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Starting a Shooting Range Business: A Complete Guide

Have you been thinking about starting a shooting range business?

Well, strap in.

I've got a complete guide locked and loaded with everything you need to know to get started.

Whether you're dreaming of an indoor haven or an outdoor shooting paradise, starting a shooting range business is no joke. It requires careful planning and thorough research on operational procedures, target customer base, existing customer base, safety features, zoning requirements, range design, local government laws and regulations, federal firearms license requirements, and so on.

In this blog, I'll discuss the steps needed for starting one from scratch.

Let’s dive in.

Starting a Shooting Range Business: A Step-By-Step-Guide

Starting a shooting range business can be a profitable venture. 

From calculating business expenses to promoting your business, I'll cover everything in this blog post.

Here are the steps you need to follow for starting your business.

1. Research the Shooting Range Industry

There are 3 types of shooting range businesses: indoor, outdoor, and hybrid ranges.

Indoor shooting ranges are popular in urban areas due to their convenience and controlled environment.

Outdoor shooting ranges offer a different shooting experience, allowing for longer distances and a more natural environment.

Hybrid ranges combine the best of both worlds, offering the freedom of open-air shooting and a controlled shooting environment.

Regardless of the type of shooting range, you must understand and comply with federal licensing requirements. Therefore, thorough research is a must.

Also, each state has its own specific regulations and licensing procedures for shooting range businesses, including:

• Zoning restrictions
• Safety inspections
• Background checks
• Record-keeping requirements

Abiding by these regulations ensures that shooting range owners can create a safe and legally compliant environment for their customers.

For more information on safety protocols, federal licensing, and state regulations, I recommend you visit the website of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives .

2. Know the Startup Costs for Shooting Range Businesses

Starting a shooting range business requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the associated startup costs.

Here are some of the costs you will need to factor in:

• Equipment: One of the major costs of starting a shooting range business is the purchase of equipment. This includes

           - Firearms

            - Ammunition

            - Targets

            - Safety gear

            - Range maintenance equipment

            - Shooting benches

            - Range dividers

            - Ventilation systems and more

• Land/Structures: If you plan on building an outdoor range, you will need to acquire suitable land. The cost of land will depend on the location, proximity to residential areas, local zoning regulations, and the size of the range.Indoor ranges require constructing or renting a suitable building. You will also need to spend on constructing shooting lanes, bulletproof walls, soundproofing, lighting, and ventilation systems.
• Labor: Hiring qualified staff members is crucial for the smooth operation and safety of your shooting range business. Consider labor costs for salaries, benefits, training, and ongoing staff development. 
• Business Formation Costs: Establishing a legal entity for your shooting range business, such as an LLC or Corporation, involves certain costs. This may include registration fees, legal fees, licenses, permits, insurance, and more.
• Marketing and Promotion: Promoting your shooting range business to attract customers will incur costs. This may include advertising, online marketing, creating a website, signage, brochures, social media campaigns, and other promotional materials.

I also recommend investing in lead generation software to target specific demographics and individuals who may be interested in your services. You may go through this lead generation software list by Attrock to find a suitable option for your business.

3. Come Up with a Detailed Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is necessary when starting a shooting range business like any other business. It helps outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections. 

Here are some key elements you should include in your business plan

• Pricing strategy: Determine how you will price your services. You may consider factors such as the cost of equipment, overhead expenses, competitor analysis, and your target market's willingness to pay.
• Funding sources: Identify the funding sources available to support your shooting range business, such as personal savings, bank loans, and so on. Your business plan should present a clear and realistic financial plan to use the funds to attract investors.
• Marketing strategy: Develop a marketing strategy to attract customers and increase awareness of your shooting range. I suggest using traditional and digital marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, local advertising, and partnerships with relevant organizations or clubs.
• Tools and Software: You need to invest in required software such as sales management tools, business text messaging software, accounting software, and delivery management software to run your business successfully.

Here are some tips you can follow for writing a business plan.

4. Get Your Shooting Range Business Accredited

Getting accreditation is another important step when starting a shooting range business. It helps ensure the safety and legitimacy of your operations.

Before pursuing accreditation, ensure that you have obtained all the necessary license and zoning requirements, various permits required by federal, state, and local authorities, and local regulations.

Familiarize yourself with the safety standards and regulations applicable to shooting ranges. This includes compliance with zoning laws, noise ordinances, and environmental regulations.

Prepare the necessary documentation and forms as per the requirements of the accreditation organization. This may include details about your range's safety protocols, range rules, insurance coverage, and emergency procedures.

5. Find the Ideal Location

When starting a shooting range business, finding the right location is key to business success.

For outdoor ranges, evaluate the land size and shape to accommodate various shooting distances and target setups. Consider the surrounding vegetation and natural barriers to ensure safety and prevent stray bullets.

I strongly recommend locating your shooting range near your target market. This will help attract a steady flow of customers and reduce their travel time.

Consider these factors when choosing a location for your business.

6. Brand Your Shooting Range Business

Pay special attention to branding when starting your shooting range business. The right branding strategies help to establish a strong identity for your business. 

Understanding your target market is crucial for effective branding. Identify the demographics, preferences, and interests of your potential customers.

Selecting a strong and memorable name for your shooting range is also essential. Pick a name that reflects the nature of your business and also appeals to your target market.

It is also important to establish a cohesive visual identity for your shooting range business. This includes choosing appropriate colors, fonts, and logos that align with your brand's personality.

Here’s a tip. Leverage social media platforms to enhance your brand presence. Use tools like Movavi Video Editor , Lightworks , and Animoto to create engaging videos on shooting sports, safety, and other relevant topics.

7. Develop Safety Protocols and Obtain Insurance Cover

When starting a shooting range business, ensuring the safety of your customers and staff is of paramount importance. Besides adhering to safety protocols mandated by the state, it is important also to create your own protocols tailored to your shooting range facility.

For instance, you must have a robust emergency response plan that outlines procedures for handling various scenarios, including accidents, medical emergencies, fire, or unauthorized access to the range. 

It is also crucial to train your staff on executing the emergency response plan. Create videos quickly with AI-text-video-generators , including real-life scenarios to help your staff better understand how to apply the procedures in real-time situations.

Here is an example.

You must also acquire appropriate liability insurance coverage for your shooting range business. Liability insurance helps protect your business from financial loss in the event of accidents, injuries, or property damage.

8. Get Reservation Software for Your Shooting Range

Invest in reservation software when starting your shooting range business. Reservation software helps streamline the booking and scheduling process, allowing customers to easily book range time online. This minimizes administrative tasks, reduces the risk of double bookings, and ensures a smooth and efficient operation of your shooting range.

With reservation software, customers can conveniently view available time slots, make reservations, and even pay in advance. This can significantly enhance the customer experience .

Data from the software can help you make informed decisions regarding staffing and equipment allocation. You can also tailor your marketing efforts to attract and retain customers.

9. Promote Your Shooting Range Business

Promoting your shooting range business is crucial for attracting customers and building a strong reputation in the industry.

Word of mouth is a powerful tool for promoting any business. Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word and recommend your shooting range to their friends, family, and colleagues.

Create a professional website that showcases your shooting range facilities, services, and pricing. Use a form maker to embed forms on your website to gather leads.

Create enticing offers and promotions to attract new customers, encourage repeat visits and establish relationships.

Online reviews and ratings play a significant role in building trust and credibility for your shooting range business. Consider applying for a rating from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) . It can further enhance your reputation and attract customers looking for trusted shooting ranges.

Conclusion:

Starting a shooting range business does not have to be daunting. Just follow the step-by-step guide I’ve laid out for you. 

Do your market research, get the necessary permits, finalize a shooting area, and invest in quality equipment. Safety concerns should always be your top priority for either a new shooting range or an already operating establishment. Keep your customers happy, stay updated with regulations, and be adaptable. 

With hard work and dedication, your shooting range business can thrive in this exciting industry.

Unlock the full potential of your shooting range facility with strategic decision-making. Embracing a forward-thinking mindset is key to enhancing your facility's operations and maximizing efficiency. Streamlining and automating your processes empowers you to identify and address areas that require improvement.

Discover the transformative power of Omnify Facility Management Software , which has revolutionized operations for numerous recreation and sports facility businesses. By leveraging this cutting-edge solution, you can save valuable time and effort while providing exceptional services to your members. Take advantage of our FREE TRIAL today and propel your shooting range towards unprecedented growth.

Reena is the Director of Operations and Sales at Attrock, a result-driven digital marketing company. With 10+ years of sales and operations experience in the field of e-commerce and digital marketing, she is quite an industry expert. She is a people person and considers the human resources as the most valuable asset of a company. In her free time, you would find her spending quality time with her brilliant, almost teenage daughter and watching her grow in this digital, fast-paced era.

Looking to venture into the shooting range business? Omnify’s step-by-step Guide on starting one has got you covered. Continue reading for more information.

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Gun Range Business Plan Template

Writing a successful business plan for your gun shooting range business + template.

If you’re looking to start or grow a gun shooting range , you need a business plan. Your plan will outline your business goals and strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It will also detail the amount of funding you need, and if needed, present a case to investors and lenders regarding why they should invest in your business.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should invest the time and energy into creating a gun shooting range business plan, and provide you with a gun shooting range business plan template that includes an overview of what should be included in each section.

Why Write a Business Plan For a Gun Shooting Range Business?

There are many reasons to write a business plan for a gun shooting range , even if you’re not looking for funding. A business plan can help you see potential pitfalls in your business strategy, as well as identify opportunities you may not have considered. It can also help you track your progress and adjust your plans as needed.

That said, if you are looking for funding, a business plan is essential. Investors and lenders want to see that you have a solid understanding of your industry, your customers, and your competition. They also want to know that you have a realistic view of your financial situation and how much money you’ll need to get started.

How To Write a Business Plan For a Gun Shooting Range Business

While every business plan is different, there are 10 essential components that all gun shooting range business plans should include:

Executive Summary

Company description, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitor analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to tailor this information to your specific type of gun shooting range business, but these 10 components should be included in every plan.

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, but it’s often written last. This is because it provides an overview of the entire document.

In the executive summary, briefly explain what your business does, your business goals, and how you plan on achieving them. You should also include a brief overview of your financial situation, including how much money you’ll need to get started.

For organizational purposes, you could create headings for each main section of your business plan to highlight the key takeaways.

For example, your gun shooting range executive summary might look something like this:

Company Overview

[Insert Company Introduction / Short Summary]

Business Goals

[Insert Business Goals & How You Plan To Achieve Them]

Industry Overview

[Insert Industry Statistics on the Size of Your Market]

Competition

[Insert Overview of Competitors & Your Competitive Advantage]

[Insert Information About The Marketing Strategies You Will Use To Attract Clients/Customers]

Financial Overview

You can add and/or remove sections as needed, but these are the basics that should be included in every executive summary.

The next section of your gun shooting range business plan is the company description, where you’ll provide an overview of your business.

Include information about your:

• Company History & Accomplishments To Date

Mission Statement and/or Company Values

With regards to the company overview, here you will document the type of gun shooting range business you operate. For example, there are several types of shooting range s such as:

• Indoor Shooting Ranges
• Outdoor Shooting Ranges
• Mobile Shooting Ranges
• Gun Safety Training Centers
• Firearms Retailers

For example, a gun shooting range company description might look something like this:

We are an X type of gun shooting range business.

Company History

If an existing company: Since launching, our team has served X customers and generated $Y in revenue.

If startup: I conceived [company name] on this date. Since that time, we have developed the company logo, found potential space, etc. 

This is just an example, but your company description should give potential investors a clear idea of who you are, what you do, and why you’re the best at what you do.

The next section of your business plan is the industry analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of the industry you’re in, as well as any trends or changes that might impact your business.

Questions you will want to answer include:

• What is the overall size of the gun shooting range industry?
• How is the industry growing or changing?
• What are the major trends affecting the gun shooting range industry?
• Who are the major players in the gun shooting range industry?

For example, your industry analysis might look something like this:

The size of the gun shooting range industry is $X billion.

It is currently growing at an annual rate of 5.6%, which is projected to continue for the next decade.

Major trends affecting the industry are : 

– The gun industry is growing rapidly.

– People are becoming more interested in recreational shooting.

– There is an increasing demand for safety and training.

How We Fit Into The Industry

This is just an example, but your industry analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of the overall industry, and how your company fits into that industry.

The next section of your gun shooting range business plan is the customer analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your target customers are and what their needs are.

• Who are your target customers?
• What are their needs?
• How do they interact with your industry?
• How do they make purchasing decisions?

You want a thorough understanding of your target customers to provide them with the best possible products and/or services. Oftentimes, you will want to include the specific demographics of your target market, such as age, gender, income, etc., but you’ll also want to highlight the psychographics, such as their interests, lifestyles, and values.

This information will help you better understand your target market and how to reach them.

For example, your customer analysis might look something like this:

Target Market & Demographics

The demographic (age, gender, location, income, etc.) profile of our target gun shooting range customer is as follows: 

– Age: 25-54

– Gender: Male

– Location:Urban

– Income: $50,000-$150,000

Psychographics

Our core customer interests are as follows: 

– Safety: They want to feel safe when using firearms.

– Training: They want to be properly trained in how to use firearms.

– Competition: They want to be able to compete with others in firearm usage.

In summary, your customer analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of who your target market is and how you reach them.

The next section of your business plan is the competitor analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your major competitors are and their strengths and weaknesses.

• Who are your major competitors?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• How do they compare to you?

You want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your competition so that you can position yourself in the market. Creating a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) for each of your major competitors helps you do this. 

For example, your competitor analysis might look something like this:

Major Competitors

XYZ Company is our major competitor. Its offerings include this, this and this. Its strengths include XYZ, and its weaknesses include XYZ.

Competitive Advantage

Your competitor analysis should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who your major competitors are and how you compare to them.

The next section of your business plan is the marketing plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your marketing strategy and how you plan on executing it.

Specifically, you will document your “4 Ps” as follows:

• Products/Services : Here is where you’ll document your product/service offerings.
• Price : Detail your pricing strategy here.
• Place : Document where customers will find you and whether you will use distribution channels (e.g., partnerships) to reach them.
• Promotion : Here you will document how you will reach your target customers. For instance, gun shooting range businesses often reach new customers via promotional tactics including print advertisements, online ads and word-of-mouth.

For example, your marketing plan might look something like this:

Products/Services

We offer the following products/services: 

We will use a premium pricing strategy to establish ourselves as the highest quality brand.

We will serve customers directly and through a partnership with XYZ company.

As you can see, your marketing plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics.

The next section of your business plan is the operations plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they will be structured.

• What are your company’s daily operations?
• How are your company’s operations structured?
• Who is responsible for each task?

Your operations plan should be detailed and concise. You want to make sure that potential investors have a clear understanding of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they are structured.

You will also include information regarding your long-term goals for your operations and how you plan on achieving them.

For example, your operations plan might look something like this:

Daily Operations

Our company’s daily operations include XYZ.

Operational Structure

Our company is structured as follows:

• Department 1
• Department 2
• Department 3

Each department is responsible for XYZ tasks.

Long-Term Goals

Our long-term goals for our operations are to achieve the following over the next five years.

Date 1: Goal 1

Date 2: Goal 2

Date 3: Goal 3

Date 4: Goal 4

Your operations plan should give readers a clear idea of your company’s day-to-day operations, how they are structured, and your long-term goals for the company.

The next section of your business plan is the management team. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your management team and their experience.

• Who is on your management team?
• What are their qualifications?
• What is their experience?

Your management team ideally includes individuals who are experts in their respective fields. You want to make sure that lenders and investors have a clear understanding of your management team’s qualifications and experience, and feel they can execute on your plan.

For example, your management team might look something like this:

Our management team is comprised of the following X individuals with the following experience.

Team Member 1: 

Team member 1’s qualifications and experience include XYZ.

Team Member 2: 

Your management team should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who is on your team and how their qualifications and experience will help your company succeed.

The final core section of your business plan is the financial plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s financials.

• What are your company’s projected revenues?
• What are your company’s projected expenses?
• What is your company’s projected growth rate?
• How much funding do you need and for what purposes? For example, most startup gun shooting range businesses need outside funding for things like leasing a facility, purchasing equipment, and hiring staff.

Your financial plan should give potential investors a clear understanding of your company’s financials. While you may include a summary of this information in this section, you will include full financial statements in the appendix of your business plan.

For example, your financial plan might look something like this:

Our company’s projected revenues over the next five years are $XYZ.

Expenses & Net Income

Our company’s projected expenses and net income over the next five years are $XYZ.

Uses of Funding

This is just an example, but your financial plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your company’s financial projections.

The final section of your business plan is the appendix. In this section, you’ll need to provide any additional information that was not included in the previous sections.

This may include items such as:

• Full financial statements
• Resumes of key management team members
• Letters of reference
• Articles or press releases
• Marketing materials
• Product information
• Any other relevant information

By including this information in the appendix, you are allowing potential investors and lenders to learn more about your company.

In summary, writing a gun shooting range business plan is a vital step in the process of starting and/or growing your own business.

A business plan will give you a roadmap to follow. It can also help you attract investors and partners.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can be sure that your business plan will be effective and help you achieve your goals.

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Business Plan Services Business Plan Writing Business Plan Consultants

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Shooting Range Business Plan and SWOT Analysis

Shooting Range Business Plan, Marketing Plan, How To Guide, and Funding Directory

The Shooting Range Business Plan and Business Development toolkit features 18 different documents that you can use for capital raising or general business planning purposes. Our product line also features comprehensive information regarding to how to start a Shooting Range business. All business planning packages come with easy-to-use instructions so that you can reduce the time needed to create a professional business plan and presentation.

Your Business Planning Package will be immediately emailed to you after you make your purchase.

• Bank/Investor Ready!
• Complete Industry Research
• 3 Year Excel Financial Model
• Business Plan (26 to 30 pages)
• Loan Amortization and ROI Tools
• Three SWOT Analysis Templates
• Easy to Use Instructions
• All Documents Delivered in Word, Excel, and PDF Format
• Meets SBA Requirements

Shooting ranges are extremely popular businesses within the United States. A substantial number of American citizens own firearms and they enjoy taking them to shooting ranges to practice. These businesses are relatively immune from negative economic changes even though the pricing points associated with going to a shooting range are somewhat high. Typically, most indoor shooting ranges have a startup cost of roughly $300,000 to $500,000 while purely outdoor ranges usually have startup costs ranging from $100,000 to $200,000. The barriers to entry for a new shooting range are considered moderately high given the substantial zoning requirements associated with these businesses. Additionally, some states require that these businesses maintain extensive licenses and insurance policies in place in case of an on-site accident. As such, while shooting ranges can be very lucrative businesses they also have very high operating costs.

Most financial institutions love to place money with shooting ranges given the large amount of real estate and tangible assets that are acquired in the process of launching one of these businesses. Additionally, the gross margins generated from revenues range anywhere from 75% to 95% depending on whether or not the shooting range provides emanation ammunition on-site. Within a shooting range business plan a fully developed three-year profit and loss statement, cash flow analysis, balance sheet, breakeven analysis, and business ratios page should be developed. If an entrepreneur is looking to raise capital via a bank loan that it needs to be very clearly shown what tangible assets, land, and real estate will be purchased with these funds. Beyond the financial information, a full demographic profile that includes an examination of the population size, population density, percentage of people owning firearms, median household income, median family income, and competition should be discussed as well. In most areas competition is limited given that there are very few zoning permits handed out for new shooting range facilities. Of course, this varies heavily state to state.

The shooting range marketing plan should be a complex document that showcases how the entrepreneur will promote the business among the general public while concurrently developing relationships with local law enforcement agencies. One of the ways that mow shooting ranges become profitable quickly is by developing ongoing referral or contractual relationships with area police departments so that their police officers training at the facility. Additionally, a moderate scale print campaign is usually introduced as well that includes the distribution of flyers to local residents. The on relationships with law enforcement agencies and print campaigns, a online presence is also needed. This website should showcase the rules of the shooting range also informing the general public of the hours of operation, pricing, and other pertinent information as it relates to operating a shooting range. Many shooting ranges also maintain profiles on popular social networking platforms such as FaceBook, Twitter, and Google in order to let ongoing customers know whether or not the range going to be closed on any given day. These social media websites are also popular for distributing coupons for usage at the range.

The shooting range SWOT analysis focuses heavily on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that are normally found at these facilities. As it relates the strengths, shooting ranges generate very high gross margins also having very high barriers to entry. For weaknesses, the operating expenses of the shooting range are very high given that very substantial insurance policies must be held on an ongoing basis. Also, there are a number of flaws – both federal and state – that need to be addressed and complied with at all times. For opportunities, many shooting ranges will seek to expand revenues by offering things such as ammunition as well as a limited food and beverage service at the facility. Additionally, some shooting ranges once they have reached 100% capacity will establish additional locations with any given regional market. For threats, this is somewhat limited to a shooting range but changes in firearms laws may impact the way that these companies conduct business moving forward.

Shooting Range Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Are you looking to launch a shooting range business but don't know how to get started? Search no more! The #1 Shooting Range Business Plan Template & Guidebook is the ultimate resource for entrepreneurs looking to achieve success in their new venture. With step-by-step instructions and comprehensive guidance, this template and guidebook gives aspiring shooting range business owners the tools they need to develop a competitive, profitable business.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Shooting Range Business [11 Steps]

How to Write a Shooting Range Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your shooting range business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your shooting range business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a shooting range business:

Our mission as a shooting range is to provide a safe, enjoyable space where people can learn and practice their shooting skills. We are committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality customer experience for our guests. We strive to be industry leaders in safety and knowledge, helping to build a well-educated generation of shooters for years to come.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Shooting Range Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your shooting range business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your shooting range business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your shooting range business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your shooting range business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a shooting range business?

In order to run a shooting range business, the following equipment and supplies are required:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Range equipment such as target stands, backstops, and shooting benches
• Safety equipment such as hearing protection, eye protection, and cleaning supplies
• Range lighting
• Adequate ventilation
• Protective barriers such as sandbags or bulletproof walls

In addition, permits are needed to lawfully operate a shooting range. Depending on the specific location and type of range, these may include firearms licensing permits, zoning permits, building permits, business licenses, and other local permits.

5. Management & Organization of Your Shooting Range Business.

The second part of your shooting range business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your shooting range business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Shooting Range Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a shooting range business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a shooting range business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your shooting range business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your shooting range business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your shooting range business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shooting Range Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a shooting range business.

A business plan is an essential tool for a shooting range business as it provides a roadmap to guide the business's development and operations. It helps to set goals, determine the strategies and tactics needed to achieve those goals, assess potential risks, and analyze the financial implications of running a shooting range. A comprehensive business plan also allows potential investors or lenders to assess the viability of investing in the business.

Who should you ask for help with your shooting range business plan?

When developing a business plan for a shooting range, it is recommended to consult an experienced business advisor or lawyer who can help you evaluate all aspects of the venture. A professional with experience in the gun industry could also provide valuable insight. Additionally, speaking with other shooting range owners and industry professionals can also be beneficial as they will have first-hand knowledge about running such businesses.

Can you write a shooting range business plan yourself?

Writing a business plan for a shooting range can be an involved process that requires in-depth research and planning. It is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional business plan consultant or writer to ensure that all aspects of the plan are properly addressed. Additionally, many local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) may be able to offer additional resources and assistance for developing a business plan.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

How to Start a Shooting Range Business

A shooting range business can be a great way to capitalize on the growing popularity of firearms while also providing a valuable service to your community. If you’re thinking about starting a shooting range business, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get started. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to start a shooting range business.

Why start a shooting range?

Choose the right location, purchase supplies and equipment, develop a business plan, get the necessary permits and licenses, find the right insurance policy, promote your business, the bottom line.

In recent years, the demand for shooting range businesses has increased significantly. This is likely due to many factors, including increased gun ownership, changing attitudes toward guns, and a growing interest in recreational shooting. Whatever the reason, this trend presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors.

As we mentioned, several factors have contributed to the increased demand for shooting ranges. Let’s take a look at each of these in turn:

• An increase in gun ownership: According to a 2017 survey by Pew Research Center, 40% of American households own guns, up from 32% in 2014. This trend is likely due in part to concerns about personal safety; as crime rates have fallen in recent years, people have become less worried about being victims of crime and more interested in protecting themselves and their families.
• Changing  attitudes toward guns : There has been a shift in public attitude toward guns in recent years, with more people seeing them as instruments of recreation or self-defense rather than tools of violence. This change is likely due to the increased prominence of women and minorities in the gun community; according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 36% of gun owners are women, and 21% are non-white.
• A growing interest in recreational shooting: In addition to self-defense and hunting, more and more people are taking up shooting as a hobby. This is partly due to the rise of competitive shooting sports like 3-gun and USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association), which have seen explosive growth in recent years. The popularity of shows like Top Shot and American Sniper has also helped raise interest in recreational shooting.

Starting your business

Now that you know why there’s a growing demand for shooting ranges let’s talk about what you’ll need to do to start your own. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

The first step in starting any business is choosing the right location, especially for a shooting range business. When selecting a location for your shooting range, you’ll want to consider factors such as the cost of land, the property’s size, and the area’s zoning regulations. You’ll also want to consider the proximity of your shooting range to potential customers.

After you’ve taken care of all the legalities in starting your shooting range business, it’s time to purchase supplies and equipment. When selecting supplies and equipment for your shooting range, choose high-quality products that will withstand frequent use. You’ll also want to ensure that you have  secured commercial gun storage  so your customers’ firearms can be safely stored while they’re shooting.

Once you’ve selected a location for your shooting range, it’s time to develop a business plan. Your business plan should include your marketing strategy, target market, financial projections, and operating procedures.

Before you can open your doors for business, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses from local, state, and federal authorities. The process for obtaining these permits and licenses can vary depending on your location, so it’s essential to do your research and ensure you comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

As with any business, it’s crucial to have the right insurance policy before opening for business. This will help protect you from liability if something goes wrong at your shooting range. When shopping for insurance, make sure to get quotes from multiple providers and compare coverage options so that you can find the best policy for your needs.

Now that everything is up and running, it’s time to start promoting your new shooting range businesses! There are many ways to  promote your business . Still, some of the most effective methods include online marketing (such as creating a website or blog), print marketing (such as flyers or brochures), and word-of-mouth marketing (telling family and friends about your new business).

These are the things you’ll need to do to get started in a shooting range business. You can turn your passion for shooting into a profitable and successful business with some hard work and dedication. Keep in mind that it’s always essential to stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations to ensure your business is compliant and operating safely.

About The Author

Mark Anderson

• 1-800-761-1231
• [email protected]

• Commercial Shooting Range

Getting Your Commercial Shooting Range Launched

Spire Ranges has the most current and technical information on owning, operating and opening a  commercial shooting range . We can help you plan and budget appropriately in regard to discussing all of the variables that are involved. After reading this; we have no doubt that you will be completely satisfied in having all of your questions answered! Specifically, “How much does building a commercial shooting range cost?”

Starting a commercial shooting range is a significant investment and something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Spire Ranges’ main goal here is to help with your commercial shooting range requirements by getting you pointed in the right direction from the very beginning saving you many hours and unnecessary mistakes. We promise to eventually get to the exciting material and discuss the customization of your commercial gun shooting range soon enough. We are more than willing to take as much time as you need to fully educate you with all of the best knowledge, experience and facts to ensure a long-term success.

Common Commercial Shooting Range Problems

One of several reasons men and women have trouble succeeding in the commercial shooting range business is that they are making too many decisions based on their personal emotions. Being passionate about your business is crucial in succeeding; however you also need to use your business mind as well. It is best to base your company decisions on what’s going to make the business more efficient and profitable. The ongoing revenue component of your business must come first!

Another issue commercial shooting range owners constantly run into; is from putting money in places that that don’t yield the value they are hoping for. Spending money to have Spire Ranges develop a beautifully designed commercial shooting range with many upgrades and extras isn’t such a bad idea.

However, you ought to make sure to save money for other expenses like: marketing, land improvements, or even general maintenance. The goal is to always develop revenue streams so that the commercial shooting range starts paying for itself and eventually begins to turn a profit. Having the most luxurious commercial shooting range in the world is irrelevant if you fail to reach the people to let them know about your great facility.

The last thing to think about is your possibility of diverse legal issues. In neighborhood surroundings, you can face challenges with noise ordinances, along with other legal issues that will tie the hands up of your business. This isn’t something that should make you abandon your goals but having a firm understanding and research about it and being ready for this is key in setting up your business to flourish.

The Requirements Of A Commercial Shooting Range

For every indoor commercial shooting range, there are three main components that you have to have for safety concerns or for standard common-sense items.

The very first component is the granular rubber trap. This is the component at the end of the range that stops seals and then rounds the bullet shrapnel. Second you require a safety ceiling. This is what keeps everyone in the surrounding area safe in the event of an accidental discharge; when the bullet travels upward towards the ceiling. The last component that’s required is a proper HVAC system. The HVAC system keeps the air quality very clean and fresh throughout the commercial shooting range by pushing any lead or smoke particles away from your clientele. Please refer to our website where we discuss the components of a commercial shooting range on an even more in-depth description.

Make Your Money Go To Work For You

The first point to bring up outside of the fundamental components of a commercial  shooting range  is your dollars spent compared to the return on your initial investment. Purchasing a commercial shooting range is similar to buying a vehicle. On almost any car or truck, you have the ability to put in all the fancy upgrades.

However you could buy a car with roll-up windows and no power seats. That’s the beauty of the current world we are living in. You have the capability to customize your vehicle based on the things you value most. For instance, someone in Florida has very little need for heated seats so, this additional feature carries very little value to them. Conversely; if you were from Utah, (Spire Ranges Headquarters) heated seats are now a prerequisite.

Spire Ranges can create the ideal commercial shooting range beyond any of your current expectations. From the minute you first start working with us; you will be involved with creating the ultimate plans for a state-of-the-art commercial shooting range! Our first measure is determining what your revenue drivers are going to be. From that point, we give you options that are appropriate to your goals. This is the reason why it’s hard to throw out a generic price for a commercial shooting range over the phone without fine tuning the intricate details. Every commercial shooting range owner’s goals are much different from the next.

Finding Your Commercial Shooting Range Marketplace

Let’s imagine you need to build a commercial shooting a range catered towards a luxury type customer base. A place where people pay for membership. It would be very important in this kind of situation to have a nice couch for the members to relax on after some shooting. You may also want to include custom stone work behind the shooting bays with beautiful wood grain gun stands. These enhanced features are what your costumers are looking for and desire. If your primary source of profits is going to be coming from people; then you need to include interesting spinning targets or other similar pop up targets.

Or maybe you wish to open your commercial shooting range doors to your local military and/or law enforcement. If this was your goal, you should consider installing ballistic rubber on both walls. You will also want to install reduced light settings throughout the commercial shooting range in order to offer advanced training methods.

These are just a few types of different commercial shooting range installments to consider. The options are limited to your creativity as you will notice that for every possible revenue driver; the right kind of equipment is equally matched. In the event that you were leaning towards a generic public commercial shooting range; there are no requirements to include any of those previously mentioned wood grain gun racks. This is primarily because it will not match your demographic. You would get much less value out of this compared to money you are putting in. This is essential to making a commercial shooting range succeed. However, this also makes it difficult to give one cost that fits all over the phone or in an email.

Installation Of Your Commercial Shooting Range

Spire Ranges has many different options for installation when it comes to building a commercial shooting range. We are able to take care of everything. This means we provide the supplies with the onsite manger to help all of the plans go easily and seamlessly. We perform full installs at which we have our contractors tighten every nut and bolt for you. Depending on if we just provide you the plans/designs and supplies or if we handle everything from start to finish; your price will greatly vary. With the understanding of different factors involved within the various expenses of a commercial shooting range, we can absolutely answer your question regarding exactly how much does a commercial shooting range cost? Give us a call or fill out our form today!

For a very simple, 10-lane range, with a top-notch rubber trap, safety ceiling, along with a ventilation package. You can expect the total price to be around $468,000 or approximately $47,000 for each lane. Keep in mind this cost will not reflect the installation expenses incurred. An installation of this sort of commercial shooting range can include 30% more of the current price.

Additional Commercial Shooting Range Information

So, there you have it now! $468,000 for a basic commercial shooting range. If you have any more questions about this topic or anything you have read within this post, I would highly recommend you check out our other blog posts and/or the detailed information on our site. Granted, you can always just fill out a form or give us a call as well. Don’t forget you can also sign up to receive Spire Ranges notifications for our news/upcoming events which is an extraordinary place to gather information. You can always talk with one of our commercial shooting range specialists for further information if ever needed.

How To Get Your Commercial Shooting Range Accredited

In the process of building a commercial shooting range, perhaps the most intimidating area is getting it permitted/certified by your local government. After you’ve done all the work, raised all the money, and planned everything out, the final stage now comes down to a small number of elected officials or set of policies and procedures. Do not let this overwhelm you or make you feel helpless. Even though the ultimate decision is in someone else’s hands; there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of succeeding.

Your local government officials want to know as soon as possible about your plans to design and build a commercial shooting range. They will especially appreciate it if you inform them early on of your intentions; and that communication can open doors for you later on. You’ll have a better chance of getting your commercial shooting range permitted in the event that you’ve established a relationship with local leaders right from the beginning.

Having an open line of communication will help you find out zoning and other issues you will have to overcome. In most circumstances, land needs to be zoned as commercial or industrial for a commercial shooting range to be constructed on it. Find out if the land you’re looking at is zoned appropriately. Zoning requirements for building a commercial shooting range fluctuate depending on where you live, and some places might not have special guidelines.

Your local officials will have the most accurate information and can help you fully understand certain detailed requirements. In the event you discover that the land you plan to build on is not zoned appropriately for a commercial shooting range, consult the planning, and zoning committee to find out if it can be re-zoned. Often, city governments are willing to work with local businesses on zoning issues to keep likely commerce from going everywhere.

The more you learn about what’s required to get your commercial shooting range accredited, the better. Become familiar with local noise and firearms regulations as well as environmental restrictions that are relevant to your commercial shooting range. Here are a list of questions to consider in regards to commercial shooting range requirements:

How will you manage noise abatement?

How will you dispose of lead?

How will you keep customers and staff protected?

All of these type of issues will come up when presenting to the city council. If you already know what their concerns are through asking questions and doing research, you can adequately prepare to answer them now well in advance. Contact us today if you want further assistance in making sure your commercial shooting range is able to become accredited/certified in your local area.

Once you know what specifications your commercial shooting range will likely be required to meet, speak with one our experts to find out what options are readily available. Spire Ranges specializes in building state-of-the-art commercial shooting ranges! We offer several different ideas and technology to meet the stringent requirements of any government regulations. For example, we can provide you with an environmentally-friendly bullet trap that also makes lead containment protected and straightforward.

With the help of our proprietary technology, all bullets and range debris can be safely collected and deposited into a sealed cone for convenient disposal. Spire Ranges also provides sound-abating safety baffles, acoustically-rated wall systems that lessen reverberation by 95+%, bullet-proof see-through lane dividers, and ventilation systems that filter air and defend customers from direct vulnerability. No matter what requirements your commercial shooting range has, Spire Ranges has the knowledge and technology to meet it.

Once you’ve spoken to your local government officials and heard everything you need to understand the requirements, regulations and restrictions; all that’s left to do is present your plan towards the city council. For many inexperienced in public speaking, this might be the most demanding aspect of the process. To make the experience smoother, consult a city council member in advance to discover what type of information they want from you. Write a list of questions that they can possibly ask during your council meeting and put together all of your answers ahead of time so you never forget what to say in the heat of the moment.

If you feel as though you will require additional help, a Spire Ranges representative is more than willing to be of service! Even if that means you need us to physically attend the city council meeting with you (regardless of where you live). Having a commercial shooting range expert standing next to you; able to personally answer any questions about the technological and safety features is extremely helpful in getting the approval you need.

The information and expertise of Spire Ranges has been proven to be helpful to our clients throughout the years; but still may not apply in all situations. Make sure you use judgment in determining which tips will be most beneficial in your particular situation.  The Spire Ranges team is willing to do whatever it can to make the approval process as simple and successful as possible. In the event you have some questions or concerns about getting your commercial shooting range approved, call us today and speak with your local representative. If you are not ready to call, that is completely fine as well as all you have to do is fill out a quick form on our website and we will get back in touch with you shortly!

How To Start A Commercial Shooting Range Business

An indoor or outdoor shooting range can be described as a lucrative business in the event that you are the kind of person who can operate under rigid national, state, and local regulations, including safety, insurance, record keeping, and reporting requirements. You can begin from scratch or buy an already-operating establishment, depending on your situation and the startup funds you have at your disposal.

Research your license and zoning requirements. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has an informative website and offers amazingly great advice. Your local city officials can educate you on the zoning laws in various places and certain requirements you need to meet.

Visit commercial shooting ranges in and out of your city and attend as many gun shows as you can. Ask questions of the people involved in the industry and establish contacts with gun producers who are very likely to have helpful guidance for opening a commercial shooting range establishment that can promote and sell their firearms.

Join the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the industry’s largest trade association. Also consider the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other interest groups at which you can obtain news and helpful advice.

Write your business plan, giving special attention to the expenses involved. It can be costly to build a commercial shooting range from scratch; particularly if it is an indoor commercial shooting range. Contact local ranges to see whether they would consider selling or taking on a partner because the cost of improving an existing establishment could be far less than building a new one and you would have the added plus of an existing customer base.

Contact several commercial property estate brokers and establish relationships with people who are proficient in zoning laws and safety requirements involved in a commercial shooting range. You’ll also need insurance to protect you against liability from errors on the part of you or your staff.

Decide what your company image/logo is going to be and employ that image to your name, logo, center decorations, promotional literature and overall advertising. Your company image needs to meet the needs of your target customer. Promote your business to local gun and service clubs, sporting goods shops and commercial entities. Provide exceptional discounts and contests to draw on customers during your first months of operation. Offer classes in responsible gun ownership, maintenance and use through local night school and community recreation programs. Lastly, make sure to promote yourself through ongoing advertising and start with a bang (pun intended) with an awesome grand opening celebration.

An average commercial shooting range charges around $10.00/hour which means you will need upwards of 100 daily customers to make $30,000 monthly. To brake down this math you will make an average of $1,000/day at 30 days/month which equals $30,000.This amount in most scenarios may only cover your costs associated with rent, salaries, utilities and liability insurance. Gun sales and rentals of ammunition and equipment are crucial considerations in the profitability of your overall operation.

Before you get started, make sure to get your accounting in order. As well as your record keeping and operational skillsets. Struggling to comply with record keeping and reporting requirements can put you out of business very rapidly. Most any computer software will assist you in these type of daily nuances, however; you and your staff will still need to know exactly how to use it efficiently.

Spire Ranges Offers The Best  Commercial Shooting Range

With many years of experience in designing and building commercial shooting ranges, Spire Ranges brings you the industry’s best design, development, installation and service experience to every project. Whether you are a retail shop owner looking to build your first firearms training center, or perhaps even a current range proprietor in need of an update or maintenance to your existing center; we have all of the resources you want under one roof to guide you during the entire process of commercial shooting range requirements, design, development and management.

It’s possible for commercial shooting range owners to feel overwhelmed with questions about hardware, ventilation, lead abatement, overall environmental concerns, zoning regulations, range equipment that the list seems infinite. Rest assured that our team of experts, from engineering to sales, will streamline this process. We can help you through each step, from your research process by means of range design, construction, and maintenance.

With a Spire ranges commercial shooting range planning expert, you now have access to the very best indoor/outdoor commercial shooting range equipment in the industry! Some of the more popular technologies we offer are as listed:

• Target Carriers
• Recovery Systems
• Range Control Devices
• Steel Bullet Seals
• Rubber Bullet Seals
• Shooting Stalls
• Audio Communication Systems
• Visual Communication Systems
• Ballistic Baffles
• Ballistic Walls
• Mobile Ranges
• Ventilation Systems
• Shooting Houses

Spire Ranges designs, builds and installs the very best and most affordable commercial shooting range systems in the US as well as globally in the industry.

Final Considerations In Designing A Commercial Shooting Range

If you are a gun fanatic that enjoys teaching others about firearms, then a commercial shooting range may be the perfect business for you. Unfortunately acquiring a license to open up such an operation requires you to obtain various permits and permissions from government officials/councils. However, if you are proficient about gun-safety issues, it shouldn’t be too difficult. You might have to build your commercial shooting range according to the general consensus of your local rules and requirements; so pay close attention to the interests of the customers and board/council members in your area.

Remember to c ontact your local government office about zoning legislation for shooting and building permits. Additionally, there are many restrictions regarding exactly where you can open a commercial shooting range; the times you can operate it and what you must have in your indoor/outdoor shooting range. Which is a perfect introduction to the next topic.

Determine if you want to open up an indoor or outdoor commercial shooting range. For an indoor range, consider opening it near a shopping mall or somewhere near downtown. You will want room for at least five shooting stalls, a money register, room to host classes, bathrooms, and also a showroom for leasing guns, selling various merchandise, as well as any guns. For an outdoor range, you will want to get land outside of city limits or in a metropolitan area. You will need at least two acres for your outdoor range to accomplish this.

Here are some other important steps to take when opening up a commercial shooting range for a business. Incorporate your business and obtain a national tax identification (EIN) number. Purchase at least $500,000 in liability insurance coverage. Apply for a Federal Firearms License to buy and promote firearms. If you are unsure of how to best take these steps on your own. Please feel free to contact us today to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

It is also really important that you d etermine the types of services you will offer. An indoor commercial shooting range may have a pistol range, rifle range, and paintball area or even arena, which is actually a great means to draw in the younger crowd. An indoor and outdoor commercial shooting range may offer firearm safety lessons and training for people seeking a concealed carry license. You can offer set classes, events, and functions for birthdays, coworkers, and bachelor and bachelorette parties. In the event you choose to offer special events, contact a local pizzeria or deli, and ask them about catering. Consider putting in vending machines, because customers can spend hours at your place of business.

Become proficient about guns and shooting. You have to understand the details about each of your guns, how they function and for whom they are most appropriate for. If you do not have a background in firearms; consider enrolling in the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program. Once completed, become an NRA instructor, especially if you intend to seek the services of instructors to teach your classes.

Invest in your equipment and ongoing business. Buy handguns, rifles, paintball guns, paintballs, various earplugs, safety goggles, various ammunition, clips, targets of varied sizes, snare, and skeet targets (for an outdoor range) and cleaning kits, etc. Purchase custom t shirts, hats, and infant clothing with your logo to sell to satisfied customers.

Legal Issues When Building A Commercial Shooting Range

Commercial shooting range requirements and regulations mandated by national, state, or municipal laws need to be properly addressed. Your commercial shooting range needs to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, as well as those compiled by other agencies concerned with conservation and environmental issues. Specifically, commercial shooting range noise limits, safety precautions and importantly, the adverse impact of lead bullets on soil around outdoor commercial shooting ranges; which are all topics that have to be resolved when you set up your indoor/outdoor shooting range. To help you gain a lot of important information, contact the National Rifle Association (NRA) or the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). This way you are sure to discover all of the lawful regulations required in building a commercial shooting range.

On a final note, Spire Ranges wants to take time out to briefly discuss long-term safety so your patrons can enjoy your commercial shooting range for many years to come. This is especially crucial to execute as you never want to have to deal with a major accident or even death! To avoid such a travesty it is best to hire a full-time staff that is well trained and efficient in helping all of your customers in having a fun and safe experience.  This also helps ensure you have someone on the front lines monitoring everything to make sure everyone complies with all of the rules.

Your commercial shooting range rules should be very detailed and clearly visible/posted/shared by staff as well as strictly adhered to so your customers understand the seriousness of the situation. This will also help you resolve any potential disputes that may arise. Some cardinal rules should include certain safety mandates such as: requiring eye and ear protection at all times while in the shooting area, etc. Do not allow more than two people to one shooting booth as that can cause an accident as well. Do not allow your customers to cross fire into other shooting lanes. Figure out the rules in advance related to clearing and benching firearms so your customers know how to secure their weapons when they have finished shooting for the day.

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Houston County Sheriff

Sliver Eagle Group

Legacy Shooting Center

Command Treadwell

Business hours.

Monday–Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturdays: Closed Sundays: Closed

You can’t afford downtime. We can’t either. We take pride in our ability to identify issues and fix them quickly to ensure that your range is always up and running. That’s the guarantee we put on every range we install.

• Target Systems
• Range Controls
• Containment
• Product Support
• Range Financing

How to Start a Shooting Range Business

by David Weedmark

Published on 13 Mar 2020

If you have a passion for guns, gun safety or gun security, then starting a gun range business can be an excellent way to be your own boss, make good money and indulge in your passion. A gun range can be ideal for a small business model. A 2019 IBISWorld report shows that total revenue for shooting ranges in the United States was $2 billion annually with a growth rate of 1.2%. There were 7,081 shooting ranges in the country, and unlike other businesses, no single company dominates a significant share of the market.

A sample income statement provided by Michael Davey, an Arizona-based shooting range designer, shows an example of indoor shooting range profitability when it's well-managed. With operational costs of about $900,000, it brought in $1.6 million in revenue for about $700,000 in profit, with about a third of that profit coming from the sale of accessories.

Zoning Requirements for a Gun Range

It's important to ensure the location you select for your gun range is allowable before you buy land or sign a lease. Outdoor shooting ranges are almost always located in rural areas away from population centers. Indoor ranges are usually restricted to commercial or industrial building zones.

In some areas, zoning may not be an issue for a shooting range, but other communities may restrict their locations. Some states, like Washington, require that any business selling firearms cannot be located near schools. You should become very familiar with zoning requirements and gun control laws for your city, county and state. You don't need a special license to operate a gun range on the federal level, but you will need a Federal Firearms License to sell firearms and accessories.

You should check with your city or county government officials to find out where a shooting range can and cannot be built. A call to your local police department's nonemergency number should quickly get you in the right direction as far as regulations regarding a shooting range in your area.

Starting an Indoor Gun Range

There are three types of shooting ranges: indoor, outdoor and hybrid. An indoor range is more expensive to build and maintain. However, it usually generates more money than an outdoor range. Benefits of an indoor range include:

• Can be located in high-population areas
• Is easier to manage lead contamination
• Is easier to control noise leaving the range
• Facilitates a profit-making pro shop
• Provides all-weather shooting

A pro shop should be a key part of your indoor shooting range business plan because of the significant revenue it can generate through the sale of guns, ammunition and accessories. If you rent guns to customers to try on the range, they will be more likely to buy a gun from you.

Drawbacks to an indoor range include ventilation requirements, limited space and building costs. Smoke and lead-contaminated dust must be filtered out with a good HVAC air-filtration system . Noise-reduction measures must be installed to protect the neighborhood, such as noiseproof doors, foam and sealants. Indoor ranges are often limited to pistols and single-shot firearms due to space constraints.

Starting an Outdoor Gun Range

Outdoor ranges are almost always in rural areas. Noise issues and the risk of stray bullets make them unsuitable for cities and towns. They don't usually bring in as much revenue as indoor ranges due to them being farther from populated areas and limited to daylight hours, but the costs can be much lower.

Outdoor ranges can attract visitors because they can offer realistic scenarios with multiple stations and varying-distance targets, and they can accommodate automatic or semiautomatic weapons . Themes and decorations can provide an adventure park experience, with inexpensive shooting sheds offering shelter from the elements.

Lead contamination is a serious issue, so your range can't be close to a water source. Under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements, you'll have to register your range as a hazardous waste site because of the lead from bullets. You will have to keep records of how and when you pick up and store used lead bullets. The range and the owner can be sued if your activities threaten the local environment with lead contamination.

Startup Costs and Pricing

An indoor range is expensive to build, with a cost of several thousand dollars for every stall. Count on spending about $500,000 to convert a building into a range. The HVAC system alone will cost about $25,000 per stall. Bullet traps, target systems and baffles will cost about $20,000 per lane. A gun shop, which will be your main moneymaker, will cost $10,000 to $50,000 to set up.

Outdoor ranges aren't nearly as expensive to start, provided you already own the land. Shooting sheds can be constructed from wood and concrete, something many people can do themselves. You will also need barriers and bullet catchers at the very least. A large, well-designed outdoor range with an adventure park theme can cost a couple million dollars.

While you're establishing your startup costs, you will also need to determine your pricing models so that you can pay for those costs quickly and begin turning a profit. Gun ranges usually have membership fees and lane fees . Check out what comparable ranges are charging when setting your prices. Decide what types of discounts members will get, like discounted rates or a number of free visits each month. In addition to selling firearms and accessories, consider offering training or classes to novices.

Funding Your Shooting Range

The capital needed to start a gun range is sizable, so you will need to plan how you will finance it. Personal savings is a good start; however, there are many other available resources you should consider. If you know of a couple interested investors with deep pockets, a partnership may be a good idea. Similarly, forming a corporation could attract more investors with smaller amounts through the issuance of private shares.

A GoFundMe account could bring in a lot of money if there is a lot of interest in a gun range in your community. Ideally, there should be interest if your range is to be successful anyway. You should also research grants that may be available. The National Rifle Association offers grants to shooting ranges, for example, and it has a lot of information regarding grants on its website.

Loans are also an option, though you may have to put up personal collateral in order to get decent interest rates. Check out the Small Business Administration's website for information on SBA-backed loans, which should get you better interest rates due to the SBA's guarantee to lenders that they will get their money back.

Marketing and Promoting Your Shooting Range

Fundraising has a double advantage of letting everyone know that your shooting range will soon be open for business. The best advertising is always word of mouth, but prominent signage and online marketing and local advertising are important too. Include a marketing budget in your startup costs, particularly for your opening day.

Contact local newspapers and radio stations to see what kind of ad rates you can get for the launch of your shooting range. Free caps and T-shirts with your range's logo on them make great walking advertisements, particularly if you offer them to people during your grand opening and to new members.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation has a five-star rating system it awards to high-quality ranges. Although the additional costs required for a five-star rating may be sizable, being listed with the NSSF should do a lot to attract customers.

How to Start a Gun Shooting Range Business

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Security Industry » Shooting Range

Do you want to start an indoor shooting range? If YES, here is a complete guide to starting a gun shooting range business with NO money and no experience plus a sample gun shooting range business plan template.

There are several business opportunities that an aspiring entrepreneur who lives in the united states can successfully start and one of such businesses is a gun shooting range. It is one business that has continued to yield profits because of the lucrative nature of the business and the legislature that still favors it.

Hence, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the gun shooting range or any gun and ammunition related business is a money spinner for those that engage in it. If you live in the United States of America or in some developed countries of the world, you will agree that loads of people (the civilian populace) take out time to patronize gun shooting ranges.

This is because in the United States, any individual who can afford a gun can easily get one and go ahead to secure license for the gun. In order to learn how to shoot, they go to shooting ranges.

So, if you are serious about starting your own gun shooting range business, all you need do is to read this article and you will be well equipped. You can start your gun shooting range business from a small town in the United States and if you are consistent and creative, it won’t be too long before your brand becomes a nationally recognized brand.

Steps to Starting a Gun Shooting Range Business

1. understand the industry.

The Shooting Range industry provides indoor and outdoor targets for firing weapons such as handguns, shotguns, rifles and other arms.

Handgun ranges typically have their own indoor stations, while rifles can be shot at disks and a variety of other targets. It is the norm for a standard gun shooting range facility to engage in providing target practice, shooting lessons, gun rentals and protective equipment rentals.

In recent years, the Shooting Range industry in the United States of America has swiftly recovered due to increased enthusiasm for firearms fueled by fears of stricter gun control in the wake of several high-profile shootings.

For instance, a report released by IBISWorld shows that gun and ammunition sales surged following tragedies in Aurora, CA, and Newton, CT, which has driven demand for shooting ranges from consumers who purchased firearms ahead of anticipated gun control measures.

Such legislation never materialized at the federal level, and demand for industry services began to normalize, declining from its 2012 surge, but nonetheless remaining high. Subsequently, the revenue generated by players in the industry will grow at a slower pace over the next half decade.

The Shooting Range industry is indeed a thriving industry in the United States of America and in some developed countries. Statistics has it that the Shooting Range industry in the United States of America is worth $1bn, with an estimated growth rate of 4.5 percent.

There are about 2,523 registered and licensed shooting range facilities scattered all across the United States and an estimated 16,000 to 18,000 indoor firing ranges are in operation in the United States. Indoor ranges differ in construction, depending on the type of weapons to be fired.

Shooting ranges are responsible for employing about 17,448 people. No company can boast of dominating the market; every player in the industry can comfortably compete in the industry. A recent research publication released by IBISWorld shows that the vast majority of people who come to shooting ranges do so to fire either a handgun or rifle.

The report stated that handgun shooting alone accounts for 41.2 percent of industry revenue. Handguns are smaller and usually easier to handle than rifles. As a result, they are the most fired type of firearm at ranges, especially by novices. Moreover, handguns are less expensive to rent and own, making them more popular to use.

Lastly, the report further stated that many shooting ranges (especially in urban areas or in regions with stricter gun control laws) only provide handgun shooting, thereby limiting the other product categories. Rifle shooting is the second – largest industry service category, accounting for an estimated 37.0 percent of industry revenue.

The Shooting Range industry will continue to blossom because people and organizations (security related organizations) will not relent in ensuring that they and their staff members have the required skills needed to perform their duty especially for the purpose of security, hunting and sports.

Despite the fact that the industry seems over – regulated, there is still room big enough to accommodate aspiring entrepreneurs who intend opening their own gun shooting range facilities.

Over and above, gun shooting range businesses all over the world are still enjoying good patronage particularly if they are well positioned and if they know how to network with stakeholders and reach out to their target market (individuals who want to learn and practice how to shoot guns and security companies who want to train their staff members on how to handle and how to shoot guns).

2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies

• Demographics and Psychographics

The demographic and psychographic composition of those who need the services of gun shooting range facilities cut across businesses and individuals hence the demographic composition for a gun shooting range facility is all encompassing.

The truth is that when it comes to gun shooting range facilities, there is indeed a wide range of available customers; every adult both male and female are potential clients.

So, if you are thinking of starting a gun shooting range business then you should make target demographics all encompassing. It should include individuals, hunters, security companies, military, police and every organization that own guns and firearms within the location where your company is located.

3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On

Most gun shooting range facilities tend to carry out services that have to do with providing secured facility where people practice how to shoot guns, and also operate general services carried out by standard gun shooting range facilities.

That is why it seem that there are no niche areas in the industry. But on the other hand, some gun shooting facilities may decide to major in some key areas such as;

• Providing target practice
• Providing shooting lessons
• Providing gun rentals
• Providing protective equipment rentals
• General merchandize of guns, firearms and ammunitions and also help their clients secure license for their guns and firearms

The Level of Competition in the Industry

The truth is that no matter the level of competition in an industry, if you brand and promote your services or business properly, you will always make headway in the industry. Just ensure that you provide highly secured and safe gun shooting range facility for your clients and you know how to attract and reach out to your target market.

But over and above, there are several guns shooting range facilities scattered all around the United States of America. So, if you choose to open your own gun shooting range facility in the United States, you will definitely meet stiff competitions amongst other players in the gun shooting range industry who also provide gun shooting range facilities in your city or country.

Besides, there are larger gun shooting range facilities that determine the trends in the industry and you should be ready to compete with them for customers.

4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry

In every industry, there are always brands who perform better or are better regarded by the customers and general public than the others.

Some of these brands are those that have been in the industry for a long while and so are known for that, while others are best known for how they conduct their businesses and the results they have achieved over the years. These are some of the leading gun shooting range facilities in the United States of America and in the globe;

• Colonial Shooting Academy
• Waterloo Rifle & Pistol Club
• Sand & Sage Rifle and Pistol Club
• Ben Avery Shooting Facility
• Athena Gun Club
• Diamondback Shooters
• Bird’s Landing Hunting Preserve
• Top Gun Shooting Sports
• Sage Hill Clay Sports
• Autrey’s Armory
• Tucson Trap & Skeet Club
• Elm Fork Shooting Sports
• Great Guns Sporting
• Machine Gun Vegas
• Knob Creek Gun Range
• Indian River County Shooting Range
• Range USA, Inc.
• Six Machine Gun Shooting Ranges

Economic Analysis

If you are looking towards successfully launching a business and maximizing profits, then you need to ensure that you get your economic and cost analysis right and try as much as possible to adopt best practices in the industry you choose to build a business in.

Gun shooting range business has been in existence for a while and it is indeed a competitive business, as a matter of fact, you will come across several gun shooting range facilities when you go out there sourcing for a facility where you can practice how to shoot various guns and firearms.

So, if you are mapping out your economic and cost analysis, you should carry out thorough market survey and costing of the required amount needed to build a standard multipurpose gun shooting range facility, secure the required tools and equipment and also the running cost to successfully run the business.

Over and above, if you are considering starting a gun shooting range facility, then your concern should not be limited to the cost of registering the business, securing the required license, leasing and equipping the facility, purchasing the needed work – tools, but also on branding and on how to build a robust clientele base.

The truth is that if you are able to build a robust clientele base and far reaching business network, you are sure going to maximize profits in the business.

5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch

If you are looking towards starting a gun shooting range facility, you would have to start from the very scratch simply because you can hardly get a franchise of a gun shooting range facility to buy. It is a business that is open to all and sundry.

Besides starting a gun shooting range facility from the scratch is straightforward when compared to other businesses that have to do with ammunition and firearms which usually require detailed groundwork before launching the business.

With a gun shooting range facility, you should try as much as possible to get the right business license and permits, secure a standard and secured facility, the required tools and equipment, build business relationship with key stakeholders and then leverage on every marketing tool within your disposal especially the internet when it comes to marketing your services.

Please note that most of the big and successful gun shooting range facilities around started from the scratch and they were able to build a solid business brand. It takes dedication, hard work and determination to achieve business success.

6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face

If you decide to start your own gun shooting range facility today, one of the major challenges you are likely going to face is the presence of well – established gun shooting range facilities and other players in the alternate leisure and sports industry that also offer same services as you do. The only way to avoid this challenge is to create your own market.

Some other challenges and threats that you are likely going to face is economic downturn; if the economy is in bad shape, history has it that businesses such as gun shooting range facility and the likes usually struggle to maintain their old customers or even welcome new customers.

So also, unfavorable government policies can also hamper the growth of your gun shooting range facility. There is nothing you can do as regards these threats and challenges other than to stay positive that things will work out well for you.

7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)

You have the option of either choosing a general partnership, limited liability company which is commonly called an LLC, or even a sole proprietorship for a business such as gun shooting range facility.

Ordinarily, sole proprietorship should have been the ideal business structure for a small – scale gun shooting range facility especially if you are just starting out with a moderate start – up capital and covering just a city. But people prefer limited liability Company for obvious reasons.

As a matter of fact, if your intention is to grow the business and offer your services to customers all across your state and throughout the United States of America, then choosing sole proprietor is not an option for you. Limited Liability Company, LLC or even general partnership will cut it for you.

Setting up an LLC protects you from personal liability. If anything goes wrong in the business, it is only the money that you invested into the limited liability company that will be at risk. Limited liability companies are simpler and more flexible to operate and you don’t need a board of directors, shareholders meetings and other managerial formalities.

These are some of the factors you should consider before choosing a legal entity for your gun shooting range facility; limitation of personal liability, ease of transferability, admission of new owners, investors’ expectation and of course taxes.

If you take your time to critically study the various legal entities available for your gun shooting range facility with the ability to offer your services to customers all across the city and state that you operate and throughout the United States of America, you will agree that limited liability company; an LLC is most suitable.

You can start this type of business as limited liability company (LLC) and in future convert it to a ‘C’ corporation or an ‘S’ corporation especially when you have the plans of going public.

8. Choose a Catchy Business Name

If you are considering starting your own gun shooting range facility, here are some catchy names that you can choose from;

• James Bridge® Gun Shooting Range Company
• Point Target™ Gun Shooting Range Company, LLC
• Bruno Pence© Gun Shooting Range Company, Inc.
• Hardware Point® Gun Shooting Range Company
• Green Field© Gun Shootings Range Company, Inc.
• Texas Brothers® Gun Shooting Range Company, Inc.
• Out of the Woods™ Gun Shooting Range Facility, Inc.
• Brother’s Keeper© Gun Shooting Range Facility, LLC
• Ian Bennie & Sons Gun Shooting Range Facility, Inc.
• Ultimate Cowboy® Gun Shooting Range Company, Inc.

9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You

In the United States and in most countries of the world, you can’t operate a business without having some of the basic insurance policy covers that are required by the industry you want to operate from. So, it is important to create a budget for insurance and perhaps consult an insurance broker to guide you in choosing the best and most appropriate insurance policies for your gun shooting range facility.

Here are some of the basic insurance covers that you should consider purchasing if you want to start your own gun shooting range facility in the United States of America;

• General insurance
• Health insurance
• Liability insurance
• Risk insurance
• Firearm Insurance
• Workers Compensation
• Overhead expense disability insurance
• Business owner’s policy group insurance
• Payment protection insurance

10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents

If you are considering starting your own gun shooting range facility, usually you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection/trademark. This is so because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run the business without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.

But if you just want to protect your company’s logo and other documents or software that are unique to you or even jingles and media production concepts, then you can go ahead to file for intellectual property protection. If you want to register your trademark, you are expected to begin the process by filing an application with the USPTO. The final approval of your trademark is subjected to the review of attorneys as required by USPTO.

11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification

Asides from your ability to give instructions as it relates to gun shooting practices and training on how to effectively handle guns and firearms, professional certification is one of the main reasons why some gun shooting range businesses stand out.

If you want to make an impact in the gun shooting range industry , you should work towards acquiring all the needed certifications in your area of specialization. Certification validates your competency and shows that you are highly skilled, committed to your career and up-to-date in this competitive market.

These are some of the certifications you can work towards achieving if you want to run your own gun shooting range facility;

• Range Safety Certification
• Meggitt Training Systems’ small arms trainer certification

Please note that you cannot successfully run a gun shooting range facility in the United States and in most countries of the world without acquiring professional certifications and business license even if you have adequate experience cum background in the gun shooting range industry.

12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate

The essence of having the necessary documentation in place before launching a business in the United States of America cannot be overemphasized. It is a fact that you cannot successfully run any business in the United States without the proper documentations.

If you do, it won’t be too long before the long hand of the law catches up with you. These are some of the basic legal documents that you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run your own gun shooting range facility in the United States of America;

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business License / Firearm handling license
• Shooting Range Approval – National Firearms Association
• Tax Payer’s ID / Tax Identification Number
• Business Plan
• Non – disclosure Agreement
• Employee Handbook
• Employment Agreement (offer letters)
• Operating Agreement for LLCs
• Insurance Policy
• Online Terms of Use (since you operate online)
• Online Privacy Policy Document (basically for online payment portal)
• Company Bylaws
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• Contract Document
• Franchise or Trademark License (optional)

13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital

Starting a gun shooting range facility can be capital intensive even if you choose to start on a small scale. If you choose to start the business on a large scale with standard and well – equipped facility and over a handful of full time employees, then you would need to go source for fund to finance the business because it is expensive to start a standard large scale gun shooting range facility.

No doubt when it comes to financing a business , one of the first things you should consider is to write a good business plan.

If you have a good and workable business plan document in place, you may not have to labor yourself before convincing your bank, investors and your friends to invest in your business. Here are some of the options you can explore when sourcing for start – up capital for your gun shooting range facility;

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for Loan from your Bank
• Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from donor organizations and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.

14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business

It cannot be overemphasized that the location you chose to start your gun shooting range facility is key to the success of the business, hence entrepreneurs are willing to rent or lease a facility in a visible location; a location where the demography consists of people who own guns and other firearms.

If you make the mistake of starting your gun shooting range facility in an area where you will find it difficult to secure the required license, and accessing those who own guns, you will struggle to grow the business because you will spend more in promoting the business.

These are some of the key factors that you should consider before choosing a location for your gun shooting range facility;

• The demography of the location as it relates to the number of households and corporate organizations that own guns and other firearms
• The demand for the services of gun shooting range facilities related businesses in the location
• The purchasing power of the residents of the location
• Accessibility of the location
• The number of gun shooting range facilities and related services in the leisure and sports industry in the location
• The local laws and regulations in the community
• Traffic, parking and security et al

15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs

On the average, there are no special technology/equipment needed to run this type of business except for guns and other firearms, shooting range equipment and tools, inventory-management software and other relevant software applications.

You will definitely need computers/laptops, internet facility, telephone, fax machine and office furniture (chairs, tables, and shelves) amongst other and all these can be gotten as fairly used.

As regard leasing or outright purchase of a range facility, the choice is dependent on your financial standing, but the truth is that to be on the safe side, it is advisable to start off with a short – term rent/lease while test running the business in the location.

If things work out as planned, then you go on a long – term lease or outright purchase of the property but if not, then move on and source for other ideal location/facility for such business.

When it comes to hiring employees for a standard gun shooting range facility, you should make plans to hire a competent Chief Executive Officer/Manager (you can occupy this role), Admin and Human Resources Manager, Professional Shooting Instructors and Trainers, Sales and Marketing Officer, Accounting Clerk and Front Desk Officer.

These are some of the key employees that you can work with. On the average, you will need a minimum of 5 to 10 key staff members to run a medium scale but standard gun shooting range facility.

The Service Delivery Process of the Business

The business services process as it relates to gun shooting range facilities is straightforward and in most cases clearly defined. It is the duty of professional shooting instructors and trainers to help their clients acquire shooting and weapon handling skills and knowledge.

They help their clients develop capability, capacity, productivity and performance as it relates to guns and weapon handling. Once a client enrolls in the gun shooting range facility, they agree on the end result of the training and the weeks or months required for the training.

Contract document is signed, part payment made and the training commences as required. At the end of the training session, the client is accessed and when he or she is satisfied, the balance of the payment is made.

It is important to state that a gun shooting range facility may decide to improvise or adopt any business process and structure that will guarantee them efficiency and flexibility; the above stated gun shooting range facility business process is not cast on stone.

16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies

Generally, running a business requires that you should be proactive when it comes to marketing your goods or services. If you choose to launch a gun shooting range facility, then you must go all out to employ strategies that will help you attract customers or else you will likely struggle with the business because there are well – known brands determining the market direction for gun shooting range industry.

People and organizations will hire your services or make use of your facility if they know that they are going to get value for their money. As a matter of fact, your marketing strategy will center on reliability, swiftness, safety, pricing, secured payment platform, and above all excellent customer service.

You should ensure that whenever your customers hire your services or make use of your facility, they should be rest assured that they will get excellent service and it will show in the skills they have acquired. The truth is that if you are able to put the above stated in place, you won’t struggle to retain your old customers and at the same time win over new customers.

Here are some of the platforms we will utilize to market your gun shooting range facility;

• Introduce your gun shooting range facility by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to the public sector; government ministries, agencies and parastatals, organized private sector, households, security companies, military, police and every organization that own guns and firearms within the location where your gun shooting range facility is located
• Advertise your gun shooting range facility in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations.
• List your gun shooting range facility on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still help them acquire shooting and weapon handling skills
• Leverage on the internet to promote your gun shooting range facility
• Join local chambers of commerce around you with the main aim of networking and marketing your services; you are likely going to get referrals from such networks
• Engage the services of marketing executives and business developers to carry out direct marketing

17. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity

If your intention of starting a gun shooting range facility is to grow the business beyond the city where you are going to be operating from to become a national and international brand, then you must be ready to spend money on promotion and advertisement of your brand.

No matter the industry you belong to, the truth is that the market is dynamic and it requires consistent brand awareness and brand boosting cum promotion to continue to appeal to your target market. Here are the platforms you can leverage on to boost your brand awareness and create corporate identity for your gun shooting range facility;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events/programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote your services
• Install your billboards in strategic locations all around your city or state
• Engage in roadshows from time to time in targeted neighborhoods to create awareness of your gun shooting range facility
• Distribute your fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact the public sector; government ministries, agencies and parastatals, organized private sector, households, security companies, military, police and every organization that own guns and firearms within the location where your gun shooting range facility is located informing them about your business and the gun shooting range facility services you offer
• List your gun shooting range facility in local directories/yellow pages
• Advertise your gun shooting range facility in your official website and employ strategies that will help you pull traffic to the site.
• Position your Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where your gun shooting range facility is located.
• Ensure that all your staff members wear your branded shirts and all your vehicles and trucks/vans are well branded with your company logo et al.

Related Posts:

• Indoor Shooting Range Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Gun Shooting Range Business Plan [Sample Template]
• How Long Should an Indoor Shooting Range Be? [Land Size Included]
• How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Shooting Range?
• 50 Best Business Name ideas for a Shooting Range

How to Start a Shooting Range Business

If you are a gun enthusiast who enjoys teaching others, a shooting range might be the right business for you. While you must obtain a number of licenses and permits, if you are knowledgeable about gun-safety issues, it shouldn’t be difficult. You may choose to take your range in a dozen directions, so pay close attention to the interests of the customers in your area.

Contact your local government office about zoning laws for shooting and building permits. There are a number of restrictions regarding where you can open a shooting range, the times you can operate it and what you must have in your range.

Determine if you will start an indoor or outdoor shooting range. For an indoor range, consider opening it near a shopping mall or downtown, if zoning allows. You will need room for at least five shooting stalls, room to host classes, bathrooms, a showroom for your rental guns, room for T-shirts, hats and any guns for sale, and room for your cash register. Expect to need at least 3,000 square feet. For an outdoor range, you may want to purchase land outside of city limits or in a rural area. You will need at least two acres for your outdoor range.

Incorporate your business and obtain a federal tax identification number.

Purchase at least $500,000 in liability insurance.

Determine the types of services you will offer. An indoor range may have a pistol range, rifle range and paintball, which is a great way to draw in the younger crowd. Both indoor and outdoor ranges may offer firearm safety classes and training for those seeking a concealed carry license. You can offer group classes, events and parties for birthdays, coworkers and bachelors and bachelorettes. If you decide to offer group events, contact a local pizzeria or deli and ask them about catering. Consider putting in vending machines, because customers may spend hours at your range.

Apply for a Federal Firearms License to buy and sell firearms. Expect to pay about $200 for a license, plus $90 for renewals.

Become knowledgeable about guns and shooting, if you are not already. You should know details about each of your guns, how they handle and for whom they are appropriate. If you do not have a background in firearms, consider enrolling in the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program. Once completed, become an NRA instructor, unless you intend to hire instructors to teach your classes.

Purchase your equipment and supplies. Buy handguns, rifles, paintball guns, paintball, masks, earplugs, safety goggles, ammunition, targets of various sizes, trap and skeet targets (for an outdoor range) and cleaning supplies. Purchase custom T-shirts, hats and infant bodysuits with your logo to sell to satisfied customers.

Original article by Shanika Chapman

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How to Start a Gun Range Business

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An indoor or outdoor shooting range can be a lucrative business if you are the kind of person who can operate under strict federal, state and local regulations, including safety, insurance, record keeping and reporting requirements. You can start from scratch or purchase an already operating establishment, depending on your situation and the startup capital you have at your disposal.

Learn the Law

Research your license and zoning requirements. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has an informative website and offers call-in support. Your local city offices can educate you on the zoning laws in various areas and the requirements you must meet.

Attend Gun Shows

Visit shooting ranges in and out of your area, and attend as many gun shows as possible. Ask questions of the people already involved in the industry and establish contacts with gun manufacturers who are likely to have helpful advice for anyone opening a commercial establishment that can promote and sell their products.

Join Industry Associations

Join the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the industry's largest trade association, the National Rifle Association and other interest groups where you can obtain news and advice.

Write a Business Plan

Write your business plan giving special attention to the costs involved. It can be very expensive to build a shooting range from scratch, particularly if it will be an indoor range. Contact local ranges to see if they would consider selling or taking on a partner as the cost of improving an existing establishment may be far less than building a new one and you would have the added benefit of an existing customer base.

Purchase Insurance Coverage

Contact several commercial real estate brokers and establish relationships with those who are knowledgeable with respect to the zoning laws and safety requirements involved in a shooting range. You'll also need insurance to protect you against liability, and errors or omissions on the part of you or your staff.

Market the Business

Decide on your company image and apply that image to your name, logo, facility decorations, promotional literature and advertising. Your company image must meet the psychological needs of your target customer. Promote your launch to local gun clubs, service clubs, sporting goods stores and commercial associations. Provide special discounts and contests to draw customers during your first months of operation. Offer classes in responsible gun ownership, maintenance and use through local night school and community recreation programs.

Hold a Grand Opening

Promote your launch date with advertising and a grand opening celebration.

• Average shooting range use fees are around $10 per hour so you will need 100 daily customers to make $30,000 per month, which may only cover your costs of rent, salaries, utilities and insurance. Gun rentals and sales of ammunition, guns and gun accessories will be important factors in the profitability of your operation.
• Before you open, set up your accounting, record keeping and operational procedures. Failure to comply with record keeping and reporting requirements can put you out of business fast. Computer software will assist you in these matters but you and your staff must know how to use it every time.
• ATF: How to Become a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL)
• National Shooting Sports Foundation: Ranges

Victoria Duff specializes in entrepreneurial subjects, drawing on her experience as an acclaimed start-up facilitator, venture catalyst and investor relations manager. Since 1995 she has written many articles for e-zines and was a regular columnist for "Digital Coast Reporter" and "Developments Magazine." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in public administration from the University of California at Berkeley.

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From Bullets to Bucks: Calculating Startup Costs for Gun Range Biz

By alex ryzhkov, resources on gun range.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan

Introduction

Gun ranges, without doubt, offer a unique and thrilling experience. Whether you are a novice looking to take up gun shooting as a hobby, or a veteran shooter, ranges provide a safe and comfortable environment to practice. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s 2018 report, the shooting industry contributes over $50 billion to the US economy. The popularity of gun ranges and the shooting industry is steadily rising. If you’re looking to open a gun range, you’re likely to be wondering “how much does it cost?”

Well, setting up and running a gun range is not cheap. It involves several factors and the exact cost depends on the size of the range, the location and the quality of the products you want to provide your customers. Understandably, this is a source of concern for many aspiring shooting range owners. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the startup expenses you need to consider while opening a gun range.

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Startup Costs

How much does it cost to open/start/launch a gun range business? The startup costs of a gun range business can vary significantly depending on the size, layout, and features needed. Below is a list of average ranges of startup costs businesses should generally plan for in their budget:

Leasehold Improvements

When opening a gun range business, leasehold improvements should be considered. These are modifications on the physical property required to make it suited to the business’s operations. Common leasehold improvements include renovating and repairing the exterior and interior spaces, plumbing, electrical, and other security services.

Depending on the overall condition of the lining building and the scope of the business operations, leasehold improvements can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. US statistics reveal that the average cost of these improvements can range between $50 to $200 per square foot. For example, in the State of Texas, a gun range business occupying a 10,000 square feet building would have to come up with between $500,000 and $2,000,000 for leasehold improvements before actually opening the business.

All leasehold improvements need to be made with the permission of the landlord. Furthermore, there are certain laws and regulations which have to be taken into consideration when performing the improvements for safety and security reasons. Business owners need to ensure the adherence to all rules in order to avoid penalties and lawsuits.

The quality and durability of these improvements must also be assessed carefully. Choosing high-quality products such as furniture and fixtures will ensure years of satisfactory service and durability. To save money, business owners may opt to purchase used items, but they must be inspected and examined to check their condition before buying.

Construction of the Buildings

The cost of building and operating a gun range business depends on a variety of factors, including the type of building construction that is used, size of the buildings, costs of government permits and licenses, and other associated costs. The average cost of building a gun range varies between $350,000 and $1 million, depending upon the size, type of construction, and location. It can be more expensive, depending on the size, complexity, and location of the project.

The primary factor in the total cost of building a gun range is the cost of the building itself. It will cost more to build a stand-alone building than it would to build an addition onto an already existing building. The cost of the building will also depend on the materials used. Steel and wood buildings are more expensive than concrete buildings, and the cost of building with higher-end materials can be significantly higher. Depending on the requirements of the city or county, underground features such as soundproofing or fireproofing may also increase the cost.

Labor is another large expense. Depending on the area and the scope of the project, construction workers can cost anywhere from $30 to $75 an hour. The length of the construction project will also affect the total cost. A larger building will typically require longer construction times, thus resulting in higher costs for labor and materials.

Permits, fees, inspections, and insurance coverage can add thousands of dollars to the cost of building. Government permits are required for a wide variety of actions, such as constructing the building, helping to secure the property, acquiring a license to operate a gun range, and other related activities. Additionally, periodic inspections of the range may be required, increasing the total cost.

Finally, ancillary costs, such as renovations, landscaping, signage, lighting, and marketing, may also be necessary, depending on the situation. All of these expenses can add up quickly, so it is important to factor in all potential costs before beginning the construction process.

Installation of Firearms Safety Systems

The cost of installing firearms safety systems when opening or launching a gun range business will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the size of the range, the type of safety system being installed, the permit requirements, and the costs associated with the labor involved. However, it is important to understand that installing these systems is a necessity as these systems can help to create a safe environment in a gun range and protect the staff and customers.

When considering the costs of installing firearms safety systems, it can generally be assumed that the cost will range from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the size of the range and the type of safety system being installed. The types of safety systems that may be installed can include target-retrieval systems, shooting booths, backstops, bullet trap systems, height-gripping doors, and more. Additionally, there may be permit requirements that will also influence the overall cost of installing these systems.

In terms of labor costs involved in installing firearms safety systems, this can depend on a few factors. That can include the size of the range, the speed at which the installation must take place, and yet again, the type of safety system that is being installed. It can generally be assumed that hiring professionals to perform the installation will cost between $55 and $190 per hour , which could add to the overall cost.

Along with installing firearms safety systems, you may also consider reducing the potential for accidents by having your staff and customers go through necessary training. This is especially true for customers who have never been in a gun range before as they can go through safety training and get familiar with the necessary guidelines.

Firearms Ammunition and Other Shooting Supplies

When looking to open or launch a gun range business, a major part of the cost equation is made up of the firearms ammunition and other shooting supplies you will need to purchase. The overall cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and number of targets to be purchased, the type and quantity of ammunition, and any additional equipment needed. According to the latest statistical information, the average cost of firearms and ammunition per person per session is around $55 in the United States. This number takes into account all purchases – both firearms, ammunition and other shooting supplies.

This cost can be broken down further. On the firearms side, the average cost per session can include rental fees, buying ammunition, and any range fees involved. Ammunition prices can vary significantly based on the type of ammunition you require, ranging from between $13-25 per box. For example, a box of 20 9mm rounds of ammunition will cost around $13, while a box of 10 .50 caliber rounds of ammunition can cost as much as $25. Range fees can range from free at some public ranges to several hundred dollars for memberships at some private ranges.

When it comes to other shooting supplies, the cost will vary greatly depending on the type of equipment you need. Some of the most common shooting supplies include safety glasses, ear plugs, a cleaning kit for the firearms, and other maintenance accessories. For example, a basic safety glasses kit can cost around $20, while a more comprehensive cleaning kit may cost up to $60. Another cost to factor in is the cost of targets, with typical targets ranging from $10-$20 per package.

In addition to the cost of the firearms, ammunition and other shooting supplies, there are also additional costs associated with opening and operating a gun range. These include costs such as insurance, building expenditures, security costs and more. Ultimately, the total cost of launching a gun range business will depend on the scope and size of the business, but with careful consideration and planning, the cost can be managed successfully.

Maintenance and Installation of Firing Lanes

When it comes to launching a gun range business, one of the primary components to consider is the maintenance and installation of firing lanes. This part of the process will involve costs associated with the construction of the lanes, as well as any modifications that need to be made to maintain their safe operation. According to recent data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation , the average cost of constructing a firing lane is around $100,000 . In some cases, these high costs can be reduced through the use of prefabricated lanes, which can bring down the average cost to $35,000 . Over and above this initial outlay, gun range owners should also factor in the costs for any maintenance required to keep the lanes in operation and up to health and safety standards. This could include anything from resetting of the lanes to complete replacement of the materials depending on their usage.

Moreover, the installation costs associated with the firing lanes will depend on the specific needs of each business. Some gun ranges may need additional safety equipment, such as bullet catchers, trap doors, lighting, and additional materiel such as lead target backstops. These can add additional cost a sum ranging from $3,000 - $15,000 depending on the specific requirements of the gun range. The installation cost of these items will factor into how much it costs to open/start/launch a gun range business.

It is essential to factor in the maintenance costs associated with the running of the gun range too. These could include tasks such as regular repairs and maintenance, adjustments to noise levels, removal or replacement of lead target backstops, and any tests or inspections that need to be completed. The cumulative cost of all these tasks can range from $2,000 - $15,000 a year depending on the size of the gun range and its operational needs.

Sound Mitigation and Other Noise Control Measures

Sound mitigation and other noise control measures are essential elements to most gun range businesses. This is because shooting guns generate a very loud sound that can be disruptive to businesses, or even dangerous if the sound is not contained. Beforehand, the costs associated with sound mitigation and other noise control measures should be considered as part of the initial budget needed to open a gun range business.

There are a variety of noise control measures that must be taken when opening up a gun range business. First and foremost is the installation of soundproofed walls. This is necessary in order to contain the sound and prevent it from propagating outward. Soundproofed walls may be finished with acoustic tiles, which can increase the effectiveness of soundproofing and add to the cost of the sound control measures. Other sound control measures may include the installation of noise-reducing windows, sound absorption paneling, and soundproof insulation.

In terms of costs, the average cost for sound mitigation and other noise control measures for a gun range business is estimated to be around $30,000 - $50,000 USD. This number can vary greatly depending on the size of the range and the area it is located in. It is important to do research into the specifics and obtain accurate estimates to ensure that these costs are factored into the initial budget.

Other costs related to sound mitigation and other noise control measures include sound testing. Not only is sound testing required by law in some areas, but it is also necessary to make sure that the range is compliant with the noise level limits set by local ordinances. This can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the scope of the testing, and should be included in the budget.

Overall, sound control measures are essential for gun range businesses, and it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and associated costs before committing to opening a range. This is especially important in an industry that is highly regulated when it comes to noise control and sound mitigation.

Air-conditioning Systems

Starting a gun range business is not cheap, and air-conditioning systems are one of the major items to consider in the budget. Air-conditioning systems help maintain a comfortable temperature in the shooting range and help keep the air clean and free of excessive gun smoke. Air-conditioning also helps reduce noise levels.

The cost of an air-conditioning system will depend on the size of the range and the power capability. A smaller range will require a smaller system and will be more affordable. Larger ranges may require more powerful air-conditioning systems, and thus a larger budget.

Recent statistics show that the median cost of an air-conditioning system for a gun range business is around $21,000 in the United States. Smaller systems can be as low as $2,000 , while larger systems may cost upwards of $50,000 . It is essential to have a qualified HVAC professional inspect the range and provide a recommendation for an appropriate system.

In addition to the cost of the air-conditioning system, there are other costs associated with installing a system. This can include ductwork, insulation, line sets, wiring, and air handlers. A potential owner should allow at least an additional $2,000 to cover these other costs, though the amount may be higher depending on the system.

Finally, it is important to consider the costs associated with regular maintenance for the air-conditioning system. Regular maintenance helps keep the system running efficiently. Residential HVAC maintenance plans typically cost between $100 to $250 annually. Depending on the complexity of the air-conditioning system, the cost of regular maintenance could exceed this range.

Security cameras and other electronic security measures

As with any venture, the cost of opening a gun range is largely dependent on the venue, operations and state and local laws. That said, one of the most important investments is in security measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Security cameras and other electronic security measures are essential when it comes to running a safe and secure gun range.

The cost of installing and maintaining security cameras varies depending on the type and number you choose. A basic CCTV system with 4 cameras and a monitor can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,000. Larger systems with more sophisticated features such as motion detection, night vision, and monitoring over the internet can cost upwards of $2,000. Additionally, it will cost at least several hundred dollars per year to maintain the surveillance system with software updates and regular service calls.

Other electronic security measures may also need to be invested in, such as key card or fingerprint access systems. These systems enable customers and staff to access only certain areas of the range while keeping unauthorized individuals out. Systems can range from simple fobs or keypads to sophisticated biometric systems that can cost up to $1,000 per door. It is important to invest in a system that best secures the range, while staying within the budget.

In addition to the cost of a security system, insurance and legal fees can also add to start-up costs. Investing in a comprehensive insurance policy and obtaining legal advice on gun regulations is important to ensure a safe and legally sound gun range business. Also, hiring a security guard or security staff is a cost that must not be allowed to be overlooked, depending on the size of the range and the traffic it receives.

Ventilation systems for indoor shooting range

When it comes to establishing a new gun range business, certain safety measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of your employees as well as customers. One of the most critical measures is to install a ventilation system that removes toxic gases generated from the gun range. Without proper ventilation, any discharged combustible compounds and lead residue can accumulate to dangerous levels inside the gun range.

Ventilation systems typically cost between $25,000 - $200,000 USD, depending on the size of the business and the type of ventilation system. For example, an air circulating system, with a combination of air scrubbers, typically costs between $25,000 to $40,000 USD, and is suitable for small indoor gun ranges such as 25-yard marker ranges. An updated air controlling system with fresh air exchange costs anywhere from $60,000 to $90,000 USD and is suitable for 50-yard marker ranges. While large indoor gun ranges and outdoor gun ranges require a specialized and more advanced ventilation system, costing $125,000 to $200,000 USD.

When considering the cost of the ventilation system a gun range business should also keep in mind the associated installation and running costs. Professional installation can be costly and require specialized skills. In addition, gun ranges require frequent maintenance and periodic servicing such as air filter changes as well constant monitoring.

Other important considerations to keep in mind are the energy consumption costs associated with ventilation systems, as these systems use fans and motors that require more energy than other indoor systems. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require ventilation systems to constantly filter fresh air into the range, so using an energy-efficient ventilation system is essential.

When purchasing a ventilation system for a gun range business, it is important to do your research and choose a system that is suitable for the size and type of gun range you are planning to open. Make sure you consider the installation, running and energy consumption costs to ensure that you make an informed decision that best fits your budget.

Starting a gun range business is an expensive undertaking. There are many factors to consider and the exact cost depends on the size, location and quality of the range. The cost is typically broken down into two main parts: building the property and filling it with the necessary products and features. According to our estimates, a basic shooting range could cost anywhere from $50,000 to $2 million, while an advanced range could cost up to $5 million.

When starting your own shooting range, it is important to research the local laws and regulations. Many states have specific guidelines on operating shooting ranges, so be sure to speak with a lawyer to make sure you are compliant. Additionally, it is important to have a strong financial plan in place to ensure you have access to the necessary capital. With the right planning and resources, your gun range can be a successful, profitable venture.

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The Industrialisation of Soviet Russia Volume 7: The Soviet Economy and the Approach of War, 1937–1939 pp 79–128 Cite as

1937 in Retrospect

• R. W. Davies 5 ,
• Mark Harrison 6 ,
• Oleg Khlevniuk 7 &
• Stephen G. Wheatcroft 8  
• First Online: 12 July 2018

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The chapter examines the various branches and activities making up the economy in 1937. As war fears became more acute, the party leaders sought to raise the mobilisation of the society and economy against both internal and external enemies, to force the expansion of industrial production and particularly of war production, and to pour more resources into capital projects to increase the country’s industrial and defence capacities. With an increasing number of detainees held in labour camps under grim conditions, and in the absence of significant further growth of the economy’s overall capacity, there was growing resort to forced labour. Living standards remained under severe pressure. In the second half of the year, there was an unexpected bonus: a record harvest.

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School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

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Davies, R.W., Harrison, M., Khlevniuk, O., Wheatcroft, S.G. (2018). 1937 in Retrospect. In: The Industrialisation of Soviet Russia Volume 7: The Soviet Economy and the Approach of War, 1937–1939. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-36238-4_4

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