shooting range
Hello Guys, I am from a small town in South Alabama where we have no where to target shoot. Me and a few fellow target shooters were thinking about starting a shooting range (club) but our problem is we have no knowledge of running one. We are in need of pro's and con's of running a successful range. Well we know most of the pro's but we're needing the con's more than Pro's. ex..Liability Ins , fee's, ownership of range....club vs Individual, actual setting up the range and anything else you might know of that would benefit us . Like I said very small town where most target pratice comes at road signs. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Lot of problems and challenges starting your own range, I've been president of our local club of 800+, be prepared to work a lot of hours, almost like a second job. Then there's the issues of contamination, EPA regulations, insurance, noise, and people using your range that are not members....I'd try to avoid it if at all possible and find one that is all set up.
Here's some listings in Alabama...
http://www.mynra.org/frame.cfm?url=http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/findlocal.asp
Ranges in Alabama
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Alexander City - Alexander City Police Department Qualification Range, PO Box 943, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Phone: 256-329-6758
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (50 yds)
Range Access: Private
Aliceville - Westervet Hunting Lodge, 69 Westervelt Circle, Aliceville, AL 35442.
Phone: 205-562-5263
Facilities include: Outdoor Rifle (200 yds.), Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, Archery
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Alpine - Selwood Farm & Hunting Preserve, 706 Selwood Road, Alpine, AL 35014.
Phone: 205- 362-7595
Facilities include: Sporting Clays
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Andalusia - Andalusia Police Range, P.O. Box 429, Andalusia, AL 36420.
Phone: 334-222-1155
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (25 yds), Outdoor Rifle (50 & 90 yds), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Skeet
Range Access: Private
Anniston - Moss Branch Shooting Range, Inc., 270 Alexis Lane, Anniston, AL 36201.
Phone: 256-236-8118
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (50 yds), Outdoor Rifle (200 yds), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Sporting Clays
Range Access: Private
Web Site: www.mossbranch.org
Click here for a map to the business:
Auburn - War Eagle Gun Club, 300 Mockingbird Lane, Auburn, AL 36830.
Phone: 334- 826-6381
Facilities include: Skeet
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Autaugaville - Swift Creek Gun Club, 760 County Road 13, Autaugaville, AL 36003.
Phone: 334-358-0509
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (up to 50 yds), Outdoor Rifle (up to 300 yds), Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading, Archery, Airgun
Hours of Operation: Saturday and Sunday
Range Access: Private
Email: chiefapd1@aol.com
Click here for a map to the business:
Birmingham - Alabama Training Institute and Pistol Range, 906 N. 40th St., Birmingham, AL 35222.
Phone: 205-592-3004
Facilities include: Indoor Pistol (25 Yds), Pistol Silhouette, Airgun
Range Access: Public
Web Site: www.alpistol.iworksweb.com
Click here for a map to the business:
Birmingham - Southeastern Security Academy Range, 906-A 40Th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222.
Phone: 205-591-8699
Facilities include: Indoor Pistol (25 yds)
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Boaz - Sand Mountain Shooters Club, 626 Bloodworth Road, Boaz, AL 35956.
Phone: 256-593-8027
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (25 yd.), Outdoor Rifle (100 yds), Muzzleloading, Sporting Clays, Archery
Range Access: Public
Email: smsc@cybrtyme.com
Click here for a map to the business:
Brownsville - Homer Hanna High School - JROTC, 2615 Price Rd., Brownsville, AL 78586.
Phone: 956-548-7647
Facilities include: Indoor Rifle
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Camden - Camden Gun Club, Hwy 221, Camden, AL 36726.
Phone: 334-682-4577
Facilities include: Outdoor Rifle (100 & 200 yds), Skeet
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Cherokee - Freedom Hills WMA firing Range, 4200 White Pike, Cherokee, AL 35616.
Phone: 205-359-6208
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol, Outdoor Rifle, Muzzleloading, Airgun
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Childersburg - Red Eagle Skeet & Trap, Hollywood Blvd., Childersburg, AL 35044.
Phone: 256-378-6970
Facilities include: Trap, Skeet
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Daphne - The Shooting Parlor @ The Gold Mine Pawnshop, 602 Highway 98, Daphne, AL 36526.
Phone: 334-626-6500
Facilities include: Indoor Pistol (25 yds), Indoor Rifle (25 yds)
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Double Springs - Hurricane Shooting Range, Highway 33, Double Springs, AL 35553.
Phone: 205-489-5111
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (25, 50, 75 yds), Outdoor Rifle (25, 50, 75, 100 yds)
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Enterprise - Sharpshooter, 500 Headless Horseman Road, Enterprise, AL 36330.
Phone: 334-347-1818
Facilities include: Indoor Pistol (10-50 ft), Indoor Rifle (10-50 ft), Archery
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Florence - North Alabama Shooting Association, PO Box 3565, Florence, AL 35630.
Phone: 256-766-4465
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (7,15,25,50 yds), Outdoor Rifle (100 yds)
Range Access: Private
Geneva - The Ammo Shop, PO Box 336 Rt 1 Hwy 85, Geneva, AL 36340.
Phone: 334 684-9903
Facilities include: Indoor Pistol (25 yds), Pistol Silhouette
Range Access: Public
Hamilton - Eagle Academy, 775 Hidden Acres Way, Hamilton, AL 35570.
Phone: 205-921-9009
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (25 yds), Outdoor Rifle (100 yds), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading, Skeet
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Harrisonburg - Top Gun Range, Rt. 988 Early Road, Harrisonburg, AL 22801.
Phone: 540-434-8999
Facilities include: Indoor Pistol (25 yds)
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Hazel Green - Hazel Green High School NJROTC, PO Box 699, Hazel Green, AL 35750.
Phone: 256-828-2625
Facilities include: Indoor Rifle (33 meters), Archery
Range Access: Private
Hoover - Steel City Sports Shooting Assoc., 3721 South Shades Crest Rd., Hoover, AL 35244.
Phone:
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (20, 50, 150 yds), Outdoor Rifle (100 & 720 yds), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Huntsville - Blue & Gray, 2009 Rodgers Dr., Huntsville, AL 35811.
Phone: 256-534-7968
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (50 yds), Outdoor Rifle (100 & 200 yds)
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Huntsville - The Ammo-Dump Inc. (Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop), 2405 N. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL 35810.
Phone: 205- 534-9515
Facilities include: Indoor Pistol (25 yds), Indoor Rifle (25 yds)
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Leeds - Heritage Rifle & Pistol Club, P. O. Box 534 , Leeds, AL 35094.
Phone: 205-817-4240
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (50m), Outdoor Rifle (100m)
Hours of Operation: Daylight Hours Only
Range Access: Private
Web Site: www.hrpclub.org
Email: hrpwebmaster@earthlink.net
Mathews - Dixie Trap Club, Rt. 1 Box 163, Mathews, AL 36052.
Phone: 334-584-7651
Facilities include: Trap
Range Access: Public
Maxwell Air Force Base - Maxwell Skeet & Trap Club, 42 SVS/SVRO, 60 West Maxwell Blvd., Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 36112.
Phone: 334-953-6946
Facilities include: Trap, Skeet
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Midway - Barbour County Wildlife Management Area Target Range, 221 Christa Drive, Midway, AL 36053.
Phone: 334-529-3222
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (0-100 yds), Outdoor Rifle (0-100 yds), Muzzleloading
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Montgomery - Central Alabama Gun Club, Inc., PO Box 3531, Montgomery, AL 36109.
Phone: 334-271-4867
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (0-100 yds), Outdoor Rifle (0-300 yds)
Range Access: Private
Email: cagc@thegunworks.net
New Market - Madison County Shooting Sports Assoc., Inc., 783 Coleman Road, New Market, AL 35761.
Phone: 256-379-2716
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (50 m.), Outdoor Rifle (50 m. .22/blk powder only), Muzzleloading, Trap, Skeet
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am-3:00 pm s/S
Range Access: Public
Click here for a map to the business:
Pleasant Grove - F.O.P. Range Inc., 91 1st Street, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127.
Phone: 205-744-2600
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (15, 25 ,100 yds), Outdoor Rifle (100 yds), Pistol Silhouette, Skeet
Range Access: Private
Web Site: www.foprangeinc.com
Email: foprange@bellsouth.net
Click here for a map to the business:
Selma - Selma F.O.P. Shooting Range, 1300 Alabama Ave., Selma, AL 36703.
Phone: 334-874-1207
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (50 yds), Outdoor Rifle (100 yds), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading, Skeet, Archery, Airgun
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Tuscaloosa - Ground Zero, 59 Cherokee Hills, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.
Phone: 205-462-0694
Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol (10, 15, 50 yds), Outdoor Rifle (15, 20, 25, 200 yds), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading
Range Access: Private
Click here for a map to the business:
Tuskegee - White Oak Plantation, 5215 County Road 10, Tuskegee, AL 36083.
Phone: 334-724-9258
Facilities include: Outdoor Rifle (to 200 yds), Sporting Clays, Airgun
Range Access: Public
Email: whiteoakhunts@mindspring.com
Click here for a map to the business:0 -
Where would you find information on contamination, EPA regulations. I did not realize there were enviromental issues, I am guessing it has to do with the lead??? The closest range on the list to us is about 1 1/2 hours away. 800 + members is something I can't fathom, I was thinking more on the line of 30 - 50 members. Thanks for the reply. 0 -
Here is a source book that will answer most of your questions....
http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/nrahqrange/rangemanual.asp
The problem with smaller ranges is that they don't generate enough revenue to afford the liability insurance, that's why you see so many smaller ranges fold....it takes a pretty healthy membership to cover the expenses. Our clubs insurance premiums ran about $6000 per year...for a club of 50 members that would be about $120 each. That's not to say your insurance would be that high, but one claim costs the insurer the same no matter what size club you have. The other issue is property, if you advertise this as a shooting range....be prepared to "clean up" any lead or contamination should the land ever be sold. This could cost far more than what the land may be worth.
One of our biggest problems has been people sneaking in using the facility and not contributing to the upkeep and maintenance, either with a membership or dues. Don't mean to sound too negative about this, there are some fantastic advantages to haveing a range...most people don't see the problems involved.0 -
I belong to the North Alabama Shooting Association in North West Alabama. We are an NRA associated club with 225 members. We have been here for about 15 years. Our biggest expense is insurance which we get thru the NRA and costs us about $8000 a year. We incorporated several years as a non-profit organization which is a good idea. It keeps the tax people off your back and limits your personal legal liabilty. I think the national pastime in Alabama is sueing each other. You also might want to consider joining the Alabama State Rifle and Pistol Association. We run a couple of CMP matches every year co-ordinated with them. I maintain a membership just because I think it is a good group. They send people to Camp Perry every year and support rifle and pistol competiton through out Alabama. 0 -
Here is company that handles insurance for ranges and clubs.
http://www.outdoorsinsurance.com
If you Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail<P>coyotehunter@hvc.rr.com<P><br>
Guns don't have fingerprints; they have signatures that can be changed in a moment.0 -
I knew it would take a lot of time and planning but I dont guess I expected it to be this much. I was thinking the liabilty Ins would be based on a yearly income for the club. I have a couple Liabilty coverages and they are based on income. If we have to come up with $6000 - $8000 for insurance we have gone out of business before we went into business. I knew from the beginning we would have a chore finding the right spot to put the range but never thought about the enviromental issues. You mentioned if we called it a range we would be required to clean it up, what if it was a rifle and pistol club? Is there someway around the EPA? I really do appreciate all the help you have given because I would not have considered lots of the points you have brought up . 0 -
Once you designate the property as a range, (profit or non-profit) you will be required to follow the rules, laws, liabilities, and whatever regulations that go with it.
If the area is just a hangout for a few guys to shoot on weekends, no formal structure, competitions, or money exchanged, it would be pretty hard for anyone to call it a "range" and hold the property owner liable.
Another possibility is to check with your local county & state government agencies to see if they are willing to provide land and space for a facility. Pitman-Robertson funds are available for building ranges, states that receive money are required to designate a portion for range developement. If the interest is there, that may be one possibility. Let the DNR or local parks assume the liability. Property is sometimes available through the "Land Reclamation Act"....where old mines and sites can be had for this purpose.0 -
www.wheretoshoot.org
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
Anybody know of insurance companies that I can compare Liability coverages with? 0 -
Here's where we got our club Insurance....
It's through N.S.S.A./N.S.C.A (Your club needs to be a member)
(National Skeet Shooting Assoc. & National Sporting Clays Assoc.)
Sportsman's Insurance Agency,Inc.
555 W. Granada Blvd, Suite E-11
Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
(800) 925-7767
(904) 677-2588
Fax (904) 677-3292
Hollis E. Boss0 -
Thanks, I went to the NRA site and found an Insurance company that they recommend for this type insurance, called them and they had, what I thought was a reasonable rate for a club. $875 a year for less than 73 members. Thats a $2M policy and covers the land owner, land leasee, and club members. 0
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