Blackstone Shooting Sports

(Note: today is 3/16. Apparently I forgot to post this earlier.) Just finished up concealed carry qualification class here on Jan 6. To be completely honest I quickly realized about 10 minutes after sign in that I was in the wrong course. I've shot before with my dad but only 3 or 4 times years ago and I've definitely never shot (or been alone with a gun) by myself.

Shortly after signing the waiver at check in I was lined up on the range hanging up my target and under the instruction of Patricia. She quickly sensed my nervousness and sternly but oddly empowering told me that this wasn't a beginner course but a qualification course. I was able to stay but only if I was safe and could keep up. I was flustered but I got my act together quick and I passed! Don't ask me how lol.

Anyways, back to the classroom. We had the largest class they've had. Over 50 people. The instructors were great. There's a lot of information that needed to be covered and the class is long but I feel like you learn a lot.

The lunch break is quick. About 30 minutes and you have just enough time to drive and get something and bring it back. You can eat as the class resumes.

During the class there was a 15 to 20 min insurance sales pitch, which didn't really resonate with me but some people took advantage.

The test is easy and you get your certification of class completion right at the end.

Everyone there genuinely wanted to help us succeed. Instructors gave their cards, personal emails, phone numbers etc and it was nice to be given the option to reach out if we needed any kind of help or instruction.

I would recommend taking your concealed carry course here, and I will be coming back here in the future for more practice and possibly some lessons.

I will say this place is hands down my favorite place to shoot. Great instructors, clean, and they're super helpful especially to beginner shooters. Also if you're looking for a place to get your conceal carry permit, look no further. Patrice was my instructor and she was amazing. Not only was she thorough, funny, and very helpful. It also stuck out how accommodating she was to one of the class members who were deaf. She took time for the virtual interpreter and made sure no questions went unanswered. I would take her class again anytime. You could tell safety is definitely her passion. I can say because of Patrice, I left feeling more confident than before in my gun safety knowledge.

Visited this establishment for the first time during Father's Day weekend and purchased a new AR and 9 mm for Father's Day. First, I must say, I am not a gun enthusiast or geek, and I am very uncomfortable in general, trying to navigate the vast number of options that present themselves to potential gun owners. However, I am a big believer in gun ownership, especially for African-Americans, so I have decided to increase the number of weapons I currently own. For that reason, I need a shop that has knowledgeable reps that are patient and willing to answer questions and most importantly, not prone to making knee-jerk racial assumptions about my reason for purchasing, or my interest in guns in general. And that is why I give Blackstone, an A plus in their approach to customer service. Even though the place was packed both on Friday when we first visited and Saturday when we returned to make our purchase, we were still greeted often by store employees, asked if we have been helped and promptly informed of how much time it would take before someone would be able to get to us. That, in addition to the wide selection of firearms and price ranges that this store carries, is a big reason that we decided to become members on the spot! They have a huge range and a ton of instructional opportunities for those interested in increasing their knowledge about the use of firearms. I would definitely recommend it to my fellow African-American consumers interested in purchasing firearms.

And go ahead and take the class for your concealed carry. It will teach you a lot about the responsibilities that come with owning a firearm as well as preparing you for the various scenarios that you could encounter when using a firearm for self-defense. We got ours in Arkansas a couple years back and most states reciprocate, so I would definitely advise getting that class under your belt if you haven't already.

I attended a conceal carry class. My instructor happened to be a retired law enforcement officer by the name of Calvin. Sir if you're reading this I just want to thank you wholeheartedly for keeping us engaged in class. And thank you for your service

In the city of Beautiful, Charlotte! Friends wanted to do some shooting. This is a wonderful spot! The atmosphere, the clientele, the employees are amazing! Our young man helped me with my weapon of choice! He was great!I love feeling safe these days. They have a beautiful lounge, and I believe it's for members. If I lived here, I would have a membership.
I'll be Back!

Had a conceal carry class 3/10/24 with Eric Seagle and he was AMAZING! He made the class fun and informative ! Tom can in from USCCA and was very informative and nice! My experience was great definitely a member for life!!

Went there to celebrate my birthday with a few different weapons, loved how informative & helpful the staff was! They got us set up and before long we were inside shooting and learning...great place! I'll come back soon...

If you have gunsmithing needs, just ask for John Oakland. Very friendly and his works are meticulous. If you are looking for training, look for Shane Caughey. Very knowledgeable and every training I've had with him and his team was money well spent.

10/10

Brought hubby here for his birthday and so we can freshen up since we have a gun permit now. It was great! Associates were informative and welcoming. We felt safe and enjoyed ourselves. We will be back to do more shooting and take the conceal carry class!

Thanks for having us

Haven't been here for a while, visited over the weekend. Bradley was a major help giving us a refresher. We shot two different models of Glocks and a Ruger. I always enjoy a ruger. I have some clips and photos of our experience as well. I'm considering becoming a member.