Making own range

I've thought about this before, but have no land except a house lot.

First, you'll need plenty of open area. Make sure shooting is allowed before you put out the resources and time. No sense in getting shut down by the authorities after completing the build out.

I don't see any need for a complete slab to run the length of your range. That seems to be what you asked. I've never seen any outdoor range have that type of construction. You don't even need a slab for your shooting area. You might want a covered place to shoot from, but even then you won't need a slab, just level the ground.

Some people have gone to the trouble of surrounding their range with a berm to minimize strays. If you have plenty of dirt, you might want to create a U shaped berm at the backstop and a for a few feet from the targets uprange instead of completely surrounding it.

Cheapest, easiest backstop is a wall of dirt. If you have access to used tires, stack them up then fill and cover. You could also use old railroad ties. There are many types of backstops to make.

Your target stands can be something portable you've bought or you can make your own permanent ones. The cost will be determined by how sophisticated you want them to be. There are plenty of designs available on the net. Just search for target stands.

You won't know the cost to build your own range until you've decided how far you want to go with it. Is is something permanent to the location, or are you looking to build temporary? You'll just have to price your components and go from there.

I don't know anything about making a "kill house," but I've read people's accounts of shooting in them, and some have been just hanging sheets to create "rooms." If you want to create a professional one for live fire, it would cost the same as building a house I'd think.

Making own Range!

Hello all


RON L here = SERESURPLUS



I hate to be the Wet Blanket to the wonderful Idea you have! First of all, remember all the Local, State and Federal ordinances you will have to comply with, all the Wonderfull folks at DEP, as well as the EPA, Get an Idea of what you want to do and before you put one thin dime into it, Contact those agencies I've mentioned! I've seen folks try and do this and waste thousands of Dollars, just to be told, YOU CAN'T DO THAT! Best to be patient, explain who, who and where you wanna do it, then let them see if they would approve, Yes, it's America where the Feds have a Lot of Say in what you can or can't do! I hate that it is this way, but it is! No, it's not Just California or New jersey, the feds Like domain over dam near everything! I don't say this to be a pest, I just don't want your dreams dashed by the feds and the Paper police?

ScottG had some very good ideas for backstops. Old tires can be acquired for free, the bench can be made from 2x 6's for about $50, and you can use concrete for a pad under the bench or even for a bench top for added stability, if desired. I have two 100 yd. ranges and one 50 yd. range for handguns. on my property in NY. The only law governing a private range is the distance of 500' to a house, farm, or other inhabited dwelling (unless you have the permission of a closer neighbor) The bullet cannot pass over a road (obvious). Than being said, I have 17 acres of woodland and feel this is about the minimum without a commercial-type backstop, since the longest leg of my property is only 1100'. My backstop is a natural burm and my lot is heavily wooded. My targets are close to the ground also. My target holders are made from scrap wood and replaced often. There is still a liability involved however, because even posting your land will not relieve you of the liability you will incur by accidentally shooting a trespasser!