
Originally Posted by
Peggy Reist
I would also like to hear from people who have ranges or experiences or ideas. I have the space, I need ideas. Right now, I have a tree for a backstop. Not ideal by any means, I know. Not even adequate. There are no public ranges anywhere near me, but I need to practice.
If you shoot the tree enough, you won't even have it because you will kill the tree.
A range can be constructed. All it takes is money. I built a range on my land. It has a 20' berm backstop and side berms that slope down to about 15'. The range is only about 60' deep, but I built it for my pistol classes.
I had to divert a ditch around the range to control the flow of water, so it would not enter the range. Total cost for the dirt work was around $2000 plus nine pallets of grass and water to get it going. I use portable target stands but have built a permanent backstop out of crossties, lumber and two types of backing board. I am planting trees around the range for shade, but they probably won't get big enough to shade me, but my kids will appreciate them.
I know folks that have built a backstop out of crossties, but you have to stagger them so the bullets cannot pass through the cracks between the ties. And it takes a lot of crossties and you must be sure there is noting behind the backstop for a mile or so.
Hope this helps.
Certified NRA Instructor in Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, Personal Defense in The Home, Personal Defense Outside the Home and Refuse to Be a Victim.
Oklahoma Handgun License Instructor; NRA Benefactor Life Member; NRA EVC, District 2, OK