SHOT Business Magazine's 40 Under 40 - Jared Sloane

Read the original article from Shot Business Magazine and see the others featured on the 40 Under 40 list here.

"Jared Sloane joined the industry on a whim when he helped his parents open their award-winning, three-store chain of Shoot Smart ranges in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2010. Sloane is not a traditional shooter and didn’t hunt or sport shoot until he came into the business. However, he has learned why the industry remains relevant and holds importance to our heritage and culture. With a background in politics and firefighting, he believes those skills have come in handy over the years as their business has navigated various national political cycles and crises, most recently the coronavirus pandemic.

As a founding member of Shoot Smart, Sloane has served in almost every role in the company and done nearly every job, from answering phones, fixing guns, and cleaning bathrooms to developing compliance programs, producing animated videos, and coaching the range’s leadership team. As operations director, he is now responsible for managing Shoot Smart’s three locations, as well as inventory operations and marketing. Sloane has been specifically focused on marketing efforts to attract the next generation of shooters, and has spoken on the topic on behalf of NSSF for several years. He has been a member of the NSSF Range Advisory Council since 2015, and has also been a member of the NSSF Range Expo Committee."

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Beyond The Bullseye: Why Training Beats Practice Alone

August 1, 2025

August is National Shooting Sports Month, and at Shoot Smart, we're celebrating all month long by helping you take the next step in your firearms journey. Whether you're brand new to the range or you’ve been shooting for years, there's always more to learn - and it starts with understanding the difference between training and practice. Are You Training or Practicing? Most shooters assume that hitting the range regularly means they’re improving - but are they really? “When I left the military with an expert pistol qualification, I thought I was a great shooter,” says Andrew Bailey, Shoot Smart’s lead training coach. “Then I took defensive pistol courses and watched competitive shooters in action. That’s when I realized I was missing two key things: proper training and consistent practice.” Let’s break it down.

What to Wear at the Range: Your Guide to Smart, Safe Range Attire

July 3, 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or stepping into the range for the first time, what you wear matters more than you might think. The right range attire isn’t just about looking good — it’s about staying safe, comfortable, and focused. Here’s a quick guide to help you dress smart for your next trip to Shoot Smart or any indoor or outdoor shooting range. Shirts: We recommend wearing a crew neck shirt or something with similar coverage. Avoid low-cut tops — flying brass casings can be hot, and you don’t want them making contact with your skin. While long sleeves aren’t required, short to mid-sleeves offer a good balance of protection and comfort. Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are a must. No sandals, no flip-flops, and definitely no high heels. Stable, comfortable shoes help protect your feet from stray brass and give you a solid stance while shooting. Pants: Wear pants that fit comfortably and fall over your footwear — avoid tucking them into boots, as this creates a spot for hot brass to collect (and trust us, nobody wants that surprise). Jeans, cargo pants, or any durable, non-restrictive pants work great. Accessories: Leave large, dangling earrings at home. They can catch on gear or earmuffs and become a distraction. Cowboy hats, while stylish, aren’t recommended at the range — they can obstruct your vision and interfere with hearing protection. Instead, opt for a ball cap. It’s perfect for helping deflect hot brass away from your face and hair. Nails: Consider keeping your nails trimmed to a practical length. Long nails can make handling and firing certain firearms awkward and may even interfere with trigger control and reloads. And don’t forget — proper hearing and eye protection are required at all times inside the range. Firearms are loud, and repeated exposure without adequate hearing protection can cause permanent damage. Likewise, eye protection shields your eyes from stray brass, powder residue, and debris. Whether you bring your own gear or rent from us, make sure you’re always protected before stepping onto the range. Safety first, every time! A Few More Smart Tips Avoid loose, flowing clothing that can snag on gear or firearms. Tie back long hair to keep it clear of your face and shooting equipment. Bring a light jacket or pullover if you’re unsure about the indoor range temperature — but remember, short to mid-length sleeves offer good protection without restricting movement. Final Thoughts Dressing appropriately for the range isn’t about rules for the sake of rules — it’s about creating a safer, more comfortable shooting experience for you and everyone around you. When in doubt, go for practical, snug-but-comfortable clothing that covers and protects while still allowing you to move freely. Ready to hit the range? Gear up, dress smart, and we’ll see you on the lanes!

Essential Firearm Safety: At the Range and At Home

June 5, 2025

Whether you're a seasoned firearm enthusiast or a new gun owner, safety should always be your top priority. Responsible gun ownership goes beyond knowing how to shoot—it’s about creating a culture of safety, both at the shooting range and in your own home. In this post, we’ll explore essential safety practices every firearm owner should follow, starting with the controlled environment of the shooting range and extending into the day-to-day responsibility of home firearm safety.