Established
2012
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
$3,500,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$6,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Midwest Shooting Center is a premium indoor shooting range and firearms retail concept that has redefined what a modern shooting sports facility looks like in the United States. Positioned at the intersection of recreation, training, retail, and lifestyle, the brand delivers a controlled, professional, and welcoming environment for both first-time shooters and experienced firearm enthusiasts.
Unlike traditional gun ranges that focus narrowly on lane rentals, Midwest Shooting Center operates as a full-service destination. Each location combines state-of-the-art indoor ranges, firearms and accessories retail, professional training programs, private memberships, corporate events, and community engagement under one roof. This diversified business model creates multiple revenue streams while elevating the customer experience and strengthening brand loyalty.
The brand has built a strong reputation for safety, operational excellence, and premium facilities. Midwest Shooting Center locations are designed to meet or exceed regulatory standards, with advanced ventilation systems, sound mitigation, and modern lane technology. The result is a high-end environment that appeals to a broad demographic, including professionals, families, law-abiding firearm owners, law enforcement, and recreational shooters.
As demand for experiential businesses and responsible firearms training continues to grow across the U.S., Midwest Shooting Center stands out as a scalable, structured franchise opportunity in the shooting sports and tactical recreation industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Midwest Shooting Center offers investors entry into a specialized yet resilient industry with strong consumer demand and recurring revenue potential.
One of the strongest advantages is revenue diversification. Franchise locations generate income from lane rentals, annual and monthly memberships, firearms and accessory sales, training classes, private instruction, events, and corporate bookings. This layered model reduces dependence on a single income source and improves long-term stability.
The brand also benefits from high customer retention. Membership programs encourage repeat visits and predictable cash flow, while training programs and retail upgrades increase lifetime customer value. Many customers transition from casual shooters to long-term members, creating consistent demand year-round.
From an investment standpoint, Midwest Shooting Center operates in a regulation-driven industry with high barriers to entry, which limits competition in many markets. Proper zoning, safety compliance, and operational expertise create a natural moat that protects established operators.
Additionally, the concept appeals to both urban and suburban markets where indoor ranges are preferred due to climate control, safety, and accessibility. With strong branding, centralized systems, and professional support, Midwest Shooting Center provides franchisees with a structured path into a complex but rewarding business category.
Background
Established Year: 2012
Midwest Shooting Center was founded in 2012 with the objective of elevating the indoor shooting range experience in the United States. The brand was built to move beyond the traditional perception of gun ranges by offering a professional, high-end environment that emphasizes safety, education, and customer experience alongside firearms retail and recreational shooting.
Founders & Ownership:
Midwest Shooting Center is privately owned and led by industry professionals with extensive experience in firearms retail, range operations, compliance, and customer service. The leadership team has remained actively involved in shaping operational standards, training protocols, and long-term brand strategy, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations.
Franchise Active Units:
The brand currently operates 4 active franchise locations in the United States, all designed as large-format, full-service indoor shooting centers. These locations serve as proven operational models for new franchisees entering the system.
Brand Journey & Company History:
The company’s growth has been driven by a focus on modern infrastructure, advanced safety systems, and a diversified revenue model. From its first Ohio-based location, Midwest Shooting Center expanded deliberately, refining its operational playbook before opening additional units. This measured approach allowed the brand to build strong unit economics, customer loyalty, and a reputation for professionalism within the shooting sports community.
Market Presence & Industry Category:
Midwest Shooting Center operates within the indoor shooting range, firearms retail, and professional training industry. Its current footprint is concentrated in the Midwest, with strong brand recognition in Ohio and increasing interest from investors in other U.S. regions seeking premium indoor shooting facilities.
Support Training
Midwest Shooting Center delivers comprehensive franchise support designed to guide owners through every phase of development and operation.
Pre-Launch Support:
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, zoning considerations, facility layout, and build-out planning. The franchisor provides guidance on range design, safety infrastructure, and equipment specifications to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Operational Training:
Initial training covers range operations, safety protocols, customer management, inventory control, point-of-sale systems, and staffing. Franchisees and key managers are trained extensively on daily operations to ensure consistency and professionalism across locations.
Marketing & Brand Support:
The brand supports franchisees with launch marketing strategies, digital marketing frameworks, local advertising guidance, and promotional campaigns. National branding assets, messaging guidelines, and customer acquisition strategies are provided to help franchisees build awareness quickly in their markets.
Academic & Safety Training:
Training programs include firearms safety, instructional best practices, and compliance procedures. Ongoing education ensures franchisees stay current with regulatory changes and industry standards.
Ongoing Support:
Franchisees benefit from continuous operational guidance, performance benchmarking, system updates, and access to centralized resources. Regular communication and field support help optimize operations, improve profitability, and maintain brand standards.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Midwest Shooting Center franchisee is a disciplined, operations-focused entrepreneur with the financial capacity to develop and operate a large-format facility.
While prior firearms industry experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Successful franchisees often come from backgrounds in multi-unit operations, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, logistics, or corporate management. A strong commitment to safety, compliance, and customer service is essential.
Ideal candidates are hands-on or semi-absentee owners who can oversee management teams, ensure operational discipline, and actively participate in community engagement. Passion for shooting sports, training, or outdoor recreation is a strong advantage, as it aligns with the brand’s culture and customer base.
Franchisees should have access to sufficient capital, strong credit, and the ability to secure appropriate real estate in approved markets. Midwest Shooting Center is well-suited for investors seeking a scalable, long-term business with both lifestyle and financial upside.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Total Investment Range | $3.5 million – $6 million |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$3.5 million |
| Real Estate & Build-Out | $2.5 million – $4.5 million |
| Range Equipment & Technology | $400,000 – $800,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Working Capital | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of gross revenue |
| Advertising / Brand Fund | 1–2% of gross revenue |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Expected ROI | Market-dependent |
| Revenue Streams | Multiple |