The Arms Room

[WavesOfFury]

I've been a regular of The Arms Room indoor range in League City for about 6 months now. In the beginning, it was the best indoor range I had ever been to (granted I haven't been to a whole lot), but it seems to have taken a serious downturn. The price isn't great, the length of the range is, in my opinion, useless for rifle shooting, no more shotguns allowed, the store isn't really that well stocked... Then yesterday I come in and there's a new woman at the counter who, compared to the normal staffers, was downright rude. She then told me that they were going to need to "flag" my range bag before going into the range which consisted of securing the zippers with a yellow zip tie. Ridiculous. I could maybe see the point if there was a wait and I'd be milling around in the waiting area for a while, but I literally put on my eyes and ears and walked into the range. Seems to me like this place is getting more Mickey Mouse by the week... Anyone else feel the same?

 

[Acera]

Yeah, I have had issues with some of their policies.

Why did they say they wanted to zip tie your bag? Did they not want you to take anything out of it?? Their gun prices are high, but I kinda expect that from their high dollar location, and it being a range.

Real nice facility, could be a great one.

 

[nalioth]

"Flag" your range bag for what purpose?

Color me confused.

 

[Y2bad4U]

^^^^agreed^^^^^

 

[WavesOfFury]

Yeah, I have had issues with some of their policies.

Why did they say they wanted to zip tie your bag? Did they not want you to take anything out of it??

I'm assuming that was the reason, but like I said, there was no wait and I was headed straight to the range. When I asked why, I was given the non-answer of "We have to flag all bags now." As I was paying the new woman (to me anyway) was getting another guy set up to go shoot. He had his gun in a Glock box with a loaded magazine outside of the gun. She proceeded to unload the entire magazine and told him he would have to reload it on the range. It seems like they might have had some kind of incident and are completely overreacting. Anyone hear of anything happening there recently?

 

[Tom Danger Collins]

I believe someone had to wait a while to shoot and began loading their pistols in the waiting area and the Arms Room folks flipped out. In my opinion they should have flipped out on that individual rather than everyone who comes to shoot. Just because one of their customers was a dumb ass doesn't really justify them in treating everyone like this.

 

[1rightguy]

I've not used the range but the retail side is a bad joke. I wont go back.

 

[WavesOfFury]

I believe someone had to wait a while to shoot and began loading their pistols in the waiting area and the Arms Room folks flipped out. In my opinion they should have flipped out on that individual rather than everyone who comes to shoot. Just because one of their customers was a dumb ass doesn't really justify them in treating everyone like this.

I went in again today and I guess I kind of rolled my eyes when asked to let them "flag" my bag, which prompted that explanation. And I completely agree. One idiot shouldn't influence their policies. It would seem like common sense for a business, but don't treat your regulars like first timers. It's insulting.

 

[dmwz71]

I've never been there, but several of my friends have, and I have heard almost universally negative things about them. Couple that with the posts on this thread, and I see no reason for me to drive over there to be insulted or treated like crap.

 

[blue06van]

First let me say, their new store is very nice. Actually feels smaller them the Old place.
I have been a steady customer before they moved. The owner was always there to answer question and fix problems, at least in my experience. I have done a couple FFL transfers at the new store on 646, and wish they were back at the old location. This is a classic example of growing too fast and management not keeping up with the practices that made them grow. The folks at the new store don’t seem to know what is going on. They also have problems communicating with the customers. (they bullsh*t a round with each other) but do not talk and explain thing to the customers very well at all. They must have had a large turnover of personal because their knowledge of simple FFL transfers and FFL to FFL shipments seems lacking at best. The price increases for FFL transfers where unwarranted. So unless they get back to basic customer service and build a better knowledge base, I will vote with my wallet and use someone else.

 

[TdDude]

Well, my shooting bag is actually an open top tool bag complete with slots for 10 mags. I guess I wouldn't be allowed in the door.

 

[1rightguy]

Got another gift card for Christmas & used it last week. I think they got their stuff together.

 

[mgh]

I've been going there for over a year and got my CHL there also, which was taught by the owner. I've taken all three of my daughters there to shoot and not had a bad experience as of yet. Yes, there gun prices are a little high in my opinion, but I assume they might have some steep over head in that shopping center. The last time with my youngest daughter there was a wait and I did have to check my gun bag behind the counter, (that was a first) but got it back when they assigned us a shooting lane.

It's sad for those that have had a bad time there, because it is a nice shooting range, at least for me.

 

[Sorrowful Jones]

I have not shot there but did notice they have grates in the floor where your brass falls through. I assume they will not allow you to keep your own brass. Is that correct?? If so, that alone is enough reason for me to never go there again.

 

[Acera]

I have not shot there but did notice they have grates in the floor where your brass falls through. I assume they will not allow you to keep your own brass. Is that correct?? If so, that alone is enough reason for me to never go there again.

Not correct! The RO will come place a mat over the grate if you ask so you can collect your own brass if you like.

 

[Sorrowful Jones]

Good to know!! Thanks for that info.

 

[benenglish]

The first "bag flagging" with ties that I ever encountered was Gander Mountain. If they're copying GM in an attempt to reduce shrinkage, they're nuts. It gets the good guys peeved and doesn't stop the bad guys.

As for unloading mags, if I have a couple of Glocks in my medium range bag, it's quite likely I'll also have more than 20 mags in there, all fully loaded. I hate wasting time at the range loading when I should be shooting. If someone insisted I unload before going to the line, I'd *definitely* take my business elsewhere. If my current range instituted that policy, I'd ask for a pro-rated refund of my yearly membership and never go there again.

Of course, given the plethora of competently, professionally run ranges withing 100 miles of Houston...I think that means I'd have to build my own if I wanted a place to shoot.

 

[SC-Texas]

That's odd. Anyone ask the owner about this policy?

You won't be taking my bag or unloading my magazines Since any store would probably disclaim liability if something came up missing.

 

[IXLR8]

Well, my shooting bag is actually an open top tool bag complete with slots for 10 mags. I guess I wouldn't be allowed in the door.

How funny.... I have the exact same range bag. Those mag holders are awesome.

If you tie wrap my bag closed, how am I going to get my ammo out? Do people only shoot one box there? My ammo usually takes up half my bag.

 

[michael e]

Don't they charge by the hour? I have a couple dozen mags fully loaded when I go the the range, I am ready to shoot not sit and load all them up. So if I spend half my time loading them there do I get a discount ?
Have been in the place one time, nothing great, overpriced and waiting room on range side was full. I will stick to my normal range that is a flat fee for all the time I want.