LAX Range New Policies... Being cheap.

[GlocksNBagels]

It has come to my attention that LAX range is now selectively charging extra if you bring your own ammo while using YOUR gun, even if you have purchased their annual pass! They insist they have had this policy for a while but this is a new turn of events. They also insist their ammo is cheaper than anyone else which is simply not the case. Ammoman.com or Walmart(if you support them)is significantly lower priced without having to buy in bulk. I'm curious to see if anyone else has been made to pay a fee for bringing their own range safe ammo while using their own gun. I am now refering my students to the Firing Line in Burbank. They don't charge a fee for ammo used with your own firearm. The fee is something like $5.00 for every box of ammo that is not purchased at LAX range.

[CALI-gula]

It has come to my attention that LAX range is now selectively charging extra if you bring your own ammo while using YOUR gun, even if you have purchased their annual pass! They insist they have had this policy for a while but this is a new turn of events. They also insist their ammo is cheaper than anyone else which is simply not the case. Ammoman.com or Walmart(if you support them)is significantly lower priced without having to buy in bulk. I'm curious to see if anyone else has been made to pay a fee for bringing their own range safe ammo while using their own gun. I am now refering my students to the Firing Line in Burbank. They don't charge a fee for ammo used with your own firearm. The fee is something like $5.00 for every box of ammo that is not purchased at LAX range.

I don't think it's a new policy, and seem to recall that was always one of their rules. I think they even had a sign noting it. I haven't been there in over 2 years, but used to go there at least 4 times a month, often more, when I worked out that way; I do recall clearly that the fee for brining your own ammo was one of their rules but I don't recall that I was ever charged for bringing my own ammo.

I probably was never charged because I made it a habit to buy at least 1 box of pistol ammo from them almost every visit upon entering, even though I often brought 5 to 10 times that amount of ammo with me. I guess buying the 1 box could be why I wasn't charged the fee.

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[randy]

The reloaded ammo at LAX range is low quality. I will shoot without reservation the reloads at the Firing Line. I won't shoot the reloads at LAX.

[CALI-gula]

The reloaded ammo at LAX range is low quality. I will shoot without reservation the reloads at the Firing Line. I won't shoot the reloads at LAX.

That is very true - their reloads were garbage. I only bought new stuff they had, even if just Winchester white box. I also seem to recall they would often get large amounts of Speer Gold Dot at a decent price.

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[aplinker]

Some 1/2 truths here.

The fee is $5.00 for using your own ammunition for the session, not per box. It's been a policy for at least 6 months. Your frustration has obviously colored your recollection.

Their ammo is actually cheaper or the same, even than Wal-Mart or ammoman.com, if you compare case to case prices. Sure, single boxes won't compare, but if you're a member you're likely to be shooting plenty. It's WWB. Their other ammo (random stuff like .460, .500, etc.) is also priced really on par with the online retailers. I'd say that's real competitive, given that you can pick it up while you're shooting.

There are things I like about LAX that aren't true of other places. I've bought tons from them so maybe I getter better treatment.

I do really like the fact that a single rental price covers anything you want to try. It's helped a few times when I was trying to decide between a number of firearms. Nothing has ever been broken or out of service in the many times I've been there, either. Things are kept really clean.

It has come to my attention that LAX range is now selectively charging extra if you bring your own ammo while using YOUR gun, even if you have purchased their annual pass! They insist they have had this policy for a while but this is a new turn of events. They also insist their ammo is cheaper than anyone else which is simply not the case. Ammoman.com or Walmart(if you support them)is significantly lower priced without having to buy in bulk. I'm curious to see if anyone else has been made to pay a fee for bringing their own range safe ammo while using their own gun. I am now refering my students to the Firing Line in Burbank. They don't charge a fee for ammo used with your own firearm. The fee is something like $5.00 for every box of ammo that is not purchased at LAX range.

[GlocksNBagels]

Thanks for the info. uclaplinker. Now let's sort out some "half truths" you mentioned. You wrote, "I do really like the fact that a single rental price covers anything you want to try.". Not true. Sure, the LAX rental price covers SOME guns within a price range you may want to use while renting, but NOT all. If you have an ANNUAL PASS at the Firing Line ALL rentals are free of charge and you are not charged a fee for supporting local businesses and buying THEIR ammo. And no, Walmart prices for WWB are cheaper, even by the case. Depends which Walmarts you shop. The other issue I have with LAX range is something that's really a personal concern. The ventilation system inside their range is sub-par compared with Firing Line. For health reasons outdoor ranges are much cleaner than indoor ones. Less lead in the air. LAX could do with an upgrade to their system. I consistently leave LAX with a sore throat from the smoke that just sits in the air.

[NIB]

I don't care what.....a range charging me for using my own ammo is BS!!!!

What next......a fee for picking up your own brass???

[glockman19]

The Firing line just raised their reloaded ammo prices and no longre offer a 1,000 round pre paid card 500 limit now for $125. I can get 9mm CCI Blazer Brass from MidwayUSA for $9.99 a box, and Natchezss for $7.99 a box.

[GlocksNBagels]

I don't care what.....a range charging me for using my own ammo is BS!!!!

What next......a fee for picking up your own brass???

Thanks NIB. I too think it really sucks. ESPECIALLY when local businesses are advertising for LAX by giving out LAX fliers to their customers. It's a real slap in the face to these businesses who sell ammo. LAX also raised the price of their annual pass. Total BS!

[N6ATF]

I have a feeling someone would say...
buy more magazines and fill them up. Unless they're so anal-retentive that they ban preloaded mags.

[VeryCoolCat]

Wait a minute..... you got it wrong. LAX range will let you rent a handgun... and you only pay for the rental of that gun ($10 last time i was there)... now say you have a berretta and shoot 200 rds then want to try a glock.... you return the gun and try the glock. No extra fees, just pay for ammo.

Now for your argument that the LAX Range rounds are crap... I think they are actually pretty safe. Considering the amount that go through them and they could easily get sued or it costs them money if something messes.

I wouldn't use them for home defense... but then again... I'd never use any reload for home defense. Though you get 100rds for $10 and you can buy bulk there too.

Thanks for the info. uclaplinker.
Now let's sort out some "half truths" you mentioned. You wrote, "I do really like the fact that a single rental price covers anything you want to try.". Not true. Sure, the LAX rental price covers SOME guns within a price range you may want to use while renting, but NOT all. If you have an ANNUAL PASS at the Firing Line ALL rentals are free of charge and you are not charged a fee for supporting local businesses and buying THEIR ammo. And no, Walmart prices for WWB are cheaper, even by the case. Depends which Walmarts you shop. The other issue I have with LAX range is something that's really a personal concern. The ventilation system inside their range is sub-par compared with Firing Line. For health reasons outdoor ranges are much cleaner than indoor ones. Less lead in the air. LAX could do with an upgrade to their system. I consistently leave LAX with a sore throat from the smoke that just sits in the air.

[GlocksNBagels]

True, if you rent a gun at LAX you can try other guns AS LONG AS they are in the same category as the one you're renting. Some of their guns are more expensive, cost more to maintain etc.. and therefore they are in a different rental price range. Here's a direct quote from their website:

"Most Handguns $12.00
High-end Handguns, Rifles and Shotgun $20.00"

However you cut it, this place is cutting corners wherever they can and it's starting to stink. They're the only range close to West LA and they know it.

[Slowshooter]

They are not a charity. If they want to raise membership, they can. It's THEIR business. If they want to drive themselves out of business, that's THEIR choice.

[jc_stecker]

Thanks for the info. uclaplinker. And no, Walmart prices for WWB are cheaper, even by the case. Depends which Walmarts you shop.

Their price per case seemed on par with that of Walmart in Oceanside. Unfortunately, I won't be residing in SD for long. That's where I have to give LAX range a +1. The only Walmart close to me, in Gardena, doesn't stock ammunition.

[aplinker]

I have to say, a local place selling WWB 9mm (and .45, .40, .357Sig, etc) on par with Wal-Mart's price is a great deal, considering they are 1.) local 2.) a range.

I think the level of convenience there is tremendous.

Sure, there's an additional charge for high-end guns at LAX (like the TRP (full rail), Benelli, AR-15), but any other gun below that in price is still included. You only pay for the most expensive rental. That's still a good deal and really helpful for choosing a new gun.

They need to cover their costs. Am I glad they charge? Of course not, but it should be taken in stride. Running a range is expensive. They have to cover their costs and make money. If this is the way they choose to do so, you need to make an educated choice about which range you want to use and support.

For my money, there are mitigating things about LAX that make it both convenient and cost-wise a decent deal.

Their price per case seemed on par with that of Walmart in Oceanside. Unfortunately, I won't be residing in SD for long. That's where I have to give LAX range a +1. The only Walmart close to me, in Gardena, doesn't stock ammunition.