A New Twist on An Old Sport
Fox Valley Shooting Range has 12 custom built lanes 75’ long, and two private 5’ wide 45’ long training lanes. We use a three stage HEPA air filtration system, which discharges cleaner air than the air we draw in from the outside. The target carriers are touch screen controlled to any distance you desire, with 360° rotating targets to practice holster draws. Yes, holster drawing is allowed at certain times after successfully passing a Fox Valley Shooting Range Holster Draw class.
How It All Began
"I have been asked many times: Why, at 50 years old did you decide to start a gun range?
It all started in the winter of 2014. My wife, 'Kitty', had recently started shooting with me and I persuaded my Mom to give it a try. So, she got a FOID card and we all went to the range. And, we all had a blast seeing my Mom for the first time in her life pulling the trigger of a gun. It was truly a memory I will not forget. So, as we were walking out, both were grinning from ear to ear, and thanking me for taking them. I said, 'You know you can always come by yourselves.' Both said that they would never go to a range by themselves. They said it was too intimidating and they did not feel comfortable going solo. To which I replied, 'Ya, many gun ranges are run by men with big egos and attitudes.' We all shook our heads and went home.
So, I got to thinking why not build a range that was welcoming and inviting to all, and how to make this possible. I attended a few range development seminars, and started talking with other shooters about what they liked and disliked regarding gun ranges. What I found out was a bit surprising. Everyone I talked to said basically the same thing. They wanted a clean, well-lighted range that had good ventilation, and was staffed by respectful, knowledgeable and helpful staff. But they often had a hard time finding that so they just went to the one that was closest to their house or the one with the shortest lines.
A few months later I found myself out of a job, so I figured now there is nothing holding me back and that is how Fox Valley Shooting Range came to be!"
- Mark Glavin
Owner