View Full Version : Dragon Man...
Martinjmpr
09-20-2020, 18:48
Went there today for the first time. Did the museum tour. Took almost 4 hours!
Impressive place, interesting guy.
I'm assuming many/most here have gone but it was a first for me.
They were doing a machine gun shoot this weekend, so lots of folks there.
Compares in many respects to Rambler Ranch in Elizabeth because it's not so much a "museum" as it is a collection of "stuff."
Nevertheless, a very impressive collection, to say the least.
He does have a collection of stuff.
That is about all I have nice to say.
He was an absolute asshole to me on the phone.
I'm glad you had fun- it's always good for a long look, admiring nifty stuff.
I’d rather wear a Klan outfit on East Colfax than set one foot on his property.
APEXgunparts
09-20-2020, 23:23
Went there today for the first time. Did the museum tour. Took almost 4 hours!
Impressive place, interesting guy.
I'm assuming many/most here have gone but it was a first for me.
They were doing a machine gun shoot this weekend, so lots of folks there.
Compares in many respects to Rambler Ranch in Elizabeth because it's not so much a "museum" as it is a collection of "stuff."
Nevertheless, a very impressive collection, to say the least.
Surprised they were able to have an MG shoot.
Funny I didn't see it advertised.
Oh, I have been on Mel's place once, sometime in the mid nineteen nineties, personally I have no interest in ever returning.
That's just me, learning from my friends experiences.
Richard
BladesNBarrels
09-21-2020, 08:04
Got to admit, he must be a survivor.
I thought he was in all kinds of deep trouble with ownership questions of his inventory and licenses.
I bought a Class 3 years ago from the actual owner of one of the firearms hanging on the wall.
Sent a certified check to his home registered mail.
He emailed and said he doesn't sign for anything and I had to wait 6 weeks to get my check back.
Haven't been to his place since.
Guy definitely has a seriously cool collection. One that would make Liberal heads explode almost instantly. Guy has the personality of a prolapsed anus. Went to his range once and will never return due to unsafe conditions.
BPTactical
09-21-2020, 10:49
He does have a collection of stuff.
That is about all I have nice to say.
x2
colorider
09-21-2020, 11:14
If ya visit the range and come home alive, that’s a good day at that place.
Zundfolge
09-21-2020, 12:18
You go out an tour his museum and ok, I could see that as somewhat pleasant (even interesting).
You go out and shoot on his range and you realize you would have probably been safer up at the Rampart Range with a parking lot full of donks and low riders (back when it was open).
I've never shot at his range...but I have taken his museum tour and found it to be well worth the price of admission. We took our tour near the 5 year anniversary of his wife's accident...so I don't know if that affected his general demeanor but I found him to be quite pleasant in our interactions.
electronman1729
09-21-2020, 13:27
How was the turnout this year?
He's a thief, pure and simple. Got where he is by fucking over every fellow human being he possibly could.
Little Dutch
09-21-2020, 23:50
He's a thief, pure and simple. Got where he is by fucking over every fellow human being he possibly could.
No one can fuck up a deal like Mel.
I've never shot at his range...but I have taken his museum tour and found it to be well worth the price of admission. We took our tour near the 5 year anniversary of his wife's accident...so I don't know if that affected his general demeanor but I found him to be quite pleasant in our interactions.
"Accident" needs quotes, just a fyi.
Martinjmpr
09-22-2020, 08:49
Guy definitely has a seriously cool collection. One that would make Liberal heads explode almost instantly. Guy has the personality of a prolapsed anus. Went to his range once and will never return due to unsafe conditions.
We had originally considered shooting as well but the museum tour took almost 4 hours and by the time it was done we were exhausted and hungry, so we left. I guess it's a good thing if the range is as dangerous as you say.
As far as Mel himself, yes, he is kind of a cartoon clich? of a "right wing gun nut."
We were wondering what happens to all the NFA stuff when Mel dies. I presume it's likely held in some kind of trust but man, that's going to be a PITA to dispose of.
Personally, my biggest interest wasn't in the weapons it was in the vehicles. I used to belong to a military vehicle collectors organization (and at one time I owned a 1952 Dodge M43 ambulance that I'd hoped to restore) so the garage with the vehicles in it was my favorite part.
Mel's collection of historic military vehicles is truly amazing, I don't know of another private collection like it. And that fact that most of them run is remarkable.
Great-Kazoo
09-22-2020, 08:59
I've never shot at his range...but I have taken his museum tour and found it to be well worth the price of admission. We took our tour near the 5 year anniversary of his wife's accident...so I don't know if that affected his general demeanor but I found him to be quite pleasant in our interactions.
To be fair. Mel use to be a decent guy and very approachable. But that was back when he has a mc repair shop in NY. Which was about the size of my 3 car garage.
colorider
09-22-2020, 11:17
Running a shitty range, gun store, paintball and go cart place must pay pretty well !!!!! Oh, and doing motorcycle work.
Aloha_Shooter
09-22-2020, 11:34
We all have our foibles and most of us have at least one good thing to brag about. Love his museum and the contents. 'Nuff said.
JohnnyEgo
09-22-2020, 15:07
Sometimes, the divisiveness and hyperpartisanship of our times can make me feel alienated from the community. Then I come across threads like this that remind me no matter who we are, most of us are united by the shared experience of Mel being a human rectum. With a really nice gun collection. I feel so close to you all right now.
Sometimes, the divisiveness and hyperpartisanship of our times can make me feel alienated from the community. Then I come across threads like this that remind me no matter who we are, most of us are united by the shared experience of Mel being a human rectum. With a really nice gun collection. I feel so close to you all right now.
https://i.imgur.com/b1Rcb.gif
<MADDOG>
09-22-2020, 16:40
He does have a collection of stuff.
That is about all I have nice to say.
X3, with the exception of I do not believe he sees the type of people on this forum as his "customer base".
I have been there about 3 times; the first was real interesting and Dragon Man was more known for his motorcycle / Harley Jug repair/work than the shooting range. I did get the 15 min tour by DM and found it kind of neat. The place was about empty at the time so there was no other customer in the store.
I did meet and talk to both (wife & DM) and found it enjoyable.
I did go shoot there once for basic pistol to qualify for CC. The group I was with used the police shooting area for the training. That area was fine to shoot at, but not open to the general public.
Who brings more drama here, Dragon Man or Alex Jon...? Maybe some Dudley thrown in.
Who brings more drama here, Dragon Man or Alex Jon...? Maybe some Dudley thrown in.
Polis
SSChameleon
09-22-2020, 22:27
Who brings more drama here, Dragon Man or Alex Jon...? Maybe some Dudley thrown in.
Les Fletcher of Plano TX
Les Fletcher of Plano TX
Wasn't Les Fletcher of Plano TX ripping people off?
Some great board history, there!
O2
Les Fletcher of Plano TX
I was thinking of the guy who dumped all his old paint cans and mail down at the South site just the other day.
GilpinGuy
09-23-2020, 00:36
Wasn't Les Fletcher of Plano TX ripping people off?
Some great board history, there!
O2
I remember that guy!
BladesNBarrels
09-23-2020, 08:07
Is Les Fletcher still ripping people off?
Is Les Fletcher behind bars?
Is Les Fletcher chasing little kids?
Is Les Fletcher a thief?
Never proven as I recall.
UncleDave
09-23-2020, 08:25
What about the issue of loaned out chainsaws?
Circuits
09-23-2020, 10:35
I've dealt with the man (Mel Bernstein aka "Dragonman") and his wife for over 20 years and have nothing bad to say. Sorry others' experiences - actual or vicarious, were so negative?
He also detected a bump stock in one of the photos. The devices are legal to purchase and allow semiautomatic rifles to fire like fully automatic ones. They typically cost less than $100.
It's a device Bernstein sells in his store, but one he believes should be illegal because many people who purchase them don't know how to use them correctly without training.
https://kdvr.com/news/several-firearms-modified-by-las-vegas-gunman/
"If you’re a law-abiding citizen in America and have a clean record, you should be able to own anything you want,” said Mel “Dragonman” Bernstein, owner of DragonMan’s Gun Range and Shop.
https://www.wtoc.com/2018/11/29/report-white-house-prepared-announce-bump-stock-ban/
He is a mealymouthed piece of crap.
Les Fletcher of Plano TX
LOL.
When they think they can rip people off here*, this is what they get. Constant reminder through 4 generations of members. :)
*
During the late 90s all the local TV stations flocked to Mel for anti-gun soundbites from a firearm dealer, ignoring all the other dealers in town. He was always more than happy to oblige, being a media whore.
He effed us over big time then and will never see one red cent from me.
O2
I've dealt with the man (Mel Bernstein aka "Dragonman") and his wife for over 20 years and have nothing bad to say. Sorry others' experiences - actual or vicarious, were so negative?
Teri was a sweetheart and a good person.
Circuits
09-23-2020, 15:15
Teri was a sweetheart and a good person.
truth
Rooskibar03
09-23-2020, 16:37
What about the issue of loaned out chainsaws?
Ah man only the OGs remember that. Good times.
Been there twice, haven't been able to checkout the museum YET!
It is an experience, from the drive in to the drive out. It's been 6 yrs since I was there and I plan on going back (hopefully with a liberal in-law who will need to be wearing Depends)!
I wont go into his criminal background or past ethical business dealings. To be fair, I never dealt with Mel on any transactions (lucky?), but I had a good time x2. Saw him a few times on the range and inside. Always busy but not a dick in my opinion, plus he has some incredible stuff. Worth checking out if you get the chance. Then post a reply about what you think!
psa: i do not work there.
.
fitterjohn
09-23-2020, 19:08
Ah man only the OGs remember that. Good times.
I've been reading about the chainsaw since 2017 and been trying to piece it together ( i think a few more years and I might get it) Can someone link the original story or is this more of a first rule of fight club situation?
What about the issue of loaned out chainsaws?
I vaguely remember another story. A member posted about a traffic incident involving someone else. That someone else posted about the same incident. I think it was hilarious and a huge coincidence. Not sure if anyone else remembers. It’s been awhile.
I've dealt with the man (Mel Bernstein aka "Dragonman") and his wife for over 20 years and have nothing bad to say. Sorry others' experiences - actual or vicarious, were so negative?
Ship him a Harley engine to rebuild for you, and see what you get back. Not in person, ship it there. Oh, make sure there's lots of nice chrome and aftermarket parts on it too.
Teri was a sweetheart and a good person.
Seconded.
When I first moved out here, there was a small group doing IDPA matches out there after hours, and she was helping to run them. She was a fantastic woman, super helpful.
Little Dutch
09-24-2020, 12:59
Teri was a sweetheart and a good person.
I think most people who dealt with her miss Teri. She always did her best.
Been there twice, haven't been able to checkout the museum YET!
It is an experience, from the drive in to the drive out. It's been 6 yrs since I was there and I plan on going back (hopefully with a liberal in-law who will need to be wearing Depends)!
I wont go into his criminal background or past ethical business dealings. To be fair, I never dealt with Mel on any transactions (lucky?), but I had a good time x2. Saw him a few times on the range and inside. Always busy but not a dick in my opinion, plus he has some incredible stuff. Worth checking out if you get the chance. Then post a reply about what you think!
psa: i do not work there.
.
I keep debating bringing up the criminal past, and who actually held the FFL, and who holds it now. Just to set the record straight. But I honestly don't care about that and didn't want to muddy the waters. I have no problem with the average low level felon owning whatever they want.
It adds context to some of his soundbytes and makes them even more irritating though.
I have used his range once in the last 10 years. I just went in, paid my entry fee, and went down without engaging in any conversation. I've never had any actual issues when on his range(s). But, outside of when we used to participate in the machine gun shoot, I've only used the range 2 or 3 times total.
ETA - To be fair, back before it closed, I was up at Rampart Range almost every weekend. I would go up Sunday mornings and shoot for an hour or so with my dad. I never had any issues. Maybe I'm just lucky. Or maybe I'm just loud and not afraid to tell a banger to knock it off. The biggest concern up there was the meth-head picking up my spent brass before I could get to it.
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