Shooting ranges are businesses that offer firearms and ammunition to the public for recreational shooting. They often have indoor and outdoor firing positions, a retail area for guns, ammo, targets, and other supplies, as well as classrooms in which people can learn about gun safety or get their concealed carry permits.
But you need to consider some factors before you can set up the business. Here are some tips to take into account if you plan to start a shooting range business.
Research the market
The first step is to research the market and find out if there’s a demand for a shooting range in your area. If there are already several establishments, you might have to think of ways to make your business stand out.
You can do this by offering services that the other businesses don’t have or providing a better experience. For example, you can have a family-friendly environment or focus on customer service.
You should also find out what the target market is in your area. This information will help you determine what type of shooting range to set up and what services to offer.
Get the proper licenses and permits.
It is important to check local laws and requirements before setting up your shooting range business. This will ensure that you are in compliance with all regulations and can avoid any potential legal issues. It is also important to research the specific type of shooting range you want to open, as there may be specific permits or licenses required.
Having the proper licenses and permits is essential for any business. This is especially true for a shooting range, as you will need a business license from your local government, as well as a federal firearms license (FFL). You may also need to get permits for the specific type of shooting range you plan to open.
Choose a good location.
A good location is important for a shooting range business because it will determine the number of customers that you will be able to attract. It’s also important to make sure that the location is safe and has enough space for people to shoot.
Consider the following when choosing a location for your shooting range business:
- Proximity to potential customers – The closer your shooting range is to potential customers, the more likely they are to visit your business. If you’re located in a rural area, consider offering shuttle services to and from urban areas.
- Safety – Make sure that your shooting range is located in a safe area. There should be no homes or businesses nearby that could be harmed if a bullet were to stray from the range.
- Size – You’ll need enough space for people to shoot comfortably. If you’re planning on hosting competitions, you’ll need even more space.
- Zoning – Make sure that your shooting range is properly zoned for a business of this type. Otherwise, you could run into problems with the law.
- Cost – The cost of the location will play a big role in how successful your business is. Choose an affordable location, so you can put more money into other aspects of the business.
Have the right insurance
When starting a shooting range business, it is important to have the proper insurance in place. This will protect you in the event of any accidents or injuries that may occur on your property.
You should look for a reliable gun insurance company to ensure you get coverage for any unexpected events that can affect the business. You’ll want to make sure you have liability insurance, as well as property and casualty insurance.
Equip your range properly.
When starting a shooting range business, it is important to equip it properly. This will ensure that your customers have a safe and fun experience. Some of the things you will need to have include:
- Ranging walls and backstops
- Shooting stalls
- Safety features, such as signage
You’ll need baffles to protect shooters and bystanders from stray bullets, a sturdy backstop to stop rounds, and an adequate ventilation system to remove lead fumes.
Make sure your range is well lit to help shooters see their targets more clearly. Install a quality sound system so shooters can hear their shots and adjust their aim as needed.
Develop policies and procedures.
To run a safe and successful shooting range business, you will need to develop policies and procedures. These should cover everything from range safety to target setup. Enforcing these policies will help keep your customers safe and ensure that they have a positive experience at your facility.
Some of the policies you may want to consider include:
- No unauthorized firearms or ammunition
- Only approved targets allowed
- Shooters must keep their firearms pointed downrange at all times
- No rapid fire or full auto shooting
- Safety glasses and hearing protection must be worn at all times
The tips and tricks mentioned in this article are a great starting point for those who want to open their own shooting range. There is much more information out there, but it’s important to keep things as simple as possible when first opening your business.
