Bristlecone Shooting

Having attended two of their bowling pin matches they do every Monday, I've seriously considered making this range my new home. Great staff, decent selection of firearms and equipment (not a huge collection of guns for sale, but I'm reassured they can order darn near anything you would want/need). The range is nice and clean, and run by folks that are very friendly, and helpful (unlike some other places in the area, I won't name names, but the attitude of staff makes me Blu). Jim, one of their lead instructors, is a great guy, and they really run a relaxed atmosphere. The inside is nice, kind of reminds me of Cabelas with the outdoorsy feel, and the store is pretty big in terms of space- with lots of room to grow. I can't state how the actual range runs, as I have yet to shoot there outside of their competitions, but I'm probably going to give it a try before getting a membership.

I enjoy the way they run the bowling pin matches, and might just become a regular there. It gets my vote!

I agree with you observations. Bristlecone seems like good people. I've been in there quite a few times, and although I've not shot there the conversations with the people there were professional and honest. Selection is ok and the staff has been helpful and polite. My son did a transfer there on a day our first choice of transfer was closed and it was smooth and friendly. The atmosphere and culture there is welcoming.

The other guys went through my range bag while I was completing my liability form (I was the only one there except for the two employees behind the counter) and removed much of my ammo without asking and without telling me. I picked the bag up and it was much lighter. I was ticked off to say the least and called the management the next day and was told my ammo did not meet range rules. He saw nothing wrong with going through my bag without my permission. I have no problem with them restricting ammo, but ask me first to go through the bag.

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Originally Posted by bczandm

The other guys went through my range bag while I was completing my liability form (I was the only one there except for the two employees behind the counter) and removed much of my ammo without asking and without telling me. I picked the bag up and it was much lighter. I was ticked off to say the least and called the management the next day and was told my ammo did not meet range rules. He saw nothing wrong with going through my bag without my permission. I have no problem with them restricting ammo, but ask me first to go through the bag.

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^^^ This alone is enough to keep me away. May be my loss, but it's not a convenient location for me anyway.

ETA: Did you get your "non-compliant" ammo back?

I was a member of Bristlecone and had good experiences there. I just ran out of free time so I have not renewed yet. The only minor "issue" I had there was the time they tried to keep my .223 Wolf Gold ammo from being used on their range insisting that WOLF is steel core. I tried to explain that this Wolf ammo was not steel core and then the magnet came out. "Sorry, here you go." ...as they handed back my ammo. They were trying to do their job so I just brushed it off as inexperience. Nice range, a lot of friendly people working there. I've transfered a few guns there without an issue but cannot comment of their firearm prices.

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Originally Posted by bczandm

The other guys went through my range bag while I was completing my liability form (I was the only one there except for the two employees behind the counter) and removed much of my ammo without asking and without telling me. I picked the bag up and it was much lighter. I was ticked off to say the least and called the management the next day and was told my ammo did not meet range rules. He saw nothing wrong with going through my bag without my permission. I have no problem with them restricting ammo, but ask me first to go through the bag.

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What the hell? My co-worker speaks highly of the place. Now, I am not so sure.

I've been a member there a long while, never seen anything like that happen in any of the times I've been there...

I'm guessing either a mis-understanding (maybe he asked and thought he got an "ok" answer) or a new employee.

They always ask me to pull out any ammo for a quick magnet check, but never had any issues.

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Originally Posted by DenverGP

I've been a member there a long while, never seen anything like that happen in any of the times I've been there...

I'm guessing either a mis-understanding (maybe he asked and thought he got an "ok" answer) or a new employee.

They always ask me to pull out any ammo for a quick magnet check, but never had any issues.

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There was no misunderstanding, they did not ask. I know they want to protect their backstop and I respect that. I also understand making an error in judgement but the call to management the following day sealed the deal for me. To be clear this was a long time ago, not long after they opened. While I've not been back I've heard from many others that they like the place.

And yes, I did get the ammo back.

Bristlecone is my main go to range even though I live in Westminster. I work in the lakewood area so it's easy for me to stop by a few times a week to shoot. I really like the range area. Clean and they keep a good eye on the customers without being annoying to those who know what they are doing. They help those that are new or need assistance. If I had to have a complaint it would be that their check in system can be slow at times.

Yes Bristlecone is very friendly and I like their range, but yeah check in process is very slow and it's annoying having to have all your ammo checked every time.

Should the opportunity arise, I will give them a go, based on all the high praise from my fellow forum members.

There is always a chance I was too quick to judge.

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I've had only good experiences using their range. Nice, clean, well-lit, and the automated target system is pretty fun. Their gun prices are a bit high for me (which means they are at a good discount...), but I usually buy used.

I know the owner personally and I have had nothing but great experiences there. I love the bowling pin shoots and sighting in my rifle there is easy with the excellent lighting and friendly staff. It's my go-to range in the Lakewood area.

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Originally Posted by Squeeze

sighting in my rifle there is easy .

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Do they have a bench area tucked away, or do you sight in in the regular bays?

I like Bristlecone a lot. I think incredibly highly of the owner. The staff is your typical mix off gun store staff, some good, some great, and one seems out on Planet Mars. I drive down from Windsor quite frequently to attend the bowling pin matches and USPSA. The atmosphere in all the club events is fantastic, and that again is a reflection of the owner. I go out of my way (quite literally; it's about an hour and some change to get there and back) to shoot there and spend money there whenever possible.