$100+ to rent AR w/ 50 rounds??

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TMiller556

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Basically, I cant buy a rifle yet since Im only 16 and I live in NYC, so I go to a range thats outside of the city and its pretty much the only range anywhere near me. Its also the only range I know of where you dont need a permit. Last time I went, I paid $109 to rent an AR (i dont know which manufacturer) and shoot a 50 round box of fiocchi ammo. I think hearing and eye protection charges were also included and I had to pay an additional $9 to have a parent accompany me. I dont remember the price for each individually, but I think it was about $15 for the ammo and around $55 to $65 to rent the AR. I have been into guns for a while now but Im not familiar with how much ranges charge. I know Im getting ripped off, but how bad? Do you think I should consider looking for another range? Also, how much do your local ranges charge to rent an AR? Thanks
 
Ya.

If you live in NYC, I can understand your options may be limited. As a comparison, the (indoor) range down the road from where I live charges $15 for half an hour ($10 every additional 30 minutes) for their rentals. I believe this includes AR15, AK type rifles and so on. They have a decent selection and stock the same firearms for sale. I believe it's primarily a "try before you buy" type deal.

For the rate you paid, you could just about purchase a Bushmaster A2 type rifle ever 7th or 8th range visit. Ouch.

But again, location matters. In western NC, firearms are fairly integrated into society. In the larger metropolitan areas further north, I understand the same can't be said.
When I researched CCW while planning to visit family in Brooklyn, I came to the conclusion early on that wasn't going to be an option.

However, I would think if you're willing to invest some time and gas money, you could do far better.
 
Well, it sounds to me like your getting ripped off, but then again, for all I know that's the going rate for NYC rentals.

Are AR's even legal in NYC or is it just magazines that accept more than 10 rounds?

That I know of, there aren't any rental ranges in my whole state. Sorry I can't really be of assistance.
 
$15 an hour for the range - $10 for the rental weapon, $3 for the hearing and eye protection, + ammo cost. No extra charge for parent to supervise (just required that they do so)
 
Last time I went, I paid $109 to rent an AR (i dont know which manufacturer) and shoot a 50 round box of fiocchi ammo
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:what:

... so I go to a range thats outside of the city and its pretty much the only range anywhere near me.
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You might very well be stuck with it. :( Even if there are less expensive ranges, the cost of fuel and time to get to them may offset it.

Also, how much do your local ranges charge to rent an AR?
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This range is near me, in Piney Flats, TN. Disclaimer: I have not been to it (but need to soon :))
http://myshootersedge.com/pricing.php
Lane rental: $20 per hour
Gun rental: $10 per hour
Cost of ammunition (must buy theirs for their rental guns; cost unknown)

Even if their ammo is grossly overpriced, total cost is surely far less than $100.
 
Down here you have to join the range for a year, then a range charge per day, charge for hearing and glasses, charge for ammo and then charge for rental.

So:

Join fee - $15 or $20 per year
Day range fee - $12 0r $15
Hearing and glasses - $10
Ammo - $25 I think, I only did it once because you have to use their ammo with an AR
Rental - no clue, never rented

I can see where NY is about $100 to rent an AR, it adds up fast.
 
Yes!
-Getting ripped off? -absolutely.
-Meet someone willing to let you shoot theirs? -yahh!
-Buy your own eyes and ears? -definitely.
-Save your money and research in the meantime, buy your own as soon as you can...

Oh yeah, join the NRA :)
 
I live in TN and it is alot less expensive. I think an AR rental is about $50 and includes one 30rd mag of ammo. Additional ammo is sold for about $15 per 30rd magazine. The rental AR is a select fire model. (I haven't rented a gun in about three years though.) Range rental is $12 for a single person (or $18 if you share it with buddy) for one hour. If it is not busy you may exceed the hour for as long as you desire for no extra charge. Eyes and Ears are always free of charge. Targets are between $1 and $3 each. This at my local indoor range and the ammo is frangible.
 
In NYC, is a person allowed to shoot a gun inside a building that they own? I live in the wilderness and we had a makeshift range set up in a store basement. Of course, the store closed at 5 pm, so, after dinner, we would shoot in the basement of the store. There was a huge pile of firewood we would shoot our .223's into. It isn't like shooting at a 50 or 100 yard range, however it does enable a person to handle the weapon and shoot it at only the cost of the ammo.

However, where I live, I can literally shoot out of my windows if I want or shoot out in my yard.
 
If a parent had to accompany you anyway, just have said parent buy an AR. You can get a brand new S&W sporter for like $650. Not the best AR by any means, but at the cost of a mere 6 range trips, at least you get to keep the gun. Probably will shoot a lot better than a beat up range gun would, and you can mod it and do whatever you'd like with it.

Or can you not own an AR15 in NYC? I personally have no idea, but I know NY is one of the least gun friendly states there is.

As far as joining the Army, don't do that. The wars that the USGov is currently waging are unconstitutional and aggressive. The wars only serve the interests of the elite-political class, and you will merely be one of their pawns.

If someone launches a full-scale military assault on the US, then by all means, go for it. Until that day, don't put your life on the line for the benefit of the oil companies and the defense industry. War is not a game, people actually die and get killed. If you do go over there and see live action, it will likely not be something you'll be fond of, unless your a psychopath.

In all seriousness, go visit some disabled vets, see how they have had their faces and limbs torn off by IEDs. It's not glamorous.
 
Do you think I should consider looking for another range? Also, how much do your local ranges charge to rent an AR? Thanks
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Yes.

Also, I think you should stop thinking in terms of renting guns, and look into getting involved with one of the competitive shooting sports.

Hop on Google, and see if you can find any local ranges that host CMP, High Power, or 3 Gun competitions near you, and go attend one. See if you can find someone who's willing to mentor you.

Or, if you want to get started shooting right away, look into competitive small bore rifle or Steel Challenge. The cost for a gun and ammunition to take part in Steel Challenge is a lot less than that of a centerfire rifle, and it's a lot of fun.

Take a look at the website for The Scholastic Steel Challenge for information tailored specifically to people in your age group.

Most of these sports, especially the more action-oriented ones should be very welcoming to junior shooters.
 
Take the train up to CT. Go to a range in Stamford or somewhere in New England. Prices will probably be a little less (you live in one of the most expensive areas of the country) and you'll have a greater rental selection.
 
While the price is high compared to other parts of the country, bear in mind the cost of operating a gun range near the NY metro area is probably obscene. IIRC NY State taxes the heck out of anything that sits still long enough. Add to that the fact that they may be the only game in town. Yeah, I would imagine that prices could get exciting in a hurry. Perhaps crossing a state line could save you a few $$.
 
Here in SC, you would pay $12 for the rental, $10 for the lane fee, $1 per target, $3 eyes and ears and $10 per box of 20 for ammo. But, you are in NY=expensive.
 
What's the deal with charging for the eye & ear protection? Seems pretty cheezy to me.
What, they didn't make enough on the gun rental and the mandatory ammo sale? The few times I've needed ear protection at my local indoor range, they just grabbed it off the rack and handed it to me. Yeah, I'm a regular, but I've never seen them charge anyone.
 
What's the deal with charging for the eye & ear protection? Seems pretty cheezy to me.
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Really? Those products COST money. Businesses aren't in business to lose money. If he wants to avoid those costs, he can order some from Cabela's and have them delivered to his door.

As to getting ripped off? Absolutely NOT. He willingly went and paid the money. Just because it is cheaper where you live, does not mean this business doesn't have additional costs and taxes and permits due to its location.

Some folks really need to understand business 101. This kid is lucky his parents will accompany him so he can go shoot

Here's a list if gun cubs in NY state:

http://www.traderscreek.com/gun_clubs/new_york.asp

Maybe one of them is close enough to you and has rentals.

Good luck!
 
Perhaps crossing a state line could save you a few $$.
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A good point.

Another one: I don't know NY laws (that's your responsibility), but it is perfectly legal under federal law for you to buy an AR-15 privately (in state), even at your age. Whether or not NY has laws that say otherwise you need to find out, and even if it's OK, it'll be up to the seller. You can't force them. I personally would be pretty leary of selling to a 16 year old generally speaking, because I believe the mentality of most 16 year olds these days is about what you found in a 12 year old 20 years ago.
 
Really? Those products COST money. Businesses aren't in business to lose money. If he wants to avoid those costs, he can order some from Cabela's and have them delivered to his door.
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I wasn't implying that they should just give them away. But as a loaner for people who are already paying actual money to shoot there.
 
Overkilll0084 said:
What's the deal with charging for the eye & ear protection? Seems pretty cheezy to me.
What, they didn't make enough on the gun rental and the mandatory ammo sale? The few times I've needed ear protection at my local indoor range, they just grabbed it off the rack and handed it to me. Yeah, I'm a regular, but I've never seen them charge anyone.
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Supply and demand, supply and demand.
But..the OP said he believed they were included in the lane price.
 
Actually I went back today and rented an AR again and it turns out i dont need to be accompanied by a parent, so I dont know why they made me pay last time. 20 rounds cost $16 and 50 rounds is in the $50 area. The total amount was $97 for the AR and 50 rounds. Ear and eye protection was included
 
My back-of-the-envelope based on what I'd expect to pay around here at a decent indoor range:

$15-20 for the range fee.
$9 for the Parental fee you mention.
$20-25 for a rifle rental.
$20-30 for the ammo.
$2-5 for targets.

That's $66-89. Then adding tax--I'm assuming yours is close to what we pay here--gets you to $72-97.

So $109 isn't crazy high but it's not a great deal--at least it wouldn't be a great deal around here.
 
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