Time to Change Up Your Event

As we approach the time of year when many become reflective about the prior 365 days, a consistent change has occurred since 2020. Beforehand, company holiday parties were large affairs with alcohol, excess, and shenanigans. For better or worse, the events of 2020 changed that, and it may never come back. We also saw a massive rise in the desire for people to become more skilled in a range of abilities, many of them martial, including capability with firearms. With that in mind, Stock and Barrel gives you access to a unique facility that will make your next work or social event stand out in a whole new manner.

Contrary to a common narrative, hosting an event in a controlled environment like Stock & Barrel with professional, experienced staff is not only a safe experience but also enjoyable. In a world that has become highly focused on screen-time, time spent on a range building practical physical skills is both time and money well-spent. Plus, the results of personal performance are immediately evident. And with experienced instructors on hand, if someone desires to improve that performance, the solution is right over their shoulder. If you wish to host a memorable experience, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than a range day!

Stock & Barrel has an event manager on staff and is your best person to contact regarding your first steps to a memorable event. Having more information about your group is going to be helpful. Specifically, information about the people joining you, especially if they have no experience, are simply inexperienced or know their way around a range. In that case, this will allow the staff to cater to their needs without impacting the enjoyment of those who have more time on the trigger. Next, you’ll want to know what you’d like to do before and after the shooting experience.

An example would be whether or not you’d like to conduct business or celebrate prior to hitting the range. This can have a significant impact on everyone’s enjoyment. Typically, shooting after is your best bet. It allows people to be focused and engaged rather than being focused on the time on the range. Plus, if you have people who are nervous or uncomfortable, it gives them leeway to step out gracefully if needed. As well, we’re happy to host an appropriate class prior to help ease some of those nerves. Consider whether you’d like to include catering to the event as well. Alcohol on-premises is prohibited, however, you’re welcome to have food brought in, and a wide range of tasty options are nearby. Knowing how food fits into the picture is essential, and ensuring everyone washes their hands before eating if they’ve been handling firearms and ammunition is a wise consideration. Lastly, if you require audio-visual equipment such as a projector or TV, knowing that will be important based on the layout of the space. The last thing you want is to be expecting the ability to put on a presentation, and no equipment or people are setting up while you’re trying to speak!

Stock & Barrel provides several meeting rooms and access to the range. This gives you a perfect way to get your point across and then blow off some steam (even literally). Clearly communicating your needs is the key to building the right atmosphere for your event. A bachelor party is going to run differently than a business presentation. With a party, you may not need a meeting space and want the assistance of range staff and some rentals. Speaking of rentals, with an extensive array of firearms to choose from, it’s highly encouraged to try a variety of things you’ve either heard of but never seen or lean on the range of personnel to recommend options. Consider the audience as well. Someone who’s 5’4” and weighs 130 lbs might not enjoy a 12 gauge shotgun. Someone who’s 6’2” and weighs 200 lbs might not enjoy a .22 rifle. After years of experience creating the most fun possible for clientele, the staff of Stock & barrel will happily set you up with suitable options. Anecdotally, I always recommend a high-end 1911 in 9mm or .45 ACP, an AR-15, preferably with a shorter barrel, a .22 pistol, and something full auto. You have three options at the Chanhassen location, for example. A Thompson (Tommy Gun) is in .45 ACP, an AR is 9mm, and an AK47 is 7.62×39. Remember that for safety purposes, you’ll need to utilize ammunition provided by the range for their rentals; eye and ear protection can also be provided. Should you desire to bring firearms, please inform range staff beforehand to ensure they’re suitable for the facility. Like virtually any range you visit, steel core and bi-metal ammunition common to Easter Bloc surplus ammunition is unusable.

Lastly, if you’d like to host a class for a group, setting that up is a breeze. Working with the training staff, you have various options for different skill levels, including live-fire on the range or classroom time. The cost of the event will be variable based on the needs you present, so discussing them clearly in advance will be helpful. One of the best things you can do with a group of people is Introduction to Handgun Safety. This level of education is a fundamental necessity for anyone, whether they own firearms or not. Remember, in the United States today, there are more firearms than people. With that in mind, the likelihood that you, a loved one, or a coworker come across a firearm in their lives is statistically highly probable. Providing them with a solid foundation for safety and understanding enables those you bring to the event to have a safe, enjoyable firearm-related experience.

There’s nothing quite like the look on someone’s face with the accompanying thrill (and a potential whoop or squeal of glee) after they nail a target. That goes doubly for those who have little to no experience. Enjoying firearms can be one of the safest and most enlightening adventures people have in their day-to-day lives. Couple that event with education and good food, and you have something they’ll rave about to their family, friends, and co-workers for years to come. All you have to do is email events@stockandbarrel.com or call the range at Chanhassen or Eagan to start the process. If you have an idea of what you’d like to do before calling or prefer a packaged event, you have both options. Now is the best time to create lasting memories in a world filled with hollow experiences. The best time you’ve had yet awaits you at Stock & Barrel!