Posted on Mar 20, 2015
What are your thoughts about owning an indoor shooting range and training center?
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I cannot think of a better group of Professionals to ask this question. How do you feel about owning and operating an indoor shooting range and training facility? I have researched this and I am looking into the possibility of building and operating an indoor shooting range and training facility. Yes, we do have a few, very few, indoor ranges in my State but the majority of these facilities are private clubs. If I do this, my range would be open to the general public. How do you guys feel about this? Is this something that you may have given any thought about?
Because of my Law Enforcement experience and background, I have been approached by the NRA about doing such a project. I’ve already located a suitable site, which borders two States, and I’ve talked to several other retired LE and Military personnel and they are all for it.
We would build an indoor range, eight lanes with two ADA approved lanes, large enough to accommodate not only hand guns but also rifles, shot guns, automatic weapons and up to 50 cal. Sniper Rifles.
We would have a training facility that would not only educate people on gun safety, but the proper way to handle weapons, how to tear down and properly clean their weapons and re-assemble them. I think you get the idea? And yes, before anyone ask, that is a picture of me in my State Police uniform.
Because of my Law Enforcement experience and background, I have been approached by the NRA about doing such a project. I’ve already located a suitable site, which borders two States, and I’ve talked to several other retired LE and Military personnel and they are all for it.
We would build an indoor range, eight lanes with two ADA approved lanes, large enough to accommodate not only hand guns but also rifles, shot guns, automatic weapons and up to 50 cal. Sniper Rifles.
We would have a training facility that would not only educate people on gun safety, but the proper way to handle weapons, how to tear down and properly clean their weapons and re-assemble them. I think you get the idea? And yes, before anyone ask, that is a picture of me in my State Police uniform.
Posted in these groups: 
Shooting (Sport)
Shooting (Sport)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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I applaud you for going through at least the initial planning for this. I do not have the best business mind so I hope it works out. Where I live, the country park district has a free outdoor range and there are some private ranges but no close indoor range. So having a public range is key. Not everyone can afford the membership fees to a private club. I know you would want to make a profit running it but keep if affordable and provide great customer service. I wish you the best on this endeavor.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Colonel, first off, thank you! You said that you don't have a good business mind but you are absolutely right! Customer Service is a key factor in running any good business and keeping this a public range would be crucial to having a successful Shooting Range that everyone can afford. Colonel, you are wrong, you do have a good sense, common sense, about running a successful business. Thank you very much, Sir, for your comments and insight!
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COL Jon Thompson
I just don't have the business sense to deal with number, regulations, etc. I worked as the senior customer service manager at one of the largest rental car operations in the world so I do know something about that aspect!
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sir, I will take all the advice that you can give me. Thank you so much for your support! Respectfully, Dave SF!
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I have thought about opening a range in my local area. My biggest concern would be public or private. There are a lot of gun owners, but how many of them have been taught and actually practice firearm safety? I've seen some real characters at public ranges. Which brings up the liability issue and insurance cost. I would also try to get some statistics regarding gun ownership in your area.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Thanks MSgt! That is why we would have a Training Facility on site. Gun safety is the major concern and having training classes before anybody that does not have any experience with guns, would have to take training by a Certified Training Instructor. As for Liability, yes, it is a concern but everyone would have to sign a Liability Waiver before going to the actual range. And in this State with a State motto of "Live Free or Die," owning a gun is not an issue as long as you are not a felon and pass the required Background Check.
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I have thought about this same thing there are a lot of safety and legal liability hoops to go through in order to make this happen.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
You are absolutely right and we are tackling every obstacle as they come! The only thing I know is that it is worth all the hassle and like I've been told so many times "If you build it, they will come."
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6ft wide lanes x 8 lanes x 300ft (100 yrds) (Longer lanes would be more advisable with higher power cartridges.) = 14,400 sq ft in range lanes alone. Add to this at least 1000 sq ft in offices. You are looking at prohibitively expensive building permits, zoning variances, and construction costs (even if you convert an existing building to handle backstopping without ricocheting 50 cal rounds). However, the fees might be offset if your facility gains support contracts for local area law enforcement training, helping to secure a stable revenue base. I would love to hear how you work out the issues associated with higher power rounds indoors and how the project turns out. Keep us posted!
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
I will and by the way, the facility will be new construction from the ground up. The land, over 400 acres, is owned by the Town and they are all for this. They are also thinking about building a new Police Department right next door. What a Security system that would be!
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I think having an indoor range would be greta for your surrounding towns, especially if they come to you for your experiance and knowledge. I would bet that the NRA would even help with some of the costs or sponsor you and give some money if you were to teach certain classes and become an instructor through them. But with out the business aspect of it, I think it is a great idea and I would take a trip up there with my wife and we go shooting. Good Luck SGT!
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
SSgt, the NRA has already approached me and they want me to be their guest at their Headquarters in DC. They want this to happen just as bad as we do and they have indicated that there is money, Grants, available. They are supporting this project every step of the way. BTW, I already am a Certified Instructor by the NRA. I have three NRA Instructors, a Police Armorer and a Range Master that has committed to this project . And SSgt, you will be more than welcomed to our Range anytime. We will have to get your dad and grandfather up there as well. SF Brother!
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