Blue Ridge Arsenal

Parking not so easy, some of the staff were obnoxious– dude you work at the counter of a shooting range, you aren’t doing brain surgery or running a nuclear power plant… and while there are ‘safety’ rules which supposively when not followed will get you removed from the range… didn’t see it happen, so much for feeling safe while the boobhole in the next alley walked beyond the yellow line with a loaded weapon. Too many Dirty Harry wanna be’s acting in a dumb and dumber movie… maybe going at a different time would be better.

Because of the many indoor range options available in the DC Metro area, Blue Ridge Arsenal is not at the top of my list. The range itself is well ventilated and usually available, but the parking situation is pretty bad for BRA. They do have an online coupon for $ 5 off which makes it cheaper than ELITE ($ 20) but on par with the NRA range (if you are a member).
Personally, I feel like their customer service is pretty bad. You actually feel like you are bothering their staff members when you walk in. I’ve always felt like I didn’t even exist. Maybe that is your thing and you like being left alone, but I feel like this place is on the extreme end.
Again, if you just want to use the range and live close to Chantilly, it’s perfectly fine. They do rent guns as well (you have to buy their ammo).

I took the Introductory to Handguns lesson here. The lesson was only $ 125 (others can be $ 300) and they offer 3 hours of instructions followed by 1 hour on the range, after the public hours, to shoot a variety of calibers. It was worth every penny. The instructors were extremely professional, knowledgable and effective with their communication! He made everything easy to understand. He took time to answer specific questions and was thorough with SAFETY, the gun, the ammo and instructions on how to hold and shoot the gun without ammo to get a feel fo the gun, cocking it, etc, etc.
The only thing to keep in mind is IF you want a concealed carry license, make sure BRA issues you a certificate of completion. You will need a document that proves your competence with a handgun to satisfy Fairfax County’s requirements.
Good luck and enjoy!

I’m an experienced shooter. Just pick up an unfriendly, intolerance vibe every time I’ve shot here.

Not sure how many times I had to go back and get my drivers license.
They have to change their system where customers don’t have to leave their license to shoot at the range.

Here’s how my roommate got me to go to a gun range.
Him: Wanna go out to a gun range in VA with my friends?
Me: Like Michael Jackson says «I’m a lover not a fighter.»
Him: We are getting Korean barbecue after.
Me: Where’s my AK?
Just kidding, I’m not a huge gun supporter or fanatic. Seriously the only reason I went was because I read in reviews that there was free ice cream. Basically, I would sell my soul to the NRA for some free ice cream and KBBQ.
We arrived here with party of six, including our old neighbor who brought a bag the size of garbage bag filled with guns. It kind of freaked me out, but at least I know whose house I am running to during the Zombie Apocalypse.
When you arrive they have one person in your party perform a function test. Basically you have to show you can load and unload a gun, and after that very thorough and rigorous test you’re allowed to take a bunch of newbies into the gun range. Sounds safe to me.
Let me also add that it’s not racist at all that half the targets feature middle eastern «terrorist» looking dudes. Any other ethnicity, sh## would go down, but yeah let’s shoot at the brown desert people, that’s totally ok.
Given that we had the bag o’guns already, we rented a 9 mm and got several targets (all zombies at my insistence) and took over two lanes.
I imagined just maybe firing a 9 mm once or twice, and then going to snack on some ice cream for the rest of the time.
What really happened was that I basically practiced shooting 12 different guns, and had a pretty intense conversation with two AR-​15 carrying men about which baby wipes help clean off gun residue and yet keep your hands soft and fresh all day.
A couple of good things to say about the range is that the range officer is very helpful and attentive. There was one gun in the bag of guns, that looked like a Barbie gun. OMG it was SO LITTLE, CUTE AND RED. Unfortunately, it was also very vintage and very dangerous. Only one barrel fired (out of a double barrel) and it had a hair trigger response. I questioned it’s safety, it wasn’t a gun you want to carry even though it would look great in a purse. He strongly warned the owner not to use it or even have it in their house.
To summarize my experience, I did have fun. I find the range to be a bit expensive (it was over $ 150 for six of us with ammo and a rented 9 mm and ammo for the bag of guns), you can lessen costs by stopping by Walmart to pick up ammo beforehand. I mean if you’re on your way to KBBQ and feel like shooting some guns, by all means stop by, but I am sure there are a ton of cheaper ranges.

Blue Ridge has come a long way since I first started shooting there. Back before they installed their excellent ventilation system, you’d leave noticeably covered in residue, and possibly itchy. A few years back they redid the place and turned it into a first rate range.
The staff is helpful and professional both on the range, and on the sales floor. There are two ranges, both are 25 yards.
A small tactical store with a lot of Oakley branded gear, some Blackhawk, 5.11, etc. there are also some holsters. They have a good sized new gun case, and a smaller case by the door with consignment firearms. For consignment they take 20%. I recently consigned with them and it took 6 weeks to move a handgun. Good thing about selling through them, is that the buyer undergoes a background check. Something that doesn’t happen during a private sale, and in my opinion is a good idea.
Great range/​store staffed by normal knowledgable guys.

I was looking for a range that has Glock rear sight push tool. I recently bought my Trijicon HD night sights from All Shooters Tactical in Woodbridge and had them installed. They just eye ball it, the rear sight look centered. Then I went to the NRA range to shoot it, turns out shots were about 3 inches to the left at 15 yards shooting steady from the rest.
So I needed to adjust and shoot. I didn’t want to spend over 100 to buy the Glock sight pusher tool just to do this once. So I was looking for a gun store that had this tool and someone (a gunsmith) who can do that there and I go and shoot, adjust if needed till it’s zeroed.
Well I called Blue Ridge Arsenal up at 5:20 on a weekday. Asking them if they have the Glock rear sight push tool and if someone can adjust it and I can test it out at the range, adjust and shoot till it’s zeroed. The person on the phone (I should have asked his name, always ask the name of anyone you talk to over the phone) said sure come over, we can do that. I then ask the hours, he said we are hill till 9.
So after about a nice long hour drive I arrived and ready to get this taken care off and done. Walked in and only saw one guy at the counter. I told him that I called earlier and told him what I needed. He said, oh sorry there are no gunsmith around anymore. They left for the day. I was like you got to F$c&|ng kidding me! Now you are telling me this? How I’m I suppose to know that their service doesn’t go according to their store hours? The guy over to phone should have said, the person who can adjust your sight is available from this time to this time. I would have waste my time down there.
I hate to have one star but this blows. I’ve rent couple guns and used their range once over a year ago just fine.
I’ll give them another try once someone who can adjust the sights is on site.
Update: I happen to working on a contract job near by. Stopped around 4:30 and the person who can adjust the sights was there. He first test fire it to see where was it hitting. He made the necessary adjustments and I got to shoot it myself. Finally it’s zeroed.

If you’re looking for a decent gun shop, Blue Ridge Arsenal does fit that bill. They have a lot of hardware in stock, I will say that for them.
There are, however, plenty of places in the Northern Virginia area that fit that bill as well, and have friendlier staff to boot. The guy’s a Nova Armament in Herndon, for example, not only will they sell you quality products, they’ll even smile at you too.
Anything past being a gun shop, though, it behooves you to go elsewhere.
If you’re looking for a shooting range, go elsewhere. NRA Range is right down the road from Blue Ridge Arsenal, more than twice as long, accommodates more shooters, and is generally much nicer. Staff at NRA Range are also much more friendly than staff at Blue Ridge.
If you’re looking to rent a firearm to shoot with, DEFINITELY go elsewhere. This goes into what I was saying above about the Blue Ridge staff. I’ve seen Blue Ridge Arsenal staff sell Hornady TAP ammunition to a guy who had rented an AR-​15 from them, so that he could take it out to their range and go plinking with it, at like $ 1.00+ a shot. That is INSANE, and the only reason they got away with it was because the guy didn’t know any better. For anybody else reading this review that doesn’t know any better, what most people shoot with when they’re just trying to have some fun w/​an AR is something like Federal XM193, which comes out to like $.30-.40 a round, and I know for a fact Blue Ridge Arsenal keep XM193 in stock too, because I’ve bought it from them before. Even the targets they’re selling at Blue Ridge Arsenal are ~2X the price of what you find elsewhere, including NRA range.
So, if you want to be taken advantage of, nickle and dimed, and treated as if your business isn’t appreciated by holier-​than-​thou staff, go to Blue Ridge Arsenal.

I was in there with a friend about 2 weeks back, we’re both in the military and were in uniform because we decided to check this place out while on lunch. The staff was extremely, EXTREMELY rude and ruined what should have been a good time. There was a man that worked there with his arm in a sling and he was probably the worst. They treated both of us with little to no respect and continued to treat us as if we knew nothing about firearms and began belittling both my friend and I through out our entire stay. I later found out that 2 other friends of ours had been in there and had the same experience. I’d consider this place non-​military friendly and a complete waste of time and money.

Had the gunsmith put new sights on my pistola. I bought the night sights elsewhere on the InterWebs. The gunsmith installed them perfectly and finished them the next day. I tested them on the range the same day I picked up the weapon. Very nice work on a simple upgrade.
Downside is that the place is too poplar – too many people, long lines, range wait times. They need a bigger place and/​or a second range inside the Beltway. ;)

Close to home and great prices. Facility is nice and we really enjoyed the staff very helpful. We will be back and may do a family membership. Thank you!

This is my go to shooting range in NoVA. I would say it’s small-​mid sized. They have a decent sized showroom with a lot of gear and firearms for sale. They have knowledgeable staff on duty.

Let me first start by saying that I am a member of Blue Ridge Arsenal and have been for several years. There are several reasons this business is attractive to me.
I am sure because of liability reasons, it is difficult to have a firing range of any sort and one indoors is certainly valuable when the weather is bad. Blue Ridge offers members a first come first serve basis when assigning shooting lanes and if you’re not a member you certainly don’t get the preferential treatment that members do.
I don’t recall exactly how many lanes they have but my recollection is that they have between 25 and 30 divided into two separate areas. The staff is very businesslike once inside the shooting area and are always willing to help and keep an eye out for those who aren’t as experienced as others. Their rules are strict and rightfully so. After all, this is a serious sport.
I purchased one firearm from Blue Ridge. While I had less expensive options, I chose to use them for several reasons. One, they took the time to help me find the firearm that was right for me. I spent at least 3 to 4 hours working with the salesman there to determine which firearm suited my needs best. I believe that this sort of service deserves my business. After all, all of us can go into a store and get advice and then turn around and order through the Internet. But my belief is that if someone spends the time to give me advice, genuinely help me out and help me make a wise decision, they deserve my business. So I knew going in that if they treated me well, helped me make a good decision, and gave me all the information I needed to make that decision I would by the firearm from them which I did.
This is not a sport or hobby that you can do on the cheap. Certainly there are other stores and mail order vendors who can offer lower prices on firearms. I want to make sure that I have someone I can discuss my purchase with after that purchase is complete. This to me is the value of Blue Ridge Arsenal.
With regard to ammunition. Let me temper this statement by saying that Blue Ridge Arsenal could not order as much ammunition in a year as Walmart does in one day. If you’re looking for inexpensive ammunition, Walmart is certainly the way to go, especially for ammunition such as 9 mm.
I’ve enjoyed using this location many times over the last couple of years and I’m also happy to say that they’re military friendly. During the times that I deployed, I called and let them know and they have suspended my membership until I return. This is very helpful and saves me $ 30 a month which I greatly appreciate.
Overall, I’ve had excellent experiences with this facility, the staff, and other patrons.

My go-​to shooting range! A little difficult to find if you’re unfamiliar with the area (my church happens to be in the building right across LOL).
There are a lot of choices it can be overwhelming! I typically rent the 1911 .45 caliber and occasionally the AR-​15. I like that they make you perform a functions test to ensure at least 1 person of the group knows how to handle a firearm correctly. Some people find that way too stringent, but much rather be safe than sorry!
Once the functions test is passed, you are assigned to a lane (super spacious btw!). The range officer is also there who keeps an eye out for any inappropriate/​dangerous behavior.
One gripe I have is that there is a 1hr time limit on the lane. Being one of the busiest/​popular ranges it is understandable, but fussy.
On Mondays it’s «Ladies Day» and there is a discount on lanes, ammo, etc. They also offer half-​off memberships for government and law enforcement employees.
Another added bonus is that they give free ice cream & coffee! There is a little lounge in the back to sit/​relax which is convenient to unwind, to wait if the range is full, or if some of your party wishes to leave the area of action.
The staff is super friendly/​funny/​accommodating, I just love this place!

First time going to a shooting range and I underestimated my jitters. Came here with a group of girls and the staff were very nice and friendly (well the guy that we rented the guns from). Not bad pricing in my opinion especially if you’re a woman coming to the range on Monday for ladies night/​day.
Will definitely be back to shoot more and practice. This time around I won’t be drinking black coffee to wake me up prior to going to the shooting range. Also, FREE ICE CREAM! YAYY

I’m a beginner shooter that used the previous Unilocal reviews for this place to guide me to a range that would be staffed with patient staff that are okay with a newbie showing up. Blue Ridge Arsenal definitely fit that bill. I didn’t get the names of the associates I worked with, but they were all very courteous. Admittedly, I even forgot how to manually bring the slide forward, but the guy was still super patient and gave me hints so that I could figure it out myself and learn.
The pricing was more than fair and for my gun rental they even gave me the cheap ammo without me asking — so it was refreshing that they weren’t trying to take advantage of a newbie. The range master was also courteous in pointing out a few of the things I was doing incorrectly and how I could improve. I’ll definitely be coming back to Blue Ridge because of the excellent customer service and kindness and patience of their employees.
Updated: Came back a second time a few days later and everything above still applies, but between the function test and paying, I forgot to show a $ 5 off coupon. I asked after the purchase if I could claim it because I just forgot and the answer was a pretty blunt no. This was the only gap in their otherwise great service. This would’ve stayed five stars if they honored the promotion and extended the service to a customer forgot, but they didn’t seem to want to be bothered. 4 stars.

I don’t personally like guns or enjoy shooting them. But if you live in a home where, for whatever reason, you will have to share living quarters with a firearm, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to educate yourself on how to handle one safely and responsibly.
So if you’re like me, and you’re feeling uneasy after having handled a deadly weapon, the free ice cream (including Haagen Dazs and Skinny Cow!) makes everything a little better :-).

As another user said, I would give this place negative stars if possible.
I came here because it had an overall good rating on this site, but I will NOT be coming back and will recommend that none of my friends/​family come here for anything.
This place has some of the worst customer service I have ever seen. The guy who handles the transfers and Mark (sp?) are pleasant, but the rest of the guys who work in the front are extremely rude, know-​it-​all, glorified sales reps. I was repeatedly talked down to while picking up my firearm, my time on the range was subpar at best, although there were some cool people shooting some interesting weapons, and their stock is overpriced (M&P Shield .40 for $ 430?!). Their rental rifles are dirty and poorly maintained. The worst part is their FFL fee, $ 52. This is $ 20-​$ 30 higher than comparable FFLs in the area.
I strongly advise shooting at the NRA range and transferring/​purchasing weapons from Sterling Arsenal, Nova Armament, or Virginia Arms.

I am a member here.
Price is pretty reasonable.
Never had any negative experiences …
A good range, for NoVA.