Point Blank, Fitworks open at Florence Shops

Point Blank targets Florence for new store

Northern Kentucky's newest indoor shooting range is expected to open in March on Mall Road. Greg Turner, development manager for Point Blank indoor shooting range and gun shop, said the company has three locations in Ohio and will also open a new range in Carmel, Indiana, in April. "We want to be a one-stop shop for all your firearm needs," said Turner. In addition to the shooting range, Point Blank offers retail firearm sales, firearm accessories and ammunition, and safety classes. Point Blank at 7551 Mall Road takes up half the building occupied by Fitworks gym. "This used to be a Chinese restaurant, an Asian grocery and a PC store," said property owner Randy Cooper. "This is a whole new transformation. I think this is a great addition to the community." "Our No. 1 concern is safety," said Turner. "We pride ourselves on giving fantastic customer service as well." One section of the retail store features gun vaults, safes and locked storage, but the majority of the space has handgun and long gun sales, along with ammunition, holsters and other accessories. The store will offer several free seminars ranging from beginner to advanced classes, as well as paid training including carrying concealed deadly weapons classes for certification. No purchase is necessary for free or paid training classes. Two classrooms, which would hold 20 people each, are located in the back of the store. "The most important thing with firearms is being responsible and educated," said Turner. Shooters can bring their own guns, or rent from the store. The indoor shooting range will have 19 lanes, separated by bulletproof glass. The range is 25 yards long, and target depth can be adjusted in each lane. Turner said the range has its own triple-filtered high-efficiency particulate arrestance, or HEPA, recirculating air ventilation system. The outdoor portion of the system runs the length of the building. "The airflow directs the recirculated air from the front to the back of the range, so all that air is going away from you," he said. "It's very, very clean. It takes all the lead and powder out of the air. We want this to be the cleanest place to shoot." The room is also covered in soundproofing tiles and the back of the range is coated with a rubberized granule finish that stops bullets so they don't disintegrate, Turner said. A range safety officer will be in the room at all times. Turner said a grand opening has not yet been planned, but that information and other events are available on Point Blank's website: www.shootpointblank.com