Community-Driven Shooting Range Project Kicks Off Near Billings

The Bent Barrel Shooting Range will provide a safer alternative to public shooting areas, promoting community input and responsible shooting practices.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new private shooting range called the Bent Barrel Shooting Range is being launched just north of Billings, Montana. The range is being designed with a focus on safety, structure, and community involvement, in contrast to the nearby 17-Mile Shooting Area which has been plagued by issues like litter, unsafe practices, and even a tragic accidental shooting. The founder, Chris Michael, is crowdsourcing volunteers to help with construction and earn "Founding Member" status, with the goal of creating a controlled, members-only facility that offers a better option for local shooters.

Why it matters

The 17-Mile Shooting Area near Billings has become known for its lax regulations and unsafe conditions, leading to concerns about public safety and the need for a more responsible shooting option in the community. The Bent Barrel Shooting Range aims to address these issues by providing a private, controlled facility with proper safety measures and community oversight.

The details

The Bent Barrel Shooting Range is planned to include dedicated spaces for pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooting, as well as tactical bays and scenario courses. It will also feature a covered pavilion for firearm safety classes, training seminars, group shoots, and community events. The range will have proper berms and backstops, range safety officer oversight, strict no-alcohol policies, and clear rules to protect shooters, neighbors, and the surrounding land. To get the project off the ground, founder Chris Michael is crowdsourcing volunteers to help with construction, grading, berm building, and other tasks, offering "Founding Member" status and discounts to those who contribute time, skills, tools, or materials.

  • Work parties are expected to begin in spring 2026, weather permitting.
  • The Bent Barrel Shooting Range could open as early as 2026 if the community-driven construction goes as planned.

The players

Chris Michael

The property owner near the 17-Mile Shooting Area who is launching the Bent Barrel Shooting Range as a safer, more controlled alternative to the public shooting spot.

17-Mile Shooting Area

A public and largely unregulated shooting area near Billings that has been plagued by issues like litter, unsafe practices, and even a tragic accidental shooting in the past.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Chris Michael, Founder, Bent Barrel Shooting Range (kbulnewstalk.com)

“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.”

— Chris Michael, Founder, Bent Barrel Shooting Range (kbulnewstalk.com)

What’s next

Work parties are expected to begin in spring 2026, weather permitting. If the community-driven construction goes as planned, the Bent Barrel Shooting Range could open as early as 2026.

The takeaway

The Bent Barrel Shooting Range is a community-driven effort to provide a safer, more responsible shooting option for the Billings area, addressing the issues that have plagued the nearby 17-Mile Shooting Area. By involving the local shooting community in the construction and design, the range aims to create a controlled, members-only facility that promotes safety, structure, and a sense of shared ownership.