Rep. Jordan tours shooting center
US House Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) toured Midwest Shooting Center Wednesday as part of a series of stops before giving a speech to a medical freedom group in Lima.
Jordan said he is paying attention to limits that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is trying to push. He is also on the lookout for red flag law restrictions being pushed by Democrats.
“We are very nervous about what they are trying to do — not just the First Amendment but the Second Amendment as well,” Jordan said.
The congressman visited the Cridersville business for a tour and to listen to concerns, which the owner was not shy about sharing.
Owner Samir Patel is concerned about National Fire Arms Act restrictions for short-barreled weapons aimed to curb concealing weapons used in the prohibition. Patel told Jordan that with handguns being allowed and more concealable than other weapons, those restrictions should be eased back. He said short-barreled weapons are easier to use and more manageable.
Patel also wanted to see restrictions on silencers eased as he said they help with hearing protection and reduce recoil. Patel also said they decrease bullet velocity, which would make silenced weapons less lethal.
During the tour he also explained Midwest Shooting Center’s business model. He said they may only make 5 to 10 percent on gun sales, but with 3,000 members paying a monthly $30 fee, all of their other classes, training, and shooting events become pure profit margin.
At Midwest Shooting Center’s 11,000-square foot simulation area, they are able to simulate an urban environment with multiple two story buildings and vehicles.
He explained that they have a working relationship for training with area police departments. Although several agencies use their facility Patel said they might use it more if their budgets allowed. With a few modifications officers can train with their own weapons and use simulation safe ammo. Patel said there is added value to an officer being able to train with their own weapons as opposed to a paintball gun.
Though the original intent of the simulation area was for training, Patel said they have had more interest lately in entertainment geared simulations.