How Much Does It Really Cost to Start a Gun Range?
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Starting a gun range is a significant investment that requires careful financial planning. Costs vary widely based on location, facility size, type (indoor vs. outdoor), equipment choices, and how extensive your services will be.
Below is a breakdown of typical expenses new owners should expect.
1. Real Estate & Facility Build-Out (Largest Expense)
Property & Land
Purchasing land or a building suitable for a range depends heavily on the market and location.
Outdoor ranges may require more acreage and buffer zones, while indoor facilities need strong structural integrity for safety.
Estimated range: $200,000 to $2,000,000+ depending on city, size, and zoning costs. Startup Financial Projection
Construction, Safety Walls & Bullet Traps
Building or renovating a range requires specialized materials to safely contain firearms discharge:
Indoor lanes, backstops, and reinforced structures
Soundproofing and ballistic materials
Costs can range from $800,000 to $3,000,000+ for a mid-sized indoor facility.
Ventilation & Safety Systems
Proper ventilation is mandatory (especially indoors) to clear lead dust and airborne debris:
Ventilation/air filtration systems: $75,000 – $500,000+ depending on size and technology. Financial Model Net
2. Equipment and Safety Features
Range Equipment
Essential range gear includes:
Target retrieval systems and lane dividers
Ballistic backstops and bullet traps
Safety signage and protective barriers
Ranges often spend $100,000 to $500,000+ just on equipment.
Firearms, Ammunition & Gear
Whether you plan to rent firearms or stock a retail inventory:
Rental firearms, ammunition, targets, protective gear
Typical ballpark: $50,000 – $275,000+ for initial inventory.
Security & Tech Systems
To safeguard customers and inventory:
Surveillance cameras, alarms, access control
Budget: $10,000 – $50,000+ depending on sophistication.
3. Licensing, Permits & Legal Compliance
Starting and operating a gun range involves multiple compliance steps:
Federal Firearms License (FFL) and ATF paperwork
Zoning approvals, building permits
Local business licenses, environmental compliance
Legal consultation fees
Combined costs for licenses and permits typically fall between $5,000 and $25,000+ before opening.
4. Insurance (Critical for Protection)
A gun range business carries inherent risk due to firearms use. Insurance is non-negotiable and protects against liability, property damage, and injuries. Typical coverage includes:
General Liability Insurance – protects against customer or third-party injuries
Property Insurance – covers buildings, equipment, and inventory
Workers Compensation Insurance – required if you have staff
Professional Liability Insurance – protects against training-related claims
Insurance premiums for a new gun range can range widely, but a common estimate for initial annual premiums is $20,000 – $100,000+ depending on coverage amount, facility size, and risk factors.
5. Staffing, Training & Operations
Hiring qualified personnel is essential:
Range Safety Officers (RSOs)
Customer service staff
Training instructors
Annual staffing costs could run $100,000 – $500,000+ depending on facility size and employee count.
6. Marketing & Grand Opening Costs
To attract members and build brand awareness:
Website development and SEO
Digital ads and local media promotions
Launch events and introductory offers
Typical marketing budgets are $20,000 – $60,000 for the first year.
Need help with Marketing? Contractor Back Office helps with website, SEO and marketing support.
Total Estimated Startup Cost (Typical Range)
Category | Estimated Cost |
Real Estate & Build-Out | $200,000 – $2,000,000+ |
Construction & Safety Features | $800,000 – $3,000,000+ |
Equipment & Inventory | $150,000 – $775,000+ |
Licensing & Permits | $5,000 – $25,000+ |
Insurance Premiums | $20,000 – $100,000+ annually |
Staffing & Training | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
Marketing & Launch | $20,000 – $60,000 |
Overall startup costs typically range from about $800,000 to well over $3,000,000+ for a fully equipped commercial gun range — and can climb higher for large, state-of-the-art facilities.
Conclusion
Starting a gun range is capital-intensive but can be profitable with the right planning and execution. Major cost drivers include property and construction, specialized safety systems, equipment and inventory, and comprehensive insurance — all essential for a safe, compliant, and customer-ready facility.
Getting professional help from insurers like Wexford Insurance ensures you’re covered for risk while giving you confidence as a new owner.
Contact us today.
