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  • Bigpops

    Open Shooters Unite!!
    Sep 30, 2010
    227
    SoMd.
    It's here! We finally have an update on the range progress!

    First off, we would like to give our heartfelt thanks to all of you that have given us words of encouragement and those that have inquired about the range. This has been an INCREDIBLY difficult road, extremely expensive and at times very discouraging. It is because of your support that we have continued to fight through all of the red tape and tough times to keep pursuing our dream. Thank you!

    So, What is the Status of the Range?

    Without going too deep into all of the issues we have faced, here is where we are after two years of work: We have the final engineering drawings done. This was a big deal because we had to engineer a building that met the country requirements, structurally supported the range infrastructure and ballistic material, met OSHA standards, and satisfied the design that we were looking for. The problem we still face is that the structural engineers decided we needed to move the range HVAC to the side of the building. On the surface, this is not a big deal...but the county regulations make it a huge deal. We had to redesign the site plan, and will go before the county again for approval in the next several weeks. All of this when we were ready to start grading!

    The road has been approved and certified as wide enough! This could have been a deal breaker. A year ago we met with the county and they told us we would be responsible for widening the road, and the cost would have priced us out of the range. However, fate would have it that the road was redone by the county last June, and this fall was deemed suitable.

    The "fire suppression system" is almost complete. Before we could build we had to have 26,000 gallons of water readily available for the fire department to have access to prior to construction. After a meeting with the Fire Marshall, we came up with a cost avoidance solution that meets the building requirements. Ironically, the solution was approximately half the price of a submerged tank, and funny thing is....it looks a lot like a swimming pool. In fact, to the untrained eye, it looks identical to a 35,000 gallon swimming pool with a nice little tanning deck, but for building purposes, it is a fire suppression system which will clear the path for construction. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!

    The final hurdle with the county should be resolved within 5 weeks. After that it should take another 4 to 5 weeks to excavate and site prep, 3 to 4 weeks for concrete, and then it will depend on the subcontractors availability for electric, plumbing and finish work. Realistically, we are looking at August if we don't run into any more major issues.

    In March we will put another update and will speak to future memberships. We have the details, but are not ready to start addressing inquiries at this time. We have to get the shovels in the ground first!

    Again, thank you all for your support. We look forward to the day that we can have you join us in this incredible facilty that is planned!

    Steve and Cindi Thomas
     

    traveller

    The one with two L
    Nov 26, 2010
    18,259
    variable
    Congrats.

    Now keep in mind, you are in the one 'business friendly' county in SoMD. In Calvert or Charles it would be even more difficult.
     

    Capt Skup

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 29, 2012
    2,385
    Calvert County
    Much admire your strength and ability to see this thru. Love the water storage facility, dual purpose. Looking forward to the day when registration starts. Best of luck to you.
     

    JMD2004

    Active Member
    Aug 9, 2017
    203
    Lexington Park
    Where will the facility be? And what is your projected need for employees? Will you guys be selling products as well? nice to hear progress!
     

    Bigpops

    Open Shooters Unite!!
    Sep 30, 2010
    227
    SoMd.
    Where will the facility be? And what is your projected need for employees? Will you guys be selling products as well? nice to hear progress!

    Location - 6 miles south of NAS Pax River

    Employees - baby steps, with a need for instructors and RO's as we get going.

    Products - basic indoor shooting related materials such as eyes, ears, targets and ammo. Limited gun sales with rentals available.

    We are interested in providing a SAFE, family oriented place for shooting and firearms education/training.
     

    JMD2004

    Active Member
    Aug 9, 2017
    203
    Lexington Park
    Location - 6 miles south of NAS Pax River

    Employees - baby steps, with a need for instructors and RO's as we get going.

    Products - basic indoor shooting related materials such as eyes, ears, targets and ammo. Limited gun sales with rentals available.

    We are interested in providing a SAFE, family oriented place for shooting and firearms education/training.

    terrific! Count me as a member...i'm close by. Will be keeping abreast of your guys progress.
     

    gwchem

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 18, 2014
    3,434
    SoMD
    Steve, any chance you'll be set up for matches of any sort? Would be nice to have winter options
     

    babalou

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Aug 12, 2013
    16,019
    Glenelg
    well then....

    Location - 6 miles south of NAS Pax River

    Employees - baby steps, with a need for instructors and RO's as we get going.

    Products - basic indoor shooting related materials such as eyes, ears, targets and ammo. Limited gun sales with rentals available.

    We are interested in providing a SAFE, family oriented place for shooting and firearms education/training.

    gotta have the pizza counter there, a la the old skate rinks or bowling alleys :)
     

    Mike OTDP

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 12, 2008
    3,318
    Ironically, the solution was approximately half the price of a submerged tank, and funny thing is....it looks a lot like a swimming pool. In fact, to the untrained eye, it looks identical to a 35,000 gallon swimming pool with a nice little tanning deck, but for building purposes, it is a fire suppression system which will clear the path for construction. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!

    Is the fire suppression system heated? And covered to ensure year-round suitability? Sounds like it could be a nice supplemental revenue stream.
     

    TheNewGuy

    Active Member
    Jul 17, 2015
    132
    In door range would be a God send right now as cold as its been. Looking forward being able to shoot when environmental factors would make it less than ideal.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
     

    Bigpops

    Open Shooters Unite!!
    Sep 30, 2010
    227
    SoMd.
    Max caliber you can shoot?

    The equipment is rated to 50 cal, though I do not want that taking place everyday. (think of your vehicle ...it may be able to go 120 MPH but you wouldn't want to drive like that all the time)

    We have not set a limit yet, but thinking something near 338 Lapua.

    Perhaps a 100 yard indoor rifle range is in the future...(more to come)
     

    Bigpops

    Open Shooters Unite!!
    Sep 30, 2010
    227
    SoMd.
    In door range would be a God send right now as cold as its been. Looking forward being able to shoot when environmental factors would make it less than ideal.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

    Yes sir! Our range will hold a constant temp of 70-71 degrees year around, without the tropical wind most ranges have.
     

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