Hampton OKs business owner to set up indoor shooting range in a trailer
For years, Hampton has wanted to relocate a noisy outdoor shooting range near Rip Rap Road in the otherwise sleepy Old Northampton section.
It was costly and finding the right location without having the same issue was a challenge.
The owner of the “war-games” simulation company Threat Tec at 34 Research Drive in the Langley Business Park sought to expand the business by adding an indoor shooting range.
It seemed like a match made in the heavens.
Last year, the Hampton City Council give its blessing to rezone the area to make way for a new venue, called GunSmoke, on a 10.5-acre parcel on Magruder Boulevard, adjacent to the existing property.
But last month during a Sept. 23 public hearing, the Hampton City Council unanimously OK’d a use permit for owner Jim Crawford to set up an indoor shooting range inside a trailer, instead.
“That has been a concern to