Our club doesn't have the capability of paying for the construction. Can you all let me know of methods used to finance such a project? Grants and so forth. Loans are out as we are still paying for the property. Just over 800 members but money left over is being used to develop higher priority needs right now.
Financing a 1000 yard range
- Thread starter kcomeau10x
- Start date
Jdne5b
Gold $$ Contributor
I know of a club who borrowed from a member, to avoid going to a bank.
I've also seen clubs pass and levy an assessment on the membership (above and beyond regular dues) to pay for special projects.
If the 1000 yard range isnt a priority, then it probably won't get done, especially if they can only rely on grants or donations.
I've also seen clubs pass and levy an assessment on the membership (above and beyond regular dues) to pay for special projects.
If the 1000 yard range isnt a priority, then it probably won't get done, especially if they can only rely on grants or donations.
XTR said:
Careful with that option; a range I used to belong to got into beaucoup trouble with ILL state authorities after issuing promissory notes for funds offered up to finance new range development.
I'm not saying the option shouldn't be considered but that if it is it needs to be set up 100% inside the laws of your state and local authorities.
A range I currently belong to accepts donations from members for land acquisition. Features 1,000-yard capability now, work ongoing for 1,200 & recently back to 1,400 I believe.
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
One sold the coal under it, "Allowing" the coal company to "restore the ground" with a nice round hill at 1200 yards from a certain long building with no sides and only a roof, with a bunch of concrete furniture....
Now I think they are selling the gas below the coal....
Might not be an option in LA
Now I think they are selling the gas below the coal....
Might not be an option in LA
Why not sell tickets to things like pancake breakfast, hamburger day, Shrimp dinners, flea market day once a month selling table sites for xx amount at the gun site you own. Have bingo games in .
There's hundreds of ways to make money if you want it bad enough.
There's hundreds of ways to make money if you want it bad enough.
The NRA was given a million dollar trust from a guy. The money was supposed to be used for range improvements. There is a limit and I believe you can apply every year. We checked into it when we built our new pit wall. There were that many stipulations and we didn't get it. Wouldn't hurt to try. Matt
Rome wasnt built in a day. 800 members you say? Ask the club members for donations and start small and build a little at a time. Doesnt take much to have a working 1000 yard range if you already have the land. A few benches and a bank to shoot into. Thats what I would do. As the support grows so will the range.
Two other thoughts - in lieu of building target pits consider electronic scoring systems. They sound expensive ($3000 per target) until you add up the cost of concrete work, permits, target frames, constant costs for supplies, etc..
Do watch out for EPA considerations. I know a club in my state that is facing $65,000,000 in proposed fines from contaminating a Critical Wetland. Not to be ignored!
If you get it going, let the rest of us know when you have matches so we can come out and support your club!
Do watch out for EPA considerations. I know a club in my state that is facing $65,000,000 in proposed fines from contaminating a Critical Wetland. Not to be ignored!
If you get it going, let the rest of us know when you have matches so we can come out and support your club!
Thank you to all that responded. A lot of great ideas that will help us to bring this range to fruition one day. Unfortunately, not tomorrow as I would like but, hopefully, in the near future.
My club has an annual 50 gun raffle and a $5,00.00 drawing as well as free beer, hots and hams along with a ticket purchase that is, different games of chance all on one afternoon in June and last year the income after expenses was $40 k.
FeMan
Gold $$ Contributor
The range I shoot at is world class. It was constructed by the Operating Engineer's Union Apprentice Program as a project to train their people. I am not sure if the club had to buy anything except the fuel. Sweet deal. 600 acres with 12 centerfire ranges (25 to 1,000 yards) and a bunch of shotgun ranges too.
Well, i'll share some hard numbers. My club recently finished our 600 yd range, it officially and legally opened on 7/14 to begin qualifications. Our 600 began back in 2001, and over the years faced many substantial pitfalls both financial and legal. I can tell you this, if you have residents anywhere near your club, get ready for a huge battle. Bottom line residents HATE gun clubs and will rally in protest over and over. That being said it takes money and lawyers to win period. My club's 600 cost was approx $400K by the time all was said and done. We initially hoped to build a 1K range but land limitations and cost of liability insurance were the kill factors, so we moved forward with 600 yds.
rap36case
Working up loads for new Shilen 308win
My 2 cents on this from a range that closed recently. This range was in Leonard, Texas. I loved going out there and became friends with the people who owned it. They had sporting clays, cowboy action, pistol and rifle ranges out to 500 yards, a clubhouse etc. The range was managed impeccably and range masters very rigorous in enforcing rules. I think it was a break even investment for the enjoyment of the sports.
They were harassed by new neighbors due to noise and allegations of a round going into their property. As I understand, no one recovered any rounds or independently witnessed this event. The owners of the range ended up closing do to legal and other hassles.
I think one lesson learned is to have good legal representation and add that into the cost of operations. Secondly, find a place where no one can move in and impose arbitrary complaints.
I am wondering how people up north are able to enjoy ranges without problems from neighbors and regulators.
They were harassed by new neighbors due to noise and allegations of a round going into their property. As I understand, no one recovered any rounds or independently witnessed this event. The owners of the range ended up closing do to legal and other hassles.
I think one lesson learned is to have good legal representation and add that into the cost of operations. Secondly, find a place where no one can move in and impose arbitrary complaints.
I am wondering how people up north are able to enjoy ranges without problems from neighbors and regulators.
BountyHunter
Gold $$ Contributor
Number one issue will be do you have enough land to contain projectiles. People have been known to "plant" rounds to indicate if came from the range. Shooters will shoot over berms and bullets will skip long, left, right and even can back over the firing line. Take the standard 308, you need 5288 meters downrange for ricochets, and over 1461 meters to both the left AND right to capture ricochets that go to the side. Go to the magnums and you are almost 7000 meters. In other words if a bullet lands short of the targets, it will skip and routinely go over the berms. The PA legislature paid for a study that showed, sabot slugs out of shotguns ricochet out to 3460 yards. That info is out of the Army DA Pam 385-63 Range Safety, and that criteria will be used against you in any case if you cannot contain ricochets. Focus on buying all the land behind the range and off to the sides you can and do not rely on a simple berm at the target line to contain bullets.
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We have a club with 800 members and we also have a 1000 yd range. Our club is also open to the public . Less then 4 percent of the club money is made off the 1000 yd range . 40 non members will make the club more money then a 40 shooter 1000 yd shoot .
Not only must the club-have enough land for a 1000 yd range They-need land behind the berm for a safety zone . One shoot over and u could loose everything . Scary but a fact.
Myself I think you should check on the safety point before you think about raising the money. We were told we need a safety zone of Over then a mile behind the berm .
Larry
Not only must the club-have enough land for a 1000 yd range They-need land behind the berm for a safety zone . One shoot over and u could loose everything . Scary but a fact.
Myself I think you should check on the safety point before you think about raising the money. We were told we need a safety zone of Over then a mile behind the berm .
Larry
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