When I saw this story on WILX, I recognized the billboard immediately. I've seen this one in Frandor. I've seen another one on I-96 westbound headed towards 127. They have been up for a while. I've even driven by the location on West Saginaw Highway. I know who these folks are and where they are located. The billboards work. I have often thought of stopping by and checking them out.

In advertising there are a couple of axioms.

One is "location, location, location" and another is "timing is everything".

Prior to the two mass shooting events in Georgia and Colorado, I don't think we heard too much in the way of complaints about these billboards. It was noted in the article that these have indeed been up for several months.

But today, according to News 10, there is public outcry against the billboards.

Some of the comments say the sign is offensive given the recent mass shootings in Boulder and Atlanta. Others say it promotes learning and gun safety classes.

The Range 517 billboard shows someone trying to teach a person how to use a gun, but the words, ‘education’, or ‘safety’, are not mentioned in the ad. (WILX)

Range 517 general manager Chris Periatt says this "was the first time he’s heard the billboard was viewed as offensive".

And he pretty much indicated, they are not budging.

“You have a right to be offended. That’s the great thing about this country, if you don’t like it, OK. But we’re not going to take it down,” he said. (WILX)

For the record, I checked out their reviews on Google. They averaged a 3.2 out of 5 with the only real complaint being about high prices for ammunition and such.

And again, these have been up for a while. They only thing they are guilty of now is timing and current events they have no control over.

There are also a few constitutional rights and freedoms expressed here as well.

We want to know what you think.

Have you seen these billboards or went shooting at Range 517? What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear from you. Open up our app and send us a message via APP CHAT.

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