Beretta takes aim at Clark County Shooting Complex
International firearms giant Beretta may soon have a higher profile at the Clark County Shooting Complex.
Clark County commissioners will vote today on a sponsorship deal with the Italian firearms company that would see Beretta providing the complex 50 free firearms for rentals. The gun maker would replace or repair the weapons for five years, all at no cost to the county.
Beretta U.S.A. Corp. would be the official sponsor of the complex’s rental operations and pro shop, with signs promoting the company’s ties to the complex.
Complex manager Steve Carmichael said the availability of the highly regarded firearms should help draw in more tourists.
“This will be the type of equipment that will really entice more tourist traffic to come to the facility when they realize we have it,” Carmichael said.
Beretta’s roots date to 1526, when Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta sold 185 barrels to the Arsenal of Venice, according to the company’s website. Beretta U.S.A. earlier this year announced plans to move its manufacturing facilities from Maryland to Gallatin, Tenn., after more stringent gun control laws were enacted in Maryland.
“It’s such a world-recognized name for quality,” Carmichael said.
Under the agreement, Beretta will provide a mix of rifles, shotguns and pistols for the complex. Complex staff will oversee the rentals and be responsible for cleaning the guns after use.
Beretta will provide free training to complex staff responsible for maintaining the firearms.
The Berettas will nearly double the number of firearms now rented by the complex, up from 70.
The company’s firearms that will be available include low-recoiling automatic shotguns, including 12-gauge, 20-gauge and 28-gauge, Carmichael said.
It’s possible the program could expand in the future, Carmichael said.
It’s not the first time Beretta has eyed the Las Vegas valley. The company in 2012 applied for a permit to open a boutique firearms store called Beretta Galley Las Vegas in the Shoppes at Palazzo. The county approved the application, but the company later dropped the idea.
