Good news for gun owners:
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Two gun rangers are under construction in the Charlotte area, including in Indian Land and Matthews; both are expected to open before the end of the year.
Experts say the Charlotte area could have 12 to 15 gun ranges in business in the next few years, compared to two or three private ranges a decade ago.
Ripping off rounds at gun ranges is as much sport as it is safety.
“It’s a skill to learn; you can keep getting better,” said Daniel Schwarz, who is building Point Blank Range on Monroe Road in Matthews.
Larry Hyatt, who owns the nation’s largest private gun store, says the popularity of shooting ranges and subsequent gun range construction is fueled by the biggest gun purchase binge in U.S. history, stemming from the presidential election, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School and calls for tougher gun laws.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office issued nearly 7,000 more gun permits in 2013 than it did in 2012.
“All those buyers, they want a place to shoot their guns. The vast majority live in an urban environment and there is no place to shoot,” explained Hyatt.
Point Blank’s groundbreaking is a multi-million dollar investment. Co-owner Dave Driscoll says the average cost to build a new gun range with several amenities is about $7 million, if not more.
“There is a demand right now and there’s still an under-built supply,” Schwarz said.
From an estimated two or three private gun ranges in the Charlotte area a decade ago, to an expected 12 to 15 private gun ranges in the next couple of years, according to Hyatt. That includes The Range at Ballantyne, which is also currently under construction in Indian Land.
“This is a national phenomenon. Ranges are going up all over the United States,” said Hyatt.
Gun owners say practice and instruction in a controlled area is safer and more convenient than heading out to the back 40.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation says the economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry has grown by about $19 billion over the last five years.
Source: http://www.wcnc.com/news/business/Charlotte-is-becoming-a-hotbed-for-gun-ranges-261571971.html
We could use more ammo manufacturers as well.