Community-driven Shooting Range Project Kicks Off Near Billings

A new private shooting range could soon be taking shape just north of Billings, and its founder is asking the local shooting community to help build it from the ground up.

Chris Michael, a property owner near the 17-Mile Shooting Area on BLM land by Shepherd, is launching what he’s calling the Bent Barrel Shooting Range. Unlike the well-known public shooting spot, this would be a controlled, members-only facility focused on safety, structure, and community involvement.

If you’ve spent any time around the 17-Mile area, you’ve probably heard the stories.

It’s public and largely unregulated. That means everything from litter and unsafe backstops to alcohol use, loose dogs, and kids running around while others are actively shooting. It can get a little "Western" at times... There was even a tragic accidental shooting there years ago.

Michael says it’s time for a better option.

Bent Barrel is planned as a private range with dedicated spaces for pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooting, along with tactical bays and scenario courses. A covered pavilion is also in the works for firearm safety classes, training seminars, group shoots, and community events.

The proposed range will include proper berms and backstops, range safety officer oversight, strict no-alcohol policies, clean-up requirements, and clear rules designed to protect shooters, neighbors, and the surrounding land.

Sweat equity is offered to those who would like to participate.

To get it off the ground, Chris is crowdsourcing volunteers. He’s looking for people willing to help with construction, grading, berm building, framing, heavy equipment work, and more. Those who contribute time, skills, tools, or materials will earn “Founding Member” status.

Get our free mobile app

That includes a waived first year of membership, steep lifetime discounts on future range fees and classes, and input on how the facility is designed and operated. Want to participate? Here's Chris's Facebook post. Reach out for more details.

Work parties are expected to begin in spring 2026, weather permitting. If it comes together as planned, Bent Barrel could offer Yellowstone County shooters a safer, more organized alternative, built by the community, for the community.