Southern Ocean Gun Range Sold To County

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — Changes are in store for a popular Southern Ocean gun range and store after the property was sold to the county.

Shooters Shopping Center, located in Little Egg Harbor, shared news of the sale in a recent social media post, which was initially reported by the Sandpaper.

"For those of you that have not heard, the property where Shooter's is located is being sold to Ocean County," owners wrote on Facebook.

The agenda for the Dec. 6 Board of Commissioners meeting introduces an ordinance appropriating $10.5 million and authorizing the issuance of $9.9 million in bonds or bond anticipation notes to purchase the property.

According to Shooters, the county's plan is to turn the range into a regional training center for first responders.

"In the future, Ocean County will be looking at the possibility of opening the ranges to the public," Shooters said.

While the range will not be available, those who are fans of Shooters' retail offerings don't need to worry.

"Shooter's retail store will be relocating to where it all began... back to the Tip's Hardware building located at 218 Main Street, West Creek NJ 08092," the owners shared.

The current store manager, Brielle, will be taking over as the new owner, with many of the current staff joining her.

"Although we will not have the range facilities, you can still count on Shooter's to have the best quality inventory and of course our first-rate customer service," they said.

This should happen some time in January. The current store will remain open until the new location is ready.

The range will officially close on Dec. 31.

Shooters thanked all of their "loyal customers, employees, friends and family for making the last 10 years such an unbelievable success."

"It has been our pleasure to serve, work with and meet each and every one of you," they said.