The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Scottvernonholdings on March 02, 2008, 11:19:59 PM
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Hello:
My name is Scott. I stumbled onto Downrange several weeks ago, and by the ed of the first video I was hooked. I have been a long time shooting lover ever since my grandfather first introduced me on a pellet gun. My knowledge and collection have grown since then, and also my fascination with shooting and the folks that do it. So I'm happy to now be a member.
Here is the question:
How would someone begin to start a one stop shooting lodge that would cater to all shooting types: long range, tactical, pistol, skeet, trap, you name it; as well as carry a full selection of firearms for sale in a relatively urban area? How much would it cost?
I know that is a long sentence, and I am pretty sure my 9th grade English teacher Ms Bierman would say that it was not a "run on". Ha!
Be safe, have fun.
-Scott
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Get lots of money to start ! Then a BIG peice of land so your neighbors won't be able to complain about noise.
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Get lots of money to start ! Then a BIG peice of land so your neighbors won't be able to complain about noise.
Tombogan is right, good places to start. Actually, you started with the best place, a great idea. MB wrote a few weeks back about someone in CO who did just what you're thinking of doing. Not a problem, we need all of the ranges we can get.
The only thing I can add is to plan it right, play to your strengths - do what you know best, get good help where you're weaker. If cash is an issue, get the land first, lots of it, and build what you think is needed most. Use various boards like this one (starting with this one of course) to solicit ideas, things to do, things to stay away from.
If you're looking to play on the local scene first - not a bad idea, check the various gun clubs and shops to see what people think they need most. Either way look to some form of sponsorship. Here in ND, we had the state's Game and Fish sponsor us - with cash - to help build an indoor pistol range in Bismarck. Corporate sponsorship is another goal too - tied into advertising at the ranges of course.
And, above all else, develop a business plan first and then incorporate. You cannot imagine how much those pesky things are worth - help keep you and any partners focused on what it is you were trying to do when it starts hitting the fan.
Good luck!
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Are you going to have outdoor or indoor ranges or both? If you are considering a indoor ranges you probably know about ventilation it must not only be good or better it must be excellent, one of the best indoor ranges I have ever been to is Target Sports in Royal Oak Michigan , you can see and breath no problems and noise is not a factor either as they are on a busy downtown street. I have not been there in quite some time but a down state buddy told me that they have kept it up to par, after all if its good enough for Jerry (The Burner) Barnhart its good enough for me, and by the way Jerry is a regular good guy to! Another one is The Firring Line. If you want I can get the phone numbers for you and I am sure they can and will get you the info you need. As outdoor ranges go think high deep berms NO TIRES! The NRA lent some support info to a range along time ago but do not expect any money from them as they said they would help us get or range into a safe shooting range but would not give a nickle to help a %100 NRA club. Personally I can't wait to shoot on a new range, And after you move the first shovel full of dirt you will know what I mean. After the NRA told us what had to be done we bulit six ranges and now I found out last week that they are adding a new one.
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First thing I'd do is sit down with an attorney. Check local ordinances, price liability insurance.
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In what State are you considering your venture? If it's NC, I can help. Mac.