MONROE — When Mike Maurer and Erik Wintlend bought into an established sporting goods and gun store in Green County in 2021, they wanted to create something to differentiate themselves from other sporting goods shops.

Sure, they would offer firearm instruction, sales, and service. And every kind of bow-hunting/archery need. But one addition to the facility — known as CT Firearms & Archery — that has proven a major market differentiator and a nice amenity for local shooters is its 50-yard shooting range.

That range is suitable for both pistols and long guns. Shooters can even rent guns, including high-end and unusual guns such as various types of machine guns and a 50-caliber sniper rifle.

Indeed, CT’s long-fetch range is somewhat of a rarity, and as a result it draws shooters from throughout the region.

“We have people coming from Madison, Milwaukee, quite a distance away,” said Wintlend. “There’s a lot of shooters in the area.”

Why half a football field for a shooting range?

A 50-yard shooting range is ideal for sighting in most firearms, especially hunting rifles and other long guns, according to experts. That distance experts say, strikes a good balance, allowing for minimal bullet drop at close to mid-range. And It simplifies holdover adjustments and effectively tests accuracy. 

Overall, firearms training experts say, a 50-yard range combines the benefits of short and longer-range shooting practice without requiring complex ballistic calculations, making it a practical choice for most shooting situations. 

Meanwhile, the shop touts its “firearms, archery, ammunition, hunting accessories and repair services in southern Wisconsin. Specializing in all manufactures in the firearm industry, ammunition.” 

The shop, which has a payroll of 6, also specializes in suppressors/silencers for a variety of firearms, scopes and optics from top manufacturers; and has a broad selection of ammunition and shooting accessories.

Another aspect of the shop that is unique is its training offerings. CT’s offers a standard concealed carry class but also something much more in-depth — a year-long, weekly, firearm “academy” course that teaches shooters everything from maintaining firearms to shoot/don’t shoot scenarios and everything in between.

“Not many places have that kind of course,” said Wintlend. “We offer everything you need to know and people love it.”

In fact, the course is popular with some of the non-traditional shooting demographic groups, among them females and couples.

“It’s something they (couples) like to do together,” said Wintlend. “We’re here to help them with everything, from purchasing a firearm,” to training.

CT’s, 2830 County Road DR, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

There is a membership fee for range time, but customers can sign up on the spot. Range times can also be scheduled online. More details are available online or by calling the shop at 608-329-4867.

“The longest you are ever going to wait is about 15 minutes,” said Erik. “We try to accommodate busy people.”