New Firearms Range and Store Opens in Mattoon

Defense Depot offers indoor shooting range and retail shop, with plans to add a restaurant.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:43pm

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print of a single handgun repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the new firearms business opening in Mattoon.The new Defense Depot firearms range and store in Mattoon aims to become a hub for the local gun enthusiast community.Mattoon Today

A new firearms business called Defense Depot has opened in Mattoon, Illinois, featuring an indoor shooting range and a retail store selling firearms and related accessories. The facility is owned by Howell, Cowan, and Tasha Bates of Sullivan and their business partners.

Why it matters

The opening of Defense Depot provides a new destination for gun enthusiasts in the Mattoon area, catering to both recreational shooters and firearms owners. It also represents an expansion of the local economy and job opportunities around the firearms industry.

The details

Defense Depot's new facility off of west state Route 121 in Mattoon includes an indoor shooting range as well as a retail store selling firearms, ammunition, and other gun-related products. The owners plan to eventually add a restaurant to the complex as well.

  • Defense Depot opened its doors in April 2026.

The players

Defense Depot

A new firearms business in Mattoon, Illinois that features an indoor shooting range and retail store.

Howell, Cowan, and Tasha Bates

The owners of Defense Depot and partners in the new business venture.

Sullivan

The hometown of the Defense Depot owners.

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What’s next

Defense Depot plans to open an on-site restaurant at the facility in the coming months.

The takeaway

The opening of Defense Depot represents a new economic opportunity for the Mattoon area, catering to the local demand for firearms-related recreation and retail.