Posted on 10/28/2010 2:30:25 PM PDT by DCBryan1
Well, after almost 7 years in a damn office, and 11 years prior military, I think I'm ready for a career change. I'll be 39 in NOV and current income is above average. Both the wife and I have good jobs, the problem his she loves her job, and has upward mobility potential. In fact, I could quit, and be a stay at home dad, but that's not my style.
I'm capped out, and enjoy my paychecks, but there comes a time when you get sick and tired of your job and just can't fathom another 25 years of doing the same thing, no matter what your paycheck.
I've had a sideline busines of gunsmithing and NFA horse trading/mfg. under my 07/02 FFL/SOT, and am thinking of moving that passion from underneath the house to a retail site. (would have to get a 01 FFL/03 SOT). I got the "open a gun store bug" after visiting what I would call a "near perfect" gun store/INDOOR shooting range in Scottsdale, AZ a couple of years ago.
I could probably have access to funding and could build a pretty sweet store, but the decision making process of "pulling the trigger" is complicated by the current administration regime, and starting from ground zero in the retail business. Due to recent pro-gun USSC cases, I am less redicent of going this route now.
I wanted to solicit advice from one of the best sources out there, Free Republic, not only for its Conservative and Christian values, but common sense, wide range of experience, and work ethic. (and humor).
Thanks in advance!
What I want is what YOU banglist types would like to see in a gunstore/shooting range.
What are your favorite INDOOR ranges and why?
What do you like about them?
What do you like least about your local INDOOR ranges/stores?
Any advice for someone that has worked retail in the past, but never owned/managed a public retail business?
Again, thanks in advance.
DCB.
....btw....if I light this candle, FReepers will get wholesale cost+10%+SHI
bump to read
What do you like least about your local INDOOR ranges/stores?
Poor ventilation and lighting. Like to shoot outdoors for that reason.
Sounds like a terrific idea! Is there one already open in your area? There isn’t one close to where I live. If there was, I’d go to it every week. If you’re the only game in town, I’d say it could earn you a decent income.
What I didn’t like about indoor ranges I’ve been to in the past has been lack of good ventilation. (have good ventilation). The place also didn’t have a way to handle spent brass. It would all simply land on the floor, and accumulate. I’m sure a system could be installed to handle it. Perhaps per lane, so folks that are inclined can keep their own brass.
Having such a place would also allow you to rent used firearms for people to use, and you can do classes. Good sources of revenue from the range alone.
Best of luck!
Did someone have the Banglist?
I’d like to see the responses too, out of sheer curiosity
PS: Poor lighting was another issue with the indoor range I’d been to in the past.
A local company offers CCW training for out of state CCW licenses. (Utah) Utah has reciprocity with a lot of states, something like 19 other States accept Utah CCW.
Granted, you don’t need a license for CCW in AZ anymore, but, you still need a license in other states.
Perhaps hook up with some firearms trainers to see about working with them to offer out of state CCW classes at your range?
There a lots of issues opening up a gun range including zoning, liscensing, EPA regs, OSHA regs, insurance etc.
Start here. http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/development.asp
My only advice is to do it. I left office life going on 6 years ago to do what I love. Less money, but enough money, and no regrets whatsoever. Best years of my life. Good luck.
Mid-life crisis?
Man - if I was in a good job - I would not leave it now.
The nicest indoor ranges are probably Bass Pro. Allow up to .223 with rifles. Fan sucking air out means even with AC it can get hot.
Least like: Suicide types who rent guns to kill themselves. How would you react if that happened? The rule is - just let them do it. If not they may take you with them.
Advice about public: Gun owners are cheap and some are poor. You get crazies, bikers, rednecks that are not nice rednecks and sometimes gangbangers. Dealing with people can often be unpleasant. You also need to be packing all day long and have to be on your toes all day long for robbers.
You also better have fort knox shutters at night when you close. Theives LOVE to break into gun stores. They can break into almost any gun store.
Large selection of rental handguns to try different brands/calibers/types/styles before buying.
Good variety of accessories to try and/or buy (holsters, lasers, lights, etc...)
Our local indoor range also offers basic pistol courses along with concealed carry courses.
As mentioned above, good lighting and ventilation.
It also offers one-time rentals along with annual passes (subject to range availability, of course) and an ability to reserve a date/time.
Add CCW training which sells guns.
Also buy guns though a lot of times you can get crack addicts with stolen guns. I was shopping and some guy is walking down the street with AR 15s. He walks in and tries to sell them. Gets all pissed off because they offer him peanuts, walks out and starts walking down the street.
Ideally it would be nice to have a place selling high end shotguns with high end service to rich folk but I doubt that works.
LOL...actually no. Got married for the first time this year, had my first child, and bought my first home (not house). Great year! Good question though.
My mid-life crisis occured in 2002 30,000 feet above the Pacific when I woke up from a coma due to heat stroke in OEF-P.
Gun shop....shooting range? Better get some advice from a good lawyer first.Plus,unless I’m mistaken,you’d better get yourself a good liability insurance policy.
Rentals sell guns but rentals can attract people who kill themselves. It happens more than you think.
If NJ goes ahead with its relaxation of gun restrictions a new gun store there could be a gold mine as there are only a handful of dealers in the state currently.
Me too
Info on a guy up in Arkansas who did it.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/62920877.html
I’m looking around to see if there are franchise opportunities for these.
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