by Bob Warden
Frederick’s Indoor Firearm Shooting at its Finest
I have been trying to get to The Machine Gun Nest (MGN) in Frederick, Maryland, since they opened. Finally, I made some time a couple of weeks ago and visited with the folks there. All I can say is, “Wow!” I was completely blown away. Their professionalism, expertise, and safety are next to none.
Owners Matt and Hailey Jones and Rob and Stephanie Krop have spent a lot of time and effort to do this indoor gun range right. A friendly environment and a great staff of sixteen make The Machine Gun Nest a great place to go shoot.
Whether you are a first-time shooter or an accomplished shooter, they can accommodate all of your needs. First-timers don’t need to be nervous; they will help you and instruct you to make your experience fun and safe. If you don’t own a gun, that’s not a problem, either; they rent firearms for you to try before you buy, if you want.
The range consists of twelve 25-yard lanes, which you can shoot up to a 50 BMG. Safety is stressed at all times, of course; NRA certified range safety officers are stationed throughout the whole facility. While there, you can relax in their lounge area as you wait for an open lane, or rest between rounds. They also have a separate area for classroom instruction. MGN offers the Maryland Handgun Qualification License course, safety courses, instructional courses, armed self defense in the home course, and many more.
MGN offers yearly memberships for single or family, or you can just go and pay by the hour. The hourly rate is $18.00 per hour for first shooter and $9.00 per hour for second shooter, per lane. One-year single membership is $250.00; one-year family (you, your spouse, and one minor child) is $350.00 (rates do not include ammo or rentals).
For more complete pricing, hours of operation, as well as information on classes, check out their website at TheMachineGunNest.com. The Machine Gun Nest is located at 7910 Reich’s Ford Road in Frederick. You can contact them at 301-304-6001.
Go pay them a visit; I think you will be glad you did. As always, be safe and shoot straight!
