Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Yea, I wish. Sorry to get you flustered. Does anyone know a current source of the zoning restrictions in and around richmond? I have some friends who are very seriously considering approaching the possibility of opening a range. Whats your opinion on public indoor range in the West end area? Maybe even near Short Pump. That would cater to a wide range of folks surrounding that area, and access via 295, 64, 288 would be ideal. Im a richmonder and would still be thrilled about a new indoor range. Lend me your thoughts.

I think it would be great but the cost of doing business out there is insane. You'd have to charge exorbitant prices to stay open. Not to mention the cost of insurance would be out of control. Also, the local politics on that side of town would probably freak out. Maybe west of Shortpump; Goochland would be perfect. The have friendly gun laws and taxes probably wouldn't kill you. I'd like to see a PUBLIC outdoor rifle range that was close to central VA though.

12 Months ago I asked at a Pawn shop on Broad St if they have guns. He laughed and said "In Richmond...are you kiddin?"

I would guess that Henrico County would be the same way.

Look up the zoning laws. A gun range would probably need a special use permit that the County will not give them. If Delegate Morrissey of Henrico is any indication they are firmly anti. And that's the nice way to state it.

I know you talking about a range but....
Does anyone even sell guns in Henrico County? I've always gone to the counties north or south to shop. Now, A gun store could possibly fly there although I still wouldn't bet on it. The person to try to ask would be the owner of Innsbrook. He helped the VCDL last year with parking at his shopping center and thus is probably a 'friendly' who also knows the County's politics and zoning. (He may even own the empty convenience store across from his center if your friends wanted to open shop instead.)

Chi804 probably had the best idea. Goochland! Cheaper and likely more friendly.

I researched this extensively over the last 6 months. I even went to the NRA Range Builders conference in Rhode Island for a week as part of my research.

Henrico County won't be a problem but there are some special zoning issues to comply with, but it can be done. You'd be looking at a 2-3 million dollar project to build from the ground up.

from the ground up, sure, but maybe not as much with a renovation project. What kind of insurance costs have you seen?

Ohdoom wrote:from the ground up, sure, but maybe not as much with a renovation project. What kind of insurance costs have you seen?

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chi804 wrote: Also, the local politics on that side of town would probably freak out. .

I disagree. There very well may be a vocal small minority that wouldn't like it, but the vast majority would welcome it.

I wonder how the UA West Tower 10-plex theatre is doing? Between the Regal Cinemas at Short Pump and Movieland in the city, it must be hurting. It would make a great indoor range.

Runcible wrote:I wonder how the UA West Tower 10-plex theatre is doing? Between the Regal Cinemas at Short Pump and Movieland in the city, it must be hurting. It would make a great indoor range.

There is a number of buildings in the West End even better than that! Every time I drive by them, I just dream about what could be.