With the Coconino National Forest in fire restrictions that limit activity in the woods, Flagstaff’s first indoor shooting range, Timberline Firearms & Training, is welcoming sport shooting enthusiasts of all abilities. A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official grand opening of the locally owned range late last month at the corner of Highway 89 and Copeland Lane, six miles north of the Flagstaff Mall.
The 11,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is open every day and offers 12 shooting lanes, programmable Meggitt Training Systems, a Milo Live Fire Video Simulation System with more than 700 different scenarios, a members’ lounge and a 2,000-square-foot retail store with firearms, ammunition, targets and safety equipment accessories.
The owners, retired Navy Senior Chief Rob Wilson and Phoenix television news videographer Elise Wilson, opened the range to share their passion for the sport and promote firearm safety, training and practice.
“We realized the need in this community for a place where people can safely practice. Shooting is a perishable skill, and people don’t often have the equipment, the targets or the time to drive to a range,” said Rob. “With fire restrictions and weather challenges, it’s often not possible to go to the forest for this activity.”
Timberline Firearms has created 13 jobs, including range safety officers and instructors. The new business offers courses and private lessons, serves as a practice and training site for law enforcement officers and provides meeting facilities for groups like the Well Armed Woman.
“Women are the fastest growing demographic in the firearms industry and it’s become a more women-friendly sport,” said Elise, an award-winning cowboy mounted shooting competitor. “Women have become increasingly interested in taking responsibility for their own safety, and they are finding that shooting is really fun. We’ve taken special care to provide an atmosphere that makes women feel comfortable in a sport that may have felt intimidating in the past.”
“The range allows us the ability to practice and improve our skills at any time of the year in a safe, controlled environment,” said Brenda Anderson of Flagstaff, a three-year member of the Well Armed Woman who attributes her improved self-confidence to learning how to use firearms. “It’s going to be a big benefit to those who enjoy the sport of shooting.”
Timberline Firearms & Training will be hosting a Well Armed Women – Flagstaff Chapter meet and greet at 6 p.m., Monday, June 11, for an orientation into the organization and a range tour.
The Wilsons, who live and work in the Timberline community, strive to be good neighbors and environmentally conscious in their lifestyle and business practices. The HEPA air filter system in the range ensures that exhaust leaving the building is cleaner than the air entering the building. Lead and brass from spent rounds are being recycled. And, prairie dogs living on the site were relocated to the forest before the facility was constructed with help from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Habitat Harmony. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Timberline Firearms & Training is located at 11972 N US Highway 89, 86004. For more information, call 928-526-7474 or visit TimberlineFirearms.us.