Tamworth shooting range opens at Calibre Country in Taminda as part of business' expansion

The local business has officially opened its new expanded premises on Plain Street in Taminda, and its packed to the brim with all sorts of hunting, shooting and outdoor gear.

The new shooting range is also open, and business owner Craig Mearns said "nothing's been built like that in Australia".

"It's been over-engineered, the target system's from America ... it's the best you can buy," Mr Mearns said.

The range is 50m in length, and has eight lanes each with bulletproof side walls.

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The new building also features a conference room, bathrooms, a soundproof room for those just wishing to view the shooting range, and a secure room where licenced shooters can safely store their pistols and rifles.

Aside from "rigorous controls, paperwork and specifications", everyone is welcome to come down and have a go, Mr Mearns said.

"Licenced shooters can bring in their own firearms to use or we have guns for hire, and people who are unlicenced and just want to try we've got a range [of firearms] here that they can try," he told the Leader.

"Unlicenced people can come down and there's a check list we go through with them, we've got a website going live tonight so people can book online.

"Unlicenced shooters have to book two days ahead, because we've got to be one-on-one with them in the range just for safety reasons and to help them enjoy the experience."

He said local police, corrective services, local land services, and the Department of Planning Industry and Environment were all planning on completing training in the new facility.

He was grateful for the ongoing support his business received from the locals, too.

"We started five years ago from scratch and we've got a very big customer-base now, and even though we're in a bigger shop, we still pride ourselves on our customer service and integrity dealing with people," Mr Mearns said.

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