If you are an avid gun enthusiast, a veteran, or a retired law enforcement officer, you might be toying with the idea of opening your own live-fire gun range. The prospect of owning your own business, setting your own hours, and following your passion is appealing. But, is a live-fire range the best option for your future? Are there similar alternatives that provide a better overall investment?
In 2020, there were 8 million new gun owners, and 2021 is already on track to match or surpass these figures. COVID-19 escalated gun sales as people found it essential to have a way to protect themselves, their property, and their family. The rise in firearms sales provides a unique opportunity to individuals interested in capitalizing on this growth industry, and it’s important to explore all of your options.
The Differences Between a Live Fire Range and a Virtual Gun Range
If you are a gun enthusiast, it’s safe to say you are very familiar with traditional live-fire ranges. While you may think nothing can beat the feel of a firearm between your fingers and the smells of a live-fire range, you’ve probably never explored all the unique offerings that a virtual gun range can provide.
A virtual gun range is designed to offer a safe, judgment-free atmosphere for shooters of all experience levels and ages to practice and hopefully master marksmanship skills, safe gun range habits, accuracy, and confidence in handling a firearm.
Unlike traditional live-fire ranges, virtual firearms franchises provide:
- A safe and supportive environment for all age groups and experience levels
- Fewer upfront costs and ongoing maintenance
- Interactive, dynamic, and challenging targets that appeal to the masses
- Endless training opportunities to expand on traditional live-fire range experience
- FREE ammo through the use of realistic sim guns with blowback
- Year-round perfect temperatures to practice and refine skills
Conversely, traditional firearms franchises present a variety of obstacles that you might have never even realized:
- The cost to build a range is astronomically high due to the required lead mitigation equipment
- Risk factors and safety are a significant concern when dealing with firearms
- There is limited opportunity for interaction among shooters
- Ammo prices are continuing to skyrocket, and many shooters are taking a step back
- The loud noises, smells, and professional shooters can be intimidating for less-experienced visitors
- There is little to no instruction offered for first-time shooters
Make the Right Decision for Your Business Ownership Goals
One of the most important aspects of opening any franchise is being first to market. If your goal is to get involved in an industry that is growing, innovating, and changing with the market, then a virtual gun range might be right for you.
Learn more about the opportunity a virtual firearms franchise presents to you as a business owner and to your local community. Help us build something that provides education, support and that furthers our mission to create responsible gun owners throughout the country. Learn more about Engage Virtual Range franchise opportunities.
Reach out to us to start the process of owning a virtual shooting range franchise.