Private Gun Range?

[Guest Fuel]

Lately I've been giving thought to the idea of constructing a small private gun range. My mom has a piece of land out in the country with about 50 acres on it.There are several places on the property that I could set up a 100 yard course.

I'm thinking about building a small, two person covered shooting station. Downrange I'm envisioning a dirt berm to catch lead. The berm is the part I'm not sure about. Not sure what kind of ramifications there are to having a small hill full of lead on my moms land. The range wouldn't get a lot of use but it's still something I'm concerned about. I have done some internet browsing but can't find anything about range construction. Well, except that one site that warned about the evils of lead poisoning at gun ranges and how it will make our kids grow 3 heads. Anyway, I'm looking for any info I can get on range construction. This may be more work than I have time to tackle, but who knows.

[I_Like_Pie]

Does the NRA or NRA-ILA have any info?

[TripleDigitRide]

A friend of mine did something similar, up in Northern Illinois. He didn't invest very much money. I'd say less than $500. He used mostly scrap that he picked up at different places. He has an area for a couple 50 yard ranges, one 100 yard, and a small area for pistol shooting.

On the other hand, he didn't have to build a berm. The natural layout of the land was perfect. Building a berm isn't isn;t gonna be an easy task, unless you, or someone you know has access to some type of tractor/machinery to move the earth around.

Best of luck, and let us know when you're ready to invite us for the inaugural Bar-B-Q and shoot'em up fest.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

if you do, dont tell anyone about it... if you do you will have new friends coming in to shoot that you have never met.

[GaryXD]

I built one in my backyard. I had to hire a bulldozer to clear the land. Then I had to buy several truck loads of dirt. Then I had to hire a backhoe and front end loader to build the berm.

Plan on spending at least a grand. Also carefully figure up how much dirt you will need then DOUBLE it.

[Guest Fuel]

On the other hand, he didn't have to build a berm. The natural layout of the land was perfect. Building a berm isn't isn;t gonna be an easy task, unless you, or someone you know has access to some type of tractor/machinery to move the earth around.

We have a tractor with a bucket so we are good on that end. The way the land is laid out a backstop isn't totally necessary. Just thought it would be a nice feature to have. I need to get out to my mom's in the next few weeks and scout out the land.

[saintsfanbrian]

Just don't let the EPA know about it. Lead poisoning. Another thing you might want to look at is the run off. Since you will have lead in the ground there is a chance that it might get in to the ground water and if they are on private wells it could affect that.

As for doing it - I say go for it. I am thinking about doing something similar on my mother in laws property unless I can find a suitable hill instead.

[Guest gsbell]

It is my understanding that the pH level of the soil is what determines whether or not the lead will leach into the ground water. You can treat the soil to change the pH if you are at a level that will cause lead leaching. Read up and treat the soil accordingly, do not talk with any "agencies" about this you will raise flags that don't need raising.

[Guest Fuel]

do not talk with any "agencies" about this you will raise flags that don't need raising.

[TGO David]

Lately I've been giving thought to the idea of constructing a small private gun range. My mom has a piece of land out in the country with about 50 acres on it.There are several places on the property that I could set up a 100 yard course.

if you do, dont tell anyone about it... if you do you will have new friends coming in to shoot that you have never met.

You know, Steve... we haven't been hanging out enough lately. Let me know when you get this range built and we'll catch up on old times. At your place.

[Guest Fuel]

You know, Steve... we haven't been hanging out enough lately. Let me know when you get this range built and we'll catch up on old times. At your place.

Sure thing. Did I mention I'm building it specifically as a black rifle range? Oh wait, you don't have a black rifle any more ....

[Guest GT_Rat]

You know, Steve... we haven't been hanging out enough lately. Let me know when you get this range built and we'll catch up on old times. At your place.

And if you need any help driving nails, running a saw, building, etc...

[TGO David]

Sure thing. Did I mention I'm building it specifically as a black rifle range? Oh wait, you don't have a black rifle any more ....

But I'm seriously dropping some mega hints about what I want for my birthday.

[Guest GT_Rat]

Sure thing. Did I mention I'm building it specifically as a black rifle range? Oh wait, you don't have a black rifle any more ....

That problem is not too difficult to fix...

[Guest GT_Rat]

But I'm seriously dropping some mega hints about what I want for my birthday.

I'm thinking it would make a great fathers day present.

[TGO David]

I'm thinking it would make a great fathers day present.

I tried that angle. I should have given a Mother's Day present it seems.

[Shima]

Play the Bday present card. That's the way to go. You did get her a B'day present right?

[TGO David]

Play the Bday present card. That's the way to go. You did get her a B'day present right?

Well, that's not until next month... so that gives me time.