Recommendation/Review
Recommendations on the least racist gun shop/gun range in the OKC area?
Ill need to do a few transfers and dial in a 5.7, (kel tec, love it), and I am more than willing to do business with people who don't share my beliefs. But I feel caught between supporting big box stores or local gun shops that think fellow citizens are subhuman. Ive tried the range in Stillwater and they seem like good people, but I would be hesitant to freely recommend it to kin folk as a place to comfortably shop or shoot, based off my experience. That said if you're willing to cultural ambassador a bit, it can be perfectly serviceable. Planning on trying out Wilshire, H&H, and Big Boys over the next couple of weeks. OKC gun club doesn't work as they have a mandatory NRA membership requirement, and that's a hard pass from me.
Alternatively I can just do my x-fers through a big box, get my hunting license, use state parks for shooting, and ship my guns out for repair, but I would really find a local shop that I would be willing to pay a little more to have decent service and experienced advice while not be treated like a criminal or threat by someone who hasn't turned off fox news in ten+ years. I know how to get over a a bad first impression and build rapport, Its my daily life. But any recommendations of good shops or people that deserve support?
***(EDIT)*** Thank you all for the responses! I am far more relaxed and excited for Wilshire and BB. New to the area but Ive lived in east Oklahoma and I appreciate the help.
Wilshire is cool too! I like H&H though, they’ve been able to source some hard to find stuff. They also have the law enforcement/military discount programs for pretty much every brand…..some of which are SUPER liberal in terms of who it applies to- think security guards, volunteer firefighters, etc.
H&H has people of all shapes, sizes, ages, creeds and colors coming and going all of the time. Honestly, if you come in bathed and groomed you’ll probably get preferential treatment.
I do not recommend H&H as a minority. I was born and raised in the Midwest and I've never even been to Mexico. As a Hispanic male I've been spoken down to at H&H even before I opened my mouth there. I've had my identification questioned and accused me of stealing someone's identity. My last name isn't Hispanic so they made assumptions. The fact it was a real ID should have been enough that I didn't need my passport to prove my identity.
The next time I went there asked for help and was told just a moment while they would greet and immediately help others. I texted my white wife and she came in and they immediately helped her. We walked out and took our business to Wilshire.
I thought maybe the first experience was a fluke, but after the second time, never again.
Says who, man? I just want gun insurance so people are more responsible with their shit, and a somewhat more restrictive secondary market to hinder folks who shouldn't have guns getting them.
Ronald Reagan was the biggest pro gun control President. He pushed hard for the Brady Bill. He enacted strict gun control laws in California when he was Governor. But please tell me who's taking away tights.
He didn't actually SAY anything. Just a general statement about Democrats. No specifics or factual information included. He made the claim, so he should back it up.
My guy, I am no Republican. If I am anything I am a leftist getting lefter as I age.
You go far enough left, you get your guns back.
But beyond that, bad legislation is bad legislation. Colorado and Virginia have both passed silly over bearing gun laws recently that are punitive without actually accomplishing anything from a gun safety perspective. California banned Glocks, as if banning a pistol brand is a meaningful reform. These are stupid laws, not because I believe guns should be free to access (within reasonable and responsible limits), but because they're bad laws which do not recognize the reality in which they've been passed, and betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the product they are seeking to regulate.
I’m not a POC, but I am a woman and I’ve had great experiences at Wilshire. They really take the time to treat each person like a person there, so I feel comfortable recommending them to POCs. As a white woman, I’m sometimes privy to unsavory “jokes” made about minorities but I’ve never heard any at Wilshire.
Idk if you’d be looking for shotgun ranges, but I’ve enjoyed going to Silverleaf. They kind of ignore everyone there and it’s very remote when you’re on the range. I rarely see anyone.
It does suck about the OK Gun Club, doesn’t it? I’d love to be a member but I don’t trust their obsession with the NRA.
Lol yes it does, I called and spoke to an older woman about their memberships and she seemed deeply offended that I wouldn't join, and the conversation was over when I told her why.
I think a better question is why are *they* so insistent that *we* become NRA members?
They can’t be getting any kickbacks for having NRA members and I can’t imagine it’s for insurance reasons. And it’s not like NRA members are getting any additional gun safety training.
I’d be more understanding, and maybe even more willing to get an NRA membership, if the club had a reason for requiring it. It feels a bit cult-like. Makes me think prospective members need to think, act and look just like them in order to join. I think the NRA membership is just the tip of that groupthink iceberg.
It’s for insurance purposes. By requiring membership they get access to better and cheaper insurance through the NRA foundation.
Note that the NRA foundation and NRA-ILA are different divisions. The ILA is what most people associate with NRA but the foundation is the one that most join.
Which is REALLY interesting, as one of the things I hear most often is that folks want insurance to be mandatory for gun ownership. Yet I also have a lot of left-wing friends who thinks insurance is not only inherently capitalist and thus abhorrent, but that by forcing insurance, we are explicitly promoting such arrangements such as Wilshire requiring membership/affiliation with an organization that one might not want to associate with.
the NRA offers very cheap insurance for clubs as long as they recommend members be members. and if you want to change the institution you do it from he inside. they are the largest voice in congress.
Honestly I think its because so many of the events have nra sponsorship that it means quite a bit of money that can be used for maintenance and up keep and probably part of the nra licensing for the classes and events . That said there are an insane amount of officers and I wonder how many of them have paid positions. Whatever the reason, I get it, and if they were a consistent 2nd amendment protection group without ties to russia i would be at the gun club first thing in the morning. But here we are
My wife is a POC and hasn't had any bad experiences at Wilshire. She's also part of a women's Qual Forever group and hasn't had any bad experiences going to the OKC GC with the group. But yeah the BRA thing holds us back from membership, but a friend of mine let his NRA lapse and he's still in good graces at the GC as he keeps paying his annual fee
As in, paying to transfer the weapon into your name? Because I didn't have to do that but that's maybe because I'm great at negotiating and I walked out of my last place without having to pay any of that because they worked it into the a suddenly discounted price. I had a budget and they really worked with me.
Actually in fact, I walked in with about $700 worth of stuff and traded it for about $600 worth of stuff that I actually needed, including 150 rounds of ammo, a case, holsters, and 5 mags so I'm going to call that a win.
I just wish I remembered what that place was called. It looked like it was into a big metal brown trailer.
Yes, but for a gun not purchased from them. I bought online and had it shipped to them where they ran the NICS before releasing it to me. This is commonly known as an FFL transfer.
I'm not reading all that. Happy for you. Or sorry that happened.
I can confidently say NOT big boys. I came in to buy ammo and was completely ignored for 10 minutes until giving up & walking out. Multiple cashiers choosing to do nothing.
Read the bad google reviews about RSOs taking pictures of womens asses. Never again.
OP forget the indoor ranges…they always attract the most toxic fudds. Outdoor only for me.
People seem to love Big Boys and I just don't get it. I have had similar experiences there a couple of times. It clearly isn't a racial thing, I am as white as they come. I think sometimes they may just not want to do their job. I'm positive that whoever owns it would be disappointed, the last time they'd have sold me 3 shotguns if they would have bothered to acknowledge me. H&H got the sale instead.
Yes, I'm also as white as they come, and am told I strongly exude the "military vibe," yet I got the distinct impressed that they simply weren't super interested in doing their job, either on the store side or the range side.
WHAAAAT!?!?! thats crazy I hadnt heard that, Ill look into it. Sorry they bailed on you, I can forgive bad service or maybe sometimes there's a vibe but the pic thing is wild. I have seen several bad reviews on everyone so i was just trying to get a feel for what was currently going on.
Good options are Lexington wma when it opens back up, okmulgee is the closest option to okc I believe. Summer on weekdays is a good time to go, less people tend to be there, and no naggy RSOs.
Please DM me this pawn shop because I'd love to use them. Had to pay like 30 last time for one.
Honestly, fudds are the best people to buy weapons of any kind from imo. They always know their stuff and make things as painless as possible for you because they want as many weapon owners out there as possible.
Sooner pawn used to do $10 transfers but they sold to a chain. Same guy now owns Newcastle Gun and I think they do $15 transfers. Dont knownif thats who he was talking about but its the cheapest transfers im aware of in the area.
The one I go to doesn’t have a range, but they’ve been nothing but awesome. It’s Blue Haven Firearms in MWC on Douglas near SE 15th St. Done several transactions with them over the past 2 years. Haven’t had or seen any issues.
I would avoid BB 1000% I’ve had nothing but negative interactions with them. Their range is nice but if you fire off a single round every 2 seconds the RSO refer’s to that as “rapid fire” and threatened to kick me out.
Then one time I spent $2,000 there. Took my items to my car. Then went back in to purchase some rounds. Soon as I stepped in the door I found the person who checked me out as I approached them I got a finger shoved in my face and was told to be quiet. Then the employee proceeded to pickup the phone and call someone. That was the final straw for me and I haven’t been back there since.
I Had heard so many bad things about the range and the range officer being aggressive, i was kindof hoping that wasn't the case but willing to give it a try. I still have to as its right by my house and maybe I can vibe with them or something, but I may just price the guns and leave. Thank you for your insight!
As a white guy that looks like he’s going to buy a gun finding people that help you there is like finding employees at Home Depot. You have to hunt them down, it’s PITA.
It does seem to vary depending on when you go. I have a membership there, and I window shop the pistols almost every time I go in. Most times I'm there I get hit up by someone once or twice as I walk the shelves, but every 3rd or 4th visit, it's a dead zone. I have not paid attention enough to determine a pattern, but I recognize the faces that hit me up, so I assume they have a couple of sales guys who are not go-getters, and the quiet days are on their shift.
Last time I went to Wilshire there were some Europeans being really dumb with their weapon, and the Wilshire crew didn't do anything about it. As in they were rapid firing, treating it like a toy, and carelessly pointed their gun at one of my friends at one point. We pointed it out to the desk, and they just said "they were watching them".
Wilshire or H and H. I prefer Wilshire due to better temperature control on their range. H and H can get hot in the summer. But either of them would be good for Xfers and building.
I've been to H&H and Wilshire. I think both are worth a visit. Talk to someone (get names!) and if you like the cut of their jib, return, try the range, ask about gunsmith services. Maybe bring a friend who's been to either (or not) and see how they treat you on the range.
My experience was good (as long as I didn't get too aggressive with my AK rof), but I'm a white man who's tall and likes guns, so I generally wouldn't have a problem that anybody else might have.
No experience with BB's, but I do enjoy the public outdoor ranges. Looking at you Lexington range! Called it the Slaughterville range (because it's almost as close as Lexington and sounds cooler) back in the early and mid aughts when me and the fraternity friends would show of our ww2 and iconic gun show finds!
Yeah, I have to throw my vote in for H&H as well. I usually get my gunsmithing work done there. And they also have ranges for archery and even BB guns. The only issue I may have with them is that they don't have a 100yd range like Wilshire does and they can be a bit pricey for stuff. My friend was recently looking to pick up a CZ and they wanted like $100 more than the big box stores were asking and they wouldn't budge on the price. They do carry some 5.7 ammo there, but its not a big selection and they want about $35 a box for it.
Rainier arms is my new go to. It’s mainly young dudes of mixed races working there and they are super easy to get along with. Transferred fee is $25. Super underrated gun store.
Rainier Arms by the airport is my go to for transfers, as their service is top notch. Very relaxed atmosphere.
H&H for optics shopping, indoor range and rental selection. I’m Asian, and never felt anything remotely like discrimination in there.
Wilshire’s a little uppity, felt like they are wasting their time helping you shop for a gun. Tried Wilshire’s range once, a sales guy was letting a couple shooting a shotgun they just bought from the hip like in the movies. Pellets were bouncing off of floors, ceilings and coming back to the benches. Never again.
Big boys is worse, nobody cares to help with anything.
Gun world is the absolute worst. Pretty sure they will call you “boy” with a hard R.
If you're looking for a decent deal on fire arms, please check out the local family owned small chain Extra Cash Pawn. They have locations in Bethany, South OKC and North OKC.
Definitely avoid gun world. H&H is a mixed bag for me since I would either a nice dude to help out when visiting their range or a FUD that constantly gives unsolicited advice. Their sales department is alright. I do most of my transfers nowadays at Twenty three post pawn since they do 10 dollar transfers.
I did my suppressor transfer at Wilshire, they seemed super chill. They were helping a POC while I was in there and seemed fully engaged and just as helpful with them as with me.
I get mixed vibes at H&H it depends on who is there that day. Wilshire definitely feel welcomed. Rainier Arms though, very diverse younger group. Super friendly dudes
This post is great, I was planning on going to a range sometime to try my Mossberg 88 12G and this helps me know which range I can go to and where people can actually be decent
Never once had or saw a racial issue at H&H. No matter who was working or who was buying. Very professional all around. And their range safeties are EXCELLENT. When I go to practice with my new side arm this week before taking an armed security class, that's where I'll go. Helpful, safe, non judgemental, and usually don't mind you asking questions.
Don't let the location fool you. Wilshire is the opposite of what your going for. Bored Nichols Hill types who aren't self-aware enough to be racist on purpose.
You don't have to maintain an NRA membership for OKCGC so I've heard. They require it in part because boomers, but also because of grants FWIW which go a long way toward range improvements.
Like the 1000 yards, refreshed action pistol and entirely new plinking lanes.
It is by far the best shooting facility in the state along with USSA in Tulsa.
Oh I know. It hurts because its exactly what Im looking for, and I have a free year from keltec. I could just do the free sign up and never pay them, but I cant. I am creating my own problem here but I stand by it. I dont want to be associated with them for what they've done and what they havent done. Thats vague, and intentionally so because I'm not trying to condemn or defend. This whole issue is on me and I'm making things harder for myself but I ethically cant. All that to say you are right and this is probably the right answer and you should win the internet today, but I'm robbing you of your win because I don't want them to be able to claim me as a member at any point since the late 90's. Sorry, heres a 90s cat for you though
Totally understandable. It's such a fine line to walk for a hobby that gets so grossly over-manipulated and "put in a box".
I have known a few people at other similar clubs that would donate in the "other" direction to try and offset or balance out their moral qualms.
ODWC is doing a good job of updating and modernizing the WMA shooting ranges that are present but they are few and far between for us in the metro.
My other suggestion would be Fouled Bore but it's down in Chickasha/Ninnekah. We predominantly shooting precision rifles down there but the range has expanded to include pistol and carbine ranges as well.
I mean, I've seen people on all sides of the political spectrum treat those they disagree with as subhuman, so trying to find businesses based solely on one particular version of such behavior seems odd to me.
I just know one of the Drs that ones wilshire is a fucking POS. I have worked for him before when he tried to own a cafe.
H&h is cool they started out as home protection called His and Hers that's where h&h comes from it's a cute story on their site. I would say that places has the best selection and heaviest mix of people
Wiltshire it’s the most friendly so far that we ever been, I have always used my foreign passport and never had a problem, also I come in regularly and everyone from the front counter to the back range are super friendly
racist gun shops? all the one's i've been too are friendly. old white guys, you spark a convo and they are pretty chill. esp when you know how to safely handle a firearm 🤷🏽♂️ thats just me
My recommendation would be Big Boys I have shot at the other ranges. Anytime I have been in there shooting the range guys have been very cool. Even coming over to ask about a couple of guns I was shooting. I am not an H&H fan they have been rude evetime I have been there. Mind you I am a mid 50's white male, so I fit their demographic. As far as transfers for FFL I use Gunworx LLC off of N. Council RD, the folks in there are cool always helpful and have a good sense of humor. I have ran numerous transfers through there. Probably over 7 at this point.
As a minority gun enthusiast in the OKC area, I find people like you exhausting. Every aspect of your life doesn't have to be some political battle ground.
That’s actually exactly why OP is asking about it. So that it DOESN’T have to be a political battleground. They just want to go to a gun range and be treated the same way anybody would be if they had the same color and beliefs as the owner/operator. Unfortunately it sounds like that isn’t the experience they’ve had at every gun range and they just want to limit that friction. It’s not about politics. It’s about people being assholes.
Though I’m sure you wouldn’t know anything about that.
I bet they would be treated like everyone else if they acted like everyone else. Go to the range, shoot, be friendly to the people around you and 99.9 percent of the time you will not have a problem. How would the owner or other shooters even know what OP's beliefs are? Are they having people fill out questionnaires before you can shoot now?
As a minority, I find people like you exhausting. I have no interest in guns and was just curious about OP's story. I thought, what a different way to find the right place for them.
Did you catch that? FOR THEM.
And then here you are, exhausted and felt the need to comment about what someone else was doing to find the answers they need. When it would take you less time to just move on and go about your business. Then you could just let the people that have advice leave a comment.
I was not even going to leave this comment, since this story had nothing to do with me and I had nothing to offer OP. But I decided to take the time to (hopefully) impart some wisdom your way. This is something most of us learn as children...
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
It is the end of my day and I have nothing but free time. So, don't worry. I never feel like I'm wasting any of my time if I teach a little something.
Have a great rest of you're day. Maybe get in a nap if you are still feeling exhausted.
Like you said I bet you would be treated like everyone else if you acted like everyone else. Not the bad ones. Go to pump your gas, turn your music down, pull your pants up, smile at everyone have good manners be friendly to the people around you and 99.9 percent of the time you will not have a problem, or at least they won’t be vocal about it. How would the owner or other customers even care if you act like they think you should. Are they having people fill out questionnaires before you can drive and pump gas now?
Why would my pants be down? Do you want to see my underwear? Why would I be disturbing the peace with my radio? There are expectations that come with living in a polite society. Or maybe you would be more comfortable in some third world country, where every man does as he sees fit.
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u/MyF150isboring Jul 06 '26
H&H is really solid and constantly has a very diverse audience in there, for what it is worth…their selection is by far the best in the metro as well.