Range Numbers And Usage Observation

[elkhunter11]

It looks like our range membership numbers will set a new record this year, but I am seeing fewer people at the range. While more people are taking out memberships, the cost of ammunition and fuel, and the shortage of ammunition and components, appears to be resulting in people shooting less than previously.

[catnthehat]

We have more people shooting at our club now, I think COVID had something to do with it.
Of course this time of year as well, our range gets more use than Normal.
Cat

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

We have more people shooting at our club now, I think COVID had something to do with it.
Of course this time of year as well, our range gets more use than Normal.
Cat

I mowed and moved some clay targets today and only one vehicle at a time for over two hours, it was the same last Sunday. Typically, there would be several vehicles on a Sunday in September. It's been slow all summer. Our skeet numbers are also down by half.

[Dick284]

No Ammo
No powder
No primers
Next to no bullets.

And you are surprised.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Dick284

No Ammo
No powder
No primers
Next to no bullets.

And you are surprised.

Not surprised to see usage down, but a little surprised to see membership numbers up.

[Trochu]

Everytime I see comments like this, "range membership numbers will set a new record this year", I want to start a range.

The political climate makes it such a risky proposition though.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Trochu

Everytime I see comments like this, "range membership numbers will set a new record this year", I want to start a range.

The political climate makes it such a risky proposition though.

Have a look at the investment and approvals that are required, just to start up a range. The environmental approvals can be the toughest to get, and can take years, if you get them at all. Then there is the risk that the county/municipality will shut you down. The CFO approvals are usually not as difficult..

[Bushrat]

Pretty quiet. It's like having your own private range with a few folks popping by occasionally.

[Dick284]

The only reason range memberships are up is because of all the handguns being bought thanks to our greatest salesman of all time, the problem is transfers are way behind, and wait till the new owners can’t find much to feed their toys, let alone pay to feed them.

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Have a look at the investment and approvals that are required, just to start up a range. The environmental approvals can be the toughest to get, and can take years, if you get them at all. Then there is the risk that the county/municipality will shut you down. The CFO approvals are usually not as difficult..

I'd want to go underground, precast walls/roof, so approvals would be easier, and then the land above could still be utilized for yard/commercial/industrial use. Investment wouldn't be an issue if there was no possibility the government doesn't completely shut down restricted use and range membership drops by hundreds of thousands across the country overnight.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Trochu

I'd want to go underground, precast walls/roof, so approvals would be easier, and then the land above could still be utilized for yard/commercial/industrial use. Investment wouldn't be an issue if there was no possibility the government doesn't completely shut down restricted use and range membership drops by hundreds of thousands across the country overnight.

Going underground for even a 100m range would be extremely expensive, the groundwork, structure, ventilation system etc.

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Going underground for even a 100m range would be extremely expensive, the groundwork, structure, ventilation system etc.

Yup. Although lighting, ventilation, structure, etc. would be similar above ground or not. Groundwork would obviously be more expensive underground, but there would be positives, cheaper to heat for example.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Trochu

Yup. Although lighting, ventilation, structure, etc. would be similar above ground or not. Groundwork would obviously be more expensive underground, but there would be positives, cheaper to heat for example.

Compared to an open air range, as most ranges longer than 50m are, the lighting, ventilation, structure etc, would be much more expensive. But yes, it would be much easier to get approvals, with bullets and sound contained. The problem would be bringing in enough revenue, to pay off the investment in a reasonable period. You would either need to charge extremely high rates, or have a very high volume of business.