The Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture hosted a ribbon cutting at Shootin' Blanks last Wednesday. Pictured are Sunrise ambassador Enid Huotari, instructor/trainer Andrew Shiffer, Brady Bell, owner Kevin Hull, manager Arnie Thiel, Kaitlin Bell, Louie Reyna, Chamber executive director Jessica Davies and Chamber events coordinator LaVanchie Starkey.
The most exciting sporting venue within at least 500 miles opened for business in Sidney last week.
Shootin' Blanks Virtual Shooting Range, owned by Kevin and Nikki Hull and Rob and Sue Elliot, is now welcoming customers to their business in the Village Square Mall, 120 East Main St., Sidney. Kevin Hull explained that the facility provides supplemental training, skill building and entertainment, year round, indoors. "We wanted to keep shooting sports alive," he said. "This is a great way to introduce more people to the sport."
In addition to Hull, manager Arnie Thiel, instructor/trainer Andrew Shiffer and lots of additional help provide first class service to their customers.
Utilizing equipment manufactured for military and law enforcement training, shooters from the novice to the advanced can improve their marksmanship while being entertained. The weapons have been retrofitted with infrared lasers and tetherless CO2 recoil kits to make them the most safe, realistic and accurate weapons ever used on a simulated range.
The V-Range at one end of the facility provides the most accurate, ballistically correct, most training oriented experience. Shots may be simulated from 3 – 300 yards with additional ballistic and environmental adjustments such as wind added in for extra realism.
The video simulator at the other end features the "Gunfighter" program for improved marksmanship and high entertainment value. More scenarios and programs will be added as the business progresses.
Absolutely No Outside Firearms or Ammo are allowed in the facility. "This is a training and entertainment facility," Hull explained. "We want it to be a completely safe environment."
Customers can choose from 19 different firearms including semi-automatic pistols, assault rifles and revolvers. Bullets can be custom designed to simulate the action of a customer's actual firearm, improving the training aspect.
The facility is available for law enforcement and military training with a private party reservation. Parties and groups are welcome, with group discounts offered during regular hours. Private parties may also rent the entire facility after hours. Prices are reasonable. Ten minutes in the V-Range for one person is only $10. Four people can use the Gunfighter area for 20 minutes for only $37. Photo ID is required as well as a signed waiver of liability. In addition, 15 – 18 year olds must have a waiver signed by a parent, and children under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Novice shooters are given special attention by the experienced staff. Weapon knowledge and safety are stressed before the actual shooting begins.
The entire facility is wheel chair accessible and patrons may stand or sit to shoot.
Between the two shooting areas, tables and chairs provide visiting space. A retail area offering unique items not available anywhere else in the area completes the facility. Items include "Rite In the Rain" waterproof notebooks and all weather pens good to -30 degrees F.
Shootin'Blanks is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm. Stop by and check out this exciting new business, or call them at 406-433-AIMS (2467). You can also visit their website http://www.ShootinBlanksInc.com or check them out on Facebook.
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