Where to rent/shoot/buy in the Twin Cities?

Advocate

Inactive
Greetings -

Long time reader, first time poster.

I have moved to Minnesota from California, and am looking at putting down some roots with the local shooting community. I was wondering where folks like to rent guns to evaluate and shoot in general. Also, I'd like some recommendations on where to buy those guns I like to shoot! Who has the best deals, service, etc.

As an aside to PLUSPINC, I checked out your website, and I'll be calling you to get some training.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.
 
Join us anytime at the Burnsville Pistol range. 35 W south to country 42, turn right, go 2.0 miles. Cross Burnsville Parkway, take next left, go one block, range on right. 612-890-6228. Many great gunshops.

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Specialists in the use and training of lethal force.
 
I think Bills gun shop in Robinsdale rents guns.

Galyans sporting goods stores seem to have some of the best pricing I have seen from retail stores.

The Burnsville range is a nice place, I go there from time to time.

Welcome to Minnesota!
 
Email me and we will talk. I plan to be at Bill's in Robbinsdale this Friday evening, we could meet there (I would be happy to let you fire any guns I have).

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Oleg

http://dd-b.net/RKBA

[This message has been edited by Oleg Volk (edited February 02, 2000).]
 
Welcome to the Twin Cities, Advocate. Usually I'm not real fond of the firearm laws in this state, but considering where you have migrated from I'll save the speech!

I usually shoot at Bill's Gun Shop and Range in Robbinsdale. They are located in the Robbinsdale Town Center at Hwy 81 and 41st Ave. Their phone number is (612)533-9594. They have a gunshop upstairs and a range downstairs. The range has about 20 lanes or so including some dedicated to centerfire rifles. They have rentals. Cost is $15 for a lane (unliminted time and guns) and $10 or $15 for a rental (i'm not sure which). They sell ammo and targets, but if you don't like PMC ammo, bring your own.

There are other ranges in the area too. I've been to a place called Armored Fire a couple of times. I'm not sure of their address, but their website is www.armored-fire.com . They have lots of rentals (esp. Glocks) and their range facilities are really modern and computer controlled. Prices are the same as Bill's. My only complaint there is that the range seems to get really chilly. Keep your jacket on.

I just learned about the Burnsville Pistol Range. It's actually only about 10 minutes away from my south suburban home as compared to 20 minutes to Bill's or 35-45 to Armored Fire. I believe it only costs $7 to shoot there but that might be with only 1 gun. I think this website has a little info about the range: www.steveellis.com

I have bought all my guns at Bill's because the people there know me and that makes things nice. Armored Fire sells guns too, but the selection doesn't seem huge. Though I did see a .50cal last time I was there and a Steyr AUG USR too. And they carry Wilson Combat 1911's as well. The cheapest prices can sometimes be found at local sporting goods stores like Galyans, Gander Mountain, and others. But I like establishing a relationship with the gunshops. Being treated like a preferred customer is worth the $10-20 extra in the price of the guns for me.

Welcome to the twin towns. Other than that dork for a governor we have, I think you'll find this is a great place to live.
 
plusp: was that funny?

jmb: if you see me at Bill's, holler.

advocate: try gunstop in excelsionr - decent prices, good guns, good service
 
To all who have responded:

Thank you for your words of advice and welcome. I am glad to be back in Minnesota, even considering the firearms laws JMB. Ha Ha. MUCH better than California though!

I was born and raised in Michigan, and went to law school at the U (hence my handle). So it is good to be back where we do winter right.

I will be checking out the ranges and shops mentioned ASAP.

If anyone has anything to add, please do so.

Thanks again!
 
Hey.

I have have lived in the Twin Cities for about 3 years now. I shot guns before sparadically, mostly when I was a kid. Just bought a USP9c at Armored Fire. Seemed like they had about 1 of every gun that I was looking to buy. A couple friends and I went up there to shoot various pistols, and his M1A. Not sure how long the indoor range is in Burnsville (I will probably go there this weekend), but Armored Fire has a decently long in door rifle range (40-50 yards? maybe). Bill's guns range is not that long.

I heard that there is a gun show in March on the State Fair grounds. If anyone has anymore info on this, let me know. Also looking into buying an AR-15, but thats for different subject/forum.
 
Advocate, I don't know where you are in the Twin Cities, but if you ever get up to the suburbs North of Saint Paul, try the Wolf's Den, 5554 N. 145th St., Hugo (2nd building on the right just West of the stoplight on Hwy. 61) and Al's Gun Shop, 1597 E. Cty. Rd. E, Gem Lake (just East of Hwy. 61 & Cty. Rd. E). Wolf's Den has good prices, one case full of handguns, hunting guns and reloading supplies. Al has a number of collectables from the old West - a Colt SAA for something like 7500, several 1873 Winchesters that I covet - his shop could take all of my disposible income for the next few years and I'd still want more. Oh, in Saint Paul try Joe's Sporting Goods on N. Dale. Welcome to Minnesota - Anoka
 
Wait to go to Joes. They were just burgled and the handguns cleaned out. Wolf's Den has GREAT prices on reloading stuff.
 
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