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?
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:
Choose the right location
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.
Purchase supplies and equipment
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.
Develop a business plan
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.
Get the necessary permits and licenses
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.
Find the right insurance policy
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.
Promote your business
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).
The bottom line
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.
