A & P Arms Lynnhaven Shooting

As a new shopper in the Virginia Beach location while on deployment I have had a difficult time finding a quality gun shop and shooting range in the area. I visited all of the other players and found a lack of selection, crazy prices and a generally poor attitude. I visited A&P Arms in Virginia Beach for the first time this weekend and was blown away by the great service and attitiude of the staff. The store was very busy and crowded, but I never felt like I was being neglected, from being greeted as soon as I came through the door through my whole buying experience. The staff took the time to answer all of my questions and explained the proof of citizenship law that Virginia has for certain rifles. I was even allowed to use one of their computers and printer to download and print my orders so I wouldnt have to go home and get them. I was especially excited to be able to shoot my new rifle the same day with a range pass I was given. I had to go through a range safety briefing explaining the rules of the range, I was asked about 10 questions about the use of ""armor piercing ammo, the range distances, what to do with my targets when I was done and how to deal with a misfire or malfunction I couldnt clear."" Took about 10 minutes and seemed sensible considering these are not toys. I look forward to continuing shopping here until my next deployment and will be telling everyone in my unit to shop here. Pros: Friendly Staff Cons: Crowded more

As an active duty military member living in the Tidewater area for more than twelve years, I have utilized the range at A&P Arms countless times. Never have I been met with anything less than professionalism in my experience until today. Customer service was nonexistant as my spouse and I attempted to renew my range safety card, acquire one for my spouse and access the lanes. The young lady behind the counter was apparently more concerned with the text messages she was sending and receiving then attempting to checkout the 4 shooter party infront of us and provide us with our range safety ""rules and regulations"". After waiting approximately 25 mins, the young lady gave us our sheets then proceeded in an undeniably rude manner, to conduct her verbal battery of questions, subsequently stating she did not feel safe allowing my spouse onto the range. This was my spouses first introduction to range shooting where I, as a qualified US Navy Range Safety Officer, could monitor and provide guidance in a controlled environment while adhering to A&P Arms prescribed rules and regs. I understand guidelines are in place to promote range safety but an impromptu ""study guide"" and ""shotgun"" style Q/A session does not promote awareness or understanding. I have renewed my range safety card countless times and was never ""grilled"" with an oral exam or treated with such disdain. It was as though I inconvenienced the staff member simply by showing up and having a new-comer I wanted to introduce to recreational shooting. As an avid shooter, recreationally and competitively, I feel A&P Arms has missed the mark with its poor staffing and lack of overall customer care. Cons: Extremely poor customer service more

I was aware that they had bad service, but I figured that I would try them anyway. I ordered a rifle and the guy told me it would be there in a week. A week came then he BS'd me and said he called the company and it was on the way. 2 months later I called them to get my money back andf they said they had a box in the back and it is it. It was the wrong gun. I missed 2 gun shows and 3 hunting trips for this crappy sevice. GO TO SUPERIOR TO BUY AND THIS PLACE TO SHOOT! Pros: A 25 yard range Cons: everything else more

I first walked in a bit timid; I had never been to this place before. The experience itself was new to me, I was there to rent a handgun and shoot on the range. Didn't take long for me to feel like I was welcome though, Curtis was very helpful and nice. I've talked personally to four other staff members, and they've all been helpful as well. One even came in with me and shot in the lane next to me after instructing me on some things. They have a list of reasonable common sense rules, that will probably keep most of the, as a previous reviewer said ""gunslingers"" or thug-types out of there. I don't want any gangstas anywhere near me, or near anyone at all. ""Gangstas"" are a blight. I only really dislike one rule, and that is the firing rate limit. With time when I'm more accurate with single shots, I'm going to want to be able to rapid fire to work on my control and accuracy there, and I don't think I'll be allowed to. Every rule is there for a good reason though, and it keeps things safer in a world where lots of people are careless, so I'm for that. Along side that, they have some fair prices, matching that of several popular online gun stores. I haven't price checked everything, but personal things that I've looked at like AR-15 type railed handguards run at about the same price as you'd find online. Combine that with the customer service, responsible and intelligent staff, helpful and nice people, and you have a A&P Arms in Lynnhaven, an excellent place for your firearm needs. Pros: Responsible, helpful staff with common sense. Cons: None really, A&P exceeded my expectations. more

I've been to the range at A & P serveral times and everytime i get great service. Yeah i know i'm a girl and all but these guys are great at everything, yes they can be a little rough around the edges sometimes but who wouldn't when your dealing with guns...i mean com'on... people gotta be careful! this is a great place to go and take your fustrations out...Way to go guys and keep up the good work. I would recommend this place to any girls who are looking to practice and not have to worry about guys trying to pick you up!! this is great! :) Pros: clean, great staff and great location Cons: None- everything was great more

1st time purchase, went to 4 other shops on the peninsula and southside on a sunday where I recieved horrible customer service or no service whatsoever. went to a&p on a crowded sunday minutes before closing and got the best service I've ever had at a firearms shop. Curtis was very knowledgeable and curtious, funny guy (can't miss 'em... he's 9ft tall!) handled all of my newbie questions and took the time to show me and let me handle at least a dozen weapons before I made my selection. all in all I am very pleased, I'll go back again. Pros: great customer service, HUGE selection Cons: very crowded on the weekend I went more

I've read the reviews. Honestly, I had just the oposite experiance. I recently purchased a Glock 17 and have nothing but good things to say. Curtis was helpful and curtious. The other counter personnel were busy but helpful. The wait wasn't because the staff was out smoking. It was because of the high volume of people all wanting to look at or buy a firearm. They still managed to get everyone taken care of in a timely manner. Just remember, there are rules and these are firearms not groceries. Pros: Very attentive staff. If you can't handle the firearm correctly, you'll be forced to leave. Cons: Range is clod...BRRR! in the winter due to required ventilation. Wear outdoor clothes. more

These guys have very unpredictable service levels...Some of the managers seem to really try, but then again they sort of allow their employees to go on about their OFP. Have dealt with some extremely rude and useless folks. Not particularly well organized. Lost my name/number for special order several times, and never called when parts came in like they said they would. Then, whenever I call to check the status it is like, they are too busy to answer my petty question. Having said that I have come across a couple of the ""managers"" that really did seem to want to ""make things right"", as one of them said to me. This place has a lot of potential; they just need to hire some better help. Unfortunately good help is hard to find... Pros: Prices, locations, decent selection Cons: Staff expertise and professionalism wildly varies, organization is lacking more

I just started working at A&P and I have to say I love the place...staff AND customers. I came in there as a customer first, and got great service. I loved the fact that the range side was so concerned about my personal safety first. I have been to other ranges and it seems like they could care less whether or not you shoot yourself in the foot. Not everyone that comes through likes the rules, but if you break them down one by one there are VERY good reasons for them. I personally try to make sure everyone has a good time, but not at the risk of life and limb. I hope hope HOPE no one has been rude to any customer, and that the previous negative reviews are from those who think they are above the safety of the range. Most of these comments are from before the fire this past spring and much has changed since then, I think for the better. The best part of my job is the customers who come in. They have interesting stories and are usually quick to share knowledge with the shop members. No one I know of has intentionally broken rules, and I am certain no one I have seen in the shop would. Experienced or not, safety should always come first right along with the customer service...which is the ONLY favor I try and provide. I would hope that any feedback, negative OR positive would be expressed directly to the shop management. I would hate to loose the business of good people over misunderstandings. Thank you to our loyal, understanding customers! Pros: Safety, Service, Reliability, Honesty Cons: Busy Busy Busy! more

I am part of an organization that has a contract with Lynnhaven/A&P arms. I have been going there for 4 years, and in the beginning it was great. Great staff, very easy going and professional. Within the last year, things have become ridiculous there. The rules change daily...so you have to get a new ""range card"" every time you come in. Second...the staff treat you like children. I realize that some people who come in there are novices, but if I come in and show them my ID Card, I shouldn't be treated like a child. I am an experienced combat shooter and I don't need their attitude and superiority complexes. The staff is RUDE. Absolutely rude. I am trying to get the contract my organization has with them revoked, I do NOT want them profiting off me and my teammates if we are to be treated like second rate citizens. Some of the guys that work there..some of the guys from the previous years, are still pretty cool. It seems like when the Black guy is running things, yeah..the guy with TWO guns on his belt ( do you really need two pistols?)...they all switch to rude a**holes. I used to love this place and we had mutual respect for one another. Now the staff is rude. I will never recommend them to anyone for any reason. PERIOD. I agree with previous posters...they need to clean house there and get back to the real reason they run a range...to have a great place to shoot. Shame on you A&P arms. Pros: good selection of weapons for sale Cons: staff, staff, staff more

I've been a member for well over 10 year. It's been sad watching the service levels drop off. The people are rude and act like they're doing you a favor. Pros: convinient location, nice range Cons: high turnover of employees, very poor service more

Until recently I never had an issue with customer service. Then again, I usually just went straight to the range. I usually get a great discount there, being military police and all. Suddenly they get this new girl and... no discount. WTF?! It seems to depend on who's working the counter whether or not the discount applies. Ask a different employee as to the policy. Get a different answer. Miltary disount yes. Military discount no. Police only. Police and military. Catch my drift? Pros: Good range. Cons: High prices. Bad customer service. more

Agree with above review that customer service is terrible. Counter help is spotty at best and when they finally do engage, they seemed annoyed to answer even informed questions. Cant guess how a less informed customer will do. Better served to go elsewhere. If that doesn't do it for you, prices are VERY high as well. You wont find a bargain at this shop if that is what you are looking for. Pros: None. more

Counter help not very helpful. I waited forever while 3 people had a conversation as to what the best ar15 rifle to buy was. When I finally got service, it was like they were doing me a favor. And I thought Pro Bass was bad. Take a number service is not for me either. Pros: located close to work Cons: lousy customer service more