TexasCHLforum.com

packina40 wrote:Cresson's certainly an option. That's in Hood County, right?

I don't have a map handy, but it's either Hood or Parker.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Granbury has gone annexation crazy in the last couple of years; the eastern city limit is several miles beyond anything you would consider "city" and this isn't reflected on any but the newest maps.

I don't know if they've annexed as much to the north or south yet, but it would be worth checking well ahead of time whether any land you're planning to buy is city or county.

Glen Rose and/or Cleburne could be another consideration; from US377 it's a bit of a trek, but most of the metroplex has quick access to US67.

Well, annual-only setups discourage the occasional shooter, so I would have to say something like an annual membership with a $5-10 daily fee for non-members. Extra discounts for members in the shop and at classes are always a nice perk.

For features, I'd love to have a range that close that would rent time on a chronograph, and possibly a Ransom rest. If you did a "semi-sheltered" 25yd range, you could have both permanently mounted in a couple of lanes. This could also allow for some sort of shielding for the chrono to keep it from getting shot.

I'd have to say the square ranges would be a very popular location, and should be set up for close-range tactical rifle and shotgun, as well as pistol. That would mean provisions for various sizes of paper targets in addition to plate racks and pin tables. Popups, popouts, and movers have a lot of potential there too.

Range lighting with controls at the range for night shooting practice. Remember Texas gets dark at 6PM during that occasionally somewhat chilly season, so there's lots of opportunity to do night shooting without keeping the neighborhood awake past 9PM.

A CCTV system would be a plus, since it would allow troublemakers to be found and dealt with individually, as well as potentially cutting liability in the event of an injury. PA and intercom for instant communication at each range in case of injury or damage, and so you can alert shooters of weather or other issues, as well as reminding them of rules if you see a problem via the cameras. If nothing else, being able to identify anyone causing property damage should keep your insurance agent happier.

I'd also like to see some provision for onsite cleaning and maintenance; possibly some sort of bullet-resistant cubicle design, where, for example, a shooter could deal with a situation like a stuck live round without undue risk to bystanders. For cleaning, a table with a slight lip in a well-lighted area somewhat protected from the elements, with a clearing barrel available for weapons that require dryfiring during takedown.