Range Werx: A Top Tier shooting facility

Florida's newest range complex is what you'd expect from a Special Op's veteran.

Special Op’s veteran Bob Keller takes Lee on a tour of Range Werx, his new range complex located near Ft. Meade, Florida.

Bob Keller is one of the finest warriors this country has ever produced.

He started in the Rangers, but that wasn’t enough for him, so he joined Special Forces and earned the coveted Green Beret. A few years later, Bob passed a grueling selection and joined the Army’s most elite special operations unit — yep, those guys — where he became a team leader. He’s been on more than a thousand missions and in hundreds of gunfights.

For the past several years, as the owner of Gamut Resolutions shooting instruction and tactical training firm, Bob has traveled the country teaching the skills and techniques he learned in combat to local, state and federal law enforcement officers, the country’s top SWAT teams and some lucky civilians, myself included.

My point is this: Bob knows what works in a gunfight and what doesn’t, and he knows what makes a good range.

His new range complex — Range Werx — is a one-of-a-kind shooting facility, located a few minutes south of Ft. Meade. It’s about an hours drive from Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota.

Its layout, structure and vision are unlike anything I’ve ever encountered at a gun range, and I, too, have been to a few.

To start, the place is big.

There are 16 separate bays, and five more are planned, including a 600-yard range.

He’s already got two 270-degree ranges open now, which are perfect for vehicle work and other advanced tactical training.

All you need to bring are guns, ammo and eye/ear pro.

The bays come with everything you could want stored in nearby sheds: several kinds of targets, target stands, sticks, backers, glue, staples — you name it — and, of course, steel.

They’re all included in the membership.

That’s certainly unique, but for me this clinched the deal — each member gets their own bay — an entire bay for themselves and up to three guests.

No more risking life and limb standing at a public shooting range, just feet away from someone who doesn’t know how to handle firearms. We all have horror stories about that.

No more waiting for the herd to get done shooting before you can walk downrange and check your target.

In short, no more BS.

Bob inside one of the conexes located near every bay, which are fully stocked with targets, target stands, glue, staples, tables, steel, canopies, First Aid kits and much more.

Becoming a member

A Range Werx membership costs $1,000, and Bob is capping his membership at 300.

Once all 300 slots are taken, he’ll start a waiting list.

I was member #16 on Wednesday afternoon, and I think the slots are going to fill up quickly.

All members who haven't taken one of his classes before will have to go through a safety orientation with Bob, and then demonstrate to him that they know how to safely handle firearms.

I like this requirement the most. It means that when I’m out there, I’m shooting with safe, well trained guys and gals.

Each bay has safety reminders as well.

All members will receive an access card so they can train whenever they want, even if no staff are present.

You’re your own RSO.

All members receive 20% off Bob’s training classes held at Range Werx.

And all members get access to 20 acres of ponds on the property, which have some of the best bass fishing in Florida.

Corporate memberships are also available.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, email RD@rangewerx.com for details.

A different mentality

At Range Werx you’ll be treated like a professional, but you’ll be expected to act professionally too.

That philosophy is the antithesis of most public or semi-public ranges, where you’re treated like a basic trainee.

This is a place for professional training. Some of the range rules, and there’s a long list, denote this.

• No shooting at night or after dark, (unless approved by staff).

• No driving on ranges, (unless approved by staff).

• No shooting from vehicles, (unless approved by staff).

• No reholstering without looking.

To sum, Range Werx is a place where professional, experienced shooters can hone their skills. It’s also a place where new shooters can become professional, experienced shooters.

I hope to see you there.

As always, thanks for your time.

Lee