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I went to Dragonmans for the first time last Friday and really had a good time. We were the only ones on the long range (200 yd is not real long) but we were able to drive out to set up targets. I had heard all sorts of things about this guy and driving onto the place is a treat, not the place for an Obama fundraiser.
Well staffed, fantastic selection of guns for sale and super cheap ammo. Any other thoughts on Dragonman?
do a search on here mel is not so well reguarded on these forums
that being said ive always had fun there
heres a forum shoot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdwju...Edsy3v4r9udYSw
I've been shooing out at Dragonman's since about 1998. It's had its ups and downs as far as diligence and experience of range personnel go over that period of time. I can only say that it's just fine on the weekends, even when really crowded, but I don't know how things might go down during the week.
As for the colorful list of experiences, there are a lot of us here who've known or done business with Mel over the years, and had some different perspectives. Mine have all been pretty positive, but I'm not going to fault others for expressing their take on their different experiences.
I don't go there anymore, found other places to shoot. Weekends were pretty packed and there were several knuckleheads there on the days I visited. The 220 range is great, usually you can have it to yourself on weekdays. Cool MX track too. Gun shop was pretty good, bought a few rifles from his wife until they raised prices a few years back. It's not a bad place to go really, just go early on the weekends.
I've been there a handful of times and personally had good experiences, which doesn't always seem to be the case. Each time I was there it was always before noon on a weekday so that may explain part of it. Mel is definitely a little gruff but he was decent in my interactions with him. Gun shop was nice, had lots of rifles at the time (last time I was there was pre-panic), the museum was closed during the times I was there and would like to see it at some point.
Keep a close grip on your wallet and your cash, and NEVER let him or his monkeys work on a Harley engine!!! Or anything mechanical at all, for that matter. Unless you just don't like the thing and want to spend big bucks to have it ruined.
If you're wanting a safe, pleasant place to shoot all you want with nobody bothering you, I'd suggest you check out Ben Lomond Gun Club, www.blgc.org . It's kind of a drive, about an hour from Castle Rock out east on hwy. 86, then 5 mi. south towards Ramah. But a better place you'd be hard pressed to find. Several members here are members there. It's like shooters heaven, except for the wind.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
You are spot on with the Ben Lomond review, really a nice place. I went on an orientation/sign-up day a few years ago and it is, by far, the best range around.
If your a family guy, go for it. The kids/wife will complain on the drive out and be stoked on the way back.
Thanks for the feedback from everyone. I still had a good time at Dragonmans and would recommend it (at least once!).
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
A buddy of mine keeps a set of ruined pistons hanging in his shop to warn people about Dragon Man's Harley motor skills.
My limited dealings with Dragonmans were mainly with Mels wife Teri. Sadly she is not with us anymore.
I doubt I will be out there anytime soon.
This! Most folks here know my relationship with Dragon, so I won't go on a rant, but I will say this.....1:When Teri was killed, someone should have gone to prison. 2:What ever you think of Mel, If you get the chance to go thru his museum, GO!His collection of militaria is second to none. I seriously dought there is a better, more complete collection anywhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoser
While his museum is impressive, I am not a fan of getting muzzle swept constantly by a bunch of 18 year olds who just bought their first $300 SKS off armslist and don't have a darn clue how to safely use the thing...
Last time I was there, one of the ROs walked up and picked up my pistol to verify it was cleared during a ceasefire. Didn't ask permission, just grabbed it. When I told him it didn't have a slide lock, he took the liberty of sticking a dirty steel case off the ground into it to hold the slide open while flagging the couple next to me.
On top of that, every time Mel runs his mouth on TV or the radio, he gives the gun grabbers tons of ammo...
Needless to say, I won't ever be going back.
Does Ben Lomond have the one shot per second rule as some ranges do or is it a little more liberal with that? Not looking to mag dump but would like to be able to send a couple down range at a time...Quote:
Originally Posted by flogger
No, you can shoot anything you want to out there, except for cannons and artillery. Full-auto and bump-firing is common, just pick up your trash please and don't shoot up the target frames! No range officers either. Donations of home-made target frames are always welcome, it's very easy to make two of them from three standard 2x4's.Quote:
Originally Posted by mackbamf
Once you've been financially cornholed by Mel, that opinion will change.Quote:
I still had a good time at Dragonmans and would recommend it (at least once!).
Thanks for the info. Sounds like it is worth checking out. It would be great to find somewhere semi-close...Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
Damn, just went to their website and there is a member wait list...Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
I figured I'd bump this thread. I've been traveling between Parker and Schriever while on orders and have driven past his signs a couple of times now, curiosity has bit and I'll probably stop by after work tomorrow to check this place out.
Watch your back and keep close tabs on your wallet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Honey Badger282.8
That last 1/2 mile drive to the building is an experience all its own.Quote:
Originally Posted by Honey Badger282.8
Wasn't able to make it today but I'll be back down on Sunday. His prices don't seem to bad on Facebook.Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
I honestly have never had a bad experience there personally but I know others will disagree. My take, idiots are everywhere so doesn't matter where you go. A guy got shot at the nice new Magnum shooting center not too long ago. I usually avoid weekends when I can (general rule for any range).Quote:
Originally Posted by Honey Badger282.8
As far as prices? I have seen much worse in town and your are only paying county tax rate so that saves you a few $ vs. buying in town.
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Just remember you're supporting one of the crookedest sob's on the planet with your dollars. Honest, he ain't.
I have never purchased anything from him other then an occasional range or MX pass. He has never ripped me off so not sure what you are talking about? I pay $10 and shoot or ride as long as I like?Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
I've yet to read anything bad about the gun side of the house, apparently his motorcycle side leaves a lot to be desired.
Take a Harley engine to him for a rebuild, and see what you get back. His reputation is probably older than you. Ask around.Quote:
Originally Posted by mtnrider
I doubt older then me but that's another topic :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog
I thought we were talking about gun range? Had no idea he even worker on Harley's (other then personal stuff) for what it's worth.
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Do some research on Dragon Precision Machining and Dragon Distributors.
Here's Mr. Wonderful from back in the 70's, I wouldn't bet a nickel that ANY of those engines have papers or legal numbers.....
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...s/IMG_1499.jpg
In all fairness, the guy was shot by his own wife versus a random shooter @ the range.Quote:
Originally Posted by mtnrider
Fact: I've had their RSO try to intimidate my wife & I into letting him shoot my wifes brand new handgun before she even got a chance to shoot it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Honey Badger282.8
Fact: They cram shooting positions too close to each other which means during prime hours you'll be catching a strangers brass in your face.
Fact: Too many careless shooters that'll flag you with their hot muzzles and the RSO won't do/say anything 99% of the time. (My personal experience as well as many I've spoken to)
I won't even get into their explosives activities that got DM's wife killed - the day after a friend of mine was severely burned in another explosives accident. (Yes, they have a license to build explosives, but they've been said to ignore most of the rules behind that permit.
And then there's the question of drugs. I'll save those concerns for non-public release.
I would rather drive the 1/2 hr to the SW side of town to shoot at the Cheyenne Mtn. Shooting Complex. They might be a little zealous about spacing your shots out, but I feel much safer there than I do @ Dragonman's and I don't feel like I'm subsidizing scum of the earth.
I think we found a new reality TV star to replace Red Jacket and Gunsmoke.
They tried that. I believe they were filming the intro when DM's wife was killed.
You're right:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick-Boy
http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/06/17/58553.htm
He's maybe 10 yrs older than i am, if thatQuote:
Originally Posted by rondog
That was taken behind his place back on long island.Quote:
Originally Posted by rondog