BOZEMAN, MT — The Gallatin County Sheriff says plans are in place now for a large portion of his department to move into a new building after the department bought out a shooting range in Four Corners.
After Zero-In Indoor Shooting Range became listed as “on sale,” for $5.5 million, Sheriff Brian Gootkin says it provided an opportunity for the department to get more, much-needed space.
The sheriff says working alongside county commissioners, they were able to make the purchase happen, for around $5.3 million.
Gootkin adds the new facility will provide space for half of his patrol division, as well as space for the coroner’s office and working closely with Gallatin County road crews.
The new addition will add 20 firing lanes to the sheriff’s department for use, as well as a combat studio, classrooms, 25,000 square feet of space, and an additional 4.5 acres to expand into.
And for now, the shooting range will stay open until Oct. 24, something Sheriff Gootkin recognizes as a popular place to the community.
“Bittersweet is the only way that I can because I know that people loved this place. It’s going to be private,” Gootkin says. “They also understand how important it is and they appreciate that. That’s huge. I think we have a good reputation with the people of this county and they understand that we needed this.”
The new building will also allow space back at the Law and Justice Center for court staff after the portion of the sheriff’s office moves into the new facility.
