Gun Connection Gun Store, Taylor TX

Recently we were on the hunt for some .22 wmr and were having horrible luck finding any. A good friend of ours told us that we should check out a new gun store in Taylor, TX since he has picked up some there before. We called them up and sure enough, they had some! From where we live it is a nice little trek to get there but we needed the ammo for the next day. After about a 45 minute drive we arrived at a small, but nice strip mall on the side of the highway. At first glance the store did not look that big but then we quickly realized that it was wider than we initially thought. As we approached the door we were buzzed in and you could hear the locking mechanism release. I said to Christy, "They must have some good stuff inside!". She just giggled [it's the small things in life that please us].

As we walked in the door we were immediately greeted by a warm, welcoming female voice. As we glanced around to get our bearings we saw two employees. One was helping customers at the gun counter and the other was accessorizing a new AR purchase for a couple in the store. This is the first time I had ever walked into a gun store and the first thing you see is a gunsmithing area right up front but I must say, I was impressed by this. I could tell by the grin on Christy's face that she was also. The store is very clean and well laid out. You are met with a nice selection of firearms accessories as soon as you walk into the door.

They have a great variety of firearm accessories at the front of the store including holsters, slings, plenty of AR furniture, mags and tactical gear. Like most people, we glanced at some of the prices to know if we could even afford to shop here and we were pleasantly surprised since there was no price gouging going on! So far so good! I really liked their range of accessories as it was stuff that I would carry if I had my own store. I HATE to order anything!

Next we moved onto the cleaning supplies and I was not disappointed, at all. My pet peeve is going into a gun store and seeing one shelf dedicated to cleaning supplies. These stores have 100 guns, accessories out the wazoo but then they only carry 2 types of cleaner, a jag/brush combo and some one size fits all cleaning patches. I don't know about the rest of you but I take cleaning our firearms as seriously as I do shooting them and I like finding everything I need in one place. I have to say, this is the place! This is the same gun store that I purchased the SLIP 2000 Carbon Killer from that I just wrote a review on.

Now, no visit to a gun store is complete without looking at their selection of firearms. They have a decent amount of pistols that are very well displayed and they actually have price tags on them. The pistols are displayed in cases along a long gun counter. Behind the gun counter there was a generous amount of shotguns, long rifles and AR's that were also well displayed. There were a couple of custom .308 AR platforms that we had our eyes on since we are looking to get Christy a long range rifle soon.

Now, if we did decide to buy one of these rifles for her we would not have to look any further to accessorize it. They carry everything we need to make the rifle long range ready including bipods, scopes and mounts. Now, if I didn't want to do the work myself they would install the accessories for us and set up the scope so there is very little sighting-in that we need to do at the range. They had a nice selection of Leupold and Vortex scopes along with every mount that you may need. They also have a nice variety of red dots as well.

As we were walking around the store I was watching the gunsmith not only mounting the accessories on a AR for the couple I mentioned earlier, but he was also educating them on how to optimize the use of the accessories as well as how to care for the rifle as well. That was nice to see since you don't usually see that kind of service. As soon as Dan was done helping his customers, Christy started talking to him about her AR. The next thing we know he is showing us a wide variety of handguards for her gun. As soon as he mentioned that he can get a ALG Defense handguard in purple, she was convinced she needed one! I was also convinced since he said he would install it for her. We went home later that afternoon, pulled out her AR and then tried to decide what length handguard to order. Christy decided on a 13" handguard in purple and she ordered it a few days later.

The handguard was taking longer than normal to get in but Dan kept us informed along the way. Once the handguard came in Dan gave us a call and we headed up there on a Saturday afternoon. As promised, Dan installed the handguard for her but also educated her on the intricacies of her rifle and how to maintain it. Christy was glued to the front counter watching him install her new handguard. If only I could get her to pay attention to me like that when I am trying to show her how to clean it! haha  Aside from installing the new handguard, Dan went over her rifle to make sure everything was in good working order. I kept trying to get Christy to get a new trigger on her gun and Dan was there helping me to encourage her to do so. He said, "If you buy it, I'll install it!". She put up a good fight and we quickly lost that battle!

ALG Defense also sent Dan three of their new Sidewinder muzzle brakes in the box with the handguard we ordered. Dan said that he was not that familiar with the new brake and asked Christy if she would evaluate one for him. After a brief moment [as what he said sank in] her eyes lit up and she said, "YES!". Dan then installed the brake for her which complimented her new handguard very well. We will be reviewing the muzzle brake soon but until then I will sum it up in one word, "AMAZING!". Not to be outdone, I bought a Lantac Dragon muzzle brake for my rifle and Dan quickly installed it on my gun. It makes a huge difference on my rifle compared to the muzzle brake that I had.

To sum things up, we feel blessed that we found this great gun store and even more blessed to meet a wonderful couple like Shawn and Dan. We always love meeting other couples that are involved in and are passionate about the shooting industry. Not only do they run an amazing store, they are also a couple that shoots together just like us!

Arms-Fair Gun Store, Cordova TN.

Whenever we travel, we always make a point to check out gun stores and ranges. We find it interesting to see what else is out there besides just what we have in our local area. Occasionally Christy even lets me buy something. Of course she then has to buy something also! haha

We recently traveled to Memphis, TN and out of all the gun stores in Memphis area, we decided to check out Arms-Fair Gun Store in Cordova, TN. When we first pulled up to the store I have to admit, it did not look like much. From our parking spot it seemed that we would hit the back wall as soon as we walked in. We thought, "Great, yet another tiny gun store!". We were pleasantly surprised as we walked through the front door. The first thing we noticed is how great the store smelled. Now, I know what you are thinking, a gun store should smell of metal, wood and gun lube, but not this one. Christy commented that it smelled like Christmas and I happened to agree.

The front of the store was very inviting. It felt more like we were walking into a friends home than a typical gun store. This was achieved through the decorations and the lighting [and of course the smell of Christmas]. I could tell immediately that Christy felt comfortable which I really liked. She always looks at things from the standpoint of what might appeal to women, especially those that are starting into the shooting sports for the first time. Funny enough, that is exactly what the owners were going for. A store that appealed to both men and women equally.

The layout of the store was easy to navigate and the merchandise was displayed well. They have a great selection of ammo, gear, slings, bags, cleaning supplies and holsters. To further emphasize how the store is set up to cater to women, they carry belts and holsters from Flashbang and they carry purses from Gun Tote'n Mamas. Of course I saved the best for last...the firearms! They carry pistols from all the major manufacturers and an ample selection of them. As far as the long guns go, they have everything from hunting rifles and shotguns to a nice selection of black rifles and plenty of accessories to go along with your new firearm. Unfortunately since this was an unexpected trip and with SHOT Show coming up, we couldn't fit a new gun into our budget, this time!

Most of their staff was busy helping other customers when we got there but of course we couldn't help but eavesdrop a little and the staff seems very friendly and even more importantly, very knowledgeable. They all made sure to greet us as soon as we walked in which was nice. The staff member that we did have contact with just so happens to be the co-owner of the store, Julie Hill. The store is owned by Julie and her husband, William. They opened the store six years ago and, like I said before, they designed the store to be friendly to both men and women. They did a great job to say the least. They understand the needs of their customers as they are both competitive shooters and avid hunters. They were both extremely nice and we hope we run into them at SHOT Show next week.

If you live in the Memphis area or just happen to be passing through, we definitely recommend that you stop by and see the store for yourself. Tell them that we sent you. If you can't make it to the store, they have a nice website that you can order from as well.

Arms-Fair
7845 Trinity Rd Ste 103

Cordova, TN 38018

901-755-5540

www.arms-fair.com

Store Hours:

Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm, closed Sundays

BluCore Shooting Center

I am sure many of you are already aware of a company called BluCore. They are based out of Lakewood, Co. and the company is owned and operated by Navy Seal combat veterans. This original location is a gun store, range and training facility that offers a wide range of training classes. They also have a great website, blog and an awesome online store. Be sure to check their website regularly as they run incredible specials on firearms and accessories. Their "train how you fight" motto is reinforced on the range since they allow drawing from holsters and controlled rapid fire. Sounds like just the facility we need here in the Austin, TX area.

Well, the wait is over....well half of it is, anyway. BluCore decided to expand to the Austin area and built a store in Round Rock, TX. over a year ago. We have known about this location for a while but we are a little behind in getting the word out [beyond word of mouth] on our blog. I guess we like the store so much that we were being a little selfish and trying to keep it to ourselves. In all fairness, we did post pictures of Christy and I at their official grand opening a few months back on Facebook [which we had a great time participating in]. We just haven't written a story about them until now.

The store is nestled in a small shopping center off of I-35 in Round Rock near the Sam Bass exit right next to the Animal Hospital. It is not a large store, but hey, this is just the beginning for what they have planned here. When you walk in the first thing you will notice is how well the store is layed out. Everything is easy to find and is categorized neatly on the shelves. They have the most thought out display of holsters that I have ever seen at a gun store. They are organized on the wall by the brand of gun that they fit. This display is so simple yet so brilliant. I am sure I am not the only one that has found themselves at a gun store searching hopelessly through stack upon stack of Glock holsters just to find what you need. For me, finding a right handed 1911 holster was quick and easy. The only problem I faced is what brand I wanted to select from.

They have a decent amount of pistols and long guns to choose from and they definitely do not price gouge like some small stores are known to do. If you cannot find the firearm that you have been looking for all you have to do is jump on their online store and order it and have it shipped free right to the store. With the selection they have at their store along with what they offer on their website, you are sure to find what you need. Now, if you are not sure what you want or you are shopping for your first gun, the staff at BluCore is there to assist you. The staff comes from Military, Law Enforcement and competitive shooting backgrounds and they are very knowledgeable when it comes to firearms. They take their time and actually listen to the customer and they are not quick to force an "expert opinion" on customers like we have experienced first hand when shopping for a firearm. There is nothing we hate worse than having to prove our knowledge to the guy standing on the other side of the gun counter. In most cases when this has happened we have fired thousands of rounds more than the "expert" we are talking to.

We have never had this feeling when talking to the BluCore staff. If anything, they are interested in actually hearing about our shooting experiences and are receptive to it. We have yet to find an employee there that didn't go out of their way to help us and they quickly respond when we do need help which is nice. Every time we walk into the store they recognize us and their manager always makes it a point to talk to Christy and I. He was even nice enough to let us take pictures inside the store for this article.  John, if you are reading this we apologize for the delay of this article. We will buy something to make up for it! Haha

Now, as I stated earlier, the store is just the first phase for what they are planning for the Austin area. Within the next few months they are planning on building a facility like the one they have in Colorado. When they get this new facility built they will close the temporary location in Round Rock and will have everything housed in the new building. I believe they are looking at land in Pflugerville close to Tracking Point. No matter where they put it we will definitely be regulars of the range and the store. They will also offer classes at the new location. Anything from CHL classes and private lessons to advanced firearms training. Overall, BluCore is a great addition to the area and we look forward to being customers for many years to come!

BluCore Shooting Center
2000 N Mays St. Suite 113
Round Rock TX 78664
Phone: 512-813-0503

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm
http://www.blucoreshootingcenter.com/

Cheaper Than Dirt Guns Store - Round Rock TX

There is a new Cheaper Than Dirt Guns retail store opening this Fall in Round Rock , TX. It will be located in the La Frontera Shopping Center. It looks like its going to be a nice size store from what I could see from looking in the window. We have great options when it comes to firearm retailers in the Austin, TX. area and this will definitely give a lot of us yet another option when searching for firearms or gear.-Gene

Tactical Firearms Indoor Range and Pro Shop

On a recent trip to Katy, TX we decided to find a local gun store to check out. Using our trusty smart phones we actually found a gun store that was open on Sundays. When we pulled into the driveway, we realized that this was much more than a gun store. The place is called Tactical Firearms and it is an indoor range and gun store. It is a big place, as it is in a building that was once used as a health club. When we first walked in we immediately noticed that it did not smell like a range or a gun store and it was very clean. There were also cool large screen TV's on the wall televising the action on the range. We were welcomed by a friendly staff member at the front counter. Behind him, every type of semi and full auto firearms that you can imagine hanging on racks on the wall. These firearms are available to rent and we were very tempted to do so. Even though we did not have any of our safety gear with us, they had everything we would need for a fun time on the range. A very fun time!

Speaking of the range, let's cover that first. It is completely indoors and it is very well ventilated. They have a triple HEPA filtration system that filters the air so you don't leave smelling like gun powder! Also, unlike a lot of indoor ranges, it is a very comfortable temperature. It is heated and cooled so it is comfortable in any season. They have 25 lanes divided into three bays. Regular shooters have 15 lanes at their disposal in the first bay, and then they have two specialty bays of 5 lanes each. The second bay is used for suppressed firearms. It is a super quiet bay since the firearms are suppressed and it has a special back stop/bullet trap made of crushed rubber so you don't hear the sound of the rounds impacting the back stop. There is also sound baffling material on the walls to further suppress the noise. The third and final bay is for VIPs that have Platinum and Diamond range memberships and it gives them a more private shooting session.

The range can handle anything from a pellet gun up to 50 BMG. They also allow shotguns as well! Each lane is individually lit and ventilated. Also, the target carriers are motorized and are automated as well so there is no wasted time when it comes to changing targets. Each bay is separated by bullet proof glass capable of stopping a .308 round. They allow up to four people per lane which is nice when working with clients or shooting with friends. The prices are reasonable as well. The cost is $20 for one person and then $10 for each additional person. The cost for rentals is $15 per hour for handguns, semi auto rifles and shotguns. Suppressors for these guns are $20 per gun. Full auto fun will cost $65 per hour per gun and they have a great selection of guns to choose from. If we hadn't been in a hurry to get back home we would have been going full auto for sure!

The range hosts several events and competitions each year. They host a Ladies' Night all day on Tuesdays and from 3-7 pm on Thursdays. The range fees are half price during these times for women only [of course]. They also provide free coaching for the ladies as well. Tactical Firearms has classrooms upstairs for holding classes and for holding CHL licensing. The classroom and the range portion of the class are all held at the same place which makes things really convenient.

Next, we moved onto the portion of the facility that we originally came to check out, the gun store. They have a unique lay out that is not at all cluttered or crowded like a lot of gun stores. They have a good selection of both firearms, accessories, and shooting supplies.  They also offer gunsmithing services as well. Their prices are comparable to what we usually find in the Austin area. We were continuously attended to by the courteous staff but they gave us our space whenever we gave them the typical "just looking" response!

They did have a great selection of Geigerrig hydration carriers and bladders. They are usually sold out online so we decided to get two 3L bladders [ Hydration Engines] for our existing carriers. What makes their bladders unique is that you actually "pressurize" them so that they squirt the water out versus you having to squeeze or suck on them like a straw. The guy helping us gave us a demo of the bladder by pressurizing it and then standing on it on one foot. He was every bit of 200+ pounds and the bladder did have water in it so we backed a good bit away "just in case"! The bladders also have a lifetime warranty. We will do a full review of the bladders in the near future.

We highly suggest that if you live in the Houston area or are planning a visit sometime soon that you check out Tactical Firearms. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to partake in the fun that they have to offer!

Tactical Firearms
Range Hours M-F 10-7 Sat-Sun 8-7
Store Hours M-F 10-7 Sat 8-7 Sun 11-7
Gunsmith Hours M-F 10-7 Sat 8-7 Sun 11-7
Address: 1200 S Mason Rd, Katy TX 77450
Phone 281-693-GUNS
Tactical Firearms