The Houston Chronicle published a surprisingly pro-gun article, I say pro-gun because these people are notorious gun haters:
Step 1Research 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.
Step 2Visit 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.
Step 3Join 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.
Step 4Write 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.
Step 5Contact 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.
Launch
Consider Bright Colors like red and yellow, and a high sign like this one if you can afford it. It’s cheaper than a billboard.
Step 1Decide 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.
Step 2Promote your launch to local gun clubs, service clubs, sporting goods stores and commercial associations.
Step 3Provide special discounts and contests to draw customers during your first months of operation.
Step 4Offer classes in responsible gun ownership, maintenance and use through local night school and community recreation programs.
Step 5Promote your launch date with advertising and a grand opening celebration.
Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-gun-range-business-2163.html
Does anyone know how we might make contact with potential Range operators in the Denver Colorado area? We own a building that would be ideally suited to become an indoor range
I would talk to a realtor or maybe ask that question on a gun forum.
Hey There,
Great article about starting a gun range business. along with these steps it is also important to find good firing range construction contractor who could offer you a good service.
Thanks
Clifford
Thanks Clifford, and let’s not forget a lawyer because there are liability issues, especially with outdoor gun ranges.