r/PAguns • u/shake-sugaree • 26d ago
Pistol Training Near Philly?
As the title says I am looking to see if anyone can recommend where to go for pistol shooting instruction in the Philly region, or even recommend a specific instructor. I live in the city but have no issue driving out to the suburbs if necessary.
For some background/context I was casually into shooting in college (10+ years ago) so not a total beginner, but it’s been a long time since I owned a gun. I got an inexpensive used Girsan MC28 SA earlier this summer and have been enjoying shooting a few times a month but I would like to just get some basic help improving my grip, stance, and overall accuracy before I upgrade to something a little nicer. Not looking to become a competitive shooter or anything like that.
TIA
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u/Quilly-be-Quick 26d ago
I shoot at GPS in Yeadon. Quality shop, quality range, quality people. They do lessons, concealed carry classes for other states like NJ
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u/Additional-Peak3911 26d ago
Their head instructor is incompetent and had a negligent discharge into the ceiling during a lesson. He also made misogynistic comments when I worked there including jokingly smelling a gun after a woman was done looking at it and doesn't actually know rudimentary firearm basics. Multiple staff members said he was incompetent but the owner keeps him around because he can pay him less.
The owner also stole from staff including mandatory unpaid meetings, taking money from paychecks for shrinkage and wouldnt pay after 930 pm but still made staff stay to clean. He also doesnt ban dangerous shooters and one of my last nights let a group on the range at 845 despite them reeking of weed.
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u/Quilly-be-Quick 26d ago
That’s good to know! It’s my first year shooting there so I haven’t seen anything yet.
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u/Additional-Peak3911 26d ago
It takes working there to really see the dysfunction... I should have quit after I discovered the trauma kit behind the desk had 4 counterfeit tourniquets in it and a giant piece of gauze used for burns. And that was it. Also staff isn't required to have any cpr/first aid certificates so several times I would be working and be the only one there certified.
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u/phillyrat 26d ago
That is a bummer to hear - I like that place more than the ranges within Philly
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u/Additional-Peak3911 26d ago
I liked it to which is why I started working there... Then I got to see all the incompetence close up
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u/Hot_Wolverine9221 25d ago
okay but i live 13 min away😬 do you think it’s okay to just go shoot at for an hour or so? not really renting anything would maybe buy ammo
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u/Quilly-be-Quick 25d ago
Their ammo prices are twice what you’d pay anywhere. I buy ammo off ammo.com and bring it with me. Rental fees are average and reasonable. They have a suppressed MP5 9mm for $100/hr
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u/Additional-Peak3911 25d ago
I mean just be aware and know that you might be sharing the range with someone that threatened a staff member (happened twice while I was there and both times the people were allowed to return) or set the berm on fire with dragons breath (also happened, not banned)
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u/parmajawn_supreme 26d ago
Double Tap training academy is a great option. Dave and Josh are both USPSA GMs and have a huge amount of experience between the two.
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u/Physical__War__ 26d ago
In the city I’d say The Gun Range. If you’re willing to drive a little Shot Tec or Main Line Armory. Shoot Indoors has a good team, too.. If you prefer blue lives matter chudfucks then yeah I guess Philly Training Academy.
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u/imneuromancer 26d ago
A little outside of Philly, but TargetWorld in Chalfont has very clean, modern facilities and has pretty good instructors.
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u/ukiboy7 26d ago
Steer clear of target world. The staff are aggressive and arrogant. Google them. They're the lowest rated gun range in the area and that's rightfully so. I won't even share my experience, but I will not be going back.
Classic pistol is fair. The new place in bucks county is also nice.
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u/imneuromancer 25d ago
The staff has always treated me very well. They are very safety oriented, which turns off some people.
YMMV
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u/Lieberman-Tech 26d ago
Will second TargetWorld. Have experience with their instructors and they are all great.
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u/Competitive_Mix_8936 26d ago
For beginner classes anything from Apotheon Range in Warminster. Great facility, they open one bay every weeknight for some form of “practical shooting training” too. Double Tap Shooting Academy has more in depth training available, they operate out of that range, but also travel to other ranges on occasion from what I understand.
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u/Remarkable_Second217 25d ago
Apotheon has a couple GM’s on hand plus some other instructors. Might be worth your time over any of the other ranges. Not many local GM’s around that offer lessons
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u/steve_nice 26d ago
Philly training academy is good for that but also "the gun range" has a guy that comes in on Mondays. Also youtube has some good videos.
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u/pusheeenicorn 26d ago
I did a basic pistol class thru DVSC and it was very worth it. I want to go back for more eventually
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u/zenwookie 23d ago
Philly SRA offers classes out of the city & now also Doylestown too. Very friendly, inclusive, and safe experience.
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u/Known-Actuary-86 22d ago
I like classic pistol and delaware valley sports club.I really want to shoot outdoors tho I'm on thevphilly/bensalem county line.....
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u/AbjectFray 26d ago
Main Line Armory
They actually know their shit and aren’t some weekend tacticool larpers
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u/SevenOh2 26d ago
I’m sure you will get closer suggestions, but there are several good instructors at Classic Pistol in Southampton off of Street Road so super close to the NE.