The Range L.A. Review: Hollywood’s New Shooting Club
On paper, it sounds like the worst idea ever: Round up a bunch of cutthroat Hollywood agents, put them in a windowless, soundproof room and give them guns and ammo.
As it happens, though, The Range L.A., a new members-only shooting club in West Los Angeles, just off Sepulveda, is turning out brilliantly. The tony 11,500-square-foot facility — filled with luxe amenities like cushy VIP lounges and gourmet snacks, as well as 16 state-of-the-art target lanes, a VR “shooting experience” bay and an assortment of rentable historic firearms, including one that looks a lot like the .44 Magnum with which Clint Eastwood blew away bad guys in Dirty Harry — has been open less than a year. But already it’s attracting the sort of upscale crowd that usually flocks to the Bird Streets or San Vicente Bungalows, with CAA and UTA agents and top execs from the studios, along with a smattering of movie stars (Samuel L. Jackson shoots there), clamoring to spend as much as $20,000 a year to point a pistol at a paper silhouette and snarl to themselves, “Do you feel lucky, punk?”
“It seems like agents and entertainment lawyers are most drawn to it,” says Peter Diamond, 58, the former film crew professional who started The Range in February. “They say it’s a good way to blow off steam, like going to a batting cage and hitting 500 baseballs.”
“We’re a country club where people get to shoot guns,” is how his brother, Eric, 62, an L.A.-based attorney and a partner in the business, describes the place while pointing out construction upgrades (Kevlar-covered walls, a gun-smoke-removing air filtration system) during a detailed tour of the space, a building on Missouri Avenue so nondescript it used to be an L.A. Probation Department office.
Fees run from $3,000 a year up to $20,000 for the VIP treatment.
Of course, The Range isn’t L.A.’s first gun-nut playground. Back before it closed in the 1990s, there was the old Beverly Hills Gun Club. But that establishment was neither in Beverly Hills nor much of a club, just a grim, no-frills shooting gallery in a west L.A. warehouse district that had all the gritty charm of a Greyhound bus terminal.
There are a few other, still-operating options farther afield — like the LAX Firing Range near the airport or the Firing-Line range in Burbank — but the ambience at those places is about as high-end as a bowling alley. And therein lies the genius of the Diamond brothers’ concept; they’ve given the lowly target range a Hollywood glow-up, turning it into an A-list destination with all the creature comforts of a Four Seasons … if the Four Seasons handed out Glocks to its guests.
“You go to other gun ranges, and you’re shooting in lanes next to gangbangers,” says one top talent agent who joined the club shortly after it opened. “In this place, you know that everybody’s been vetted. You know who these people are. They’re people you work with, they’re in the business. You know nobody’s going to turn around and shoot you by accident.”
FAQs
1. What are the fees to join The Range L.A.?
The fees range from $3,000 a year up to $20,000 for the VIP treatment.
2. What amenities does The Range L.A. offer?
The facility offers 16 state-of-the-art target lanes, VIP lounges, gourmet snacks, a VR shooting experience bay, and an assortment of rentable historic firearms.
3. Who are some of the notable members of The Range L.A.?
Members include CAA and UTA agents, top executives from studios, and even movie stars like Samuel L. Jackson.
4. How does The Range L.A. differ from other gun ranges in Los Angeles?
The Range L.A. provides a high-end, exclusive experience compared to other gun ranges in the area, catering to a more upscale clientele.
5. What sets The Range L.A. apart in terms of safety?
The club ensures that all members are vetted, creating a safe environment where individuals can enjoy shooting without concerns about accidental incidents.
6. Can non-members visit The Range L.A.?
No, The Range L.A. is a members-only shooting club.
7. What types of firearms are available for rent at The Range L.A.?
The club offers an assortment of historic firearms, including ones reminiscent of iconic movie scenes like Dirty Harry.
8. Are there any special shooting experiences offered at The Range L.A.?
Yes, the club provides a VR shooting experience bay for members to enjoy.
9. What are the key benefits of joining The Range L.A.?
Members can enjoy a luxurious shooting experience, network with industry professionals, and have access to top-notch amenities.
10. How can one become a member of The Range L.A.?
Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly through their official channels.
Conclusion
The Range L.A. is revolutionizing the concept of gun ranges by offering a high-end, exclusive experience for Hollywood’s elite. With top-notch amenities, historic firearms, and a focus on safety and luxury, this members-only shooting club is attracting a prestigious clientele. It’s a unique blend of entertainment and relaxation, providing a novel way for industry professionals to unwind and connect in a controlled environment.
Tags: The Range L.A., Hollywood, Shooting Club, VIP, Firearms, Entertainment