Hello all,
This may be my first post, I forget. I was doing a google search about Texas gun ranges and found out I had already registered at this website when it came up in the search results.
I will cut to the chase. There is a huge opportunity in my area for an outdoor range. I wanted to get one started but needed to know... where to start!
First I have a few questions:
1 - Are new outdoor gun ranges even getting opened up nowdays?
2 - Is the EPA involved in regulating, inspections, permitting, etc?
3 - Is TCEQ involved in regulating, inspections, permitting, etc?
4 - Where can I find a detailed breakdown of regulations for Texas gun ranges?
5 - Where can I find a detailed "How To" for opening an outdoor range in Texas?
6 - What are the insurance requirements?
7 - Who do I report to? Who is the regulating governmental authority?
8 - Is a range officer required or any other full/part time staff required?
Since I know so little, I just wanted to throw out my ideas and let you guys pick them apart and offer advice.
I have an idea for a low overhead outdoor facility with both a keycard and credit card reader at the main electric gate. Members get key cards, guests pay via CC at the gate. I would have several payment tiers for guests: daily, weekly, and monthly rates. I would post signs at the gate stating my disclaimers, warnings, required notices, etc as well as rules and other info for guests that would be included with a membership packet... a bunch of stuff at the main gate that basically says: "by swiping your card you agree to these terms, we are not liable, enter at your own risk, etc".
Once inside the facility fence, there is really nothing of value other than bench rests, target boards, piles of dirt, and metal canopies. This keeps thieves out because there is nothing to steal and no building to vandalize. I would keep it well lit and surveilled via multiple cameras, maybe with 24hr operating ability?
I want to have, of course, multiple ranges (pistol rifle shotgun, etc) from 25 yd up to 800 or 1k yds.
The only thing really standing in my way is a complete lack of the technical knowledge which is mostly govt regulations and insurance/overhead burdens.
If anyone has any info about opening up a public outdoor range please let me know what I don't know. I am coming here in the spirit of cooperation in an attempt to gain knowledge. Please treat me with respect and dignity. I am a fellow gun enthusiast trying to make a great place to shoot for my local community.
This may be my first post, I forget. I was doing a google search about Texas gun ranges and found out I had already registered at this website when it came up in the search results.
I will cut to the chase. There is a huge opportunity in my area for an outdoor range. I wanted to get one started but needed to know... where to start!
First I have a few questions:
1 - Are new outdoor gun ranges even getting opened up nowdays?
2 - Is the EPA involved in regulating, inspections, permitting, etc?
3 - Is TCEQ involved in regulating, inspections, permitting, etc?
4 - Where can I find a detailed breakdown of regulations for Texas gun ranges?
5 - Where can I find a detailed "How To" for opening an outdoor range in Texas?
6 - What are the insurance requirements?
7 - Who do I report to? Who is the regulating governmental authority?
8 - Is a range officer required or any other full/part time staff required?
Since I know so little, I just wanted to throw out my ideas and let you guys pick them apart and offer advice.
I have an idea for a low overhead outdoor facility with both a keycard and credit card reader at the main electric gate. Members get key cards, guests pay via CC at the gate. I would have several payment tiers for guests: daily, weekly, and monthly rates. I would post signs at the gate stating my disclaimers, warnings, required notices, etc as well as rules and other info for guests that would be included with a membership packet... a bunch of stuff at the main gate that basically says: "by swiping your card you agree to these terms, we are not liable, enter at your own risk, etc".
Once inside the facility fence, there is really nothing of value other than bench rests, target boards, piles of dirt, and metal canopies. This keeps thieves out because there is nothing to steal and no building to vandalize. I would keep it well lit and surveilled via multiple cameras, maybe with 24hr operating ability?
I want to have, of course, multiple ranges (pistol rifle shotgun, etc) from 25 yd up to 800 or 1k yds.
The only thing really standing in my way is a complete lack of the technical knowledge which is mostly govt regulations and insurance/overhead burdens.
If anyone has any info about opening up a public outdoor range please let me know what I don't know. I am coming here in the spirit of cooperation in an attempt to gain knowledge. Please treat me with respect and dignity. I am a fellow gun enthusiast trying to make a great place to shoot for my local community.