Gander Mountain Academy
Gander Mountain Academy
4
Sports Complexes
This location was reported permanently closed
About
Gander Mountain Academy is the first-and-only firearms facility to offer this life-like simulation technology to the public. Experience our fully immersive simulators that are so cutting-edge and lifelike that until now they've only been available to military and law enforcement agencies. We believe that the right to use and bear firearms comes with a serious responsibility to be educated and safe. With our highly experienced instructors, unmatched training technologies, and a learning environment where all skill levels are welcome. For virtual range or simulator use, you don't need to bring anything. If you plan to use the live-fire range or take, you'll need to bring your firearm, hearing and eye protection, and plenty of ammunition.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles68 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
16
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
7

Dougapher
St. Marys, GA73 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014 • Friends
Great employees and well kept range..very safe and professional Went there and the range officer was very helpful when my ruger pistol jammed, quick fix and back to shooting...What a day..many targets filled with holes.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly S
Snoqualmie, WA209 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2013 • Friends
I have been here a few times and love it! This last time I went with my girlfriends for a "Girls Day Out" and had lots of FUN! This is a family oriented place, professional personnel... The virtual range is perfect for those who are apprehensive or have never have handled a gun.
Written December 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Welsh_EMT
Wales, UK75 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2015
Having previously visited back in 2011, was eager to return for more time on the simulators. They've got two types of simulator available - the 180 degree and the 300 degree as well as the Virtual Range and a Live-Fire Range.
Most of what you do on the 180 degree is target practice and a fun, almost game-like program called 'Number One Gun'. You're given a full-size, full-weight pistol that has had it's internals removed and replaced with a high-accuracy laser and recoil system that is powered off gas magazines - the whole idea is it feels and handles the way the 'real steel' versions would just without firing lead 'down-range'.
Whilst you can do some of the target practice programs on the 300 degree, it is more geared towards defensive scenario training where you can be faced with a variety of different situations where you have to make the decision to shoot or not shoot...you can always back away, the targets sometimes do respond to 'voice commands' and surrender or you can open fire.
First time we went, we decided to spend time on the 180 degree simulator mostly doing target practice. Unfortunately, most of the gas magazines weren't working as well as they should which presented a few challenges.
Second time we went, we spent an hour on the 300 degree simulator. This time, the gun and the magazines performed flawlessly and it was a fun evening.
If you've never been there or shot a gun before, an instructor will stay with you to help. If you're an experienced shooter or have been there before, they'll escort you into the simulator, give you a gun and mags, check you know how to use the easy-to-use software and leave you to it. You can also pay for an instructor to train you if you want one.
The Academy is located inside the Gander Mountain Store, so there's an absolute ton of things to look at to do with virtually all outdoor sports and hunting/shooting.
Written October 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WorldTraveler007-01
Dallas, TX11 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Friends
The range was nice, as was the simulated range.

But the bald-headed manager was unimpressive.

He could not answer any questions about how the process worked.

When my husband and I asked about the simulated range, he pointed to a placard. When we asked the differences in the offerings, he simply said, "It all depends on what you like."

We repeated that we didn't know what to expect, and he gruffly said, "It just depends."

We literally had to try the different options to know how they differed.

The unimpressive "ex-military" lackey needs to be replaced with someone who understands the meaning of "Customer Service." I don't know who he thinks he is, but I know what he is NOT. He is NOT helpful. He is NOT impressive. He is NOT informed.

Though the facilities are nice, I will not return.
Written May 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mbd_mj
Orlando, FL220 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Solo
There are a few things that we purchase at Gander, very few. If you intend to use their range, please, please, please, read the waiver you are about to sign! It specifically says you have NO rights at all - they can photo you, video you, turn you into a cartoon and mock you if you do something wrong ... or ... mock you by having their artistic department make you look the fool!

But, most people will not read it and for the vast majority there will be no effect. But, read it again, they have the right to make you into a life size poster of a buffoon and you can not do anything about it!
Written June 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

yupikpaws
Sanford, FL3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2017 • Couples
If you are new to shooting or are trying to introduce a new shooter this is NOT the place. They are very stressful and will intimidate most. I am a combat veteran and extremely experienced shooter. I really hate when I come across ranges like these. With overly intense range guides it makes people really on edge. I really think that the lack in options in the area cause them to have the volume they experience, however do not mistaken this for success. I have tried this place several times and at this point sorry to say I have. This place is terrible.
Written April 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve M
Lake Mary, FL83 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Business
Gander Mountain has a great shooting academy. We like to go with our girls and shoot using the 180 simulator. The guns are glocks with compressed air. They give a great feel of a real gun. If you'd like a fun few hours this is a great choice!
Written February 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Windermere08
Windermere, Florida19 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2014 • Solo
Took a 3hr intro gun class and was told when I called to sign up that no experience was needed. After instructor was at least 30mins late, it was a class more about the life experiences of a person's military background and a bit like learning to drive a car by having to learn the complete operation of a car's exhaust system and being expected to repair it like an expert. Really no attempt at instruction on how to USE a gun. After a wasted 6hrs, including commute time, it seemed as though the goal of this class was to prove that guns should only be used by experienced military. Odd, since Gander Mountain is in the business of selling guns.
I would give no rating at all, as the class was a waste of my time and money.
Written December 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jayzworldtravel
florida27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2014 • Family
well priced for two shooters
clean, temperature controlled you will not sweat as you would at the other place on 17-92
large selection of ammo, bring your gun and enjoy
Written January 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

icatangay
Orlando, FL1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2014 • Business
Had a horrible experience with the manager the store. A group of us went there a couple days ago to shoot at the archery range. A staff member let us in and we paid $8 to use it for about 2 hours. Today 1/9/14, I went back with the same people to shoot again and this time one of the store associates bluntly told us that it's been closed for 3 months. We talked to another guy at the gun counter and he let us in and told us not to worry about it. The same guy that told us it was closed comes by with a nasty tone of voice of why we were entering the range. Ten minutes later the manager pops in and blatantly told us we were not allowed to be there and told us that we need to leave. Horrible customer service and management staff.
Written January 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Gander Mountain Academy - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)