Range Laws & Regulations - Which is the 'friendliest' PA county?

**Rovert** · June 10th, 2012, 08:58 AM

If someone wanted to open a private shooting range in the Eastern part of PA, which county would you say is the most gun-friendly and would give the least amount of hassle, and how would you go about it?

Also, if you can comment on what sort of state and local requirements that one should be aware of such as DEP and noise regulations, that would be helpful. In other words, does the property need to be zoned as commercial or can it be private/residential? Would the range need to be a minimum distance from residential homes? Are there any federal or state requirements for lead abatement?

Thanks!

**bluedog46** · June 10th, 2012, 10:09 PM

This is not meant as a joke. In all seriousness the county Obama did the worst in ( hence America did the best) the 2008 election has almost got to be the most gun friendly, also probalby the safest, most clean. and the kind of place where people actually pay taxes instead of just consume them ( Philly anyone)

**NathanB** · June 11th, 2012, 09:37 AM

I would think it would have to be in the triangle west of milford allentown stroudsburg and before scranton wilkes barre area. Wayne county comes to mind if you wanted to keep it NEPA anyways. Lancaster seems to have some good ranges down that way already.

**renalp** · June 11th, 2012, 12:16 PM

Well, you got the usual off-topic political commentary.

The real answer depends on whether you mean a "private" range for personal, friends & family use, or whether you plan to sustain a business with paying members. If it's going to be a commercial venture, you need to choose a location based on the potential customer base and existing competition. Simply choosing the location of least resistance is kind of a backwards approach, and it would most likely land you in the least-populated rural area, where most people are already shooting on their own property.

There are existing ranges in every eastern PA county. Map them out, determine what they're offering, and look for market opportunities. Identify target locations (existing industrial or agricultural areas are a good start), then feel out the local zoning boards, which will be the biggest obstacles. A good commercial RE agent will be an asset.

Personally, I'd love to tell you that my area would be the perfect location, but realistically, we're already pretty well-served with ranges, including one (Shimerville) that recently closed, at least in part, due to low volume.

**Brick** · June 23rd, 2012, 06:20 PM

You might also want to take a look at the northern halves of Bradford and Susquehanna Counties.

**10PointHunter** · June 29th, 2012, 06:07 PM

Pike County might be a good start, dont know much about the zoning requirements however most parts are very rural and not close to any housing. The areas in and around Rt. 402 come to mind, it is a well traveled road and not to far of a drive from the stroudsburg-marshalls creek area. Plus the jerseyites might show up in high numbers too if you are looking into a public range since its not too far of a drive, could be beneficial to business.