Friendly and knowledgeable people that are focused on delivering a fun but safe experience!!

We had a good experience here. I've never shot a gun and we hired a private instructor and he was great to show us how to get into the range then how to load and shoot! We came back again and tried as many different guns as we had time. Learned a lot! read more

Firepower - Learning - Gun/Rifle Ranges Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Been going here on and off since about 2006. I have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful. The range is pretty basic, but the rates make it a decent value. They are well-stocked, and the inventory is reasonably-priced right up front, so they're less likely to negotiate than places that have higher initial markups. I've never had a problem here. I see reviewers who say they've been going for years and then one day have a bad experience, possibly for doing something they shouldn't have, e.g., safety-related, and because of this, they give a one star review while still smarting over it. It's good that they say why though; that's admirable. Not trying to single anyone out, just saying that Firepower's reaction to a perceived safety problem isn't necessarily a problem. But stuff happens, and your mileage may vary. I'm just here to say that I've gone lots over the years and found the place to be worth supporting with my business. read more

I come here often "just to shoot", and if that is what you looking for just to shoot it's the better deal in town price right, yes the range is outdated no ac or heat in the rage area can only shoot small caliber weapons no AR's or AK rounds. read more

Now this... this is a gun store. I've not seen such a density of pistols, rifles, shotguns in such a tightly dense area since, well, ever. Everything is behind glass and completely safe and the sales folks are happy to help you find what you want. Whether it's a .22 target pistol or a home defense shotgun or a purse gun for personal defense, these folks have it. Prices are clearly marked as is the status (new or used). They have a good sized target range in case you're looking to try out your new toy and there is a small classroom in the back for taking your concealed carry permit class. read more

Firepower - Boomstick! - Gun/Rifle Ranges Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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If I could give this place a negative star review I would. The employees there are beyond jerks. They really leave inexperienced shooters to feel like they don't belong. Instead of training people for knowledge, they thrive on making shooters feel inadequate. Don't waste your time here. There's another really good range down the road from them that doesn't treat customers this way. read more

I haven't been to Firepower in over a decade. Employees were jerks back then as well. Seems they always intentionally attempted to intimidate shooters. In the beginning, as a novice, they made me very uncomfortable. They should have been teaching, and encouraging confidence with a deadly weapon. Last time I went for range time, they insulted me, and the people I brought. Me Marine 1, Combat engineer, Marine 2 Military Police, next was a 20 yr police officer, then our dad. I now live in FL, and have a great place for my novice wife to "Shoot Straight". I visit Matthews, NC, but will never be back to Firepower. There has got to be a much better place in the area. read more

This business is a disgrace when it comes to customer service. Not only do their employees treat you with with contempt, they are rude and disrespectful. In addition, they pretend to give out expert advise on firearms, when they clearly at NOT experts. Ownership should evaluate there decisions on current staff. Will not return to Firepower in the future. read more

Took advantage of the Groupon deal and brought my son here today to shoot. Great experience overall! We started with a private lesson - David is a very patient and experienced instructor who emphasizes safety, which I appreciated for my son. Gun selection is solid, lots of options for the novice. Range isn't temperature controlled but I prefer fresh air and realistic shooting conditions so no complaints. Staff is solid - to the point and honest. We will be back! read more

Firepower - Working with an instructor at the range - Gun/Rifle Ranges Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

This location is alright. It does the job for getting that itch to "shoot". My husband and I came here... no one was shooting. We were the only costumers. We were not greeted when we walked in. There was an older staff member "checking out" some guns and making eye contact with us when we walked in. He just glared at us. Didn't know if he worked there or was a costumer. Not a great first impression. I don't care what business it is... when costumers walk in... its respectful to greet them. We were there for 8 minutes before someone got up and said hello. We stood at the register for the whole duration. My husband and I both got to shoot and that was fun. I was going to give one star. But... the employee who took the time to answer our questions and show us a whole bunch of different guns... he is the reason for the star upgrade. I wish I remembered his name. But when I find out, I will be sure to edit this post. There's another range down the street. We went right over there and was greeted and that's where we plan to be. read more

Not sure what CJ's problem is but I will say he's probably a butt to the employees. I have never had a bad experience here.

Pros: the staff know what they are talking about, and I have been happy with every purchase I've made there. They have a large selection of handguns, and they're prices aren't much different from other places I've found, or the big box stores. The range usually isn't crowded. They have a good selection of pistols for rent and a few rifles (you have to use their ammo, but that's normal). A month of free range time when you buy a gun. That alone is worth more than their slightly higher prices. Getting into the range is easy and the rules are simple. Follow them and the staff let you just enjoy shooting. Cons: the staff do have a reputation for being somewhat aloof, which can be intimidating for less experienced people. (I have found that asking questions helps this; they love talking about guns and are a wealth of info.). This isn't an entirely undeserved reputation, unfortunately. The range is older and more primitive (no electronics) than some of the other ranges in town. The range is not heated or cooled. It's not bad except when it's hot. You just layer up for the winter. Another is that you can only buy range time by the half hour. I understand why they don't do memberships, but I would shoot there a lot more if they had memberships. I wanted to mention one interaction that impressed me. I went in there yesterday prepared to buy a rifle. I normally talk to Fielding ( I'm not sure why, he just seems to be the one who helps me most of the time), and he was really helpful. He asked what I wanted, and then helped me adjust my expectations as to what I needed. He showed me what they had, and in a variety of price ranges. I was prepared to buy then, but he suggested that I check out a local pawn shop and gave me a guy to talk to. I ended up buying my gun there, but I was really impressed that fielding would send me somewhere else that might serve me better. In short, I will continue to shop there and use the range. read more

I have been shooting in Washington State, Maryland, and Arizona... and in terms of pure quality this is by far the cleanest, best customer serviced, and most modern indoor range I have been to ever. First off, lets be honest, you don't expect a gun ranges to be in classy areas. This one is in an actually decent locations. As in there are no neon lights for liquor or pawn stores nearby (just a random Korean diner), so for me taking my little sister was no problem. The prices are absolutely amazing for a gun range (granted they don't offer military discount and I might be biased comparing with Washington State) and the staff member I was working with very knowleagible and friendly to help me select the fire power appropriate for teaching. The thing about their indoor range is that it is small, but rather clean. We went on a monday morning, so it wasn't busy. I could see how they would be over crowded on the weekend. The only reason why they didn't get 5 stars is because they let a guy go into the pistol range with a shotgun who clearly had no idea how to shoot. It didn't put anyone in danger or anything, but for people new to shooting it was a bit intimidating. Granted the staff member came in to do some lessons, I think it was grounds to kick the guy out. However... overall it was a great experience read more

* i never leave reviews but this place deserves it. First time in the store today after a couple recommendations off Reddit. Was very impressed! Store prices were well inline with others, ammo prices were a little high but understand why. The two guys working were awesome. They heckled my girlfriend which I throughly enjoyed and were just awesome dudes to be honest. I went to sell 2 guns expecting a low ball offer, but they actually made a fair offer which I accepted. Just an overall good experience. Will definitely be back because it was a refreshing gun store experience! Appreciate you guys. read more

Same story as others. Bought the Groupon to get some practice in. It had been several years since I shot my gun and I wanted to become reacquainted with it. I couldn't perform on demand for him like a circus monkey so I was shown the door. Returned the Groupon. Little man has the right the run his business as he sees fit and I have the right to spend my money elsewhere. Easy peasy. **** Which is exactly what I did. I drove a few miles down the highway to Shooter's Express and same conversation with the awesome guys there as I did at this place. They set me up in a lane and invited me to come back in on one of many of their Ladies Days for any further assistance I might need. Now, another registered gun owner is that much safer, which clearly didn't interest Firepower. read more

I have shot here four or five times. It is a smaller, basic range priced at half that of the fancier places in town. The HVAC is not stellar, so you might avoid in hot weather and wear a jacket in cold weather. As to the bad reviews for attitude; they are not warm and fuzzy types, but have always been helpful when I asked about anything. Best value I have found in town, service is reasonable but don't expect for them to be all that excited about you coming in. read more

Me writing a review on a gun range is totally hilarious. It is one of those things if you told me I would be going to a gun safety class, I would have thought you were Bonkers, yes with a capital B. Last year, I decided I was going to do more classes and activities that were outside of my comfort level. My husband asked me did I want to take a gun safety class. Sure. Next thing I know I am signed up and sitting in a room full of men with guns. Firepower is a great place for target practice, I would recommend going on a weekday, weekends get jammed up. You have to put your name on a wait list. They have specials on weekdays, call them and find out, I know they have some sort of ladies special on a week day. Ladies with guns!! Watch out. read more

Yee-fawkin-ha! You wanna shoot guns? Look for places with patrons that still rock Confederate flags. While I do not approve of said message, them "boys" know they firearms! Our team and I headed over here to fire some nasty lil' toys: Colt 1911s, Magnums, and a few other goodies. I must admit that they were definitely eyeballing the one or two of us that looked really "city slicker" type, but after a short grilling, they let us through. Only recommendation? Buy your own ammo elsewhere. They make up for cheap range prices by severely marking that up. They WILL give you dirty looks for not buying any, but who the hell cares?! Happy shooting! read more

Went today to get some practice on a gun I am thinking about buying. I hadn't shot in a few years, so I wanted to get some range time in before I made a decision. Well... That's where it went south. One of the guys working asked if I needed help, and I told him I wanted to get on the range. (It's 6 miles from my house) The guy asked if I was an experienced shooter. I was honest, and told him it had been a few years since I last fired a hand gun. He said he wanted to put one in my hands and ask me some questions. I said sure. So he asks me what I shot, and I said Glocks. He hands me one from off the wall, and asks me "what's the first thing you do when a stranger hands you a weapon?" I said check to see if it's loaded. He said to check, so I did. I dropped the mag, pulled the slide back and checked the chamber. I'll admit I was a bit nervous. hadn't handled a gun in awhile and having this guy watch me like a hawk, it took me 3 tries before I got the slide to release.( didn't push the release hard enough, was being too careful) Well, That was enough for him to tell me he wouldn't let me on the range! He said safety is important, and I should come back with a more experienced shooter. I can totally understand the safety element... But c'mon man. Not letting me on the range at all? No offer to assist or watch you do it and try again? That left a real bad taste in my mouth. I went to another range 20 minutes away, and they had me on the line in under 10 minutes, with a friendly and courteous staff. I shot 50 rounds with a gun I might purchase. I won't be back to Firepower again. Not surprised they have so many bad google reviews. Ranges are for training and practice right? read more

A decent-sized range and reasonable prices keep me going back to shoot at Firepower. I've been to the range here 4 or 5 times, and it's not bad. I really like the staff here. When I have questions or need assistance, they have always been friendly and helpful to me (although, admittedly, some of them come across as a little gruff). They have a nice, decently-priced selection of guns you can buy here, although their rental section is a little small (and their ammo prices are just so-so, but I think that is normal). For an indoor range, I think the lanes themselves are a good size. I don't feel cramped or feel like there are too many people in the room. They are not terribly well lighted, though, which can make for some difficult when shooting. The range prices are pretty reasonable, and ladies can shoot there for half price on Tuesdays, which is AWESOME (and when I usually go). The ranges seem relatively clean, but just watch for the occasional stray shell from the booth next to you. read more

Great deal with Groupon app. Shot a rifle and two different pistols with 200 ammo for $55 with gear too. Small range with 5 lanes only 35 feet max. read more

Decided to start trying area indoor ranges to find my "home" range. There is not doubt this is it. Super friendly and helpful staff. Knowledgeable about their products and even helped me questions on my a new gun. Can't believe I was paying twice a much to go elsewhere. read more

For my boyfriends birthday we decided to take a trip to Firepower after seeing their amazing Groupon offer for 2 people to share a lane and rent firearms. We have now been here twice and had a great time for both. The thing that puts this place above and beyond are the staff members. From our experience they are friendly to those with and without experience. (Side note: you will only be allowed to shoot if you are an experienced shooter or you are accompanied by one). They were honest, humorous, and to the point with all of our questions. It's nothing crazy fancy on the outside, you'll want to keep an eye out for it or you may pass it. The range itself is quite cold in the winter and very warm in the summer, so dress accordingly. Also it's a bit darker the farther away your target is so it can get difficult to see. Because my boyfriend is quite tall his shells kept ejecting over into the lane next to us and hitting the person shooting there, so I would recommend if you're taller to request the last lane if it's open. Also, if it your first time shooting they will provide earplugs in addition to the standard muffs. Very accommodating! read more

My group and I worked ourselves to death over the last few months and we needed a stress reliever. My assistant mentioned shooting range and we all bought in. Today was the day so myself, along with three women, entered this non-descript gun store in Matthews. I've shot skeet before and my assistant is like a mad-survivalist/hunter type or something. The other two ladies with us were not experienced but they allowed us to work with them. Only five bucks to rent a gun plus the ammo was a great deal. Actually, given the amount of fun we all had, it was the deal of the century. The range is awesome. Some lady was in there shooting something that sounded like a landmine was going off every round but more power to her. I felt very safe and the staff was extremely helpful. After we killed some paper, we all have agreed to return again and to take their safety and concealed-carry class as we're in some sketchy places working at times. We'll be back for sure! FYI: Tuesday's is Ladies Day! read more

Great place. Very helpful. Prices are a little higher than some of the bigger stores, but I think they are worth the customer service I get. But they're not all that much more expensive than some places. And I find some products that are actually less than at other places. So to clarify, while you may spend a few dollars more on one thing, you might get some accessories for less, and you'll get treated with respect and courtesy. They have a gun range in back that is...ok. It's hot as a firecracker in there if it's hot outside. It's very uncomfortable on hot days and I've found other places to shoot that were much nicer and cheaper. But the range is not what draws me there. You can ask their opinion, and they will tell you honestly. They will talk with you and discuss your opinion as well as theirs. You come away feeling like you truly learned something, not just given a sales pitch. They make no excuses for their prices or policies, but they will explain to you why things are what they are. All-in-all, it's the kind of place you enjoy going into, and look forward to going back. read more

I called and spoke to James And I think I had about 7-8 question he was an awesome help. Will definitely return and see him plus give my business again. Thank you James. read more

I have been shopping here for years and I have always loved the store, range and staff. Their prices are always the best so there's no need to shop around all over town. If they have what you need it is at a reasonable price so there is no need to check anywhere else. When I do check other places I always see that their price was better and I go back to purchase at firepower. read more

I had 5 girlfriends that had not shot a gun before and we all took a safety class with Fielding Smith. Fielding did an amazing job with instruction, knowledge of weapons, patience and the ability to see what each of us needed for individual service. We all will not go anywhere else. We were NOT intimidated by the whole thing. We're all NOW addicted! Thanks Fielding . read more

I have been going to Firepower for over 7 years now. Started with private lessons which led to getting my concealed carry. Use the range as often as I can especially on Ladies Day Tuesdays. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and always helpful and encouraging. Wouldn't go anywhere else... read more

I've been around the shop a lot lately, and I have to say I really enjoy the store, the range, and all the people that work there. They are great guys, and they really do take safety seriously. If you come in acting a fool or you give off a the impression of not being 100% safe then they will grill you and put you through the paces. This is exactly as it should be. Considering the nature of weapons, whether you are buying,renting, or just shooting your own, I want staff that are going to make sure everything is on the up and up and that people know what they are doing. Great selection of hand guns, really fair prices, nice lay out, and always clean and tidy. The staff is very helpful and will answer any questions you might have. I really have enjoyed just hanging and talking to the staff during slow times. My only wish for this place is a cooler range temp wise. Then again, I'm extremely hot natured, so it's always warmer to me than anyone else. It would be nice if they were set up for AR-15, but I guess that is a blessing in disguise for my wallet haha. Over all, I love this place. Drop by and make your own decision on them, you will most likely really enjoy it. read more

Absolute worst range I've ever visited in my life. Can't Condemn this place enough. Brought a friend who had never shot before and wanted to show him shooting in America. This was not the experience I am used to and the outright hostility straight off the bat was baffling. Never darken their door and save yourself a headache and head across the road to point blank range. Much friendlier, professional and better equipped. Also they know how to treat a paying customer. read more

Went to firepower today to shoot with my dad and brother. We've been going here for over ten years. Today we rented 2 lanes. We're about halfway thru shooting and the elderly gentleman comes to inform us that the ammo my brother is using cannot be used in the range. We immediately stop using it. We go to check out and the younger chubby guy at the counter says next time make sure you pull out everything you have when you come. First off he didn't ask to check anything and said this in a way to act as if we hid the ammo on purpose. So to cover him for not checking what we brought he instantly out the blame on us. Needless to say we will not be returning and all of our friends who go here were very upset to hear this and are taking their business elsewhere read more

I left this review on the Google reviews... "I wish I had read the reviews (on Google) before I went to Firepower, Inc. I was thinking during my drive back to the office that I wanted to go online and write up a review citing how condescending the staff are. I talked to all three gentlemen that were there. At first, I was specific about what i was looking for and after they said they didn't have it I just told them I would browse awhile. I would ask a question or two at each counter and I would get lectured as if i was a total gun illiterate - which I am not. I asked them if there were any "packages" that would let me try five or ten handguns at a time. They said no, $5/each rental - then he added that I wouldn't be able to tell or remember the difference between them anyway. I know I can tell how a gun shoots with 1 or 2 shots - I either like it or I don't. Regardless, they are jerks and I don't want to give them my business. I'm going to buy a rifle and a pistol this year - the money is in the bank. I'll pay more to a store that works with me to set me up with a gun that I will enjoy for many years." If you're just shooting at the range, it'll work. I shot here a few years ago and I recall it being a good experience. My review this go around is related to shopping for a gun. read more

the guy wouldn't let my friend and i shoot due to my bright-teal shorts (guess i was more dressed for brooklyn), but i couldn't blame him because we also had close to no experience with guns... if you do have experience, this place is amazing. $5 guns to rent (and we're talking bad-ass glocks and other stuff i've only ever seen in the hands of denzel washington). whatever - we couldn't shoot, but at least we tried (and went bowling instead). read more

If you want to be treated like you're privileged to walk in the door this might be for you! There have been a couple quite nice and helpful folks over the years but mostly arrogant, rude an unhelpful know it alls. Fortunately they aren't the only game in town any longer. read more

Before I found far better alternatives, Firepower was my range of choice. I do not mind the staff, I enjoy their sense of humor and don't take their attitudes personally. They are a great group of employees and have added some new people since my last visit. They take safety seriously and a lot of the customers that come in are not prepared to handle a firearm. Mix the stress of more customers than range lanes with amateur shooters and anyone would have a tendency to be short by the end of the day. Their expert opinion can come across as offensive to some, but their major concern is preventing avoidable accidents i.e they heavily suggest taking training and safety classes before getting lane time or bring an experienced shooter for everyone's sake. The biggest downfall for me is the ventilation on the range is very poor. In the summer it gets so hot and the air so thick with powder discharge that customers will leave in a hustle, drenched in their own sweat. Hotter than Hades. I've made all my pistol purchases from Firepower and have been happy with each buy as I was able to find a great bargain each time. I will admit the store is lacking salesmanship in the sense that the gun range takes 75% of the employees attention and buyers have a difficult time getting the opportunity to shop around the store with an employee in tow to handle the options they want to weigh. Depending on who is helping you during the purchase you will get a varying degree of knowledge on the brand and model, so do your research because their staff will not put you in a corner like an aggressive car salesman and feed you a bunch of BS to make a sale. They also do not make deals for anyone, so the price tag is concrete. Overall I'd go back to purchase, but I've found better range options. Check 'em out, but keep your expectations realistic. It's not your everyday retail environment. read more

The facility is old and outdated, no climate control so in May while it was in the 70s outside it was about 95 degrees in their range. The staff was rude and treated novices ( yes we had both shot multiple times before at much nicer facilities) like children, and were very condescending toward us. The safety equipment they offer (dollar store safety glasses) were very likely not ballistic rated. They would literally only pay attention to my husband and ignored me completely (I actually have more experience then him). We watched two young ladies come in early 20s sayingthey bought the Groupon which indicated something about training or a safety class and the staff member literally said "you are not welcome here with no experience" She asked how she may gain experience and they told her she would "have to find someone to babysit them while they we on premisis, otherwise they cannot shoot there" Now I understand safety is serious at a gun range, but these two ladies already spent their money the least they could have done was advised when classes may be available. Meanwhile their door to the range has no knob or handle on it, no one was monitoring the father daughter team that was in the range where he had an 11 year old girl crawl past the firing line to pick up 2 pieces of ammo he had dropped. So here is my suggestion, if you wasted your money already on a groupon or some other thing, use the value spent on it to purchase the ammo, and go across the street to point blank where they actually respect their customers, their lanes are not dangerously hot (because passing out from heat exhaustion with a loaded fire arm doesn't seem safe to me), and they are willing to offer advice and help you to enjoy your experience. read more

Pointblank rude staff. I was actually chastised by an employee while I was on the range for shooting too high on the scrap cardboard where my target was taped. I was not aware of the skyrocketing inflation and scarcity of scrap cardboard. I saw some guns and accessories that I really liked, but Firepower won't get my money. read more

Good selection of guns. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Nice indoor pistol range. Get on over there, and shoot up a few boxes of ammo!

Great place to shoot. I normally feel very uncomfortable around strangers with guns, but the staff kept a close eye on everyone and made sure they were all safe. They won't hesitate to throw you out if you seem like you could threaten the safety of others or yourself. That's what I really liked about it. read more