Shooting ranges grow in popularity in Las Vegas
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Unloading a few rounds at a local shooting range is quickly becoming a Las Vegas pasttime, and the lock-and-load lure is not just for the locals -- it's becoming a tourist magnet. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Unloading a few rounds at a local shooting range is quickly becoming a Las Vegas pasttime, and the lock-and-load lure is not just for the locals -- it's becoming a tourist magnet.
The brand new Strip Gun Club opens this week on Las Vegas Boulevard near Sahara. So far, it's the only gun club on the Las Vegas Strip, but many others operate in areas nearby.
Owners of those local ranges say shooting guns in the 'Wild West' is getting to be good business.
Mayor Carolyn Goodman and other local leaders attended the grand opening of the Strip Gun Club on Thursday.
"The reality is that we do everything, and we are part of the west," said Mayor Goodman. "It's part of the total experience."
The Strip Gun Club is classing things up, installing hardwood floors and countertops.
"We differentiate ourselves by location," said owner Rick Truesdell. "When people ask me why are we different, I say 'The Strip.' That's a pretty good answer."
Another location, The Range 702 off the Strip, is also looking to differentiate itself by operating a VIP area complete with pool tables, a lounge, private shooting lanes, video simulation and even a cafe.
'It's a growing market, it's very popular," said Lisa Gatewood, a spokesperson for The Range 702.
Another reason gun ranges are popular in Nevada is because many tourists are able to shoot guns that aren't accessible in other states, like those used by U.S. Special Forces.
"In England, guns are illegal, citizens are not allowed to own weapons," Gatewood said. "So they never get this experience."
Making guns available in instructive and safe environments is quickly becoming part of the Las Vegas experience.
"It's another memory of Las Vegas," Truesdell said. "It's another part of those bucket list things."
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