What does it take?

WarHawk-AVG · #1

Probably a silly question

What does it take to start an indoor gun range

Some of these pics of these ranges looks like they rented an old closed down building that was falling apart at the seams?

Anyone have an idea?

nuparadigm · #2

For $59.95, the NRA has plans for construction:
http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/sourcebook.asp

No doubt, also, that local zoning ordinances would have to permit it. As far as any State or municipal licensing goes, I don't have a clue.

There are some indoor ranges in the Houston area (already discussed on this Forum) which are markedly less-than-desirable for the health of one's lungs.

BrassMonkey · #3

I am in the process of opening one up here where I live. I have a contract on the land, Insurance is almost done, couple of guys with heavy equipment who will do the dirt work for me for free. Local PD on board.

Gonna be 8 lanes. 5 Pistol 3 Rifle. Whoot pretty much whatever you want with obvious restrictions that I am still trying to quantify.

No utilities at all. Perhaps a porto-potty if I can get enough donations. PD shoots free of they help me pick up brass/trash occasionally.

NRA has lots of help available and can even point you to some grants to get one opened. Your biggest problem is going to be with the EPA though...

AEA · #4

Be sure and PM me when you get it open and tell me where and the details.

I am in the Sherman area and do not like the Texoma gun club and hate to drive all the way to Bullitt Trap in Plano.

Have not doe an outdoor range, but plan on taking my next CHL renewal at the one in McKinney.

Renegade · #5

BrassMonkey wrote: Gonna be 8 lanes. 5 Pistol 3 Rifle. Whoot pretty much whatever you want with obvious restrictions that I am still trying to quantify

Outdoor? What length.

AEA wrote:Be sure and PM me when you get it open and tell me where and the details.

I am in the Sherman area and do not like the Texoma gun club and hate to drive all the way to Bullitt Trap in Plano.

Have not doe an outdoor range, but plan on taking my next CHL renewal at the one in McKinney.

Dude go to Ralph's in Sherman. Outdoor. 100 yards.

BrassMonkey · #6

Yeah, outdoor. 100 yards.

Texoma sucks...

It's gonna be awhile, there is a ton of site work to be done and the insurance company has to come out when that is done.

Renegade wrote:
BrassMonkey wrote: Gonna be 8 lanes. 5 Pistol 3 Rifle. Whoot pretty much whatever you want with obvious restrictions that I am still trying to quantify
Outdoor? What length.

AEA wrote:Be sure and PM me when you get it open and tell me where and the details.

I am in the Sherman area and do not like the Texoma gun club and hate to drive all the way to Bullitt Trap in Plano.

Have not doe an outdoor range, but plan on taking my next CHL renewal at the one in McKinney.
Dude go to Ralph's in Sherman. Outdoor. 100 yards.

AEA · #7

Renegade wrote:Dude go to Ralph's in Sherman. Outdoor. 100 yards.

Where is Ralph's in Sherman and is there a website?

Renegade · #8

AEA wrote:
Renegade wrote:Dude go to Ralph's in Sherman. Outdoor. 100 yards.
Where is Ralph's in Sherman and is there a website?

My error, it is in Tom Bean. Still a lot closer than Plano.

It is a self-service honor system. Just a big berm in a field. But much more freedom than an regular range.

http://tradecraft.us/Firearms/RalphWilliamsRange.pdf

AEA · #9

Thanks Renegade for that info......

I talked with Mr. Williams today and will definitely be using his range from now on. Just ordered myself some Steel Spinner Targets and once they come in I will go out there and give it a try!

Renegade · #10

AEA wrote:Thanks Renegade for that info......

I talked with Mr. Williams today and will definitely be using his range from now on. Just ordered myself some Steel Spinner Targets and once they come in I will go out there and give it a try!

We are going to have a big shoot (with BBQ) there next Sat 08/18 starting at 1000 hrs.

AEA · #11

Sounds good, but due to other commitments I am afraid that I won't be available.

Too bad.......as I would bring my BBQ rig!

Maybe next time!

Thanks again!

Phoenix · #12

BrassMonkey wrote:I am in the process of opening one up here where I live. I have a contract on the land, Insurance is almost done, couple of guys with heavy equipment who will do the dirt work for me for free. Local PD on board.

Gonna be 8 lanes. 5 Pistol 3 Rifle. Whoot pretty much whatever you want with obvious restrictions that I am still trying to quantify.

Definitely hook us up with info when it's ready BM ... I'm north of Frisco (about a mile or so from Backwoods Traps

) and would love to have something available in the McKinney area

Phoenix · #13

Renegade wrote:We are going to have a big shoot (with BBQ) there next Sat 08/18 starting at 1000 hrs.

I might try to join you guys. I currently shoot at Bullet Trap, but don't have any place to shoot rifles. Don't mind a little bit of a drive for a good place to shoot