CLEVELAND — Stephen Poff said he considers himself a gun enthusiast.
“I was in the army for 20 years as a military policeman, and this just keeps my skills up to date,” he said.
He said when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, he felt the impact when it came to the cost of ammunition and the increase in demand for it.
“What I used to buy, 50 rounds at $15, went up to $30, to $40. (The) supply chain caused issues with us getting the ammo and then across the whole United States. Everybody bought it out.”
He said when he came across a virtual gun range experience on Facebook, he knew he wanted to try it. He said it also sparked the interest of his wife, who is a novice at shooting.
“We’re both retired now. So, even if you don’t want to be a gun enthusiast, if you just want to go out for some fun, you don’t have to shoot here. Scenarios of shoot don’t shoot scenarios. You can come here and shoot zombies or pigs or gophers on the laser thing and just have some family fun.”
Poff is talking about Engage Virtual Range, a virtual shooting experience.
“So, the scenarios are meant to be very immersive. They’re very realistic,” said co-owner Chad Wilson. “You know, many raise the hair on your back. They’re scary and, in some cases, and some of our customers, the first time they do and they just freeze. The first time, it’s like, ‘that happens so fast. It was so scary. I didn’t know what to do,’ and so as they build comfort and do a few of them, they get more comfortable and they start to relax and rely then on marksmanship skills and decision-making skills.”
Wilson said the range invites law enforcement, private gun owners, beginners and more to fine tune their skills in target practice for fun and entertainment.
Poff said the virtual range provides a place to continue to do what he enjoys for years to come.
“I feel it’s important because it gives me scenarios that I could encounter in my own home to protect myself and my family. It builds your confidence to know how to respond and react and therefore, you hopefully you will never have to shoot, but if you do, you know when and how.”
Engage Virtual Range is located in Medina and Avon Lake.
Wilson said all participants are required to make a reservation prior to arriving.
For more information, click here.
