| Center Target Sports Newsletter March 2019 The Northwest's First Five Star Range and
The Inland NW's ONLY Five Star Range
HOME OF THE LIFETIME WARRANTY
The Northwest's only "NO REGRETS" POLICY
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2010 Best Shooting Range in USA
Awarded by SHOT Business Magazine
2010 Best Indoor Range in USA
Awarded by Glock (GSSF) Inc.
Post Falls 2013 Business of the Year
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A Few Thoughts from Ed:
March is here and the hectic pace within our industry and this facility continues. I am sure you have noticed the continued increase in shooters on the range and students in our classes. We are humbled by the support of this shooting community. I am especially proud of our CTS team as they work very hard at providing a safe and clean facility while providing the best customer service possible.
Our rental counter selection continues to grow along with the demand for our Try Before You Buy policy. We try to have some of the newest and most difficult handguns to find. We now have the latest from S&W, Glock and Sig available. Be sure to check out the gun rental counter next time you're in. Remember, members get gun rentals for free!
JUST A REMINDER
Please do not handle any firearms behind the the firing line. The picture to the left is an example of what we are discussing. Pleas always case and uncase your firearm in the shooting stall only.
If you have
younger shooters in your family don't forget about the "Ian" platform available for you to use. The platform was inspired by a young man named Ian who is
tall enough for our range but a bit too short to shoot over the shooter's bench. I built the platform so younger shooters will have a safe and stable place to enjoy the experience of shooting. Just ask one of our employees to help you move it into your stall if you have a youngster who needs a little extra height.
A Word Abo
ut Our Classes
As you know our classes are just about 100% sold out every month. We understand the wait for a class date can be frustrating and we are working to alleviate this as much as possible. We have added classes to every day the range was available. We have cancelled 90% of our LE range contracts and now offer the range to LE on a daily basis only when available. This will give our members and our training programs priority.
Why are our classes so popular? I believe the reasons are many. Allow me to share what so many of you have told us. I know there are many places to train in our area. As you know I have always encouraged students to take quality training at every opportunity. I believe we are all the products of our experiences and a diversity of QUALITY training makes us all better.
The selfish benefit to me is that taking these other classes (some local and some hundreds of miles away) confirms in the student's mind just how good our training really is. So often I have heard, "It was a good class, but no better than Center Target Sports and CTS is a lot cheaper and I don't have to travel!"
I believe the fact that we allow you to repeat any class previously completed forever for free speaks volumes. I know of no better way to prove our commitment to your training, subject understanding, and task performance. Let's not forget the additional benefit of having my services in the courtroom for free, God forbid you ever need them, if you take your CCW class from us.
Do we hold you to a higher training standard? You bet we do. I remember 14 years ago a number of local instructors laughed at the thought of me requiring CCW students to shoot a qualification course and sit in class for 7 hours. Many laughed because we were the first to bring the Utah CCW program to Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Western Montana. We feel more committed to the higher standard of training we offer now more than ever due in no small part to the over 25,000 students that have completed our training.
Thank you for supporting us and thank you for your patience in waiting for a class date. I can assure you it will be worth the wait. Don't believe me... Compare our programs to anyone else anywhere in the country and see for yourself.
Class sign-ups...a side note: We short the website several spots in each class so we don't overbook. So if the web says a class is full, call the range to confirm, there might be one or two spots available.
We Buy Used Guns and will be happy to sell your gun on consignment for you. We try to keep a large selection of used guns on hand, but we are selling new and used guns as fast we can get them in. So the time has never been better for you to get cash out of that firearm that is just collecting dust.
Drinking and Guns
Recently it seems like the news has been consumed with reports of self defense shootings. In a number of these cases alcohol or drugs have been involved. As we repeatedly emphasize in the Enhanced CCW class "if you carry a gun in public, you have no business drinking Alcohol." Proving the five primary elements necessary in a self defense use of force case is critical. Imagine how much more difficult the entire defense would become if the parties involved were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs (legal or Illegal). The bottom line in my mind will always be, DON'T EVER CARRY A FIREARM WHEN DRINKING IN PUBLIC.
Notes from Peggy:
Reminder that we will be Closed on Easter Sunday to spend time with our families. Have a blessed Easter.
We're always looking for new ideas for products, for free clinics or suggestions for the range. Just shoot me an email (no pun intended) and we'll see what we can do.
Ed & Peggy Santos
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Think Gift Certificates all year round!
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Wedding Gift
All Holidays or
Just Because
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Perks of Membership
Annual Membership Monthly payments
**Daily range time free
**Guests shoot for $12
**CTS hat
**20% off all logo apparel
**Members only fun shoot with Ed once a month (check the calendar for dates)
(See article below)
**Gun rentals free (except full auto)
**One hour lane reservations available (rules apply)
Annual membership paid in advance:
**all of the above plus: 10% discount on all classes over $50 except CCW Classes
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A Special Message from a Long Time Member
So you are a CTS member and have never attended a fun shoot? It must be because you don't know what you are missing. I live 1 hour away from Post Falls so coming in for regular practice time doesn't happen very often, which is the primary reason most people purchase a CTS membership.
For my husband and I, we are members primarily for the value we see in attending the monthly fun shoots. You may be wondering what exactly is "Fun Shoot". It is facilitated by Ed Santos, owner of CTS who although he spends 200+ days annually traveling to provide advanced training to various law enforcement agencies recognized that members of CTS deserved some one-on-one time with him, so member fun shoots began. Instead of Ed deciding what we will do each month, we decide. We as members decide as a group what skills we want to work on for the next month and Ed puts together the instruction and drills to make it happen.
Any skill set you can think of, we have practiced it during a fun shoot. Speed drills, distance shooting, precision shooting, low light, force-on-force, obstacle course, moving targets, moving to targets. The list is as endless as your imagination. It doesn't matter if you are an advanced shooter or just starting out. Ed spends time with each shooter to ensure everyone learns something and everyone has a fun and safe time doing it. All you need is a holster and some extra magazines. So, you are a CTS member and have never attended a fun shoot?
Now that you know what you are missing, hope to see you at the next one. Not a member of CTS, what are you waiting for. If you divide 12 months of fun shoot time by the cost of a membership you will see the value in joining.
---D.S. Member
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Consignment Corner
Welcome to the consignment corner. Remember many of the consignment guns have additional accessories.
We are unable to display or list many of the accessories that are often included with our consignment guns. Items such as extra magazine (sometime 7 or 8 extra mags) holsters, tools, storage containers, ammunition, etc.
All of these extras add up to the overall value of the sale. Imagine buying a $500.00 handgun that also has with it six $60.00 mags, that's quite a savings all for $500.00.
ASK THE STAFF ABOUT EXTRAS
We have developed such a great reputation with respect to our consignment firearms that many of you come in and ask about our stock every week.
If you're interested, don't wait!
Too Many To List...
Over 55 Consignment Guns in Stock
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Silencers
It's Never Been Easier
Owning a silencer is easier than ever. Follow the link below and see for yourself how streamlined the process has become.
No More Paperwork!
Everything is handled electronically-even fingerprints. Yes, you will still have to wait for your form 4 approval, but while your silencer is in jail at CTS, you can use it on our range as often as you like.
Don't wait any longer to experience shooting with your very own silencer.
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Member FUN Shoot
5-6:30pm
March 13
April 23
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9AM - 1PM
Every 3rd Saturday
March 16
New series:
April 20
May 18
June 15
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The Woman Of Caliber
Shooting Club
2nd Tuesday of every month
4:45-7pm
$10
March 12
April 9
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Bullseye League meets every Thursday at 4:45 and
6 pm. Everyone's welcome no matter what your skill level. Newcomers always welcome. $7
IDPA meets the 1st and 2nd Sunday of every month from 7:30-11am. Everyone's welcome. Come watch and learn or participate. Newcomers always welcome. $10
GSSF Glock Matches: Shoot in 2 of 3 matches in a series and be eligible to win a Glock pistol. Yes, Center Target Sports gives away a Glock every 3 months! Call the range for more details.
WOMAN of CALIBER:
Our "Women of Caliber" group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month 4:45-7pm.
Please bring eye and ear protection as well as photo ID. Dummy rounds for your specific caliber is also recommended along with 2-3 magazines if using your own firearm. If needed, CTS will loan you a handgun free of charge with purchase of their ammo.
Everyone is welcome to attend the educational portion of the meeting from 5-6, however due to the growing number of ladies attending, we do not have enough mentors to work with new shooters. A basic pistol course is required to attend the shooting portion. Exceptions need to be discussed with Darla.
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f you want more information about the meetings or would like to be placed on our mailing list please contact Darla at
[email protected]
March Topic: Protecting Yourself Away From Home
April Topic: Science behind Recoil, Grip and Trigger Press
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Gunsmith Corner
Drop-in parts
Early in my learning to work on guns I bought many "drop-in" parts for my personal guns. The lessons I learned were that if it said minor fitting required or may require gunsmith fitting it definitely needed a skill level above normal user. I ruined some parts as I developed that skill level.
Even parts that don't come with the above mentioned disclaimer very often don't fit properly without proper fitting. Recently I encountered a magazine conversion kit said it could be easily installed with tools found in most home shops. In installing the conversion I found that a milling machine and tools that could measure in .0005" increments were required. The included instructions were cursory at best and would not have been useful to the average kitchen table gunsmith. I would never discourage anyone from learning more about how their weapons function and how to make safe modifications. I would caution though, that triggers, safeties and head space issues require a rather extensive understanding of firearms and how their respective systems function.
More times than I can count a firearm has come to my bench because, "I put in this drop in trigger" (or pick the part of your choice) and now it won't shoot or it shoots when I close the bolt. There are a hundred variations on the theme.
Drop-in parts or accessories that attach to the outside of a rifle or pistol are great ways to personalize your firearm. But when you start changing parts that affect the function if you are not certain you know how it works, and how the new part affects and changes the gun as originally manufactured, then it is advisable to let a gunsmith do the work. I understand that gunsmiths are not inexpensive, neither are plumbers or electricians. We are professionals that have invested years of time and money into learning some very complex trades. That said, in almost all cases it is cheaper to call us first than to call later when you fixed it and now it doesn't work.
Most of the gunsmiths I know chose the trade because of a love for the mechanics that make fire arms work. I am one of those. I look forward to being of service.
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Classes Now Registering!
Home Defense Shotgun - April 6
If you incorporate a shotgun in your home defense plan...this is the class for you. This new format is appropriate for people of all ages and physical abilities.
Topics of instruction include shotgun safety and responsibility, recoil control, marksmanship skill development, shooting positions, target engagements, threat assessment, and shotgun modifications/accessories.
In addition to learning the shotguns attributes, this course will teach you the shotgun's limitations. The student will be introduced to Close Range Engagement Techniques (CRET), reality based scenarios, and 360 degree coverage.
A combination of lecture, demonstrations, and live fire exercises will be used to teach the proper deployment of the shotgun from point blank to distances out to 25 yards.
All instruction materials, range time, and targets are provided by Center Target Sports.
- Students must provide the following:
- eye and ear protection
- Semi-auto or pump action shotgun
- Weapons mounted Flashlight(optional)
- 25 rounds of bird shot
- 10 rounds of 00 buckshot (low recoil loads recommended)
- 5 Slug rounds
Comprehensive Handgun (4 days) - March 25-28
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Left Target Day 1 Right Target day 4
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4 days of shooting. I have learned a lot about this class since I wrote it many years ago and this new format will allow me to adjust accordingly. You will be a better shooter after this class.
We will still see improvements like in the pic to the right. The target on the left is Student A on day one and the target on the right is the same student Day 4.
Register early as this class will fill.
Tactical Pistol (2 days) - March 30-31
 This is the most advanced pistol class taught anywhere in the region. This is a two day class that requires students to conduct live fire exercises as well as Use of Force scenarios held in our tactical bay using our shoot house modular walls and halls system.
This modular system allows us to create hallways and doorways along with corners that must be negotiated by the students. Each student will participate in scripted exercises that may require any level of response from less lethal to deadly force.
I know this all sounds good but you must have completed
Defensive Handgun 2 in order to enroll in this class.
Defensive Handgun 2 - April 13
This is an 8 hour course limited to 10 students. The primary goal of this course is to develop the defensive handgun and personal skills necessary to not only survive but control a lethal encounter. This course builds on the skills and theories presented in CTS-201. Students will learn and practice the skills, and attitude essential to surviving a lethal threat or confrontation.
 The course will include both classroom presentations and live fire range exercises. A combination of Dry Practice and Live Fire with Real World Scenarios including multiple threats, low light shooting, hostage rescue, wounded shooter drills, equipment malfunctions, and moving targets. This course will conclude with a Course Review and Examination.
All instruction materials, range time, and targets are provided by Center Target Sports. The student is required to provide a handgun, two magazines or speed loaders, eye and ear protection, flashlight or weapons mounted light, a billed baseball type cap, 250 rounds of ammunition, and a strong side holster.
Defensive Handgun 2
Into to Carbine - April 12
This is a class designed with the new carbine shooter in mind. It is as advertised an intro class. 
The perfect solution is to offer those true beginners an opportunity to get a good understanding of this very popular weapons system. The fundamentals of the AR are covered in detail and will allow the students to transition into the basic course with ease.
In addition, the basic course is now a 6 hour course with very little classroom and much more shooting time on the range.
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April FREE Clinic
April 12 6pm
The Mechanics of Shooting
If you have ever fired your firearm and wondered why didn't the bullets land where you wanted them to, then this is the clinic for you. The fundamentals of shooting will be presented and many shooting mistakes will be explained.
Apply the techniques discussed during this FREE Clinic and you will be shooting better than you ever have.
Be sure to call to sign up so we have enough seating. 208-773-2331
Due to Ed's travel schedule, there will be no Clinic in March.
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Ever want to shoot a Machine Gun?
We have 4 of them!
Come make some noise!!!
MP 5
Uzi
CAR 9mm Carbine
Kriss Vector 45
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What's the scoop on G-9 ammo?
Well for One...it's my new Carry Ammo!
 For the first time in over 20 years I have switched my defensive ammunition. I have always been a huge fan of Federal Hydro Shock ammo. In fact I still am, but after testing the new G9 shaped projectiles I am now carrying the G9 ammo in all my personal defense firearms.
I have tested many brands of shaped projectiles and none have held up to my evaluations like the G9. The science and engineering in these projectiles have created a defensive projectile unlike anything I have ever tested.
We are also stocking the G9 ammo at CTS if you want to see for yourself this very unique defensive round.
Be safe....Ed
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Product Highlights
Back In Stock
CoJo Gun Magnets
The perfect way to safely secure your firearms in just about any place you can imagine including your vehicle.
Aguila® Minishell Shotshells
Greatly increase the magazine capacity of pump-action shotguns. These Aguila shotshells are perfect to use as low-recoil ammunition for single-shot or double guns.
The Two New Glocks Are in Stock!
Glock 43X
Based on the same design theory as the popular 19X, the 43X combines the short profile of the 43 slide with the grip length of the ubiquitous Glock 19. The slim, single stack frame maximizes comfort and concealment for virtually any user.
The lengthened frame also allows for 10 round magazines, a 4 round increase from the Glock 43's 6 round magazines. Please note that these magazines will only fit the 43X and 48, due to the unique frame sizing.
The slide is coated in a Silver nPVD finish, and includes front serrations for faster and easier manipulation.
Finally, the 43X also includes several of the design innovations seen in the Gen5 line, including the marksman barrel and smooth, textured grip.
Glock 48
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Glock 48
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Featuring a smooth, Gen5-styled frame with no finger grooves and reduced width, the Glock 48 is purpose-built for concealment and comfort. The increased frame height also allows the use of a 10 round magazine. Please note that these magazines will only fit the 48 and 43X, due to the unique frame sizing.
The 48 also includes improved slide features such as the nPVD coating in silver, front serrations, and the Marksman Barrel introduced with the Gen5 line.
This culmination of proven design and Glock innovation make the 48 a fine example of Glock Perfection.
For those of you who were waiting for the PMR 30 and Sub 2K 9mm guns, Wait no more. We have them in stock.
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ID Enhanced CCW - March 13,16, April 2, 14, 20, 23
Handgun Familiarity
- March 24, April 7
Youth Firearms Safety - March 24, April 7
Basic Pistol - March 17,29, April 3, 8, 24, 27, 3,0
Basic Pistol 2
- March 19, April 9, 28
Defensive Handgun 1- March 23, April 28
Defensive Handgun 1 (re-takes only) - March 24, April 10
Intro to Carbine - April 12
Home Defense Shtogun - April 6
Comprehensive Handgun (4 days) - March 25-28
Tactical Pistol (2 days) - March 30-31
Kubotan - April 10
We offer HR 218 by appointment only. Call the range for the next date.
Owner Orientation Classes:
Owner Orientation classes are the free one hour class you receive when you purchase a gun at Center Target Sports. Just bring your receipt and show up. If you want to take the class and didn't buy your gun from us, the class is $40 and everyone's welcome. All Owner Orientation classes at 3:30pm unless otherwise noted.
Ruger - April 3
Springfield - March 29, April 25
Shotgun - March 19, April 17
1911 - April 4
AR - March 15, April 16
Revolver - April 10
S&W semi-auto - March 13, April 11
Sig - March 14, April 18
Glock - March 20, April 23
"All Others"- Taurus, Bersa, Beretta, Kel-tec, Walther, Kahr, CZ, Lionheart -
March 22, April 5, 24
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This Month's Shooting/Safety Tip
Spring Break Concerns
With spring break just around the corner I felt it appropriate to offer a few thoughts about this annual party event.
Living in the Western US you can't help but think Mexico when you hear Spring Break. While planning a trip to Mexico, it is essential that travelers be informed of potential safety concerns across the spring break hot spots. Most people visit Mexico without incident; however, practicing common sense and following basic safety precautions, and raising your awareness will help ensure an enjoyable and safe vacation.
Travelers should be aware of the potential safety concerns that may impact travel. Travelers in any region of Mexico may encounter violent crime, narco-terrorism, and transportation threats with emphasis on the hotels, resorts, and airports. Violence in Mexico has generally increased in the recent years. Cartel violence and narco-terrorism are significant, and no area of the country is immune to this activity. Both criminal gangs and cartel gangs have demonstrated the willingness to engage in mass casualty gunfights in public places. Stray bullets have injured and killed bystanders in the past. Extortion, kidnapping, and carjacking are also significant threats posed against travelers in Mexico.
In most cases travelers are not targeted by this activity and are unlikely to encounter an incident, persons should be aware of the potential risk of bystander injury and death due to the indiscriminate nature of these attacks. Individuals can decrease their chances of being caught up in criminal activity by maintaining situational awareness.
Most tourists who encounter trouble in Mexico are usually subject to scams, ATM skimming, and side-effects of consuming counterfeit alcohol or spiked drinks. Remember, Mexican law enforcement has a long history of not being held to the standards found in the US. Some police officers may seek bribes from tourists or arrest persons on minor charges to obtain payment.
The following info is a summary of multiple published intelligence reports published concerning the current 2019 spring break period. I have a short summary of the most popular spring break destinations. I hope this will provide a starting point for your own research before you travel.
In addition to the information contained in this article I would encourage you to visit the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control to properly prepare and educate yourself prior to travel.
CANCUN - US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel warning which advises individuals to exercise caution in Quintana Roo state due to crime. Travelers should note that a vast majority of crime does not impact tourists, however recent events have seen localized violence that poses a potential risk for tourists in the area. Most violence is related to cartel activity, and they have increased operations throughout Cancun, including in tourist resort areas. This activity is typically drug-related and is not targeted at travelers; however, bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings and explosions in the past. While crime is a serious concern throughout Quintana Roo state, which includes Cancun, a heightened security presence has been deployed to bolster the safety of tourists and ensure an enjoyable visit.
COZUMEL - The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel warning, which advises individuals to exercise caution in Quintana Roo state due to crime; however, persons should note that a vast majority of crime does not impact tourists. Travelers can avoid being potentially targeted for a street crime such as pick pocketing by taking precautionary steps. Street crime (e.g. petty theft and scams) is relatively common in Cozumel. There have been incidents involving narco-terrorism in the past.
While this activity is not targeted at foreigners, individuals within immediate proximity to an attack may be subject to collateral impact.
IXTAPA - The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel warning advising individuals against traveling to Guerrero state due to crime; however, visitors are less likely to experience criminal activity in Ixtapa. Local sources advise drivers against taking the Toluca Highway due to hazardous driving conditions and the prevalence of road banditry.
Furthermore, theft has been reported at hotel resorts, particularly from inside rooms, including safes. Local sources state there are high levels of drug and gang violence in the area. In 2017, there was a reported shooting of a US citizen near the hotel zone; however, the identities and motivations of the attackers remain unclear. It appears this was an isolated incident and is not significant of an ongoing trend.
MAZATLAN - The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel warning advising individuals against traveling to Sinaloa state. The primary source of violence is derived from criminal and cartel-driven violence. Cartel violence has typically (in recent years) not been focused on travelers, as it could hinder overall revenue-generating operations in the area.
Regardless, the possibility of collateral damage from cartel-related violence exists but is not likely. Criminal related risks such as kidnapping exist. Furthermore, travelers are typically not the focus of targeting for violence; however, a small number of travelers have been robbed, kidnapped, or killed in recent years.
Express kidnappings, where a taxi customer or pedestrian is detained and forced to remove money from an ATM, have been reported in the Sinaloa state.
Throughout Mexico, "virtual kidnapping" is the most likely crime to impact tourists. The scheme involves tricking victims into paying a ransom to free a loved one from the threat of violence or death.
PUERTO VALLARTA - The US State Department has issued a Level 3 travel warning advising individuals to reconsider travel to the Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have resulted in the injury or death of bystanders. However, drug and gang violence has not greatly affected the area.
There have been reports of theft targeting tourists at hotels as well as reported sexual assaults, though these incidents are infrequent and random. Travelers are advised to exercise caution in and around their hotels and take additional security precautions to mitigate the potential of being targeted for crime.
Moreover, there have been incidents involving US citizens being beaten and killed in Puerto Vallarta, though the motivations of these assaults are unknown. There have been no foreign tourists involved in cartel violence in the area since 2015. The area has experienced an uptick in kidnappings targeting individuals in public places frequented by tourists.
Public transportation, including taxis, is easily accessible and relatively safe. While taking a taxi, negotiate the price with the driver before departure to avoid the possibility of being overcharged. The use of private transportation with a reputable company is advised.
Shoot Straight and Be Safe...Ed
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Ultra Sonic Cleaning
Must bring in coupon.
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