Gibson Outpost Shooting Range

I got my membership back in August of this year, 2009......went back a second time the first of September. When I got ready to leave they had given my card to someone else.......no problem, just had to write a new one.

I go back today, six weeks after joining and they tell me my card has expired........huh???

When I tried to explain that I had just joined the man insisted that they had not used "green colored cards" in two years......huh......there is a stack of green cards in the membership box in front of him. I told him about just joining and he said that was not his or his wifes writing on the card......!!!

I was ticked but didn't want to make a scene so I came home and called them and tried to explain but......HE HUNG UP ON ME!!!

This place is 1-1/4 miles from my house but I WILL NEVER go there again!!!

Posted 09/29/09 | Report Abuse

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I have visited Gibson's also with very positive results. They do run a very safe range and the rules must be FOLLOWED! The cease fire call has to be followed to the letter with NO EXCEPTIONS. I have been to several ranges in the DFW metroplex and have to give the Gibson's a thumb up. Others I have been to, I usually had to pack up and leave due to the unsafe conditions that I prefer not to be exposed to. So to the Gibson's I say keep up the good work, and those that complain about it, run 'em off! Be safe and enjoy you're right to shoot.

Posted 07/19/09 | Report Abuse

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I went this Sat for the first time, showed up when it opened at 10AM. I had read reviews from previous posters, and came prepared for the worst. (I didn't sit on the couch, bring firearms into the office, try to pet the dog, etc.) Mr. and Mrs Gibson were strictly all business at first, going over the rules and regulations. I paid the membership fee, and range fee (total $19) and selected my 1 included target (pistol, silhouette, or scoped rifle). They asked what I was shooting, and what yardage I wanted to start with. I began with the 100 yrd range with a new (to me) ak-74 with open sights. I didn't have a spotting scope, and the gun was shooting very high and to the left. The guy shooting in the lane next to me was very helpful, and called out my hits with his spotting scope. I went back in to the office and asked to change to the 50 yd range. The lady inside was not at all rude, but very matter-of-factly told me I would be on lane 4. I waited till the next cease fire, and put up my target on the 50 yd line. It was much easier to see my hits on the 50 with binoculars, but it would have been to my liking to sight in at the 25, and work my way out to the 50 and 100. The 10 and 25 yd ranges were reserved for pistol only.During one cease fire, I noticed a guy packing up and getting ready to go. He picked up his pistol, racked the slide a few times, pulled the clip out, etc. Another shooter in the rifle range noticed this too, and was understandably quite upset. There were several people downrange putting up targets, and the biggest rule of the cease fire is that you do not handle any weapons until the firing line is clear. I can understand the Gibson's for being strict, and possibly rude at times, when there are so many people who disregard the safety rules, and they are putting the Gibson's, their customers, and their livelihoods in jeopardy.I ended up staying 4 hours, and could have easily stayed another 4. When I left, I got a smile from Mrs Gibson, and a thank you from both of them. I even traded some jokes with them as I was walking out. I was shooting FMJ steel cased, steel projectile rounds that are a big no-no in other DFW ranges. I could load my 30 rd mag full if I wanted to, and could shoot open sights, and optics. Other ranges are limited to magnified optics only, and ban FMJ and steel core projectiles. They don't have a politically correct policy against silhouettes like other ranges either. Gibson's is about 25 miles away from me, but because of the military surplus rounds I shoot, it is my top choice. I will be returning soon. If it's your first time there, get there when it opens (10AM Tue-Sun, closed Mon), and wait till the 2and cease fire is over before shooting. That way, you can watch the way things are done, and can talk to some regulars if you wish. You won't have a problem, and won't be sorry you came.

Posted 06/14/09 | Report Abuse

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Read the rules and postings on the walls and doors, don't be an idiot, don't take weapons in the office, obey the range rules especially during a cease fire, and you will be fine. Yes, the family can come across as rude at times, but they have to deal with a lot of idiots so, put yourself in their shoes and maybe you will understand. It's a bit like people who deal with the public all the time and have to deal with their stupidity. They become callused after time. I'm not too crazy about they way they handle first timers but, once they get to know and trust you, things tend to smooth out. I enjoyed taking their CHL class. It was entertaining and educational as well. The thing I liked best is that the CHL class is divided into 2 days at 5-6 hours a day. That makes it easier to sit through it verses having to sit through a 10 hr class elsewhere. This is also one of the few ranges that offers a 200yrd range. Over all, it is a good layout and a good location for me.

Posted 06/01/09 | Report Abuse

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I've shot at a lot of ranges over the years and I still enjoy Gibsons. They get a lot of redneck/cowboy types out there but still maintain a safe firing line.

There's some shooters/people who know what they're doing, out there. They will give you advice/help if you ask kindly.

Nice range.

Enjoy!

Posted 03/17/09 | Report Abuse

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One of the nicer, older public outdoor ranges I've been to in awhile. Spent time chatting with Mr. Gibson during cease fires and he's a nice guy. Many people have complained about their "rules", but I can not see how I would run a public range any different. No weapons in the office and clear your weapons and get off the firing line during cease fires.

They are also one of the only FMJ friendly public facilities in the metroplex. I will definitely be returning in the future.

Posted 03/07/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been to Gibson's range 6 times or so in the past couple years and have left with a terrible attitude each and every time! The staff is incredibly rude and the prices arent competitive. I am from far north dallas and dont mind driving a few extra minutes to give my money to a business that isnt RUDE and penny pinching. I will NEVER go back!!!

Posted 01/02/09 | Report Abuse

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I went there today to try out my new XD40. The facility is organized and seem to be very well laid out.

The gentleman that was behind the counter was perhaps the owner. I couldn't hear him very well due to the noise outside and asked a couple of times to repeat what he was saying. The service up front was Good. He laid out the rules etc. and I did pretty much the rest. Reading what was on the walls and on the doors.

The person on the Bullhorn, several times had to directly confront the individuals who forgot to lock their bolts back. I heard a shooter griped about him because he was instructed to move away from his weapon while the shooters were gathering up their paper targets. I believe the facility coordinator did a good job reminding the shooters the number one rule, Safety.

There was no pressure when I went there. Even after reading the negative reviews. Perhaps because I went through these sort before while in the Army. I intend to go back there again tomorrow with my wife.

Posted 12/19/08 | Report Abuse

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Gibson's shooting range has some pros and some cons and they are as follows : 1. This range is the safest and most organized range that I know of. There are 30 min. shooting sessions and when the time is up you are requested to unload your rifle and step away from the firing line, then they inspect all the weapons and allow the shooters to go and post new targets. Allot of other ranges don't seem to offer this set up.2. Of all the shooting ranges in the DFW area, Gibsons range is the only one that I can find that has a rifle range out to 200yards ( although much of the time it is flooded beyond the 100 yard mark.) There are other gun ranges that offer extended ranges but most of them are an hour long drive outside of town ,east or west, and Gibson's is pretty close for most of us that live in the general east Dallas area.3. They allow you to shoot FMJ rifle ammo unlike many other ranges.4. After membership fee you only have to pay $11 or so to shoot.5. And the range is usually well maintained.BUT there are some drawbacks that should be noted.First of all this family has completely forgotten that the customers who give them money are the ones that keep there miserable company in business. I know that they have to deal with allot of idiot customers who do not know how to shoot a rifle, and I know how they expect you to follow the rules, but in no way does that give them a good reason to be as amazingly rude as they are. I have been shooting at Gibson's since 1992 when I was 14 years old and the whole time Ive been going there, the owner has always treated me just fine. But his wife is a very rude old women who seems to look forward to death taking her from her miseries. The son is a complete joke of a man. This guy has the personality of that old couch that he lays on ALL DAY EVERY DAY. I guess I would be mad at the world and hate life too if all I did ALL DAY EVERY DAY is work for my dad at some dead end job. This guy probably has no wife or kids or friends or social life. I just cant believe some one can be such a looser. And the sad thing is, he probably sits and reads all of our reviews on him and his family business and hates us even more. Anyway, what a jerk ! And who ever wrote that review about him saving some ones life by being so fast as to put his hand between the hammer and receiver of a lever action rifle to keep it from going off, was probably him. How sad is that ? You lay around on that couch all day being a jerk to all of the paying customers who keep that business going, then you try to make up for your miserable self by BS- ing about how you saved someones life with your lighting fast moves, YEAH RIGHT !Its too bad because as I said earlier, the range its self is a pretty good place to shoot and that's why I give it 4 stars, but the management should treat there customers allot better and be more polite and professional rather than with so much contempt. If I could find another range that offers the 5 pros that I mentioned above I would gladly and immediately quite going to Gibson's.

Posted 12/09/08 | Report Abuse

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I have used Gibsons for many years, but have finally had enough of the Wicked Witch of the West and her idiot son. The old man was always friendly, but I haven't seen him in a couple of years - don't know if he's still around or not. But after being harranged not once, but twice when all I did was ask if I could do something and not arguing or questioning when she told me no, I've had enough. When my son and I checked out we just tore up our range cards and gave them back to her. Life is MUCH too short to put up with that kind of attitude. I hope they go out of business soon.

Posted 11/13/08 | Report Abuse

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I've been to Gibson's outdoor range several times over the past five years. The physical layout of the place is good, with the firing line provided with overhead cover. The pistol range is on the left, the 50-yard rifle lanes and 200-yard lane (if not flooded) in the middle, then the 100-yard rifle lanes on the right.

The range is owned by a married couple in their late 50s or early 60s - the man is fairly cheerful, while the woman is very businesslike, verging on grim. However, they will warm up a bit if they see that you are following the rules. I have not met their son, who occasionally works there.

Safety is taken seriously here - during the ceasefires, do not touch your firearms or any equipment forward of the line behind the firing points, or the owner will correct you immediately (and loudly) with his bullhorn. Also, do not bring your firearms (loaded or unloaded) into the building - leave them in the car, go inside to check in, then go back outside to get your stuff and walk around the building to the firing line.

Whatever you do, do not try to pet the chihuahua in the office, as your hand may regret it (fortunately, I was warned of this by a friend.) Do not sit or place anything on the couch, as that is the dog's territory.

As mentioned earlier, the term "Soup Nazi" comes to mind, but then again, I'm sure the owners have seen enough unsafe actions over the years to make them this strict.

Posted 11/09/08 | Report Abuse

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After reading all of the reviews posted about this range I was a little worried about going. I am a new shooter and was worried that I would do something that would tick the owners off. They are protective and careful with the rules but as a new shooter I am glad for that. The "old man" who runs the place was very nice in every way possible. I was careful to follow the rules and he even acknowledged that by saying "that is what we like to see" (said with a smile).

I did not take my wife with me this first time because of what people had said in their reviews, but I will not hesitate to take her with me in the future. Just follow their rules and you will have a good day at the range.

Posted 10/04/08 | Report Abuse

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After reading all the reviews written about Gibson's I was skeptical about going there but decided to give it a try anyway. I was pleasantly surprised at how well I was received and how nice the range is. Being a woman I never know what to expect and I am usually treated like I don't have a clue about guns or shooting. First of all, I followed the rules exactly and I'm sure that was appreciated by the Gibson's. If you'll pay attention to the reviews written here, they were all chastised for NOT following the rules. When dealing with something as deadly as firearms there are very strict rules in place not only for your safety but the safety of your fellow shooters.

Posted 04/07/08 | Report Abuse

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Gibson's is the only range I've been a member of since living in the Dallas area. I know there are better equipped ranges but the location is good for me. The couple that run it have always been strict but that makes it a safe range which I appreciate considering all the half-wits with guns today. I didn't even know they had a son. The range is adequate and if you follow their rules (their business and liability) then one should have no problems. Plus they have some interesting World War II items on display. Gibson's is a fine range for 'normal' people.

Posted 03/08/08 | Report Abuse

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I have been there several times over the years and kept hoping it would get better. It didn't. The last time, me and my buddy set our cased, unloaded guns, on the back porch. We were yelled at for setting them down. The sign said no firearms inside the building. When I pointed that out to them and told them it was confusing as to what a person was supposed to do, they had no response. I was yelled at a time before that for setting something down on their beloved couch. Forget trying to make small talk with them. If you have watched the Soup Nazi on the Seinfeld show, you will understand what their behavior is like. I live in Mesquite and it was extremely convenient to go there. The owner and his wife are just rude, angry people. I read other posts defending their behavior as simply being rule enforcers. This has nothing to do with safety or rule enforcement, which I totally support. It has to do with treating your customers in a friendly, respectul manner, rather with contempt. They are incapable of even saying thank you after paying them. I will drive much greater distances and suffer the inconvenience rather than be subjected again to their abuse.

Posted 03/01/08 | Report Abuse

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I've been shooting at Gibson's a few times. I've never been flagged for any rule violations (the signs are very clear) but the goldbricking layabout son is insufferable. The owner is a very straightforward and reasonable fellow - I've never had to deal with the wife, but the son seems to be significantly mentally unbalanced. For example, signs clearly posted on the gates indicate rapid fire is allowed, with restrictions. I fired two sets of rapid fire - eight rounds each (firing a Garand) only to have the son run out and lose his mind. When I pointed to the sign (directly over his shoulder) he turned, read it, then told me the signs were wrong. After mentioning that I needed to respect 'his' range he stormed back to the back office to continue his web surfing. When shooting alone, I'll use Gibson's, but I won't subject anyone I know to this kind of crazy behavior.

Posted 12/22/07 | Report Abuse

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I have shot at Gibson's since they first opened. In fact I was one of the first 500 customers as I have a permanent card. In reading some of the reviews here, I have to laugh. Are the Gibson's strict when it comes to safe handling of a firearm? Yes. Are they direct and 'in your face' when you mishandle a firearm? Yes. Have I ever been caught by them for mishandling firearm or breaking a rule? Yes, several times. But you know, I was wrong. And I believe that I am a better and more responsible firearm owner now. I used to shoot competitively and I used to spend 4 to 6 days a week at Gibson's. I have seen a LOT of people who claim to know how to handle firearms safely get yelled at. In fact I find that the majority of the ones who get yelled at or called on for safety infractions are the so called "experienced" shooters. (the marines and the military specialists that are too good to make mistakes) The funniest incident I saw involved a young man and his girlfriend. He claimed many times that he was a Marine Sniper! He was going to teach his girlfriend how to shoot! The man set down at the bench and proceeded to put his eye on the scope of his 30.06 rifle. Mr. Gibson tried to tell him not to put his eye on the scope. The 'Marine' told him to mind his own business that he was a marine and he was a sniper. The man turned and placed his eye on the scope and pulled the trigger. I thought they were going to have to call an ambulance to come get him. As when he pulled the trigger, he immediately cut his eye lid and eyebrow and almost knocked his eye from his head. The 'marine' screamed like a baby for about 45 minutes. He bled like an ordinary citizen as well (all over the place). Not like most marines I know. But you know, everyone that has complained in their reviews here have not put themselves in place of the Gibson's. I 20 + years of shooting out there, I have seen the so called experts put the wrong ammo in their rifle and pull the trigger. I have seen people get upset when they are told their rifle is loaded when they removed the bolt from the rifle and still have a loaded magazine. Yet they were not there when a man did just that, and during a cease fire he dropped the bolt into his rifle and shoving a round into the chamber he fired, while people were downrange. Turns out it wasn't his rifle. The result of this incident being the reason they are so anal about having firearms unloaded during ceasefires. As well as not allowing you to leave during a ceasefire. I have been in the building when someone brought in a .30/.30 with the hammer back. When brought to that person's attention by the son. The person with the rifle pointed it at the stomach of the boy (I assume was his son) and pulled the trigger. The Gibson's son (I don't know his name) reacted so fast, he put his finger between the hammer and the receiver of the rifle as the trigger was pulled. The man with the rifle said "Oh it's okay it's not loaded". Removing the rifle from the man's hands and pulling the lever to open the chamber and a round popped out. They were sent away without even getting the opportunity to buy a card and pay to shoot. Needless to say it was an exciting few minutes and a lot of heated words were exchanged. You can say what you want about the son, but he saved that kids life. Yes the Gibson's are strict. They are perhaps cold at first. But I do know this. There is no safer place to go to shoot your firearms than Gibson's Outpost. After 20 years of shooting, and after shooting at many many ranges. I find that Gibson's is first rate. I know of only 3 or 4 times the range has ever closed because of weather. They are open 7 days a week except on major holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter I think) The 200 yard range has flooded and been closed, but the rest of the range is open. They have targets that are reasonable and the ammo is pretty cheap too. At least it is not seconds like WalMart and Bass Pro sell. All in all, if you want a safe place to shoot, that has a 200 yard range. Gibson's is the place to go.

Posted 12/20/07 | Report Abuse

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I edited it for 4 stars, because it is open 7 days generally, and they teach CP courses. So many ranges are shut because of anti-s and urban sprawl.
They will charge you a 3-$5 membership card fee. Don't lose the card (I did lol, now I have to get another one).

I have been there a couple times. They are not really friendly, so I guess I'm not the only one feels that way, but I did feel assured by the safety checks and the guy being on watch all the time, with clear signals when you could go down range. I think its worth the money if you need a place to shoot and can't find some nice land-owning friends in the country, or some other range. (I recommend Adrenaline Proving Grounds in Greenville/Farmersville TX.)

Call ahead, it may be closed and or under water. Bring your own targets and pins/tape/clips, ear plugs spotting scope, ammo, and trigger locks, or you probably wasted your trip out there. Don't speed to or from range either, the local depots love gun confiscation.

Posted 12/14/07 | Report Abuse

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If you read my title and understand it... then you will have no problems out there. With my experience from Gibsons... I'm going to try and clear up a few things I've noticed in reviews below...

I've been out here 6 times in the last 2 months. I've never met the Son... (I don't think I want too either). The man who runs the place and his wife are direct. They will warm up to you once you have established you are a safe shooter who plans on doing business with them in the future and who follows the range guidelines. Don't expect special treatment, you are not at a Day Spa. They may come off as icey to many people here that are use to being "The customer that is always right". No one cares about that. People are there to shoot guns SAFELY, simple as that.

There are GIANT signs on the front of their building before you walk in that state very specific rules to follow from the very begining (Example: NO GUNS INSIDE BUILDING). If you break these from the get go, then they will make it VERY clear to you. Guns are only as safe as the people that use them. If you can't keep your head on straight and suck up your (I'm experienced) attitude then go to a different range.

I go here because they are FMJ friendly and is the only FMJ friendly place inside DFW (thats why they get my 4 Stars). FMJ Friendly does not mean you can go out there and blow through 30 round clips with your ak47 like there is no tomorrow.

They have 25, 50, 100 and 200 yard ranges. I think these vary in price? I always shoot on the 100. No shot guns. Also take note, the tables are open and kinda close to one another (plenty of room to operate, it can get crowded though) if you have an attitude and can't suck up a shell hitting you from time to time then once again... go someplace else.

Posted 11/20/07 | Report Abuse

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I go to gibsons about 6 to 8 times between sept. and oct. I have been doing this every year for the past 15 to 20 years. This place may not be top of the line, but gibsons cares about the safety of people who go there to shoot. I applaud gibson for being so concerned. There are too many idiots around here that have no knowledge of firearm safety. If you are looking for a place just to go shoot with no safety or concerns, then go somewhere else. Dont complain about gibson being strict.

Posted 10/19/07 | Report Abuse

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I went there today for the first time. I was the only one there at first.
Most people are watching the Cowboys game.
I had no problems with anyone working there. They said just do whatever you want since I was the only one there. The man asked me to let him know before I started shooting(he was sweeping up brass at the time). I shot off about 300 rounds on the handgun range. Two rifle shooters showed up and the older man just let me know not to walk down range until he called a cease fire. The rifle shooters only stayed about 20 minutes so there wasn't a problem.
I guess it helped to have the range to myself.
I'll go back again.
They are just stern about the rules and who can blame them....

Posted 10/14/07 | Report Abuse

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I visit Gibson's a few times every year, and have never had the issues that are mentioned in the other reviews. I will applaud them on the absolute control they insist on having during a cease fire. The owner has even insisted that I discharge the black power charge before allowing anyone downrange. He checks every rifle visually before allowing anyone down range. I am sure they see that good along with the bad. I drive many miles to get there, and have never had a bad time.There is not an ATM, so get your money where you turn off the highway.

Posted 04/02/07 | Report Abuse

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I have to second that first review. I've been there only a handful of times and its been a crapshoot. First time I went to buy black powder....they are the only ones around that sell the real stuff....and the owners wife was an icy btch. I think she would have been more amicable if it was just me...I would have been in and out after leaving some $$... but I had the audacity to bring my 7yr old daughter. She wanted to pet the house dog, look at the stuff inside, etc. The lady's body language was someone who had to do everything in her power to contain a screaming fit. Even my daughter noticed it an mentioned it after we left.

The son used to have cars parked out in the lot a few years ago. I think they used it as a repo storage or something. I got to see him after he ran out with a pistol pointed at a couple that dared walk over and look at them. He was definately a character out of Jerry Springer.

Personally, I have never had any problems with the old man. Ive been there only because it is few miles from the house and convienient. When he's there its ok.

I do wonder whats in the maternal bloodline of that place. Very irratable, cranky, make it seem they are doing you a favor by stopping whatever important business they had going on to allow you onto their property. When I see old man not around I just walk back out and come back another day.

Posted 11/21/06 | Report Abuse

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