Community Corner

Indoor Firing Ranges Now Possible in Eureka

Municipal codes in Eureka were amended by the city's Board of Aldermen at Tuesday night's meeting to allow consideration of indoor firing ranges as a special use.

Indoor firing ranges now can be considered as part of future economic development.

The city's board of aldermen unanimously passed an ordinance to amend the municipal code to allow a business entity to be considered for operating an indoor firing range in non-residential zoning districts at Tuesday's board meeting.

Eureka's aldermen also amended a city ordinance to enable firearms of a type and caliber approved for discharge within city boundaries to be fired by someone other than law officers.

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Previously, firearms, guns or pistols only could be fired by the police chief or police officers within 300 yards of any dwelling, house, apartment, church, school or occupied structures. Paintball guns operated by patrons at city-approved paintball facilities also was possible.

Eureka already does have one gun-related business in operation, .

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An Indoor Range and Retail Development Workshop was just presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation June 18-21 in St. Louis.

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) officials operate an outdoor facility near Eureka located on Interstate 44 east at Beaumont/Antire Road, exit 269. The Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is used for a variety of firearm, archery, hunting, and related programs conducted for youths and adults throughout the year, including the Missouri hunter education student course. These courses are offered at no cost and equipment is provided for some, free of charge.

The Jay Henges complex includes a 100-yard, baffled, rifle/pistol range with 20 covered booths with target placement at 7, 15, 25, 50, 75 or 100 yards. Additional facilities include three trap fields, a shotgun patterning range, and a four-target static archery range, according to the MDC website.

Currently, one of the largest, full-service indoor firing ranges to West St. Louis County is Bull's Eye, L.L.C., 5100 Manchester Rd., between Highways 44 and 40.

Additionally, a gun store and indoor range—On TargetSTL—operates in Valley Park at 590 Vance Rd., Suite 109. According to On Target's website, store owners carry new and used firearms, accessories, knives, ammunition, and reloading supplies. The site also claims the store is the No. 1 spot for handgun sales in Missouri.

St. Louis Skeet & Trap Club members meet at nearby 18854 Franklin Road in Pacific


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