I am looking for ideas and input on creating an outdoor range. I am taking a 400M range and revamping it but am also extending it to 1000M. Ideas on set up, targets, and designs are welcome. I have done some Google research but value real input as well. Thanks in advance for the help.
-
ODT Gun Show & Swap Meet - May 4, 2024! - Click here for info
Thoughts On Creating An Outdoor Range
- Thread starter cc1911
- Start date
Where?
I helped get the 1,000yd range designed, up, and running in Pelham TN, although they still have a lot of work to do.
Dedicated target board at 100yds for zeroing with cardboard/paper targets.
Large safety berm at end of range with individual smaller berms every 100yds. Many spotters have a hard time spotting.....it's a hard-earned skill. The individual berm, when kept free of growth, make it much easier for novice spotters to see misses and guide the shooter onto the target. Also, it's safer than relying on the end berm to catch everything.
Steel targets every 100yds. In the long run, it is worth it to buy targets from a reputable manufacturer that builds quality steel targets. The targets last much longer (I have several that are at least 12 years old, always used for rifle fire), and they're a pleasure to shoot and hear.
I prefer a firing line on the ground. You don't have to worry about it being unstable, or folks walking around moving it when you're trying to shoot. Easier to tote your gear on and off the line, as well. A thick ground cover off grass is best, but oftentimes hard to maintain. Wood chips work very well, also.
If you can swing a covered firing line, that's awesome. I believe that being miserable is something I don't have to practice to be good at. Why shoot in the direct sunlight, or rain, if you don't have to. If you're teaching beginner's, they will be more attentive, and therefore learn better, if they're comfortable.
Dedicated target board at 100yds for zeroing with cardboard/paper targets.
Large safety berm at end of range with individual smaller berms every 100yds. Many spotters have a hard time spotting.....it's a hard-earned skill. The individual berm, when kept free of growth, make it much easier for novice spotters to see misses and guide the shooter onto the target. Also, it's safer than relying on the end berm to catch everything.
Steel targets every 100yds. In the long run, it is worth it to buy targets from a reputable manufacturer that builds quality steel targets. The targets last much longer (I have several that are at least 12 years old, always used for rifle fire), and they're a pleasure to shoot and hear.
I prefer a firing line on the ground. You don't have to worry about it being unstable, or folks walking around moving it when you're trying to shoot. Easier to tote your gear on and off the line, as well. A thick ground cover off grass is best, but oftentimes hard to maintain. Wood chips work very well, also.
If you can swing a covered firing line, that's awesome. I believe that being miserable is something I don't have to practice to be good at. Why shoot in the direct sunlight, or rain, if you don't have to. If you're teaching beginner's, they will be more attentive, and therefore learn better, if they're comfortable.
Check the local county ordinances and building codes and environmental/land use laws. Zoning, noise ordinances, etc.
Keep in mind that although Georgia has a sport shooting range protection act, it only applies to ranges that were in complete compliance with the local laws at the time the range was opened.
Keep in mind that although Georgia has a sport shooting range protection act, it only applies to ranges that were in complete compliance with the local laws at the time the range was opened.
Who's going to use this range---just you, or the general public ?
Or to split the difference will it be a members only range, where members of the "public" can pay a fee and thus become "private" --to do idiotic and dangerous behavior when they're alone on the range and no one is looking ?
Or to split the difference will it be a members only range, where members of the "public" can pay a fee and thus become "private" --to do idiotic and dangerous behavior when they're alone on the range and no one is looking ?
INSURANCE, INSURANCE, INSURANCE, INSURANCE,
Need good hard clear and fast rules, and they must be enforced or you'll regret it everyday, signs explaining the range, range rules, and of course "RANGE COURTESY", most people know nothing about that at all, rules about people who bring small children and think they can just turn them loose to run wild...
Need the lanes lined off because some range users get off to one side or the other and can interfere with others shooting...
We have experienced the above at even the best ranges, how some people manage to stay alive simply amazes us, not to mention their children...
Have some soft drink machines and even a snack machine, those will provide some income to
help supplement the cost of maintenance of the range, maybe even hot dogs/hamburgers, special events, even BBQ, no alcohol at all...
Need good hard clear and fast rules, and they must be enforced or you'll regret it everyday, signs explaining the range, range rules, and of course "RANGE COURTESY", most people know nothing about that at all, rules about people who bring small children and think they can just turn them loose to run wild...
Need the lanes lined off because some range users get off to one side or the other and can interfere with others shooting...
We have experienced the above at even the best ranges, how some people manage to stay alive simply amazes us, not to mention their children...
Have some soft drink machines and even a snack machine, those will provide some income to
help supplement the cost of maintenance of the range, maybe even hot dogs/hamburgers, special events, even BBQ, no alcohol at all...
Private Land, so all that is good. And good friends are always welcome.
