Home Gun Range

I remember Tim talking about an indoor range, & thought the idea was really cool. I don't have the indoor capability but, have some land. Plenty of places to safely shoot anything from handguns to long guns. However, most of the best places were in areas I didn't want to have to go to. Hell, I hunt some of those areas as well.

So... I decided to put a range where it was convenient, easily accessible, & safe. Here's what I came up with. It's a short walk, in a cool spot, & has a safe lane.

The railroad ties, I was able to get cheap. A lot of the ties have been replaced on the tracks nearby, & ties could be had, cheap.

I wanted something that had a more serious "feel" to it, than just nail a target on a tree, or even against some ties. I have a similar design I use for archery practice, & really liked the feel/look of this setup.

The "box" behind the railroad ties is full of dirt/sand. At the very top of it, I put a couple inches of top soil, & grass seed. I plan on putting a waterproof box attached to the back to hold, targets, stickers, markers, etc..

I've thought about putting some lighting in the target stand but, reality is... I don't shoot at night.

Pretty happy with how it turned out. Very functional, looks good, & wasn't terribly expensive. Although, I will admit, it was a little labor intensive putting it all together. Mainly the ties/backstop. Building the target stand was the easy part. Did that in a few hours once the posts were set.

From the edge of the shooting table, it is exactly 50yds to the targets.

What you don't see in these pics.... I put a pistol table a few yards back, off to the side of the lane. Also added some benches for seating. It was a big hit this summer when I had some family visiting. I've had a couple first time shooters seated. They really had a good time.

Anybody else build something like this...??

You need to progress to one like this fellers RD https://www.youtube.com/user/hickok45

ARRRRRRRRRRRRR...WELL SHIVER ME TIMBERLINES KID...YE'ULL PUT YE ONLY GOOD EYE OUT THER,YE WILL!!!!

Nice set up. We have a 'clothesline' between trees to attach targets too for some shooting, Long range is a board or two with target taced on, or a gong. Yes, Canada seems to be a 'guilty until proven innocent' place. Bummer.

Anyone else build something like this.....?

Nice looking setup. Up here in Canada you can discharge long guns legally on your property if you live in certain rural areas but .... It is illegal to try to construct a safe area to do so.

You could nail a target to tree and legally shoot at it but it would be illegal to build a safe area like you have there.

You have to apply for a " certified " gun range facility which would entail getting the police and government officials involved, land surveys, community approvals, $2 million insurance, have a range master and instructor on site, document every round fired by who and keep those records for six years.

No good deed goes unpunished.

Roofguy Said: I dunno, the more I look at your box/dirt design, the more I like it.

It's definitely way more than needed...lol. However, I just wanted something that had a more "range feel" to it than just a safe area to shoot. Which was accomplished. Everyone who has sent rounds down range really likes it.

Most people round here, have a target nailed to a tree. Or shoot in a holler somewhere with a natural back stop. Being able to comfortably sight in a rifle is important in my opinion. The nearest range is a ways away. Plus, my range has already paid for itself vs. range fees, & travel expenses to said ranges.

The most challenging part of the build, depending on the labor you have helping you build it is, setting those railroad ties. They aren't light..lol. I have pretty rocky ground I'm digging in too. So, digging holes for posts around here ain't exactly easy either.

When building the box on the back... ya leave one side open, & close it in as you fill it with dirt. Unless you have a tractor that is....which I don't. After it sits for awhile, you'll need to add dirt. It will settle after it rains a few times. Once settled, add some top soil to the top, & some grass seed to prevent erosion.

I've seen a few home ranges.... although, tried to make mine a unique design. Glad you guys like it B)

Mike H Said: Purdy Schweet thar, Mr. Schindler

Would be nice to have a little better view of whats behind there, but I reckon trespassers approaching gun fire deserve to die anyway, right? Its Darwins theory, in action.

:)

wywoody Said:

The pictures look like they were from right after is was built, Roofdude. Is the timber framing still unscathed by stray bullets?

The framing is still all unscathed. I did have to rebuild one of the target holders though. It took a .45 round right through the metal clip that holds the paper targets on. It's pretty eye opening how difficult it is to accurately dump a magazine, even at close range with most handguns B)

Purdy Schweet thar, Mr. Schindler

Would be nice to have a little better view of what's behind there, but I reckon trespassers approaching gun fire deserve to die anyway, right? It's Darwin's theory, in action.

:)

Nice B) :) :) B) Deep Down In Florida Where The Sun Shines Damn Near Ever Day