A massive facility that will attract gun enthusiasts in northwest Iowa is scheduled to open next summer. Officials broke ground on the five-million dollar project this week just across the Missouri River from Iowa in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The business is called Calibra8 (pronounced calibrate) and president Jason Rainboth says it’ll be the first of its kind in the region. “We’re going to have a 24 lane indoor gun range. We’ll also have an 8-lane archery range indoors, which will have a second tier shot, which is something you never see in an archery range,” Rainboth said. “We’re also going to have a full service pro shop and armory. We’ll sell guns, ammunition, and all the accessories that go along with that, but we’ll also be renting guns.”

The 90,000 square foot facility will also house a 24 hour gym and cross-fit training center, as well as banquet halls and meeting rooms. Rainboth believes the area will eventually host regional and national competitions. “For both the archery and the shooting ranges, we are looking to host IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) events…all the shooting circuits that are out there, we would like to be able to host those on a regional or national level,” Rainboth said. The company will also serve as a firearms training facility for local law enforcement and military personnel, as well as the public. That’s something Dakota County (Nebraska) Sheriff Chris Kleinberg says is an area need.

“Especially in the last year, the handgun purchase permits have been crazy. People want firearms, but the lack of training – with such – is a little nerve-racking to law enforcement,” Kleinberg said. “This facility will actually help with that, which is a good thing. I think every citizen should be armed.” Calibra8 will initially employ around 40 people, but Rainboth said they may eventually need 100 workers.

(Radio Iowa)