By Jeff W. Zimba
While visiting Las Vegas on a recent trip to work on the upcoming Small Arms Review 10th Anniversary Convention & Gun Show, this writer needed the services of a local gun shop. Almost in the shadow of the convention headquarters, on Blue Diamond Road, is the Las Vegas Gun Range & Firearms Center. It was highly recommended and after spending only a few minutes there it was obvious why.
The Las Vegas Gun Range & Firearms Center is simple to find and is an easy drive from anywhere in the greater Las Vegas area. The building is well marked and the parking is ample.
Once inside, it immediately becomes apparent to people like us that you have found a place that feels like home. A quick glance around reveals hundreds of Class III and Title I firearms with something of interest to everyone. Upon further examination it is soon apparent that this gun shop offers much more than a heavily stocked firearms and ammo inventory.
A machine gun rental range is an integral part of the facility. With a full time range master and several shooting lanes, all with fully automated target retrieval systems, this well ventilated and well lit range provides an extremely safe and functional shooting environment. Offering rentals from mild to wild, all with appropriate hands-on supervision, people have the opportunity to try an exotic piece they have never handled or just sharpen their skills with something more familiar while on the road. Firearms available for rental include M16s, Thompsons, Uzis, MACs, MP5s and many more. Behind the range is a viewing area where others can watch if they are not participating in the shooting.
If you live local to the Las Vegas area or just travel there with some frequency, you will be pleased to know that Nevada Concealed Weapon Permit Classes are also available. Scheduled every other week, this 8 hour class is the first step in the process to obtain your Las Vegas carry permit. The cost of the class is $100 and course arrangements need to be made in advance.
Due to the fact that this shooting range is located in Las Vegas it should come as no surprise that there may be a little more glitz and glamour than at other local ranges around the country. In order to provide some “extra pampering,” the Safari Lounge was added. Whether you are waiting for your limo to pick you up or you just need a place to relax and hang out waiting for some friends to meet you, this comfortable and exotic lounge is there for your use. Decorated in a Big Game Hunters, British Colonial theme, complete with leopard prints and elephant tusks, the plush, leather chairs provide you with a place to rest after a hard day at the range. There is no additional fee to make use of this lounge.
The management and staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Professionalism is the order of the day and there are no elitist attitudes or pretend drill instructors barking orders to intimidate customers. Everyone is very safety conscious while remaining easy going and their mission is to help their customers safely enjoy their visit.
Since this facility is literally in sight of the South Point Casino, the headquarters for the SAR 10th Anniversary Convention and Show, this writer highly recommends visiting the Las Vegas Gun Range & Firearms Center during your stay.
LVGR&FC
4610 Blue Diamond Road.
Las Vegas, NV 89139
(702) 386-GUNS (4867)
www.lasvegasgunrange.net
| This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V10N11 (August 2007) |
