Questions about starting a range

[RRD3]

After talking to a few people here and there and posting this question on a few forums there doesn't seem to be any long range shooting schools. I'm not sure what the demand would be for something like this, but I'd be interested in trying to start one.

In the State of Colorado, does anyone know what is needed to start this kind of school as well as laws in Colorado regarding the range?

If anyone knows let me know, or if you can point me in the right direction.

Thanks

[BadShot]

Byers Gun club has several long range lanes.. you could maybe talk with them..

[RRD3]

Yea... that's the Colorado Rifle Club. Good group of people but I'm not sure if they would be willing to point me in any direction that would lead to direct competition with their program.

Although I don't think they offer any long range training programs other than a general rifle safety type class.

[Irving]

Want me to ask some questions about insurance restrictions?

[RRD3]

I know that I would have to have a huge insurance policy, but I'm not sure as to what needs to be covered and how much.
All information regarding the start up of this type of business would be GREATLY appreciated.

[blackford76]

I wonder where we could lease the property for this? Out East, or up North. My yard isn't deep enough. I have some land in Nebraska, but that is a little far to drive.[Beer]

[Irving]

I think you are a bit confused about what a huge insurance policy would actually be. I can't see any reason why you couldn't have just a regular $1 million / $2 million General Liability policy. It might be costly, but probably not. If you are going to be teaching a class, that opens up other issues and you might have to get some sort of professional Errors and Omissions policy. That in turn is another issue, because you usually wouldn't get an E&O policy unless you are some sort of licensed professional.

[RRD3]

I just found a good article that covers a lot of the insurance and liability questions.

http://www.rangeinfo.org/resource_library/resLibDoc.cfm?filename=business/legal/managing_liability.htm&CAT=Business


Posted for anyone else who might want to know.

[BadShot]

Well a couple of options.. try partnering with the Byers folks and get your reputation and client base built. No offense man, but there are several world class long range training organizations within reasonable travel from Denver.. Badlands in OK and another down in Texas (can't remember right at the moment) that SnipersHide.com has their annual competition at... there's another guy starting to build up a decent student base up in Wyoming (southern somewhere) and then there are the folks that travel and teach like Frank who runs SnipersHide..

Kinda stiff competition for a single focus type school...

I'm not trying to stifle your idea dude, I like it and will happily sign up for a good course, but I'm a practical shooter, not a fan of sitting on a line for the whole duration.

Another great help when I started going down this same exact path about 4 years ago is the NRA... you can call member services and they'll hook you up with who you'll need to talk to.


Good luck and keep us updated man.. and maybe think about going beyond just long range.. shoot houses, closer combat like ranges (Think hosting a Pat Rogers or Larry Vickers course type thing) would be a huge benefit in the less than an hour drive range

[RRD3]

Those are all very good points.

I think I should state that this would not be a full time business. My intention would be to operate smaller classes, once a month or special one on one training. More of a hobby of mine than a full time business. It came to me after a number of people asked if I could or wold give lessons.

I know this makes it harder when it comes down to insurance, licensing and other legalities. What I have been researching is the option to co-operate with another facility or club.

I think I will start with a call to the NRA. As a life member they should be able to help me out in some degree.

[Irving]

I'd call the NRA and see what they tell you about being an instructor. I imagine the difference in price for an insurance policy for teaching people shooting fundamentals and a live fire shoot house will be astronomical. I wouldn't even know where to begin looking for coverage for that.

I'd think that you'd have to charge so much for it, that people might as well just put themselves through POST certificaiton.

[RRD3]

Yea, I think that's why I would want to start with long range, bolt rifle type of class.

Too much competition in the tactical / defense / assault type classes out there.

[blackford76]

So, when is the first class? I'm ready! Gotta get the Dragunov on some steel!

[libertyordeath]

I wonder where we could lease the property for this? Out East, or up North. My yard isn't deep enough. I have some land in Nebraska...

Holy crap! [Eek3] You really think we could hit Nebraska from here? That is a loooong range; hell, I'm game if you are! [LOL]