Discrimination Against Disabled Shooters - Shameful Behavior at Shoot Straight Largo…read more
As someone who uses a wheelchair, I've always appreciated businesses that treat me with the same respect and consideration as anyone else. Unfortunately, Shoot Straight in Largo, Florida, and especially manager Nolan, failed that test miserably.
After over two hours of range time and more than 400 rounds fired, I was suddenly approached by a range employee accusing me of hitting the ceiling -- something I categorically did not do. I shoot clean, consistent patterns and keep to the lower half of a 12x18 target. My lane only extended to 7-8 yards, and despite that being a range equipment issue, nobody addressed it.
Instead, I was handed a second target board and told that will help . First it's the ceiling, what's next the floor! They couldn't even keep their story straight on who saw me do this well it wasn't the guy who came to me. When I asked the staff member for specifics, he gave me a smirk and said, "Don't kill the messenger." I explained the lane issue, and he admitted "you're preaching to the choir," yet still placed the blame on me.
When I asked to speak with a manager, I was introduced to Nolan, who showed zero professionalism or understanding. He claimed someone on "his wall team" saw the incident -- but couldn't say who, because that person was "on lunch." I told Nolan I've been shooting since I was 10, and this was unacceptable. His only response? "You don't have to yell," even though I never raised my voice. That's not management -- that's dismissive deflection.
Even worse? There were three other shooters using chairs at the 7-10 yard line. None of them were harassed like I was. So what made me different? My wheelchair? If so, that's a direct violation of ADA standards -- treating a disabled individual unfairly in a public accommodation.
I am a paying member, and yes, I will be back. And next time, I expect:
* A working lane that meets accessibility standards
* Equal treatment
* A manager who knows how to handle customer concerns -- not dodge them
Shoot Straight Largo: If you can't follow basic ADA compliance and respect disabled customers, then you need retraining -- or new leadership.