I've been shooting here regularly (1-2 times per month) for years. And I'm going to give you my honest take on this place, specifically the staff, as that seems to be the biggest gripe people have here. Let's start with the range itself: Awesome. Great ventilation, lighting, and room to work. The racks are a bit beat up, but that's mostly due to people who can't shoot to save their lives. Pricing? In my experience at other ranges, the pricing here for time is more than fair. The ranges that it's higher than, it's also a lot nicer than. I have no gripe with the fee's here. And date night Friday's get you another shooter for free. Sweet. I don't buy ammo here regularly, but the few times I did, it didn't strike me as super overpriced. Higher than at a huge gun store? Yup. But it's a range, and they don't stock 1,000's of cases of ammo. I did not at all feel like I was getting robbed. I paid a bit more because I forgot to grab mine, and that was fine. Lastly, the staff. Here's the thing, over the years I've dealt with probably 5 or 6 people behind the counter, and every single one of them has been nothing but super helpful and super friendly. Now, mind you...when I deal with them, I do it on the level of hey...it's their place, and I'm there as a customer. I don't try to come off as some kind of holier-than-thou gun toting bad ass. Have I seen some of them get snippy with other people at times? Yup. But in every single case, it was because the person was being more than a little bit of an arrogant "know it all" gun owner. If you walk in there with an attitude, you may get one back. Don't be a dick, and they won't treat you like one. End of story. I've read the negative reviews with regards to the service here on Yelp, and I can assure you just by reading how they were written, these people walked in with attitude. And if they never come back, I'm okay with that as a customer, and I'm sure the staff is okay with it as well. Carry on! read more

When you walk in the store it's very dark, on the right side there's a bunch of boxes and basically old junk. Nothing has a price tag on it which is odd, and the staff was slightly passive aggressive towards us. For a person to person transfer it was $97, so if you plan on doing a transfer I suggest The Gun Store in Waterbury for $35 flat rate. Overpriced, unwelcoming and overall bad experience, not what it used to be when I was there about a decade ago. The dog they had was friendly though, bonus points for that. read more

$38 for a 30 minute range session is an utter rip-off. The range itself is archaic and feels like it's on its last legs. The store is poorly stocked, cluttered and in need of a good cleaning. It's like they don't give a crap. This part of Northern Connecticut really needs better options than this. This surely ranks as one of the worst gun stores I've been in and definitely the worst indoor range. I'm a bit confused by the positive reviews here; were we in the same gun store??? If so, all I can say is that you must never have been to a good gun store/range or you're a fake reviewer. It's conveniently close to me, but I'd rather drive another 30 minutes for better options. read more

I myself do not use Tactical Arms as a customer, save for buying gift certificates for people who do. (Those certificates can only be bought for specific people, no generic cards like you'd get from Target.) I consider this a positive that their experiences are good enough to where I would park my money onto the store's balance sheets. Rentals are available at the range, and I have been advised they had ammo in stock even when it was scarce elsewhere. The employees seemed friendly, and I observed they gave customers with questions their full attention. read more

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These guys are great. Have used for multiple FFL transfers. Had an issue with one and they were all over it. Service is great. Guys are friendly. Love the dogs and the commitment to maintaining our 2A rights. Thank you! read more

Great shooting range and we'll stocked Gun shop. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. 75ft. Range accepts AR-15 rifles.

Tactical Arms, and it's owner John is greatly lacking on many fronts. For a small business owner, you would think customer service would be important. Nope. They're rude, they're entitled, and they're expensive. It's dirty, dark, and uncomfortable -- and they nickel and dime you at every juncture. Consider saving your money, sparing yourself a horrible experience, and going to one of the many gun clubs in the area: Torrington Gun Club, Northwestern Connecticut Sportsman's Association in Colebrook, Metacon Gun Club in Simsbury, Chase Rifle and Pistol Association in Waterbury, or the Northwest Connecticut Rod and Gun club in Caanan--where there's no waiting list and the people are down to earth and welcoming! read more

My wife and I have been coming here for about ten years now. You won't find a friendlier owner anywhere. You can shoot at the range without anybody looking over your shoulder. Highly recommended. read more

I've been going to Tactical Arms for years and have consistently had a positive experience with staff and the range itself. I always am able to get a lane, the prices are comparable to other ranges, the lighting is fine, the ventilation is good, targets are cheap, they don't breathe down your back, and they don't pressure you or rush you. I go there frequently and have consistently been happy with my experience. read more

Friendly staff. Nice range. Unreliable for FFL transfers. Decided to try using Tactical as an FFL dealer because they were closer. That was a mistake I will not repeat! I bought what I thought would be a Ruger LCP II from Grab-A-Gun. What I received was a LCP series 1. This was 7/23. Tactical said "No problem. Just have GaG send us a return label. GaG promptly sent me a return shipping label the followiing Monday 7/25 and copied Tactical. I emailed Tactical end of same week and never got a reply. I then called Tactical two more days later to make sure it had been shipped and the person I spoke to said it had not! But "Oh, we have the label. It's going on the very next shipment." Yeah, right. Two and a half more weeks later, 3.5 weeks total, I still had not received my refund from GAG, so I called them. GAG still had no record of receiving the return. I then called Tactical on Friday 8/19 again asking them to explain. "Oh, our shipping guy is not here right now but he'll call you back on Monday." Naturally, Monday came and went with no return phone call. Called them on Tuesday, 8/23. Spoke to Steve. Advised him the call was being recorded, that I have already drafted letters to the CT Attorney General's Office Dept of Consumer Protection and the ATF, and that I would see to it PERSONALLY that they lose their FFL! Now they blame FedEx for not picking up, for almost a full month??!?! I'm going to call bullshit. The ONLY thing they're waiting for is to get off their own asses and SCHEDULE a pickup! I am furious! I try to be patient. I try to be nice. Nice does not work anymore. IMHO, these clowns are SAF. I will NEVER return, for ANY reason! You also have been warned. DO NOT DO BUSINESS HERE! read more

I have to say, I agree entirely with the other posters. I also had a TERRIBLE experience here a few years ago when I used to live in the area and I'm just now seeing that they have a yelp page that I can review. I'm absolutely of the same opinion of most of the other posters here. If I could give him no stars I totally would. Let me start off by saying that I am an avid shooter, I have an AR-15, AK-74..etc., the usual place I go to is Blue Trails Shooting Range all the way in North Branford. I was really excited about getting an indoor range that is just down rt. 8. Unfortunately, within the span of about 5 minutes my hopes and dreams that this place would be good were totally shattered. To be totally fair, the range is actually NICE, the amenities are great, great ventilation..etc. It's the people who actually run it and the prices that are terrible. So, I waltz into this place ready to shoot. I start to notice that EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING is absolutely overpriced. I was hoping to buy some 5.45x39 for the AK. It ends up being EXTREMELY overpriced for 500 rounds, I almost couldn't believe it. I thought well, no problem, I'll just use my own ammo that I brought with me. I pay the outrageous price (PER HOUR) to shoot at the range. The guy at the counter asks what ammo I'd be using. I show him my softpoint (non-jacketed) bullets that I was intending to use. He goes, "not at this range you're not, buddy. Those are steel core! What is wrong with you? You want these to go through my back stop?!" I said "well, if you look on the box here it says these are softpoints, no jacket on them even". (I'm trying to keep my composure at this point). He says "I don't care, either you buy non-steel core here or you're not shooting. You have a problem with that? Fine, walk out". So I did. I was furious that I spent money for the range for NOTHING. The guy threw attitude at me from the second I walked through his door. This guy doesn't deserve to be in business. Unless you want to be treated like a total jerk I suggest you spend your money elsewhere. ***Update*** 3/20/2014- I received several calls and an email from the store owner accusing me of "slander". His "lawyer" was CC'd in on the email as well. In my opinion, If he put half as much effort into customer service as he does threatening people, he wouldn't need to worry about any negative reviews ever. I told him not to contact me again EVER. If he continues this harassment, I will update. The review stays. read more

As an individual with a new permit I have lots of questions and lack the skill of many of their regular customers. TACTICAL ARMS made me comfortable regarding new purchases and training for myself and my wife. They had rental guns on site for me to try before committing to a purchase. I will be back. read more

Very rude homeowner after we got done shooting we were getting ready to leave he stops us very abruptly and says wait I have to check your time I said well we're good the two guys that were working there so no they're good he ignored them walk over to his computer looked at it got up walked out of the room never said a word I said to the two guys behind the counter are we good. They said yes. Will never shoot there again the owner needs an attitude adjustment read more

I'm a new shooter. Went to Tactical Arms tonight for the first time. Great experience! I politely introduced myself and explained that I was new & Dave could not have been more helpful. The range itself is the best around. I don't get the negative reviews! Then again, I don't understand the negative stuff I read about other shops and ranges in CT. Read the rules, act like an adult & enjoy the sport. I can't wait to go back! read more

To start the range facilities are fine, good lighting and ventilation. I can shoot my larger caliber guns here which is a plus. However, some of the staff have left a bad impression on me. I had received a 100 dollar gift certificate to go here. I used it once for an hour of range time. The man that checked me in entered the info from the certificate on his computer and threw the certificate away. I asked if I could have it back, due to the fact that there should be about 50 bucks left on it, and he said I didn't need it and that it was in the computer. Forward a few months later I returned to use the range and the man at the counter told me they didn't put gift certificates into their computer and that I needed the actual certificate. ( the one they threw away) I was explaining what happened to the man, when this girl came to the counter with her mouth full of food and proceeded to tell me I was SOL and that non of the employees would throw away a gift certificate after putting it into a computer. kinda pissed at that. I had also visited the range, shot a bit, then had a squib round lodge in my barrel. I took it to the counter and asked if they could dislodge it for me seeing as they would have tools to do it and it would only take a min. They did, which was nice of them. However, the man lectured me about how I shouldn't buy cheap ammo and such. Even though the ammo was made by Remington. Which I know it's the most expensive but I wouldn't consider it cheap. There are plenty of places to shoot. They have poor customer service, and a little on the expensive side for range time. The facility is modern and clean. I however avoid this place. read more

Awesome location and the best pistol instructor in CT. Two thumbs up for Les, class was awesome and shooting at the range was fabulous too. I definitely recommend Les and Tactical Arms for your gun permit class. read more

My favorite range. very nice staff, Well ventilated and clean. I think the negative reviews I have read are bogus people tend to write bull crap when they don't get their way. read more

I took my pistol permit class with John Petricone at this place, and he seems like a really decent guy. The problem is, he's hardly ever there, and the staff that are usually there (especially John Ferris, the owner) are sometimes unpleasant. John is impolite and rude to his customers and told me, almost point blank, that he couldn't care less if I kept coming back to his range as opposed to Wolf's in Bristol (which I have always had positive experiences with). read more

Have had nothing but great experiences when i go there a bunch of great people great prices and never have to wait for the range

I had a great time shooting at Tactical Arms on 8/9/15. I went with a group of people, some who had their permits (like myself) and others who were taking their pistol permit class. We were able to shoot some high powered guns and it was an awesome time. We had a private room in the back where the classroom was taking place. The instructors (Corey and Les) were very informative and I would highly recommend taking their class if you are interested in getting your permit. I already have mine but Corey provided us with a great refresher on some of the laws/rules that go along with carrying a CT pistol permit. read more

After doing a ton of research about my first gun purchase the staff of Tactical Arms was patient and guiding in the entire process from purchase, training and use. Been back several times to use their range and there professionalism is refreshing and they can count on my business in the future. Great Job! read more

I am 60 years old, and live in Torrington, and recently got my CT Pistol Permit and my first handgun, a Glock-19. I asked my son to go with me last night to Tactical Arms to shoot the gun for the first time. Having seen the reviews posted here, I was a bit hesitant, but did not want to drive a long way. Well, I cannot say enough about how pleasant Steve and Sam (Samantha?) were when we entered the store. They talked to us for a bit about what we were looking for, and when we told them we just wanted to shoot for an hour, they asked what type of guns and ammo we would be shooting, but never once suggested that we should buy ammo from them. I looked at the prices of the guns and ammo , and as one would expect , they were more than one would pay at a discount sporting goods store. But just as a golfer (like myself) does not expect to pay Walmart prices in the Pro shop, I wouldn't expect steep discounts at a range. We bought a few targets (very reasonable price) and headed into the range. The range itself was very clean, well lit, and ventilated. My son and I had a great time taking turns shooting profile targets, and the Walking Dead version of Osama Bin Laden and trying a few holster drills with my Glock 9mm and his .40 and .45. ( I am going to need LOTS of practice :) Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my shooting experience at Tactical Arms, and will definitely go again. The only reason I did not give it five stars is that I haven't been to other ranges so I have nothing to compare it to. read more

I've been going to Tactical to shoot l for about 3 years now. The staffs always been helpful, and knowledgable. I've purchased a few guns from them as well, fair prices in this market. I have always recommended them, and will keep doing so. Headed up there again tonight for some range time. read more

bought a brand new glock 23 at full price.. brought it home loved the gun.. then 2 months later i realized they gave me the wrong box ( the box they gave me was the serial number before mine) meaning if i ever go to sell the gun i can not include the orginal box and rounds that came from factory showing my serial number from glock was tested.. i called and they where very polite and helpfull but it was too late to do anything because well they sold someone my box.. i would expect any good dealer to offer something to compensate the loss in value.. if i ever decide to resale i cant include box.. or a very good dealer like my new one said that they would swap it out for a brand new one... they did however take my number down incase the person who has my box notices they also got screwed. o.stay away from these guys better people to do business within the state read more

In one word...ratty. Poor customer service, prices, and selection. I've been in this place several times hoping that it was just my imagination. But it's true. Check out the other negative reviews on different websites. I would be wary of any five star reviews of this place. There's better options out there. I'll never go back to this place. read more

Hmm, there are a bunch of bad reviews for Tactical Arms. I've shot here 5 times now and haven't had a bad experience yet. There was always a range open and the clerk seemed friendly. The younger guy at the counter is very knowledgable about firearms and is friendly. The only gripe I have is that it's pretty pricey. 29 dollars for a full hour is pretty high. Also, if you are shooting a rifle or high powered round, you must buy the ammo from the store. This is because the backstop keeps getting destroyed by certain types of ammo. The owner said that this is the only way the insurance company will continue to give them coverage. Again, I can see where they're coming from. 30 grand to repair the backstop is a steep price. The ammo prices are a bit high, but I've seen way worse. The firearm selection isn't the biggest and most diverse, but their specialty is Glock Firearms. They have a nice selection of holsters and accessories. The store is a bit dirty but I don't really care about that. After all, they perform gun-smithing services here. It really isn't a bad place to shoot. I give it 4 stars. If it was cheaper, I'd do 5 stars. I will keep returning as long as I don't have any bad experiences. It is springtime, there are many places to shoot outdoors. read more

I can't believe what I'm reading! Let me start by saying I completely disagree with the negative reviews here. I have been going to Tactical arms for over a year. In fact I go two to three times per month and shoot for over an hour. Here are the facts The range is always spotless! People say John the owner is rude, sorry totally disagree!!!!! Get to know him people he is a business man and a professional. I had two jams tonight, John came right out cleared my jams and offered to get me into another lane so I could keep shooting my other guns while he worked on mine. Who else would do that! That my friends is customer service! People are saying his prices are ridiculously over priced? What where have you people been shooting? Blue trail 26 dollars, shooters 20 dollars, Tactical is not over priced on their range time and their ammo ok it's not Walmart priced but what range is? Come on be honest here. I have brought students, guests, even the wife and we have never been treated badly, in fact I often bs with the staff for several minutes before even going in. Lastly, I bought a very expensive gun from John, he actually ordered it for another customer who stiffed him, we worked out a deal, he offered me a fair trade on one of my other guns and even worked out a layaway plan. Tactical arms does not tolerate hoodlums or dangerous behavior, therefore people get upset, sorry I don't like being muzzled when I shoot, never ever had a bad experience there, and trust me I'd be the first to call a spade a spade!! I will absolutely continue to shoot and spend my money at Johns shop! Sincerely Mike R read more

I've been shooting my handguns here for several months now and have only good things to say about Tactical Arms. I liked the range so much I purchased a six month membership. I've read the negative reviews and must say I've never had an unpleasant experience here. I've been polite and respectful to the staff, they in turn have been polite and friendly to me. I do not think their handgun ammo is overpriced. Sure you might find it cheaper when it's on sale at a big box store, but both Cabela's and Bass Pro are 35 mile drives from where I live. Not worth the time and expense to drive to East Hartford or Bridgeport unless there's something else I need that Tactical does not carry. I've tried the ranges at Wolf's in Bristol and Hoffman's in Newington and they're OK, but for convenience and enjoyable trigger time, Tactical Arms is my go to place. read more

Don't know who the "gentleman" was that answered the phone when I called to see if pistols were ready that my daughter had dropped off to be cleaned, but he was one of the rudest people. He wouldn't even talk to me about the pistols and wanted to talk to my daughter about them. He told me he was very busy and they wouldn't be ready for weeks and that they were totaled because of rust. I said, "All of them." He said, "Yes". My daughter called and she said he was also rude to her. He wanted to know what we did to them. She said they had been in the safe since they last cleaned them two years ago and have only been shot a few times, but noted the rust on them and took them in. He got defensive for some reason and she told him not to bother with them and we would pick them up. Obviously will take them elsewhere. Maybe the attitude will be more pleasant. Just spent over $1,000 nearby and they didn't throw in the attitude. Way to do business guys!! read more

First time here place was good the owner was really down to earth it's great to see all of our second amendment family out and shooting their guns enjoying our liberty to have them. My friend that was with me did make some points about the place as he goes to Hoffmans a lot in Newington. This buisness could use a clean face lift in the items for sale area and decor they charge $1.00 per target and $26.00 for 30 minutes plus $15.00 for a second person sharing a lane. The doors going into the range should have Pistons on them to automatically close and there most certainly should have a range personnel in the range area at all times if this owner adopted and modeled this establishment after Newington I really believe his buisness would triple in growth but overall they do well I just think this place is a diamond in the ruff I would love to see the owner move into a building twice as big as I fully support small buisness and I have been around guns since I was 8 years old I shoot at times 3 times per month. Tactical arms thank you first for providing a place for us to go but would love to see you in a bigger place..... read more