the range report -- spring 2010

Break-in!Security Tips froma Victim

A LOUD CourtDecision

Vol. 13 No. 2 Spring 2010

NSSF’s Magazine for Club Officers & Managers of Shooting Facilities

Q&A: Tips for Tidiness

Get InvolvedCommunity Groups

Are Invaluable

HIT ALL YOUR TARGETSIncrease range traffic. Convert beginners.

Reactivate former participants. Turn first-time shooters into repeat customers.

WWW.NSSF.ORG/FIRSTSHOTS

HOST A FIRST SHOTS EVENTHosting a First Shots® seminar is the sure-fire way to drive traffic to your range. It intro-

duces newcomers to the sport. It reactivates former participants. And it turns first-time

shooters into loyal repeat customers. Simply put, host a First Shots event and everybody

wins. The National Shooting Sports Foundation will make it as easy as possible, just visit

www.firstshots.org/schedule or call 203-426-1320. You’ll receive a free Reference

Guide and all the ammunition you need to drive more traffic.

An introduction to shooting

8

Features

Break-in!How good is your security system?By W.H. “Chip” Gross

Real-life ScenarioA Loud Court DecisionA neighbor’s complaint about noisehas a rod and gun club reeling.By Dale Hardy Roberts, Esq.

Work with Community OrganizationsVisibility, sweat equity earn promi-nence, respect and support.By Carolee Anita Boyles

Openrange Earns Its Five StarsNSSF guidance and a unique approachhave helped create satisfied customersin an exemplary operation.By Colin Moore

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Departments

4Letter from the EditorWhat do you want your magazine to be?By Glenn Sapir

Sighting InScoping out news for the shooting rangecommunityBy Glenn Sapir

5

6Q&ATips to keep your range tidyBy Holden Kriss, Bill Kempffer and PeterBoruchowski

The Undercover ShooterTwo indoor ranges near 90210

Home on the RangeThink collegiateBy Zach Snow

2022

www.nssf.org • www.wheretoshoot.org • www.rangeinfo.org

© 2010 National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TheRange ReportSM, SHOT Show® and all other trade names, trademarks andservice marks of the National Shooting Sports Foundation appearing inthis publication are the sole property of the Foundation and may not beused without the Foundation’s prior express written permission. All othercompany and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks oftheir respective owners.

3The Range Report ■ Spring 2010

On the cover: Involvement in community organiza-tions can bring results in the form ofboth influence and new customers.

Photo courtesy of Holden Kriss

Vol. 13 No. 2 Spring 2010

17

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Editorial and Advertising OfficesFlintlock Ridge Office Center

11 Mile Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470-2359

Tel:203-426-1320Fax: 203-426-1245

E-mail: [email protected]

Visit us on the Webwww.nssf.org

www.wheretoshoot.orgwww.rangeinfo.org

The Range Report, the magazine for club officers and managers of shooting facilities, published fourtimes per year by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is dedicated to serving the needs and to helping meet the challenges oftoday’s shooting facilities.

The Range Report encourages letters, comments, suggestions, questions and tips. Material to bereturned should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.The Range Report does not assumeresponsibility for the loss of unso-licited graphic or written material.Correspondence should be sent to:

The Range Report, c/o NSSF, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470-2359 Fax: 203-426-1245 E-mail: [email protected]

We reserve the right to edit for clarityand space.

Editor

Glenn Sapir

Advertising Director

Chris Dolnack

Art Director

Deb Moran

Letter from the EditorG l e n n S a p i r

What Do You Want YourMagazine to Be?

4 The Range Report ■ Spring 2010

What topics would you like to seeincluded in future Range Reports? As“NSSF’s Magazine for Club Officers &Managers of Shooting Facilities,” TheRange Report fills a special niche. This isTHE magazine for club officers andmanagers of shooting facilities. It’s whatwe call a “trade magazine,” as opposed tothe “consumer magazines” commonlyfound at newsstands. Consumer maga-zines are for the end users. “SportingClays” magazine, “Skeet Shooting Review,”“The American Rifleman” and manyothers are for your club members andcustomers. The Range Report is for you! You only get it four times a year, andit typically carries two-dozen or lesspages. So, space is a prized commodity tothose of us who create the magazine andhopefully, a prized commodity to you whoread this. In fact, The Range Report isyours—the National Shooting SportsFoundation’s gift to you. With that in mind, let’s return to theoriginal question: What would you like tosee in The Range Report. We asked thatquestion of more than 2,500 readers inspring 2005, and based on their answers,we responded with content to meet thosedesires and needs. At that time, the subscriber base wasabout 8,000 members of the rangecommunity. In the subsequent five years,the circulation has grown to more than10,000. Interest is becoming more wide-spread, and we hope that is because weare hitting on what you and your counter-parts want to read. Despite the strong endorsement wereceived from readers when we ran thatsurvey, we continue to seek directionfrom range professionals. We recently drew up an editorialcalendar for the remainder of this year’sissues and all four for 2011. In almost allissues, we have planned a “real scenario”type of article, so that you can read aboutchallenges other ranges are facing, as wellas how they are meeting those challenges.

We have also planned more product-oriented articles than you may beaccustomed to seeing in the magazine.No, we don’t plan to devote an entire arti-cle to review and publicize a specific trapmachine or a bullet trap, but we do expectto give a helpful rundown on the types ofproducts that clubs and ranges mightconsider incorporating into their opera-tions, mentioning innovative features, andwe envision providing helpful guidance onlocating specific sources of those products. In fact, we have plans for a lineup ofextremely valuable articles to help youmake your facility more professional, moreeconomically operated, more environmen-tally and legally sound and more enjoyablefor your shooters, be they club members orwalk-in customers. A hallmark of mostarticles is that they do incorporate “realscenarios.” Our authors have beeninstructed to track down, profile and inany other way bring into their articles therelevant experiences of ranges. In that editorial calendar we have leftarticle slots open for additional topics.What would you like to see covered? Getting feedback from readers of TheRange Report has always been a chal-lenge, and there may not be much reasonto expect a change in that responserecord. Perhaps, however, when you takeseriously the realization that this maga-zine is yours and can be, to a great extent,what you want it to be, you’ll devote thetime to let us know what you want to seein the magazine. It may be a message fora pull-out poster that you and other shoot-ing facilities across the country mightdisplay, or it might be a topic for an articlethat will specifically help you solve aproblem you are facing. Or it might be acomplaint about an article we did run.It’s up to you to let us know. The e-mailaddress is [email protected], andwe’d like to hear from you. RR

Scoping out news for the shooting range communitySighting In Sighting In

By Glenn Sapir, Editor

With an increasing number of collegestudents taking up target shooting at competi-tive and club levels, the National ShootingSports Foundation is providing $109,500 insupport to ensure that even more young menand women have the opportunity to giveshooting a try.

NSSF is awarding the grants through itsnew Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative,which was launched earlier this year to raiseawareness about shotgun, rifle and handgunshooting at the college level and to provideassistance for the development of shootingclubs and varsity teams.

“NSSF is making these grants available inresponse to a growing interest in the shootingsports on campuses across the country,” saidZach Snow, NSSF’s senior shooting promo-tions coordinator. “Graduates of scholasticshooting programs like the NSSF-developedScholastic Clay Target Program want tocontinue participating in their favorite sportwhen they go off to college, and once therethey’re eager to introduce new friends, class-mates and faculty to this lifetime activity. Atthe same time, collegiate shooting programshelp create a positive image for the shootingsports and firearms ownership.”

Grants were issued to 16 colleges anduniversities, from prominent Harvard and MIT

to smaller schools like Fort Hays State Univer-sity in Kansas, with awards ranging from$4,000 to $7,500 per school. Some collegeswill use their grants as seed funding to launchnew shooting clubs and teams; other schoolswill use their funds to expand existingprograms and publicize them on campus bydeveloping Web sites and hosting “funshoots.”

Colleges requested grants through anapplication process with NSSF, which evalu-ated the proposals and made the awardsbased on the proposals.

Participation in college shotgun sportshas grown remarkably in recent years.Between 2006 and 2009, the annual ACUIIntercollegiate Clay Target Championships hasseen a 40 percent increase in participation,with 37 schools and 337 clay target shooterscompeting in last spring’s championship.Much of the increase can be directly attributedto high school students graduating fromprograms like the NSSF-developed ScholasticClay Target Program and 4-H, and then contin-uing to compete in college.

For more information about NSSF’s Colle-giate Shooting Sports Initiative visitwww.nssf.org/college or contact Zach Snow [email protected]. For additional insights fromSnow on how ranges can encourage collegiateshooting at their facilities, be sure to read his“Home on the Range” article on page 22 ofthis issue.

NSSF Awards ShootingGrants to Colleges


Improved Web Site Launchedby NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundationlaunched an improved, redesigned Web site --the organization’s hub for providing timelynews and educational materials to industrymembers and consumers.

The site, www.nssf.org, underwent its firstredesign in five years to improve navigation,maximize multi-media offerings and integratesocial media tools such as Twitter, Facebookand blogs.

“The Internet is a key messaging andmarketing tool in today’s world,” said MarkThomas, NSSF’s managing director, marketingcommunications. “Our site had been perform-ing extremely well. However, the site was longoverdue for a redesign and needed to matchour new branding initiative. I am extremelypleased with how our in-house new media stafftook all the input from our research, member-

ship and staff and turned this into a robust sitethat will better serve our membership for thenear future.”

Basing its redesign efforts on Web metricsand survey feedback from users, NSSF focusedon key elements: coordinating the Web sitewith NSSF’s overall brand look and feel; unit-ing all NSSF programs under the NSSFumbrella; improving navigation so that mostinformation can be obtained in three clicks orless; allowing for increased multi-mediapresentations produced in NSSF’s new videostudio; making it easier to stay connected withNSSF through social media tools and by sign-ing up to receive newsletters, press releases,legislative alerts and blog posts via RSS and e-mail; and improving site search functionality.

The site’s main categories are Industry,Shooting, Hunting and Safety, where all of NSSF’smany programs and services can be found.

An improved Online Newsroom serves asan excellent source of story ideas and back-

ground information on firearms issues thatmedia can utilize in their stories.

NSSF reminds visitors that they canaccomplish the following on the new Web site:become an NSSF member; learn about thefirearms and ammunition industry; view andorder educational literature and videos; orderindustry research; learn about locations whereyou can go shooting and hunting; contact yourlegislators about important firearms-relatedbills that affect the industry; find jobs in theindustry; and read the latest news affecting theindustry.

Take a spin on the redesigned NSSF Website at www.nssf.org.

Curcuruto Takeson NSSFResearch Post

The National Shoot-ing Sports Foundation(NSSF) has appointedJames Curcuruto as direc-tor, industry research and analysis. Curcurutobrings more than 15 years experience in theresearch, analysis, sales, marketing andadvertising fields. He has done a substantialamount of research and analysis for a varietyof industries, including the outdoor sportsindustry.

“Jim’s thorough understanding ofresearch and analysis will ensure that NSSFcontinues to produce market intelligencethat helps our members to make moreinformed business decisions,” said ChrisDolnack, NSSF senior vice president. “Hisbroad sales and marketing experience withindustry companies will serve NSSF and itsmembers well as we move forward inexpanding our initiatives to promote, protectand preserve hunting and the shootingsports.”

Curcuruto holds a bachelor’s degree inbusiness management from the CameronSchool of Business at the University of NorthCarolina-Wilmington. He is also a lifelongsportsman with a special interest in whitetaildeer hunting.

At NSSF, Curcuruto will direct the in-house research and analysis staff whilereporting to Randy Clark, managing directorof business development. Among the serv-ices his department performs areCustomized Market Reports, which manyranges, especially start-ups, depend upon intheir business plan.

“I am looking forward to building uponthe solid foundation that exists within NSSF’sresearch department,” said Curcuruto.

Q&AQ. What tip can you pass along to helpkeep a range tidy?

A. Holden Kriss, range manager, IndianRiver County Shooting Range: With firedbrass reloadable cartridges worth moneyas scrap, cleanliness on your range cannot only look nice, but it can be profitablealso. We wanted an easy cleanup at theend of the shooting day, so we came upwith a labor saver that helps us collectspent brass. This design can be used at just aboutany shooting range including bothoutdoor and indoor facilities. We started

with a frame that we made out of PVCpipes. We then added a metal screen thatwe tie-wrapped onto the frame. Next, weattached a metal clasp that worked as ahinge and attached a rope to the middleto pull up the frame from in front of thefiring line. The result is an easy and simple aidfor cleaning up most of the brass that isfired forward of the firing line. The onlymaintenance is a replacing a tie occasion-ally. It now takes us about 10 minutes topick up the brass forward of the shootinglines on both the rifle and pistol ranges atthe end of the day. A bonus is that thesescreens catch loose papers, cleaningpatches and other trash, which furtherhelps keep our range looking tidy.

A. Bill Kempffer, president, Deep RiverSporting Clays & Shooting School: Oper-ating a sporting clays range offers itsown set of tidiness issues because theshooting fields are a distance from theclubhouse and, for that matter, fromeach other. Clays shooting produces our numberone challenge: empty hulls that need tobe picked up daily, if not multiple timeseach day. To facilitate this we place large“muck buckets” next to each shootingstation to make it easy for the customersto deposit their empties. Even with such alarge receptacle, however, empties willsometimes find their way to the groundaround the station, as do the hulls ejectedby semi-automatic or pump shotguns. Several devices are available for pick-ing the empty hulls off the ground. Whathas worked best for us, especially sincethe shooting station locations arechanged with regularity and the groundaround them is not necessarily smoothand flat, is two industrial-strength

magnets fixed to a short T-joint piece ofPVC pipe material. The T-joint is attachedto a 5-foot length of PVC pipe. Thisdevice allows our staff to pick the hullsoff the ground and deposit them into thebuckets during the course of the day andat closing time without having to bendover to pick them up by hand. This simple tool makes a difficult andtime-consuming job much easier on theback and the clock. Each groundsman hashis own “hull stick” with him to use asnecessary. The cost of making up thesesticks is only about $30.

A. Peter Boruchowski, manager, Smith &Wesson Shooting Sports Center: Twoyears ago we wanted to reduce thedamage to our target hangers. We wereusing a 22x35-inch cardboard backer thatrequired the target to hang from the top.If you have a 5-foot 4-inch-tall shootertrying to hit a bull’s eye target at 10yards, you know what the outcome is:damaged hangers and carrier systems.After experimenting with a few options itwas decided to go with an 11x35-inchcardboard backer. The benefits of thischange were some for which we planned(such as allowing the target to beadjusted up or down to match the heightof the shooter; keeping the impact awayfrom the target holders and carriers; andspreading the impact on our steel back-stop over a larger area). One benefit wedidn’t foresee was the 50 percent reduc-tion in cardboard debris, along with areduction in debris from targets and back-ers that, previously, were constantly beingshot down. We were very pleased with theoutcome, which reduced the cost forsystem maintenance and for backerswhile presenting a cleaner range.


Your questions answered

Q&AQ&A

Tips to Keep Your Range Tidy

RR

Holden Kriss range manager, Indian River CountyShooting Range

Bill Kempfferpresident, Deep River SportingClays & Shooting School

Peter Boruchowskimanager, Smith & Wesson ShootingSports Center

In Q & A, The Range Report invites NSSF

Association of Shooting Ranges advisory

committee members past and present, and

others with special expertise, to provide

their answers to questions of interest to our

readers. If you have a question you’d like

to see addressed, submit it to rangere-

[email protected]. If you would like to

comment on the answers given in this

edition’s Q&A, or if you have related follow-

up questions for this team of experts,

please share your thoughts at the same e-

mail address.

The future of your businessdepends on it.

For almost 50 years, our mission has always

been to promote, protect and preserve our

hunting and shooting sports. Now more than

ever, it’s time to shoot for more and become a

NSSF member. To join, contact Bettyjane Swann

at (203) 426-1320 or [email protected].

Join the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Help us attract, excite and informnew hunters and shooters – and turn them into your customers.

Your Future Is Our BusinessIt’s Also Our Mission and Passion

National ShootingSports Foundation®

All of us are a part of the lucky few who make a living

pursuing our passion. We are the National Shooting

Sports Foundation, the trade association of the firearms,

ammunition and shooting industry. By becoming a NSSF

member, you enable us to attract, excite and inform new

hunters and shooters in every state about the sport we

love . . . new enthusiasts mean more business for

everyone. Whether it is in the field, on the range, in

Washington, D.C. or 50 state capitals, we stand proudly as

your voice. Help us make your voice louder and stronger

where it counts.

www.MembershipMeansBusiness.org

© iStockphoto.com/Sami Photography


It’s one of a range owner/operator’sworst nightmares: burglary.Unfortunately, that nightmare

came true last August 17 for Rex andSuzanne Gore, husband and wifeowners of Black Wing ShootingCenter (www.blackwingsc.com), aFive Star-rated shooting facility on theedge of Delaware, Ohio.

“It was a Sunday evening aboutmidnight when burglars cut the phonelines to our building, disabling themain, land-line-based securitysystem,” said Rex. “They then enteredby breaking out a glass backdoor,which set off the in-store alarms. Thealarms chased the burglars away forabout an hour—probably waiting in

nearby woods to see if anyone wouldshow up in answer to the alarm.When no one did, our surveillancecameras show two guys coming backabout 1 a.m.”

The thieves spent almost an hourin the building, taking 35 firearms—shotguns, rifles and handguns—andother merchandise worth about$30,000. In the process, they damagedanother $20,000 worth of property, fora total insurance claim of $50,000.However, most of the store’s more valu-able firearms had been wisely locked ina vaulted, concrete, inner room, as theyare each night. As a result, thesuspects got away with only a smallfraction of the facility’s $1.5 million

inventory. The Gores admit the break-in could have been much worse.

Black Wing also had a cellular-based backup security system, notrequiring a land-based phone line, butfor some unknown reason it failed.

“We’re not sure if the burglarswere somehow able to scramble thesystem’s signal or it was simply notworking for some other reason, suchas a lightning strike,” said Rex. “Allwe know is that the backup systemdidn’t go off when it should have.When it was checked following therobbery, we were told the system was‘fried.’”

Of the three suspected perpetra-tors, one has already been arrested,convicted and sentenced on threefelony counts. A second person, thedriver of the vehicle, was arrested,pled guilty and, at press time, awaitedsentencing while a third man, thebelieved brains behind the break-in,was still at large. The two men alreadyapprehended were from Columbus,

Break-in!How good is your security system?

By W. H. “Chip” Gross

Rex and Suzanne Gore are grinning for the camera,but they weren’t smiling when their shootingcenter was burglarized. The experience has

taught them some valuable lessons from which all shooting facilities could profit.

Photos courtesy of author


Ohio’s capital city, home tomore than one million peopleand about a half-hour’s drivefrom Black Wing.

The Gores do not believeany of their 25 employees wereinvolved in the robbery.

“We’re convinced it wasnot in an inside job,” they said.

What have the Goreslearned from their ordeal?

“This incident has taughtus one thing, and that is to testour main and back-up securitysystems on a regular basis,”they said. “We now testmonthly. And since the break-in, we’ve added sirens andflashing strobe alarms to theoutside of the building. We’vealso added additional videosurveillance cameras, both inside andout.”

The Gores also suggest hiring aprofessional security consultant totake a hard look at your facility.

“If at all possible, have the power

and phone lines coming into yourbuilding totally underground, so theycan’t be cut,” they warned. “And havea cellular backup to any land-line-based security system.”

Also, alternative electrical power

is important, such as a generator thatkicks on should your main powersource fail — and don’t forget to haveadequate surge protection on all powerunits.

“Most important,” said the Gores,

Dealing with the MediaFollowing the break-in at Black Wing Shoot-

ing Center last summer, one of the things ownersRex and Suzanne Gore were not prepared for wasthe crush of news-media attention.

“It was like a feeding frenzy of sharks,”Rex remembers. “There were TV news crews inmy store’s parking lot filing remote stories andreporters following me around inside the storewanting interviews…for several days it was justcrazy.” Unfortunately, according to Gore, noneof the news sources were totally accurate in their reporting.

Gore said he is normally very friendly with the news media, believing, as a rangeowner and operator that it is his responsibility to educate reporters about recreationalshooting and the shooting sports industry in general.

“But it’s always a challenge,” said Gore. “For example, we can seldom get the mediato respond when we are having a special shooting event or educational program, such asfor veterans, women or kids. But let something unfortunate happen, such as the break-in,and the media seems to show up in droves. If I had it to do over again,” said Gore, “Iprobably would have declined all news interviews following the break-in and just issued awritten press release.”

The Range Report ■ Spring 2010

“have a good insurance policy, andmake sure it’s up to date.”

Smoke, secured guncases and sound deterrents

The National ShootingSports Foundation (NSSF)makes available to itsmembers discounts on twoshooting range/store secu-rity aids. One is a foggingsystem from FlashFog Secu-rity, and the other is a lineof secured gun cases fromDisplay Solutions of Topeka.

Bettyjane Swann,member services directorwith the NSSF, explainsthe benefits of the systems.

“FlashFog deterssmash-and-grab burglaries, becausewhen your store alarm goes off Flash-Fog sets off a thick, odorless fog thatspreads throughout the building inabout 30 seconds, greatly reducing visi-bility. And, obviously, burglars can’tsteal what they can’t see,” Swann said.

“The gun display cases fromDisplay Solutions of Topeka have analuminum, roll-down front that can bepulled down and locked at night—muchlike a roll-top desk—which also discour-ages smash-and-grab,” she added.

Swann said that both securitycompanies regularly display theirproducts at the SHOT Show.

FlashFog’s fog lasts about 45minutes, is safe and harmless tobreathe. The company claims there isno clean-up of any kind involved after

the system activates. Each activationcosts about $10, and six to eight acti-vations can be expected from a typicalbag of the system’s fluid. In addition,the fog deterrent is enhanced by abright strobe light that pulsates 12times per second, causing the fog toglow and disorienting intruders.

For even more security protection,FlashFog also offers SoundWall, anoise system that projects 125 decibelsof ear-piercing sound in a narrowbeam. The SoundWall system isusually used to protect specific areas,such as safes, cash registers or high-priced inventory.

Display Solutions of Topekasecured gun cases are made with a lock-able, roll-formed aluminum door or

individuallocking slide-out drawers.Available inboth handgunand long-gunsizes, the casessolve the prob-lem of havingto remove

firearms fromdisplay caseseach night tobe locked inmore securestorage. Thecompany says,

“…the savings inlabor, less handling ofthe firearms, and theadded security morethan pays for the

cases.” Custom orders, built to fit yourstore’s specific needs, are also available.

All’s well that ends wellAn interesting side note to the

Black Wing Shooting Center break-inlast summer was the reaction of thelocal community.

“To my surprise, people reallybecame angry at the thugs,” said RexGore. “Our employees, range members,customers, even people from the localcommunity who are not necessarilyshooters, were all upset. Everyone feltthe thieves had not just stolen from us,but from them, as well.”

The Gores said they receivedmany phone calls and visits followingthe robbery, with people checking tosee how they were doing and if theyneeded anything. Local restaurantseven brought in food for the Goresand their staff.

“It was all a very positive, touch-ing show of caring and support,” saidRex “one that Suzanne, I and ourfamily will never forget.”

With unemployment in Americahovering around 10 percent and theeconomy continuing to struggle, moreand more people are getting desperatefor money. As a result, break-ins areon the rise, and shooting ranges arenot exempt. Is your shooting facilityadequately protected? Don’t wait tofind out.

Display Solutions of TopekaP. O. Box 19151, 6700 SW Topeka Blvd., Bldg. #624

Topeka, KS 66619Web site: www.dstopeka.com • Phone: 800-444-9685

FlashFog SecurityArias Tech Ltd.

375 Brunel Rd., Mississauga, ONL4Z 1Z5 Canada

Web site: www.FlashFogSecurity.comPhone: 888-282-7740 or 905-502-0249

RR

10


“We the jury find in favor of thePlaintiffs and against the Defen-dant in the amount of $700,000.

“In addition, the court herebyenters a permanent injunction limitingthe days and hours of operation andorders Cedar Creek Rod and Gun Clubto comply with the terms of theinjunction.”

We were speechless. Cedar CreekRod and Gun Club never thought itwould come to this, especially aftersuch an auspicious beginning…

The historyIn the spring of 1993, Cedar Creek,

a non-profit corporation, began itsoperations. From the beginning, theneighbors were friendly, if not outrightsupportive. Cedar Creek was a shot-gun-only club and providedopportunities for trap, skeet and sport-ing clays. The range opened its

facilities, at no cost, to the Boy Scouts,4-H, groups hosting fundraisers, andnumerous other community activities.

Cedar Creek, by all accounts, was agood neighbor. When Cedar Creekfirst began operations, it hosted apublic meeting at the nearby Stephens,Mo., town hall. All of the neighborsreceived an invitation, and the meetingwas open to the general public. Thefounding members of Cedar Creekexplained the plans for the range andentertained any questions or concernsthat arose. No one voiced any opposi-tion to the plans for the shotgun range.After all, this was in a rural setting,about 17 miles from Columbia. Thearea was comprised of small familyfarms, and virtually all of land in thearea was used by local hunters. Manyof the neighbors joined or used therange, and one neighbor became amember of Cedar Creek Rod and Gun

Club’s board of directors. In fact, one neighbor even asked

permission to enter the land to huntdeer, squirrels and rabbits. DannyBrown’s land was across the road, andhis driveway was less than a mile westof Cedar Creek’s entrance. CedarCreek was happy to allow Brown therecreational use of its land and felt thatin doing so, Cedar Creek was main-taining its status as a good neighbor.Brown, however, did not return thefavor.

Around 1997, some 3½ years afterthe range opened, Danny Brownmarried, and his wife, Donna, movedinto his home. Evidently, Donna beganto complain to Danny about the noise,and, as they say around those parts, “IfMomma ain’t happy, ain’t nobodyhappy!” Before long, Donna’s attitudehad become so hostile that any timethe club was in operation, she would

Real-life Scenario

A Loud Court DecisionA neighbor’s complaint about noise has a rod and gun club reeling

By Dale Hardy Roberts, Esq.


1212

stand at the edge of her property witha bullhorn and broadcast obscenities,even toward 4-H kids when they werethere, because of the noise they weremaking. She also began calling the twolocal sheriff’s departments (the rangestraddles the border of Boone and Call-away counties) to complain. Thesheriffs repeatedly advised her that therange was engaged in lawful activity,and, therefore, no violation was occur-ring.

The situation continued until theBrowns asked Cedar Creek, as well asthe people who actually owned theland and leased it to Cedar Creek (theGates family), to buy the Browns’home (at an inflated value) so theycould leave the area. The Brownsapparently hoped to use their verbalattacks upon the youth shootingleagues and their constant calls to lawenforcement as lever-age to force someoneto buy them out.When the club, andthe landowners,refused, the Brown’sresorted to litigation.

The trialOn Jan. 9, 2004,

the Browns filed theirlawsuit against CedarCreek, allegingnuisance violationsarising from the noise.With the initiation oflitigation, CedarCreek hired one of thebest corporate lawyersin the community.

In December2007, four full yearsafter it was filed, theBrown’s case againstCedar Creek went totrial. In a nutshell,here’s what came out:

The Gates familyowns the land uponwhich Cedar Creekoperated. They leasedthe land to CedarCreek and were, insome instances, offi-cers of the non-profitclub. Mr. Gates is also

part-owner and employee of a localmortgage company, and that companyhad made loans for many of theneighbors.

The Browns claimed the noisefrom the shotgun range, which wasapproximately 600 yards from theirhome, was so great that it rattled theirwindows, caused their lungs to vibrateand made it impossible to watch televi-sion or carry on a conversation insidetheir home.

Every other neighbor, withoutexception, testified in favor of CedarCreek and stated the noise was not asloud as the barking of the local dogs, ifnoticeable at all. However, the judgewho presided over the trial determinedthat those witnesses were not crediblebecause many of them had, at one timeor another, received loans from themortgage company where Mr. Gates

works. The judge discounted the testi-mony of other neighbors--acouple--because their teenage son hadworked as a part-time trapper forCedar Creek. The judge did accept ascredible, however, all the testimonyoffered by the relatives of the Browns.

The verdictAs indicated above, the jury

awarded $700,000 in damages to theBrowns. In a subsequent hearing thejudge issued an injunction, whichrestricted the hours of operation to theperiod from noon until 6 p.m., Tues-days, Thursdays and Saturdays. Theinjunction also permitted up to sixspecial events per year and allowed afew other days for shooting.

When the verdict was published,many thought it might be the largestsuch verdict in U.S. history. No one

has spent any timeresearching that, but it iscertainly a noteworthyresult. At the time ofthe lawsuit, Missourihad a Range ProtectionAct that offered differ-ent levels of protectionto firearms ranges,depending upon whenthey began operations.Under that law, theprotection affordedCedar Creek waslimited.

Missouri’s new RangeProtection Act

As a result of this case,and the threat it posedfor any other shootingrange in Missouri, stateRep. Munzlinger offeredan amendment toMissouri’s Range Protec-tion Act, which waslater adopted. Prior toMunzlinger’s amend-ment, Missouri lawprovided limited immu-nity from criminalliability for noise orsound emissions result-ing from the “normaluse” of a shooting range.Missouri’s new law

Lessons to Be Learned1. At the first hint of trouble, contact the National Shooting Sports

Foundation, the Second Amendment Foundation or the NationalRifle Association for referral to legal counsel. These associationsmay be able to offer resources on the law, working with the mediaand community relations.

Before trouble arises, investigate the range protection availableunder your state statutes. If necessary, ask your elected represen-tatives to bring your range protection act up to date.

2. Find an attorney who understands the nuances of firearms law.Again, you may rely on national firearms associations to assist youin finding a firearms friendly and firearms knowledgeable attorney.

3. Recognize the view that the public in your community holds towardfirearms.

Although he U.S. Supreme Court settled the D.C. v Heller case byholding that the Second Amendment is not a right restricted tomembers of a militia, but it is an individual right, not everyone hasaccepted the Supreme Court’s decision, or the facts and logic whichsupported that decision. Hiring a public relations representative mightbe necessary; during the four years of litigation, the local media neverpublished a fair or accurate report on the Cedar Creek case.

4. Do not allow the attorneys to personalize the case and attack theindividuals.

At trial, the Brown’s attorney argued that the Browns were justpoor folks and the Gates family, who owns the land and leased it toCedar Creek, were wealthy. Whether the landowner (in your case itmight be the club president or the club members) is wealthy isirrelevant. The lawsuit was against the gun club. In the case ofCedar Creek, the gun club had no assets. The plaintiff’s attorneywill invariably try to attack the party who has the most money andnot the not-for-profit-community organization.

5. Good records are critical. It would be well worth the small invest-ment in attorney’s fees required to ensure that your corporatedocuments, your minutes and all other proceedings are in order.

—Dale Roberts



eliminated the normal use require-ment and broadened the immunity toany civil or criminal liability arisingfrom noise or sound emissions at arange. Under Missouri’s new law, allranges are absolutely immune fromany liability for nuisance complaintsarising from noise.

The legislature added anotherprovision to that statute, which states,“Any actions by a court in this state toenjoin the use or operation of suchfirearm ranges and any damagesawarded or imposed by a court, orassessed by a jury, in this state againstany owner or user of such firearmranges for nuisance or trespass arenull and void.” Though the ex postfacto doctrine prevents new legisla-tion for criminal acts from affectingpast acts, it does not have the sameprohibition on civil matters. Interest-ingly, this bill passed Missouri’sHouse of Representatives by a vote of143 to 1.

Where is the club now?This case was argued before the

Missouri Court of Appeals for theWestern District, and the court ruledagainst Cedar Creek. A request tohave this case heard by the MissouriSupreme Court was denied on Dec.29, 2009. Even though this case hasbeen “to the Supreme Court andback,” it is far from over.

Neither the parties nor theirattorneys can discuss the details, but

based upon what has been said, and areview of the results, it would seemthat perhaps the Browns’ legalcomplaint was so ludicrous that,perhaps, Cedar Creek’s attorneys letdown their guard. Everyone thoughtno rational jury would find in favor of

the Browns. As of Dec. 29, 2009, the $700,000

judgment stands. However, CedarCreek Rod and Gun Club is a not-for-profit corporation, which probablyhas assets of less than $1,000.Furthermore, even if assets wereavailable to satisfy the judgment, thatjudgment was declared null and voidby the new amendment to the RangeProtection Act.

It appears the Browns are nowattempting to collect from the Gatesfamily, who leased the land to the club.

Due to the costs of litigation andother legal pressures, Cedar Creekwent out of business inAug. 2008. By Sept. 1,2008, a new not-for-profitgroup called Prairie GroveShooting Sports wasformed, and Prairie Groveleased the land whereCedar Creek formerly oper-ated. Prairie Grove beganoperations after Missouri’snew Range Protection Actwent into effect, and itwould seem to be immune from noisecomplaints from the Browns.Furthermore, because Prairie Grovecame into being long after thelawsuit, and also because of theprotective prohibition in the newRange Protection Act, the injunctiondoes not limit the days or hours ofoperation for Prairie Grove.

However, undeterred, the Brownsare attempting tocollect the judg-ment from thenew club, PrairieGrove. TheBrowns are alsoarguing that theinjunction againstCedar Creekshould be enforcedagainst PrairieGrove. These twoissues have yet to

be litigated. That day likely willcome, and the parties appear to beprepared to fight this to the SupremeCourt again. This time, however,because the Browns are arguing theMissouri Range Protection Act isunconstitutional, Missouri’s attorney

general will be required by Missourilaw to defend the Missouri statute. Inother words, Missouri’s attorneygeneral will be arguing on the sameside as Cedar Creek.

The Range Report will attempt tokeep Range Report readers up todate on developments in this case.On the other hand, any clubs thathave had experience in such mattersmay wish to contact the club. Pleasedirect any such relevant communica-tions to Dale H. Roberts, 308ADouglas Dr., Ashland, MO 65010-2005, fax 202-280-1035, [email protected].

Unintended Consequence

At the same time state Rep. Munzlinger was proposingimprovements to Missouri’s Range Protection Act, stateSen., Stouffer filed a bill to remove Missouri’s absoluteban on suppressors (“silencers”). The logic of movingthese two bills together was inescapable. In order toameliorate the sounds from gun ranges, that bill wascombined with the Range Protection Act and, as a result,Missouri’s ban on suppressors was successfully removed.

About the Author

Dale Hardy Roberts is a semi-retired attorney andformer Missouri judge, who teaches law at theUniversity of Missouri. Though he was a memberand officer of the Cedar Creek Rod and Gun Cluband is a current member of Prairie Grove Shoot-ing Sports, he was not one of the attorneysdefending Cedar Creek in its court case.

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13


One challenge facing manyranges is community accept-ance. This is particularly

true in suburban areas, where neigh-bors—particularly new neighbors—may not appreciate the gunfire nextdoor. Developing relationships withcommunity organizations can demon-strate that shooting ranges make goodneighbors; and in a few areas, ranges areso popular that they’re able to promoteother community organizations.

Zach Snow, senior shootingpromotions coordinator for theNational Shooting Sports Foundation(NSSF), said that the more avenues ofcommunication a range has within itscommunity, and the more organiza-tions with which the range is affiliated,the more allies that range will have.

“The more allies you have, the

more people you have standingbehind you and what you provide tothe community,” he said.

Snow used as an example a smallprivate gun club in Connecticut.

“This gun club is surrounded byhomes that have been built over theyears, and it has a very small bufferzone,” he said. “Several years ago thegun club established a ‘communityfoundation’ and hosts an annualevent to raise money for the founda-tion. The foundation donates thatmoney to organizations such as thefire department and the schoolsystem. That has created strong rela-tionships within the community.”

As a result, when new neighborscomplain about having a gun club inthe area, they receive a letter pointingout that the gun club is a long-term

and vital member of the community.“That’s the kind of value that

tying in with organizations in yourcommunity can provide,” Snow said.“It gives you a solid foundation.”

A believer in community involvement

Miles Hall, president of H&HGun Range in Oklahoma City, Okla.,is a great believer in involvement withcommunity organizations. He is aRotarian as well as a past president ofthe West Area Chamber of Commerceof Oklahoma City. In addition, one ofHall’s employees, Will Andrews, hasbeen Rotarian of the Year at theRotary chapter to which he belongs.

“Being involved in the communityis simply what we do,” Hall said. “It’sreally hard to demonize someone

Miles Hall, president of H&H Gun Range inOklahoma City, speaks to a group of Rotariansat the organization’s annual Vocational Day.H&H is involved with a wide varietyof organizations in its community.

Work with Community OrganizationsVisibility, sweat equity earn prominence, respect and support

By Carolee Anita Boyles



who’s involved and who puts a faceon shooting.”

H&H Gun Range hosts manycharity shoots for a number oforganizations; he’s hosted so many,Hall said, that he’s lost track ofthem. The range is involved withthe Oklahoma City Chamber ofCommerce, Junior Achievement, theOklahoma County Foster CareReview Board, Rotary Club, Okla-homa Cities “Adopt a Street,” BoyScouts of America and the Down-town College Consortium on behalfof Oklahoma State University atOklahoma City, to name just a few.

“From the beginning, we’vebelieved that community and busi-ness are one in the same,” Hallsaid. “We don’t believe in ‘givingback’ to the community becausethat implies we’re taking somethingaway from the community in thefirst place. We believe that asuccessful business should beinvolved in as many aspects of thecommunity as possible. This helpsus by keeping us in touch with ourcustomers, and in turn making usmore valuable to the community.”

Each year Hall participates inRotary Vocational Day.

“I’m from a big club, and webreak up into small groups of 35 or 40Rotarians who go to different venuesto learn more about what some of usdo,” Hall said. “We’re one of thosevenues, and we’re the only venue thatbooks out every year on the day theVocational Day is announced. Wehold a lunch, give them a talk aboutfirearms and firearm safety and thenlet them shoot.”

H&H Gun Range also hosts manychurch groups, sororities, fraternitiesand other organizations who dofundraisers.

“In addition, we participate inToys for Tots every year,” Hall said.“We get so many toys that theMarines can’t believe it.”

Reaching out to the ScoutsInvolvement with the Boy Scouts

of America has helped put QuailCreek Plantation near Fort Drum,Fla., on the map.

“For the past two years we’ve

held a sporting clays shoot at QuailCreek to raise funds for the SouthFlorida Council of the Boy Scouts ofAmerica,” said Robert Morrison,president of Taurus International.

Holding the shoot at Quail Creekhas greatly increased the range’sbusiness, Morrison said. Many ofthe shooters who have participatedin the Boy Scout charity shoot havebecome regular customers of QuailCreek, despite its distance frommajor metropolitan areas.

“They aren’t in the most accessi-ble place, but shooters who have comethere keep coming back,” Morrison

said. “Some of them drive2½ hours from Miami toshoot there because it’ssuch a pleasant place toshoot.”

Visibility, participation are keyDon Turner is manager of the

Clark County Shooting Park in LasVegas, Nev., but for many years hewas the manager at Ben Avery Shoot-ing Facility in Phoenix, Ariz.

“Many ranges take care of theirmembership and become internal, butnever go external,” Turner said.“Because they don’t go external, theydon’t have networks and friends andrelationships. Then when someonewants to close them down, they havenobody to champion them.”

Because the Ben Avery ShootingFacility is owned by the State of

Invite industry and community leaders to a shootingevent, present awards and offer due recognition, andyou and your facility have earned a position of respectand appreciation. Here, from left, Robert Morrison andDavid Blenker of Taurus International join with BoyScouts of America executives Jeff Hunt and Jim Hammelat a Boy Scout charity shoot at Quail Creek Plantation

Arizona, Turner was a stateemployee, which meant hedidn’t have as much latitudeas the manager of a privateshooting range. However,he joined the local Chamberof Commerce so the rangecould participate in Cham-ber of Commerce activities.

“We did a lot of charityshoots,” he said. “We alsoheld events for differentparts of the community.”

In other words, Turnerwent into the communityinstead of waiting for thecommunity to come to therange.

“By the end of 10 years,not only were we anNASR/NSSF Five Star facil-ity, but we also were voted inas a Point of Pride by the Cityof Phoenix,” Turner said. “You don’t dothat by hiding under a rock.”

In Smith Valley, Nev., LeiaSimmons and her husband Stanleyturned a working sheep and cattle

range into an outdoor resort withsporting clays and a 5-Stand shootingarea. Simmons attributes the successof their Walker River Resort over thepast 25 years to involvement withcommunity organizations.

“We’re a member of the Chamberof Commerce, and we participate inall its charitable events,” she said.“Being involved has helped get theword out about us.”

For a number of years theSimmons put on an annual sportingclays shoot to benefit the local emer-gency medical technicianorganization.

“Before we were fully automatic,the EMTs would come out and eventhrow the targets,” Simmons said.

This year, the Walker RiverResort will host a sporting clays char-ity shoot for the Relay for Life.

“The woman who runs the localRelay for Life is a friend of ours, so wewant to help with that event,” she said.

Turning the tablesAt the Indian River Public Shoot-

ing Range in Sebastian, Fla., managerHolden Kriss doesn’t use the Chamberof Commerce to promote the shootingrange; he uses the range to promotethe Chamber of Commerce.

“Being involved in communityorganizations is very important,because it helps people understand

that firearms are for recreation likegolf or tennis is,” Kriss said. “Inthis community, shooting is a verylarge draw. Our range has 55,000registered shooters; we’re the largestdraw in the community as far asrecreational facilities are concerned.Therefore, we do a lot of charityevents, and we promote the Chamberof Commerce and other events in thecommunity through the shootingrange. We have people come from adistance of more than 100 miles inevery direction to shoot here, so webring a lot of business into thecommunity. The situation here isvery unusual, with a totally different perspective.”

Earn a respected place in the community

At the end of the day, Hall said,when you participate in communityorganizations and events, you becomean integral part of the community.

“We’ve been told that we’re asimportant as the utility company,” Hallsaid. “The person who said that was apolitician, and you know about politi-cians, but it was still a great quote.”

Turner agreed.“When you become part of the

community, you become part of thefamily,” he said. “When you become apart of that family, then the commu-nity wants to help take care of you.”

Additional Resources

The NSSF’s Associationof Shooting Ranges (NASR)has available a number ofpublications that can helpwith community involve-ment. Go to the NASR Website at www.rangeinfo.organd click on “RangeResources.”

Scroll down to “Commu-nity Relations” and click onthe “General” link. It willtake you to a list ofpublished resources thatincludes a number of docu-ments on communityrelations and communitypartnering.

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On any given day, Dennis Lube-ley drives the 10-odd-milesbetween his home in a

bedroom community of Louisville,Ky., to engage in his passion for targetshooting at Openrange. Once there, hegathers up his guns and shootingaccessories, pays for an hour on thefacility’s indoor pistol range andbegins his routine shooting session.He’s likely to be accompanied by afriend or family member, and he’llprobably spend more than he origi-nally planned before he went throughthe front door.

If Barry Laws could invent theperfect customer, it would be DennisLubeley or somebody very much like

him. In a sense, Lubeley is Laws’creation, because he developed Open-range (www.openrangesports.com) tocater to the Dennis Lubeleys that livein and around Louisville. Openrange,with its user-friendly staff andboutique atmosphere, has convertedLubely into one of its staunchest advo-cates. Not only is he a good and steadypatron, but Lubeley also coaxed hisfour daughters into taking gun safetyand shooting classes at the facility.He’s bought firearms there, partici-pated in a couple of gun leagues andencouraged his friends to join as well.

“Openrange is unique in my expe-rience,” said Lubeley. “It’s got prettymuch everything a shooter would

want, but it also maintains the sort ofclean, wholesome atmosphere that isappealing to families. I’ve joined acouple of gun leagues there and beenable to talk some of my friends intobecoming members. It’s the kind ofplace most recreational shooters lookfor, but rarely find.”

Mission accomplished for BarryLaws, who’s as unconventional as hisrange. Laws doesn’t talk gun talk, per

se. He can’tspout offballisticinformationfor the Russ-ian Gs18semi-auto-matic pistol,isn’t in tosuch wordsas “ogive”and “head-space” andcan’t takeapart andreassemble aGlock blind-folded. Infact, Lawslooks andsounds likewhat he is, a

retired actor and male model fromCalifornia who, with his wife Cynthia,settled in Louisville a few years agobecause they liked its “feel.” Tosupport themselves, and recapturesomething of Barry’s youthful zest forrecreational shooting in the process,they opened an indoor range that nowranks among the best in the country.The National Shooting Sports Founda-tion (NSSF) awarded Openrange itspinnacle Five Star rating and countedthe money that it granted the Laws todevelop the range three years ago asmoney well spent.

“Openrange provides a warm,welcoming and enjoyable environmentfor the newcomer or the active shooterand that requires a balanced, defttouch,” said Zach Snow, the NSSF’ssenior shooting promotions coordina-tor, in explaining the facility’s primaryattributes. “You feel at home as soonas you walk through the front door ofthe store at Openrange. Everything

OpenrangeEarns ItsFive StarsNSSF guidance and a unique approach havehelped create satisfied customers

By Colin Moore

Using NSSF research andnative business acumen,the Laws turned a dilapi-dated skating rink into aninviting shooting facilityand a successful business.

Photos courtesy of Openrange


about the facility is clean and kept up,which makes it that much more invit-ing to the type of people that the Lawsare trying to attract.”

Housed in what originally had beena dilapidated skating rink 20 minuteseast of downtown Louisville, Open-range is a 55,000-square-foot indoorfacility that includes a pistol range, a100-yard-long rifle range and a drypaintball venue (more than a quarter ofpaintball aficionados ultimately becomeavid fans of firearms sports shooting).Though it has everything the avid

shooter would want, Openrange wasn’tdesigned with “gun guys” in mind.

During the process of setting upthe business, Laws relied on the NSSFfor more than funding. The groupprovided him with demographicalinformation that was critical in theplanning stages (see sidebar). Forstarters, Laws acquired every piece ofliterature that the NSSF has to offer onshooting ranges, then pored over ituntil he began to dovetail the informa-tion with the business plan that hewas formulating.

“Without a doubt, the most impor-tant information that I got from theNSSF had to do with demographicsand trends in recreational shooting,”recalled Laws. “The demographicalinformation was wonderful — verythorough and useful. I can’t imaginespending less than $10,000 to get thesame kind of service from othersources. It helped guide me in develop-ing a facility that would appeal to thekind of affluent clientele I needed tomake it work.”

The rest of the process between

In winning accreditation as a FiveStar shooting range, Openrange acedvirtually every scoring category estab-lished by the NSSF’s Association ofShooting Ranges (NASR).

The NASR (www.rangeinfo.org/PDF/NASR_rating_system.pdf) awards shoot-ing ranges points on a sliding scale thattakes into account such features assignage, lighting, amenities, interior andexterior upkeep, general managementand corporate citizenship. The heaviestemphasis is placed on how aggressivelya range seeks to become involved in thecommunity, the lengths to which it goesto establish and maintain good customerrelations, how well it trains its staff, itsoverall appearance and the quality ofcustomer service that is provided.

“Openrange really hits a home runwith its customer service,” said ZachSnow, the NSSF’s senior shootingpromotions. “I recognized this upon call-ing the range and hearing the voicemessage providing me with full detailson what Openrange offers. What sold memost, though, was tone of voice and theenthusiasm being relayed in themessage. It could not sound more invit-ing, especially if someone had no priorexperience in the shooting sports. Thatfirst impression proved to be correct. Assoon as I entered the range I was greetedby a very friendly staff that was ready toget me started and outfitted.”

Likewise, Openrange scored highmarks for customer/member focus anddevelopment, as well as community rela-tions. Though such attributes are treated asseparate entities, they are part of themarketing process that every range engagesas soon as it opens its doors to the public.

“An indoor range with differ-ent venues to engage all ages andshooting types is a big plus inOpenrange’s favor,” added Snow.“Because it has an indoor paint-ball arena, as well as a 100-yardindoor rifle range and a 25-yardinteractive indoor pistol range,Openrange has everybodycovered, from established shoot-ers and hunters to young people.The paintball/Reball arenaprovides a fun and entertainingintroduction for people that might beskeptical at first about shooting a firearm.

“After playing a couple of games ofpaintball with other newcomers, novicesare often eager to step out onto thepistol or rifle range and give other formsof sport shooting a try,” continuedSnow. “In essence, the paintball arena isa gateway to getting more and newpeople involved in the shooting sports. Itwas definitely a good move, and typicalof the thought that went into the basicgame plan.”

For Barry Laws, the development ofOpenrange was part inspiration, partrecollection of the things that he likedbest about target shooting when he was ayoungster, and a healthy dose of NSSFguidance. Beside a CMR (see accompa-nying sidebar), Laws availed himself ofthe literature available on the NASR Website (www.rangeinfo.org/resources.cfm).There, visitors will find a plethora ofuseful literature with such headings as“Designing a Custom Care Program,”“Newsletters Provide Vital MembershipLink,” “Low Cost Advertising Solutions”and “Target Your Marketing.”

“Though my original goal was to

open the best range in the Louisvillearea, using the Five Star Rating Systemas a guide really helped me define whatthat ‘best’ should incorporate,” notedLaws. “Frankly, the rating system pointedout a number of things that I hadn’tconsidered, even simple things such asputting our phone number on the signout front, or putting up ‘welcome’ and‘thanks for coming’ signs.”

The Five Star designation is the epit-ome of the NASR rating system, but notall range operators have the resources toreach that lofty status as quickly as didOpenrange. The program rewards otherstages of excellence, however, and at anylevel of achievement the guidelinesprovide range operators with something toaspire to as they build their businesses.

“The Five Star program gave us atarget to set our sights on,” said BarryLaws. “It’s a really good blueprint forthose who might be unfamiliar with thequalities that make a range stand out,and I’m glad that we had it to use as aguide. Because we did, it helped us getthe top rating, and that gave us braggingrights and validated all the hard workthat we put into Openrange.”

How Openrange Earned Its Stars

turning an idea into a reality involvedpure inspiration on Laws’ part. He wasraised in a family where recreationalshooting was just that — relaxing, saferecreation. Laws set out to create thesame sort of environment at Open-range where shooters could develop ormaintain their skills, or just plinkaway for the fun of it.

“As I thought about the kind ofcustomer we would go after, I recalledthe gun shops and ranges that I had hadexperience with,” noted Laws. “To me,the majority of them are intimidatingboth to new and not-so-new shooters. Iwitnessed this on a personal level; a lotof times I felt the environment wasalien to my middle-of-the-road back-ground. It essentially ‘closed’ my walletand didn’t encourage my interest in theshooting sports.”

Avoiding such pitfalls, Lawsmanaged to develop a shooting venuethat appeals to enthusiastic, non-tradi-tional recreational shooters who aren’tparticularly interested in seriouscompetition and who don’t quibbleabout the cost of range time. They geta kick out of shooting at targets, andthey’ll pay any price of admissionwithin reason.

At Openrange, the experience forLubeley and others like him begins atthe pro shop — which Laws describesas “industrial chic” — that’s stockedwith the hottest handguns, shootingaccessories, associated gear and cloth-ing. Once attended to by an employeewho has been trained to providepatient, attentive customer service, theshooter then goes to his assigned rangeand makes ready under the watchfuleyes of at least one range safety officer.

The Laws don’t miss many oppor-tunities to market their range. Eventhe telephone answering machine isprogrammed to give potentialcustomers a pitch on all the availableservices, before instructing them todial “9” if they want to speak to anemployee. Special events and grouprates are among the menu items.Novices are offered free training and,in the process, schooled on the tenetsof safe gun handling.

Because Laws doesn’t ignore anypotential customer, Openrange might behosting a paintball birthday party one

day and a friendly handgun competitionamong soccer moms the next. The arrayof attractions is limited only by hisimagination, and so far, Laws hasn’trun out of ideas to engage currentcustomers and win new friends.

“Ranges should look at creating acommunity within their customer basethat encourages active customers tohelp with growing the sport and the

business,” observed Snow. “The Lawshave followed that script in a lot ofpositive ways. At Openrange, forexample, there’s the ‘Special OpsProgram’ that rewards customers whorecruit new shooters with items fromthe pro shop. That’s very creativemarketing and it reflects the kind ofthinking that has helped Open-range thrive.”

Zero in on Potential Customers with a CMR

As Barry Laws discovered when hewas in the planning stages of Openrange,a Customized Market Report (CMR) is thebest tool offered by the NSSF to assistshooting range developers with localmarket information. A CMR is an amal-gam of demographic informationcompiled from established sources, and itprovides a detailed perspective of thecustomer’s target area. The report coversa 75-mile radius and/or a 60-minutedrive time and includes demographicinformation, household trends, effectivebuying income in the area, an executivesummary report, an overview of the typesof shooters in the area and a marketsynopsis.

“Many of the members that purchasethe Customized Market Report incorporateit into their business plan, particularlywhen seeking financing,” noted DianneVrablic, the NSSF’s research coordinator. “The report could prove helpful in determin-ing the type of inventory or services a business would want to include or even indeciding where and what to advertise for the business, as well as what types ofplanned ‘events’ would be the most likely to be successful. Ultimately, it provides thebusiness owner with a more detailed understanding of the potential local market.”

Beyond demographical information gleaned from Claritas IXPRESS and NielsenCompany projects of 2009 U.S. Census data, as well as detailed shooting sportsparticipation statistics from various NSSF sources, a CMR provides maps and lists of:• Ranges, shooting facilities and shooting preserves listed in the Where-to-Shoot

and WingshootingUSA databases (NSSF)• Shooting sports-related retail businesses (list is purchased specifically for the

order area from InfoUSA.com) • FFL holders in the area, Types 1 and 2 (ATF list) • As an option, law enforcement and law enforcement supplier locations (list is

purchased specifically for the order area from InfoUSA.com, at no additionalcost to the client) To begin the process of obtaining a Customized Market Report, which costs

NSSF members $150, range operators are invited to use the online order templateaccessible through www.nssf.org/research/CMR/, or use the downloadable orderform posted under the same link. If the form is employed, the requestor may spec-ify multiple radii and/or drive times for comparison. CMR orders can also be placedat the time of membership registration or by contacting Diane Vrablic, NSSFresearch coordinator, telephone 203-426-1320 ext. 263, e-mail [email protected].

To learn more about becoming a member of NSSF, contact Bettyjane Swann,director, member services, 203-426-1320, e-mail [email protected].

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Indoor Handgunning Around Los Angeles

Shooting ranges are freeway close

When looking at major metropol-itan areas of the country, theLos Angeles basin ranks as one

of the largest in area and population.More than half of California’s 36 millioninhabitants live in Southern California,or So Cal. Los Angeles, Orange, SanBernardino and Riverside countiescomprise a large part of So Cal andprovide a home for more than 17 millionSo Cal residents.

Using a zip code familiar to mosttelevision viewers, 90210, I used the“find a range” option on the NSSF Website to look for ranges within a 60-miledrive. I located more than 70 shootingranges both indoor and outdoor. Mygoal was to find two indoor ranges toshoot my handguns.

The Firing Line, 11.5 miles from90210, is just south and within walkingdistance of California State UniversityNorthridge. Located in an industrialarea and on a dead-end street it is defi-nitely off the beaten path. The buildingin which the range is located is set backoff the road and offers limited parking. Icounted eight parking spaces in front ofthe building. With two employees onduty, that left six for shooters. I wasthere in the early afternoon, and therewas no street parking available. Theemployees of the other industrial busi-nesses on Eddy Street use all of thestreet parking. It was not easy slidingmy ¾-ton pickup into one of the twostill-available parking spots in front ofthe building. There were no signs except the oneon the building, which you’d have to beright in front and look to your right to beable to see. The range building looked neat andwell maintained. As I entered the facil-ity I saw a neat area that had glass

display cases loaded with rental hand-guns. The wall space is used to displayretail products—a lot of gun cases andlock boxes along with eye and earprotection. A large selection of targetswas available. The two employees on duty werevery friendly and greeted me with asmile and a “Can I help you?” When Itold them this was my first visit to thisrange I was asked to fill out an informa-tion form, and then they went over theirsafety rules for the range. I purchased both .44 mag and 9mmammunition. The shop had a goodselection of ammo. The range offerscatalogue sales for new handguns The range featured 12- and 50-footlanes. They were well lit and wereequipped with a very good ventilationsystem. According to the employees therange had been open for 32 years, but itwas so well maintained that, to me, it hada new look. I even noted that the rest-room was very clean and fully stocked. I noticed that safety informationwas clearly posted. One problem,however, occurred when I was reloadingin my lane and had the ejected cartridgecases from the shooter to my left hit myupper body after they slipped through agap in an extension added to the sidepanels. I would not want a hot brass togo down my shirt! The facility provides weeklyfirearms classes led by NRA-certifiedinstructors. Firing Line is open to thepublic Monday-Friday, noon-10 p.m.,and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10p.m.. You can buy a membership for$150 that would include ammodiscounts and unlimited range time.

The Magnum Range in RanchoCucamonga is 47.6 miles from 90210.This actual location is easily seen and

features good signage as well. I sawone large sign on the street side of thebuilding and two more at curbside.The wide drive made it easy to maneu-ver and park my truck. Entering the building I first noticedthe dirty carpet. Only six years old thefacility could use a little TLC. The oneemployee behind the counter at firstdidn’t greet me, although he did makeeye contact. After looking around a bit Iapproached the counter where I wasgreeted by the luke-warm staff. Ipurchased .44 magnum ammunition,but was disappointed they did nothave 9mm ammo in stock. The retailselection of guns and gear was good.The rental handguns were also in goodsupply. Eye and ear protection was avail-able to use for free, and a goodselection was available for sale as well. Safety instructions were clearlyposted. The range has 12 lanes of 45-footlength. I was one of three shootersusing the range. The range had a lotof brass piled up just inside theshooting lanes, but the standingareas of the stations were free ofloose brass. Lighting was fair, and the ventila-tion was good. The target controlsneeded to have some sort of signageas they had two controls but no direc-tions as to what each did. The restroom was clean andstocked. Range hours are Monday 2-8 p.m.,Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. andSunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fees are $15 for two hours, with adiscount to $12 if a second shootershares a lane. Discounts also areoffered for seniors over 65 and lawenforcement, military and firemen. Regular membership is $35 andwill reduce your range fees to $10.

Range AThe Firing Line in Northridge

Range BMagnum Range in Rancho Cucamonga

All reports, comments, impressions, opinions or advice expressed in the Undercover Shooter column are solely those of independent, recreationalshooting range consumers and do not necessarily represent those of the National Shooting Sports Foundation or its affiliates. Neither the NSSF norits affiliates make any warranty or assume any liability with respect to the accuracy or reliability of any information provided by Undercover Shootercontributors. Readers are encouraged to and should perform their own investigation of the information provided herein.

Signage, Visibility 5• Good signs that are easy to see; you won’t

miss this range when you drive up the street.

Exterior Appeal 5• Range presents good curb appeal and

ample parking.

Interior Appeal 2• Dirty carpet made a bad first impression.

Retail section of the range needed somepaint and a little cleaning.

• Although there were empty shell cases onthe shooting lanes they were not in thewalking areas or lane station

Retail Product Availability 4• Range had a good selection of guns for

sale. I was disappointed in the fact theydid not have the 9mm ammo, which is acommon caliber.

Staff Friendliness 2• The staff is where the rubber meets the road

in the retail business. I didn’t want to beadded to their Christmas card list, but I didexpect a more open and engaging greetingand helpful attitude. Because of this my firstvisit might be my last.

Range Safety 4• All safety regulations are posted and easy

to read.

Programs/Memberships 4• Gold memberships $250, regular member-

ships $35.• Safety classes and CDC qualification

Range Mechanization 4• Target controls needed to be labeled.• All equipment worked well.

Cleanliness 2• This area needs work. A little paint and an

appointment with the “carpet doctor”would help.

Comments, Impressions • The Magnum Range is in a good location

and has excellent parking. After six yearsin business, however, it’s time to spend aweekend cleaning up the place.

Magnum Range Customer Satisfaction Rating

Editor’s note: The UndercoverShooter is an experienced recreationalshooter but is not trained in technicalaspects of range design and operation.

ScorecardEach category is rated on a scale of 1-5with 5 being the highest score.

Signage, Visibility 2• Only one sign, which could not be seen

unless you were in front of it.

Exterior Appeal 5• Very neat and clean. After 32 years this

place looks well maintained.

Interior Appeal 5• Clean and organized

Retail Product Availability 4• Very neat displays of retail gear. Handgun

sales are catalogue order.

Staff Friendliness 4• Good Job. They greeted me and took the time

to answer all of my questions.

Range Safety 4• My only red flag is the spent cases that

found their way into my shooting lane. Onehot brass down your shirt, and things couldgo bad.

• Safety signs were posted, and safety wasstressed by employees.

Programs/Memberships 5• Basic firearms class offered• Classroom and advanced classes.• Open seven days • $150 annual membership; $250 family

membership• Unlimited shooting time and 10 percent off

all ammo at all three locations

Range Mechanization 5• Target retrieval system worked flawlessly.• Air conditioning caused some target move-

ment. Staff provided clips to attach tobottom of targets, which helped

Cleanliness 5• Range is very neat and clean.

Comments, Impressions • Although this is an older facility, it has it

all. Very clean and well run. My only gripeis the poor parking during the day. Atnight when all the other area businessemployees leave, you probably can findstreet parking.

Firing Line Customer Satisfaction Rating


Magnum Range also offers a GoldMembership for $250, which elimi-nates range fees and shooting timelimits. The ammo rule is no hollow points,no black powder and no USSR-madeWolf loads. Shotguns up to 12 gaugeare allowed if birdshot is used.

Gun rental requires you to alreadyhave your own gun, or you must have a

second person with you, and oneperson must be 21 years or older.

FIRING LINE18348 Eddy Street

Northridge, CA 91324818-349-1420

www.firingline.net

MAGNUM RANGE9049 9th Street

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730909-987-1299

www.ranchomagnumrange.com

With the rising interest in theshooting sports amongyoung people, shooting

ranges have a great opportunity toaccommodate this growing audience.Many shooting ranges across the coun-try have been successful withintroducing elementary- through highschool-aged students to the shootingsports through youth programs like theScholastic Clay Target Program, BoyScouts of America and 4-H ShootingSports. The shooting range commu-nity, however, needs to do more toattract college students. It’s time toestablish a game plan for how yourrange is going to jump on the band-wagon of the Collegiate ShootingSports Initiative (CSSI), which helpscolleges with financial and technicalsupport to begin new or strengthenexisting shooting programs.

Getting startedTo get started, determine the

person to spearhead this effort at theclub. Have them act as the liaisonbetween the shooting range and thecolleges/universities. If there is anindividual at your club that is a certi-fied shooting instructor or coach,recruit him or her. This person willplay an important role in ensuring thatthe college students and faculty arebeing introduced by a positive experi-ence, which engages them to comeback for more.

Find out if any club memberswork at or know someone who worksat a college in your area. That personcan help to build a relationshipbetween your shooting facility and thecollege. Also, don’t forget to reach outto the current youth shooters at yourrange that either attend or soon willenroll in college. Let them know thatnow it’s time to give back to a lifetimesport they were fortunately introducedto at a young age. They need to be

ambassadors by promoting the shoot-ing sports to fellow students andfaculty at their college. Encouragethem to start up a shooting club if oneis not in place and utilize the resourcesNSSF is providing through CSSI. Youand they can learn more about thegrant program atwww.nssf.org/college.

Next, schedule an educationalclinic where you can introducestudents and faculty to the shootingsports in an entertaining, fun and safeway. Take advantage of the resourcesoffered through NSSF’s First Shotsintroductory program by setting upFirst Shots events for the college(s)that have expressed an interest. If you

have not had success finding a coupleof students on campus that have aninterest in starting a club, establish arelationship with the school officials incharge of club sports and activities.Invite them to the range. Give them atour of your facility and the opportu-nity to experience the shooting sportsto which you wish to introduce thestudents and faculty. Use on-campuscommunication vehicles to promoteyour event. Publicize your event byposting flyers on the campus and at theStudent Activities Fairs.

Success storyOne of the greatest range success

stories since the inception of CSSI hasoccurred in Burlington, Mass., atMinute Man Sportsman’s Club. HankGarvey, a club member who is also acertified coach and a member of theNational Coach Development Staffthrough the NRA and USA Shooting,recognized the opportunity that wasblooming as college students began toexpress an interest in learning moreabout clay target shooting. Garvey’senthusiastic approach has sparked theinterest of many students from collegesthroughout the state of Massachusetts.Minute Man Sportsman’s Club is nowthe home of shotgun programs forHarvard, Harvard Law School, North-eastern University, MIT and theFletcher School at Tufts University.Other colleges are inquiring aboutgetting programs started. To helpcreate more competitive opportunitiesMinute Man Sportsman’s Club plansto host a New England IntercollegiateClay Target Championship this springwhere it hopes to have 10 to 15colleges represented.

The obvious benefits to youHow might your range or club

benefit from such a program? For one,you’ll score points big time in commu-nity relations, probably even receivinglocal media coverage. Consequently,you’ll gain greater recognition of yourfacility and its offerings. Most impor-tantly, you’ll provide the opportunityfor individuals to try something new.You will be helping to provide a betterunderstanding of what the shootingsports are all about to those that mayhave misperceptions.

And when it comes to the bottomline, you are gaining new customersand building a strong foundation foryour future customer base.

Home on the RangeHome on the Range By Zach Snow Zach Snow is the seniorshooting promotions coordinator for the National Shooting SportsFoundation. His responsibilities includeservicing the needs ofrange members of NSSF,who comprise NSSF’s Association of ShootingRanges (NASR). His former responsibilities includedmanagement of NSSF’s tremendously successfulScholastic Clay Target Program, which in eight yearsrecruited more than 30,000 individual young shoot-ers to a competitive shooting program that hashelped develop character, leadership, sportsmanshipand a love of the shooting sports.

Think CollegiateHelp create or strengthen local college’s shootingprograms—for your benefit and theirs

Views from NSSF staffers and guest contributors

RR


Hank Garvey of the Minute Man Sportsman’sClub stands with six Harvard co-eds who werenew to the shooting sports but have becomeregulars as they build a shooting program.

the range report -- spring 2010

Documents

range report spring

orgthe range report

targetsincrease range

range tidyby holden

nssfs magazine

written material

shots seminar

shots event