms, I actually had fun tonight.
I guess we did it right. Instead of trying to chance for an available spot on weekends, we joined a meetup of the All Things San Diego group (15 in our party). For $30, we had a 15 minute lesson on firearm safety, use of the firing range, 4 instructors on-site and gun rental. An additional $20 gives you 50 rounds with the firearm of your choice.
We were lucky enough to be at the front of the line, so we got to the firing range first, got one-on-one instructions first, and pretty much had the lane to ourselves. We tried a variety of firearms starting with a 9MM Beretta pistol, a 40 Smith and Wesson and a 38 S&W revolver.
I am glad I tried out a shooting range. I learned how to handle a gun, check for ammunition, load bullets, and always check for safety. I learned how to get used to the sound of firearms being discharged, and how to aim, shoot and fire. I realized that safety experts were right. When faced with the threat of someone with a gun, run. It is not that easy trying to hit a target. I was standing still with my feet grounded and I would still miss what I was aiming for. That recoil can be a rough!
But most importantly, I understood what I was afraid of before. I still won't buy a gun because so many things can go wrong if I had one. But now, at least, I know how to handle one.
Will I be back? Most probably, give or take 5 years. I am good for now. :) -
Review from Girard M.
Bullhead City, AZ
1/16/2011
I went here today after a nice meal at the Studio Diner down the street. I left my "date from hell" in the car. While she waited, I decided to shoot a few rounds, and to talk shop with my fellow gun enthusiast. I also got a chance to see my next gun, a Sig Mosquito .22LR, nicely displayed. Yes, you read correct, I need a pea shooter to improve my aim. I thank the man behind the counter for letting me touch his hardware. I shall return to make a purchase!
Deuce-out! -
Review from Jon N.
San Diego, CA
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love it when gunshop employees think they know more about guns and shooting than I do. I'm not an expert, but I'd say I'm close, and there's no point in starting a conversation with these guys because they think that they're the "end all, say all" because they carry a gun while in the store...whatever. If you're coming here to shoot, leave your pride at the door and just smile and nod.
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Review from J K.
San Diego, CA
8/12/2011
I've been here about 4 times. The price is pretty decent, and the gun selection is nice. But man, the employees are assholes, specifically the one partially bald guy with white mustache and glasses. This is the experience I had yesterday: Walked in around 4:30, put my name down on the list. Was waiting for 2 friends to get there, told him that. My friends arrive 20 minutes later, so I go up to the counter (where no other customers were waiting) and said in a nice tone "Alright, we're ready". He responds "So?". Me, baffled at his rudeness, respond "I was waiting for my friends to arrive to get a lane, and now they're here...". He responds "That's great, but there aren't any lanes open." Like I was suppose to magically know that. I can't see all the lanes.
Right after this, another guy who has his name 2 below mine asks when the next lane will be available. The employee responds "I don't know, find your name on the list.". He spins the list around and turns away. Biggest "I don't care attitude" ever. I would say he was having a bad day, but when I turned back in the rented gun, he was treating one of the older regulars like a best friend, smiling and being nice. Continued treating me like garbage.
Other times I have questions about guns, and they respond in such a pompous way. You have a business open to the public, people with almost no knowledge are going to come in. Don't treat them like idiots. The younger guys seem to be nicer, so maybe the oldies are just losing it. They should just sit in the back and clean guns and talk about the good ol days, let the young people handle customers. -
Review from Mike B.
Santee, CA
11/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
American Shooting Center is my favorite range in San Diego.The neighbor shooters in the next lane are friendly and like to chat it up regarding the different firearms you are using. Overall, it's a great place to go shooting! Though the courtesy of the employees here.. I must say there is something to work on. We are talking about lethal weapons though in some what the employees defense?
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Review from mel r.
Emeryville, CA
3/24/2008
I got looks walking in here, but I'm not sure if it was because I was with a heavily tattooed 6'9" man carrying an arsenal or the fact that I was nicely dressed in heals...
What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a leggy big breasted gal in 5" red pumps firing off a .45 before?
They seem knowledgeable here with guns to rent, ammo to sell and all the other little odds and ends. My only gripe is they had a class going, so therefore, they packed as many peeps onto the remaining lanes for the last hour of operation. Resulting in a lot of people not getting much shooting time for the money spent.
FYI, apparently I'm a pretty good shot, so don't fuck with me -
Review from Darren S.
10/7/2009 1 photo
I went in with a group of four late on a weekend afternoon. We were comprised of people with intermediate to novice skill levels. While employees were patient, they didn't go out of their way to be especially helpful. So they didn't exactly exude a welcoming attitude, but I guess it's a shooting range. Whatever. If you are a newbie, be sure to come with an experienced shooter.
The range has a bunch of lanes but when we arrived all of them were occupied and we had to wait a little less than ten minutes for a lane. The crowd was pretty varied from convenience store owners, girl groups, policemen to college students.
Because we were told that the rentals and ammo are pricey, we brought in a couple boxes with a Glock and Beretta. Once we got to our lane, everything was fine. Everybody in our general vicinity were courteous and chill.
Regardless of my feelings on gun control, I believe that everyone should learn to safely handle and use a handgun. Provided that you have someone to guide you, American Shooting Center is a good place to do it.Listed in: Kearny Convoy
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Review from Steve D.
San Jose, CA
5/26/2010
I hate that my first review on this site is a negative but I just wanted to pass the word.
First off, I am semi-retired police officer. I have more guns that I can count and do all types of shooting including hunting, target, and competitive. I have twice tried to purchase goods from this place in the last 2 weeks. First was a safe and some ammo and they actually told me when I was down there "just call us tomorrow and we can get you a price on the safe" I continued to call them for 2 weeks and bought elsewhere. The second time I was doing a person to person ffl handgun transfer. I couldn't believe what they told me when I asked them to do it....
"sir, we are really busy cause we have a range, and since this is for yourself and we really aren't making any money.... you might want to call somewhere else cause we don't really feel like doing it"
That was my last straw... I have deal with idiot shops even when I was in uniform but that was unreal. I said "no problem, you will not be getting any of my future sales or of anyone I know" There are many other places that I would rather take my business!! -
Review from Kathryn V.
San Diego, CA
11/10/2009 1 photo
First time shooting at a gun range, yet alone shooting from a real gun! =D I had a great experience here.
The location was perfect becuase it wasn't too far from where I live (Mira Mesa Area). Thier parking lot only had like... 15 parking spaces. I don't know if there are any in the back, but when I went there it was packed. Luckily we were able to find that 1 parking space!
My boyfriend braught his Mossberg 500 shot gun and his own ammo in and I had to to rent a gun. I picked the revolver handgun becuase I wanted something simple to use.
It's $15 for 1 person and $10 for the second person (up to three ppl). To rent a gun is $10 and ammo is $18 a bag (50 rounds). It's $.75 for targets and the eye and ear protections are supplied at no cost. Our bill came out to be $54 mainly becuase of the rentals. Pretty expensive! I should Just buy my own gun. lol.
It was really overwhelming at first hearing all the gun fires becuase they're so close (I'm such a girl! =/ )! But after a while It became really fun. But most definitely, the other ppl who were in the gun range area with us were very nice to us and made us comfertable.
The staffs were friendly at the register, but what sucked was that when I needed help on how to use the handgun and tried to get help, it took us while to bring someone over. And when one of the wrokers finally came to help me, it felt like he didn't want to! He was talking to me like I was suppose to know these things. And he knew it was my first time.. W/e F^$# him.
After getting comfertable shooting the gun, it was all fun from there! I did pretty good! I hit the center 4 times. lol. Not bad for my first time. I'd definitely come here again! -
Review from Emily A.
New York, NY
2/18/2008
This place is super fun, but I have to say, I was not impressed by the staff. My boyfriend and I went here as total beginners, thinking that they would show us the ropes. Not so. The guy who helped us didn't acknowledge my existence (I guess he didn't think the little woman would be interested in all those big, bad guns), nor was he all that helpful in what he told my boyfriend. When we both said we were beginners (AFTER filling out all the paperwork), he said, "Well, I can't let you in there." So my boyfriend replied, "Well, I've shot a gun once," and that was that. He changed the paper from "no experience" to "experience with handguns," and then we were given a gun, bullets, and zero instructions. They were definitely not busy enough to warrant such poor service.
Needless to say, I didn't have too much confidence at first... but once my boyfriend managed not to blow off his head, I got in there and it was crazy fun. Just keep in mind that you'll kind of have to figure things out for yourself. -
Review from Jeremy W.
Alhambra, CA
4/22/2009
This is a good place to shoot. I wouldn't come back, but it's a good place to shoot. The facility's nice, there's an observation window for those not shooting, the way targets are held up work real well, and they allow larger caliber guns considering that it's indoor.
Why, then wouldn't I come back? Simple. Price. I'd rather go to Discount Gun Mart. The facility's not as nice or new there, but I don't need to shoot at the Ritz. Can I point my gun and shoot down range? Yes. Good. Do I have a large caliber gun that can't be used at DGM? Nope. Hmm. I thinks the cheap options = good enough for me!
If you care for a nicer facility and don't mind paying more, definitely come here over DGM. It's just not for me.Listed in: Things to do that don't have…
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Review from Alan K.
Yorba Linda, CA
2/23/2009
What better way to celebrate President's day that to snap off a magazine from your AR-15?
We arrived a little after lunchtime on President's day and saw the parking lot was PACKED. There was a waiting list for lanes (although the wait was only a few minutes). The guys behind the counter seemed very knowledgeable and were busy answering people's questions about firearms, whether they were from beginners or veterans.
The space inside is a bit cramped, especially when a party of shooters such as mine brings so much gear. We brought a .22lr rifle, 2 AR-15s, a HK USP and a Springfield M1911A. Plus targets and 4 different calibers of ammo makes for a lot of space needed.
Even with the cramped conditions, all of the other shooters were very nice and respectful. The facilities themselves are nice. The air circulation inside the range is robust and the smoke from the powder didn't affect us too badly.
The rates are a little pricey, but there aren't a lot of indoor ranges that allow you to fire .223 so it's worth it, in my opinion. There certainly aren't any indoor ranges in the LA area that allows you to fire rifles. -
Review from Andre M.
San Diego, CA
9/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a decent place to shoot at. When I come here I bring my own eye and ear protection. Helps save a bit of money. Expect to spend at least fifty dollars when shooting. The place could get crowded on the weekends so be prepared to wait. Ammo here is pretty expensive even the reloads.
Staff here is knowledgeable. Customer service is not the greatest here. They seem to act like your inconveniencing them somehow.
They do also sell firearms. They are really expensive compared to other retailers. There selection is one of the better ones around but I am sure other gun stores will be able to get it for you.
If you are going here to just shoot I would recommend this place. If you plan on buying a firearm I would go somewhere else.
