Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, is highlighting the story behind the brand and its mission of safe, responsible gun ownership in a new interview with Tom Willingham, president of Range USA. The interview explores the experience that inspired Range USA's mission, how it was brought to life with the first store and how the company has maintained its customer-first approach while expanding nationwide.
The interview opens with a look at the inspiration behind Range USA.
Question: Range USA is now the largest indoor shooting range operator in the world. But this all started with a single experience. Tell us about that first day visiting gun shops and ranges that kicked off this journey.
Tom: It was the most bizarre experience that I've ever had in a store... After 20, 30, 40 minutes of going back and forth with this guy, I finally got the firearm from him... We say, "Let's go fire it," so we drive up to another place... I say, "Hey, can we get a lane to shoot? There's 3 of us." The guy literally yelled at me.
Question: Take us to 2012, the opening of your first store in Cincinnati. What were you trying to create?
Tom: My thought was it would be really neat to have a mainstream retail experience for a gun store...You got people who respect you and speak to you and greet you and are properly trained. We opened up a market that wasn't there anymore, that wasn't being served because no one wanted the experience that I had gone through six months before.
The conversation comes full circle with Willingham explaining how Range USA continues to carry out the mission that has guided the company since its founding, with a continued focus on customer service and support.
Question: Your mission is 'building confidence in communities across America while guiding customers through the journey.' What does that actually look like in practice, and why is it your top priority for Range USA?
Tom: Anywhere you are in your firearm journey, whether you're at the beginning or end, our store will welcome you in and help you through your journey. I've always said, once I can get someone in our stores, they're never going anywhere else. And that's been so true.
As firearm ownership continues to grow, Range USA remains focused on its mission of promoting safe, responsible firearm ownership through education, training and community engagement. In 2025, Range USA reached a significant milestone with 300 certified instructors across its 50 locations, making it one of the largest instructor networks in the country. By expanding access to quality instruction and investing in certified instructors, Range USA continues to set the standard in firearm safety, ensuring every student gains the knowledge and confidence to handle firearms responsibly.
The full interview highlights Range USA's focus on the standards that guide its mission and the value it brings to firearm owners across the country.
Click here to watch the full interview on YouTube, and click here to read the accompanying Range USA blog.
For more information about Range USA, visit RangeUSA.com. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
About Range USA: Range USA is the nation's largest indoor shooting range and firearms retailer, with 50 locations nationwide. We offer a safe, modern range experience alongside one of the largest selections of firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories available anywhere. Whether you're new to shooting or a seasoned enthusiast, Range USA is built around safety, education, and confidence—providing over 1,100 indoor shooting lanes, expert instruction from certified professionals, and everything you need in one convenient place, both in-store and online at RangeUSA.com.