Developing a business plan for indoor rifle/pistol range

[rflynn]

Originally Posted by TheBull

Hi all:

While waiting for my next consulting contract to start, I've been developing the idea of building and running an indoor 100+ meter rifle range with a 50+ meter pistol range. I would like to have both static and dynamic targets. I interested in gathering some of your input on whether this type of range would be beneficial to you. I know there are two pistol ranges locally here. One of which is indoors. I don't know of any indoor rifle ranges. I'm not looking at selling guns, so I will not compete with established local dealers.

Given the price of land in the area, along with design and construction of the actual range, I could be looking at $1.5+ million development cost. Therefore, I would like to gauge interest from the local shooting enthusiasts, before getting too deeply involved. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

I case your wondering who this new guy is. I am self-employed software consultant that has been living in Monroe County since 1997. I worked for two local companies (Cornet and sanofi pasteur).

I don't think starting any kind of business at this time is a good idea.
I would love another new range. Look at it real hard it is not a simple business.
I had personally looked at it hard. And although it would help out a shop with gun sales it opens up allot of other doors that cost big money. Insurance, employee's. Big electric bills, EPA requirements this list goes on and on and laying out $2,000,000.00 that you will not see back At $10.00 pr hr. And people will complain about that as well.

If you got it, Do it. But I think you may want to work at a range or a dealer to get a feel for what it is really like first. It is not all fun and games like many people may think

[Brick]

You left out an important choice for your poll. May I suggest: I'm too far away for it to be of any consequence.

But, if you're really thinking of it and want to do some research and don't mind going for a ride. Check out Davis Shooting Sports range near Goshen, NY here's the website: http://www.davisshootingsports.com/ and while you're in the area stop and see Dennis Serpi at Master Class Shooter's Supplies (South of Goshen on Rte 17M almost to Monroe, NY) he has a very nice (and interesting from a design stand point) indoor 25 yard range: http://www.masterclassrange.com/index.html

[TheBull]

Thanks for all the feedback. I too think that PPC is too expensive for what they offer. Which is why I've only been there twice. I'm looking for a niche to fill, and this may (or may not) be it. I know I wouldn't be able to complete on price with Sunset Hill or even SGL ranges. I would have to offer enough value to justify the price.

I don't have the available cash to do this on my own, that's why I'm developing the business plan. I figure I'll never get financing without a plan that contains a realistic 3-to-5 year forecast. There are still a few KOZ areas around here that could make this venture a little easier, financially. The NRA has announced the dates for their "Range conferences", so I may attend one of them.

I'd love to be able to offer "draw-and-fire" training, low light shooting area. Video cameras trained on each person's target, so you can see where your shot hit (or missed) without waiting for the carrier to return.

[jcabin]

Now thats an idea. If you opened up a firearms training institute, I'm sure you could attract some serious attention being so close to the tri-state area.
Most people are forced to travel several states away to get some training.

Of course this venture would be a bit more expensive, though you could also open a range for people to use on the side.

[rflynn]

Originally Posted by TheBull

Thanks for all the feedback. I too think that PPC is too expensive for what they offer. Which is why I've only been there twice. I'm looking for a niche to fill, and this may (or may not) be it. I know I wouldn't be able to complete on price with Sunset Hill or even SGL ranges. I would have to offer enough value to justify the price.

I don't have the available cash to do this on my own, that's why I'm developing the business plan. I figure I'll never get financing without a plan that contains a realistic 3-to-5 year forecast. There are still a few KOZ areas around here that could make this venture a little easier, financially. The NRA has announced the dates for their "Range conferences", so I may attend one of them.

I'd love to be able to offer "draw-and-fire" training, low light shooting area. Video cameras trained on each person's target, so you can see where your shot hit (or missed) without waiting for the carrier to return.

Well, the best of luck to you. You may find financing quite difficult without a substantial personal investment already made.
But what do I know.

[rovert97]

Is area is missing out on a good indoor training facility and a shoot house. I've always wanted to try my hands at a shoo. House clearing rooms and such. Just another idea to toss in the pot.

[TheBull]

Update:

Thanks for the feedback. I'm still working on this, but for the last few weeks I've had to concentrate on gaining actual employment/contracts. Need to take care of other financial obligations before I can dedicate too much time to this.

[tsafa]

1.5 mil is too much money I think to get any return on. I probably would not use it because I have my own 9 acre property to shoot on. In the winter I will probably just throw some wood into two steel barrels for some heat while shooting.

If you set this up in a city to cater to people without options, it might work, but there will likely be cheaper options in Monroe.

[Nightwolf]

I think it's a good idea. I don't have many places to shoot and I'm still a bit unsure about shooting in my back yard. Some of the out door ranges I've looked at don't even seem worth the 20$ or so that they ask for membership. Now this is coming from the side of me that likes to shoot. As a small business owner that just got started this year I'm quite concerned about how anything new will do in this economy. Keep me posted. I have some free time on my hands and would be willing to brain storm or toss ideas around. Not that I'm an expert or anything

[Paradigm]

As far as the current economy, building right now is brilliant. The cost for construction is incredibly low since so many contractors are hungry for work.

But...as soon as you are finished, you need to start attracting customers. And if the economy is still in the tank, you won't attract a lot of people.

The other downside with that type of business - as Rich mentioned - is the EPA/DEP crap you'd have to deal with as far as lead, fumes, etc. There is also the insurance...ouch. Not to mention the public issues that you may have to deal with as far as people not wanting a gun range in their back yards (even if you're ten miles away).


Best wishes to you, man. It takes a ton of courage - and a dose of "crazy" - to start your own business. If you plan everything well, and it still makes sense, go for it!