That sounds like a good idea at first glance.
We spend tax money on a lot less worthwhile causes.
The problem is that with tax money comes control over that money.
We gun nuts are a bunch of independent cusses. We don't like people telling us how, when and where we can shoot.
Range fees aren't a big deal. If a person can spend several hundred dollars on his or her weapon and ammo, they can spend ten or twenty bucks for range fees.
What must happen to get more people to the ranges is for the range personnel to take an interest in the shooting pleasure of their clients without making them feel like they're in boot camp.
I know it's a fine line between the liability for the shooter's safety and the promotion of the shooter's enjoyment, but no shooter is going to want to go back to a range where he got his ass chewed because he was standing six inches in front of the white line.
Too many ranges convey the attitude that they're doing you a favor by allowing you to shoot at all.
You are right about the amount of money required to belong to a range. The pistol range where I work is less than $150.00 for a years membership, which provide unlimited range access. There is a local outdoor range in the area, very nice, and membership dues are only $100.00 per year.
I do think that government should be in the business of promoting marksmanship, as it is a guarantor against tyranny. The DCM/CMP is the only government agency I can think of whose size and budget I would like to see increase, other than the military, of course. As Jeff Cooper noted, "A citizenry armed with rifles cannot be tyrannized."
Cowboy, I don't mind little lines and such, but people waving around loaded firearms with thier finger on the trigger, because they cannot be bothered to think about what they are doing is a different story. I get "swept" with a loaded handgun with someones finger on the trigger at least once a week.
It is pretty rare that we ever boot anyone, but it does happen. Most folks are willing try to change when you point out to them just how dangerously they are behaving.
I am not so much a stickler for range rules, but I do insist that the Four Rules of Safe Gun Handling be adhered to. I don't need any extra orifices.
Stay Safe
You got that right, pard!