Ultimate Defense Firing Range Hopes to Open to Younger Teens

Ultimate Defense Firing Range and Training Center in St. Peters is hoping to drop the minimum age for shooters from 16 to 13. 

The change to the business' age limits requires approval from the Board of Aldermen. 

Owner Paul Bastean said since the business opened, he's seen a tremendous interest in people wanting to bring their young teens or youth groups like Police Explorers, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the range. 

"The 16 age is kind of prohibitive and it's causing us to lose business to other ranges that are allowing younger folks to shoot," he said. 

Teens would have to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult, such as an older sibling who is over 21. The teens would also have to take a 10 point shooting safety course at Ultimate Defense Firing Range. 

The interaction with the teens give staff members a chance to assess whether they are responsible, Bastean said. 

"If we have someone who is questionable, we're not going to let them on the range," he said. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the request at the Sept. 4 meeting. The Board of Aldermen will consider the request at the Sept. 12 meeting. 

The St. Peters Planning and Zoning Commission also approved a number of applications during the Sept. 4 meeting: 

• The Halloween Express store is expected to open in September at 3899 Veterans Memorial Parkway, near the intersection with Cave Springs Blvd. The shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. to Nov. 10. 
• Ronald Gimbel's application for a home office for Guardian Security Supplies on Sylvia Lane was approved. 
• Elizabeth Oranja's home storage for Unique Gifts and Handicrafts on Pilot Hill Drive was approved. She has a kiosk at the mall for her items which are from Africa. 
• A home office for Alex's Lawn, Landscape and Tree Services lawn care was approved at a home on Oak Tree Street.