Posted: 3/9/2008 2:00:08 PM EDT
|
I've been a gun owner and outdoor enthusiast most of my life, and I finally bought a Stag. I had been satisfied with my 10/22 for a long time, but it's no SHTF firearm. hat a blast. It's neutered for NY weenies, but thanks to this board, I was able to obtain some mags. Although I've been mostly silent, I've benefitted greatly from reading this forum. I've read alot about folks who have to find a place to practice and have fun. Perhaps I can do something to give back. I've always owned larger pieces of property, where I was able to shoot, hunt and fish with invited guests. I don't have much money, but I've always considered land as a necessity for my lifestyle, hence well-being, and I dropped a wad on a farm, and built my house. So, since I own a decent piece of land, I'd like to set up a private shooting facility for me and invited guests. More than half of my property is wooded and the other half is actively farmed. I have the place licensed as a private gamebird (shooting) preserve, but I'd like to set up a wooded target/tactical type circuit. Nothing expansive or high-tech....just something to have fun with and hone the skills. Like a walk along a logging road or two and have stationary, pop-up and moving targets, and a range. I can dedicate 5 or 10 acres (or more) of safe, wooded terrain for it. I will be setting up a 200 yd range for benching this summer too (after I finish with the house). I have to look in to the legal aspects such as liability, etc., but I am not hindered by zoning (as long as it isn't a business), and the topography and uninhabited adjacent lands is such that shooting is safe. My questions are, do you think this is a sound idea? Am I insane to offer this? How much money would it cost me to set it up? Are there model facilities that I could use as a template? Could you members in Washington/Warren County area of NY benefit from something like this? Thanks. I'd appreciate any feedback. |
|
Thanks folks. I am familiar with the NRA Range Services. I always though they were for clubs and commercial establishments. I will pursue NRA info, and maybe I'll get the source book. It's worth it for the 60 Samolians. I have to be careful to keep the facility private, with no grants recieved and no fees charged for anything, as otherwise I may incur a local or state approval pursuant to NYS environmental law and local site plan review. As it is, my town has no zoning, and private uses of your property generally are rights of uses. I'll keep the forum updated on my progress, and of course, appreciate all assistance. Thanks! |
|
If zoning isn't an issue, perhaps you could build a place like this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knob_Creek_Gun_Range It would certainly be a tourists draw, increasing the County's revenue.  Seriously, the NRA guys will have the best answers and if you build it, we will come! |
|
Thanks guys. I'll keep you all posted. It's gonna be fun to develop. Kind fo like building a golf course for a set of balls, instead of just one... A Knob Creek up here huh? That'll leave a scar! That Quick Range is cool.... but I don't think they make an extension cord long enough! That simulator would be great for that "extra" basement space too. |
|
Sounds like a great idea. If I'm interpreting it correctly, you are basically setting up a range for personal use and the use of your invited guests. You seem to have researched it pretty much. I think as long as you keep it limited to a small number of people you should be okay. One of the guys I work with has family property in Delaware county. About every year we get together with invited guests from work and have a shooting party at his property. He usually invites about a dozen people out and we have an informal training session with an overnight camp out. Our setup is not geared for training such as you are doing but more for inexperienced novice shooters who want to try different types of weapons. You would be suprised by the number of women at my job who want to get involved in something like this. Most of the guys that show up are hunters. I'm the only one who competes in 3 gun competitions so when I bring out the AR's and FAL's they are a big hit. How close are your neighbors. Will the activity generate noise complaints? Research the liability portion of your insurance policy to make sure there are no exclusions in it that would eliminate coverage. Stay away from operating it as a business. Basically, run it is a no-charge get together and you should be fine. Don't charge dues or usage fees so it can't be construed to be a business. I would also stay away from building a permanent shoot house so you don't get in trouble with the tax man over property improvements. Good luck in your endevors. Brett |
|
Thanks Brett! I plan on keeping it private, free and small, but probably a little more technical than what described at your friend's property. No buildings, except for perhaps a rain shelter (moveable). I feel that people in my area can shoot at cans, targets, etc., but don't have a "course" that they can negotiate to hone their defense skills (for one) that doesn't involve joining a club and paying a fee. I'm sure I would need some volunteer help, but I'm sure that would be offered anyway. I have no neighbors/roads on two sides (just woods on a mountain), as I'm at the end of a dead end road. I plan to have the course ~1/3 mile away from the neighbor on the north side and about 1/4 mile NW from the farm/soccer park to the south (sheilded by a steep hill). I haven't mentioned this previously, but I own 400 acres, so I can isolate the facility quite effectively. The town, county state, and fed have no jurisdiction over the use of my land. There is no zoning, and noise cannot be regarded for jurisdiction, as it is contained in the right of use (No zoning or allowable use in district = right of use). The legal aspects are the biggies. Thanks for your help!! |