Guidance on indoor range start up

[N3Hd3LS]

Looking for some advice on what steps need to be taken in order to start up an indoor range.

I haven't been able to find anything specific to Orange County, CA.

Still in the process of determining a location. Have a few in mind but waiting to hear back from the property managers. I'm thinking somewhere north east in the Yorba Linda-Anaheim Hills area. Away from the ranges I go to and hopefully draw people from the east Chino Hills-Eastvale area and south Orange-Tustin area.

I have gone to Field Time in Stanton, Insight in Artesia, On Target in Laguna Niguel, OC indoor range in Brea, Firing Line in Burbank, and P2K in San Diego. By far I like Field Time the best.

What I would like to offer, which I'm hoping will set this proposed range apart from the others, is the ability to shoot at a farther distance similar to P2K (100 yards). All the other ranges usually have a maximum distance of 25yds, cannot shoot rifles or require a qualification card, etc.

In essence, I'm really attempting to pattern all the good experiences and services provided and trim down all the handicaps or restrictions. Something nice and clean, available to all types of shooters, exclusivity offered but not required like the Scottsdale Gun Club, possibly something unique on the west coast like the two story range offered by Lotus Gun Works.

I'm sure city-zoning-neighborhood approval is required. I'm just not sure of what steps need to be taken first. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[autoduel]

100yds?
Build it and they will come..............
Contact the city's planning department. I'm sure you'll need a conditional use permit and a public hearing for approval...

[003]

Check out the NRA web site. They have detailed information available relative to building all kinds of ranges.

[BumBum]

I would definitely consult a firearms attorney first if you are serious. There are going to be numerous legal compliance issues and you will probably want representation when dealing with the city planning commission. I wish you luck.

[Markinsac]

You might also check in with Island View Enterprises - while in a different county, they went through everything in the last few years to get set up.

http://www.islandviewent.com/

[Trriemferent]

Im not sure on the specifics but I can tell you with certainty that youre gonna have a hard time opening up in Anaheim Hills. Disneyland practically owns Anaheim City and they wont let you open a range with in that city....... Ill let you guess how I know this

[N3Hd3LS]

I was going to offer free shuttle rides from Disneyland. Lol

[Spaceghost]

I hope you are rich or have rich investors. You should get your FFL and start a gun shop at the same time. Too bad pistol is so scarce right now, get a reloading FFL and crank out ammo too.

[N3Hd3LS]

I hope you are rich or have rich investors. You should get your FFL and start a gun shop at the same time. Too bad pistol is so scarce right now, get a reloading FFL and crank out ammo too.

Investors yes and I'm glad they're on board with the plan. They also want a one stop shop. Sales, ammo reloading, gunsmith services, etc.

They even want a cigar lounge for VIP members but I don't know if that's even possible

[emptybottle151]

With the spike in firearm sales, Im surprises that more ranges are not opening up. I wish you luck.

[TacticalThug]

Help??? Depends... Are you charging flat rate per day or per hour per person????? Are an/ar pistols gunna be allowed? Can I mag dump???!!!

[Ronin2]

What I would like to offer, which I'm hoping will set this proposed range apart from the others, is the ability to shoot at a farther distance similar to P2K (100 yards). All the other ranges usually have a maximum distance of 25yds, cannot shoot rifles or require a qualification card, etc.

I'm just not sure of what steps need to be taken first. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

You are not opening up a donut shop. There are good reasons to have the qualifications and restrictions. One moron doing something stupid and you are out of business and have lost your investment and maybe more.

In essence, I'm really attempting to pattern all the good experiences and services provided and trim down all the handicaps or restrictions. Something nice and clean, available to all types of shooters,.

Trust me, you and your insurance company do not want to be "available to all types of shooters".....

[N3Hd3LS]

I guess I didn't fully explain but then again I'm nowhere near that part yet.

I can see how field time allows rifles being their range is up to 25yds. I believe on target requires a qualification card. P2K requires a proof target before you can shoot at the 100yd lane.

When I say available to all types of shooters, I meant everyone has a chance to enjoy the facility to its full capacity. Not everyone can or wants to shoot up to 100yds but it would be a nice option to have for people that want to.

I don't know yet how to determine who can and who cannot shoot but like you said, one person can ruin it for everyone.

Thanks for the input though. Much appreciated.

[Burbur]

You're going to want to start with http://www.nssf.org/ranges/about/

then: http://range.nra.org/range-grants.aspx

then find and experienced builder/consultant like:

http://www.range-systems.com/

or http://savagerangesystems.com/
to name a few.

Aside from basic legal compliance, setup meetings with your local: CLEO, fire chief and pollution people. These are the people most likely to throw a wrench in your gears, so start greasing those wheels.

[Dano3467]

With all these great Ideas, don't forget a Starbuck's Franchise. I'll even come...