Founded in June 2016 by former United States Marine Corps Officers David Sabo and Jeff Swinford, Midwest Shooting Center (MSC) began as an e-commerce retailer specializing in firearms sales.

Recognizing an opportunity to create a more welcoming environment in the firearms industry, MSC expanded into a 2,000-square-foot retail location in March 2017 and later opened its first indoor range and retail facility in Lima, Ohio, in March 2019.

Headquartered in Lima, Ohio, MSC has rapidly grown, operating multiple corporate-owned locations across several states, including Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In January 2023, MSC launched its franchising program, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to join the brand. The first franchise location opened in Appleton, Wisconsin, in September 2024.

MSC offers a comprehensive range of services, including state-of-the-art indoor shooting lanes, firearms training classes tailored for all skill levels, extensive retail options featuring firearms, ammunition, and accessories, as well as gunsmith services.

The company distinguishes itself by fostering an inviting, modern, and experience-driven atmosphere that appeals to both novice and experienced shooters, breaking away from the traditional, often intimidating, image associated with shooting ranges.

Training

Midwest Shooting Center provides a comprehensive suite of training programs to ensure franchisees and their staff are well-equipped to operate the business effectively. The training provided by the franchisor includes the following:

1. Self-Study Program
   Before attending formal training, franchisees and their staff must complete a self-paced study program designed to familiarize them with the core operations and standards of the business.
2. Initial Training – Part One
   Conducted over six days at the corporate headquarters or a designated location, this training is scheduled within 60 days after the franchisee secures a facility site. It must be completed before beginning any marketing, pre-sales, or operational activities. Participants include the franchisee, owners, general manager, membership manager, and lead instructor.
3. Initial Training – Part Two
   This three-week session occurs no earlier than 60 days before the anticipated opening and only after securing a federal firearm license and confirming a certified lead instructor. Attendance by key personnel is mandatory.
4. Supplemental and Refresher Training
   The franchisor may require additional training during the term of the agreement. These may be conducted onsite, virtually, or through webinars. Franchisees are responsible for associated costs, including travel and lodging.

Territory Protection

Midwest Shooting Center grants its franchisees a protected marketing territory, typically defined as a radius of up to five miles from the franchised facility, based on Google Maps or similar mapping tools.

The franchisor may adjust this radius based on factors such as population density, demographics, and business potential. Within this territory, franchisees are protected from having another Midwest Shooting Center franchise or company-owned business established.

While the franchisee enjoys exclusivity within this area, it is not considered an exclusive territory in the broader sense. Franchisees can sell and ship products to customers outside their territory, provided these sales are not driven by targeted marketing into another franchisee’s area.