?'s on how to open a range.

[BajaJames83]

What would be the required steps to open a indoor public shooting range. I have been toying with this idea. I really dont know if it is even feasible, but it is something that we need another of in my area. The one we have is always completely packed.
I hope this didnt sounds too ignorant, but this has been something I have been thinking about for some time now.



Mods, Please move to the appropriate section if needed.

[Mesa Tactical]

You'd probably need between $500,000 and $1 million, for a start.

This is a good resource: http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/sourcebook.asp

It would also be worthwhile to visit the planning department of whatever city where you want to open your range. Some cities make it pretty hard to do. Others not so much.

[islandviewent]

just did it give me a call and I can hopefully answer some of your ?s. Also look at attending an NRA Range Development Seminar it is extremely informative.
Jacob

[BajaJames83]

thanks for the input so far guys. I just got knee surgery this morning, so I will have a while for recovery to do all this research.

[wash]

You'd probably need between $500,000 and $1 million, for a start.

This is a good resource: http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/sourcebook.asp

It would also be worthwhile to visit the planning department of whatever city where you want to open your range. Some cities make it pretty hard to do. Others not so much.

Don't go to the planning department.

The right answer is to find a lawyer that can make sure your first application is perfect.

Then pick a business name that doesn't shout "guns" or "firing range".

That's not the way things should be but that's the way it is.

It's better to get everything properly set up before the antis can figure out what you are trying to do.

Also don't put up your sign before you are ready to open for business.

If you just bumble through the process you will get tripped up unless there aren't any antis opposed to your range.

[gemoose23]

I use to shoot at a range that used one of these container shooting range systems.

http://www.meggitttrainingsystems.com/Commercial-ranges/Commercial-range-equipment/Semi-Permanent-Range-SPR.aspx

Made it easy to plan and find a location in any commercial building.

[BajaJames83]

I use to shoot at a range that used one of these container shooting range systems.

http://www.meggitttrainingsystems.com/Commercial-ranges/Commercial-range-equipment/Semi-Permanent-Range-SPR.aspx

Made it easy to plan and find a location in any commercial building.

thats a really cool concept. I also like the Mobil range option, probably not too CA friendly but none the less.

[Librarian]

More of an FFL-ish question...

[Mesa Tactical]

Don't go to the planning department.

The right answer is to find a lawyer that can make sure your first application is perfect.

You go to the planning department to get an idea of the requirements before you even bother with the approval process.

My city's planning department is very approachable for questions like this. Many cities in California are not so good, and in those cities you are unlikely to be able to open a shooting range anyway.

[BajaJames83]

i think thats where i will star is the city planning depts. Jacob from Island view also gave me alot of good insight. I think I am going to have to attend the NRA range seminar in October as well.

[BajaJames83]

I signed up for the NRA Range Seminar last night and will be attending in October.

[Librarian]

Talking to the guy at Sacramento's 'The Gun Range'; he said understanding the permit process, and being persistent in going to the hearings and presenting your proposal, and grinning and bearing all the crap that comes back is very important.

He also said that finding out which school district your proposed location is in, and approaching the district lawyers before you do much else, is critical.

Imagine a district opposed to the idea; the schools in it send home a 'parent letter' suggesting that parents might want to get involved. So, instead of 3 or 4 of the regular NIMBYS, you get 30 or 40 at your hearing. You won't get your permit for that location, and you'll have to start again.

I asked him when he would be ready to write the long-version of his experience; he said it's all in his head, but he's mighty busy running a new business, and probably won't get to it anytime soon.

[TATER313]

Build one in Brentwood

[BajaJames83]

the ball is rolling tomorrow starts the NRA range development seminar