Anyone own a range or gun store?

[FDTChicago]

Hello,
I am in the process of starting a gun range and store and was wondering if anyone here has done this before? I would love some advice- general business, and other pitfalls.

Thank you for your help, all advice will be considered.

[DaleA]

There's some previous threads on this that might be useful.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=air

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...light=reactive

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...light=reactive

[Tom Servo]

We've had threads on this before, but it boils down to this:

• Have a lawyer on retainer. Not some prepaid legal service--an actual attorney.
• Have a dedicated employee to handle the books. Pay more for someone with accounting or bookkeeping experience.
• Make sure you're insured to the gills.
• Train and pay your staff well. You get what you pay for, and if you cheap out on this, you're courting physical and financial disaster.
• Have a good plan set up for lead abatement and brass disposal.
• Hire a consulting service to get you compliant with OSHA and the EPA.
• Every yokel who "knows a guy" is going to come out of the woodwork and try to butter you up for a job as an instructor or consultant. Don't trust anyone who can't provide actual bonafides.