Shooting Range Business Overview
A shooting range provides controlled environments for firearm practice, training, and recreational shooting activities. These facilities offer designated areas where customers can safely discharge firearms under supervision.
Operating a shooting range involves extensive safety protocols, proper ventilation systems, sound dampening equipment, and rigidly enforced rules. Range operators must maintain insurance coverage, follow strict federal and state regulations, and employ trained staff to monitor shooting activities.
The most common business models include:
- Indoor Range: Climate-controlled facilities with individual shooting lanes, typically found in urban areas. These ranges often feature advanced ventilation systems and protective barriers between lanes.
- Outdoor Range: Large open-air facilities that accommodate longer shooting distances and various shooting activities. These ranges usually operate in rural areas with substantial land space.
- Combined Indoor/Outdoor Facility: Properties that feature both indoor and outdoor shooting areas, offering varied experiences for different shooting activities and weather conditions.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business
How Do Shooting Ranges Make Money?
Shooting ranges earn their primary income through range fees, where customers pay to use the shooting facilities. Most ranges charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $15 to $30 per hour per lane. Many ranges also implement lane-sharing fees for additional shooters. Range operators often structure their pricing around peak usage times, offering lower rates during slower periods and premium rates during high-demand hours.
Additional revenue sources include:
- Pro Shop Sales: Revenue from selling firearms, accessories, targets, cleaning supplies, and other shooting-related merchandise.
- Equipment Rentals: Firearms, eye protection, ear protection, and other necessary safety gear available for customer use.
- Ammunition Sales: On-site retail of various ammunition types compatible with range-approved firearms.
- Training Programs: Instructional courses covering firearm safety, proper shooting techniques, and certification classes.
- Membership Plans: Monthly or annual subscriptions that provide regular access to facilities at reduced rates.
Industry Statistics
Shooting ranges operate under NAICS code 713990, which represents Recreational and Sports Centers. This industry focuses on providing facilities for target practice with various types of firearms.
Here are the data points about the shooting range industry:
Shooting Range Industry Size & Growth: The shooting range industry generated $5.7 billion in revenue last year. The industry has shown strong performance, with an average annual growth of 6.3% over the past five years. Growth projections remain positive, with an annual increase of 7.8% annually, supported by increasing interest in recreational shooting and continued demand for training facilities. (IBISWorld)
Number of Shooting Ranges: There are 8,468 shooting ranges operating across the nation. The industry remains highly fragmented, with no single company controlling a large portion of the market. Most ranges operate as independent businesses rather than franchises or chains. (IBISWorld)
Shooting Range Profit Margin: The average shooting range maintains profit margins between 10% and 15% of revenue, accounting for operating costs such as facility maintenance, insurance, and safety equipment.
States with Most Shooting Ranges: The highest concentration of shooting ranges appears in states with strong hunting and shooting sports traditions. Texas, Florida, and California have the largest number of facilities, influenced by population size and local firearm regulations. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Startup Stories
Costs To Start a Shooting Range
Starting a shooting range typically requires between $500,000 and $1,500,000. The wide range in startup costs reflects variations between indoor and outdoor facilities as well as differences in size and location.
There are several expenses when starting a shooting range, but here are some of the more expensive items:
Property & Building: Indoor shooting ranges need specialized construction with reinforced walls, bullet traps, and advanced ventilation systems. The building costs alone often range from $300,000 to $800,000. Outdoor ranges require substantial land area and proper backstops, which can cost $200,000 to $500,000, depending on the acreage and location.
Safety Equipment: The range must have proper safety features, including ballistic materials, bullet traps, target systems, and sound dampening equipment. These safety components typically cost between $100,000 and $250,000 for a standard-sized facility.
Ventilation System: Indoor ranges require sophisticated ventilation systems to remove lead particles and other contaminants. A proper HVAC system with air filtration typically costs between $75,000 and $150,000.
Insurance & Permits: Given the nature of the business, shooting ranges require extensive insurance coverage and various permits. Initial insurance premiums and licensing fees generally range from $25,000 to $50,000.
These estimates provide a general idea of startup costs, though actual expenses will vary.
Resources:
National Rifle Association (NRA)
National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)