"The Ultimate Guide to Setting up a Home Shooting Range"
Introduction:
For firearm enthusiasts, having your own shooting range at home can be a dream come true. However, setting up an at home shooting range requires careful planning, adherence to safety measures, and consideration of local regulations. An at home range is a great way to improve your accuracy and enjoy the sport while in the comforts of your own property. In this guide, we will discuss key elements of creating your own outdoor shooting range like: how to select the right location, safety precautions & gear, and essential shooting targets & accessories you might want to consider.
- Choosing the Right Location
Legal Considerations: Before anything else, ensure that you are aware of and compliant with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the establishment of a personal shooting range. Check zoning regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Remember to stay safe!
Size and Layout: Obviously when selecting a location on your property you’re going to want a spot that provides enough space for safe shooting. Consider the direction of prevailing winds, natural backstops (like hills, valleys, or berms), lighting and visibility, and the distance to neighboring properties. No one wants to setup a range to then realize that the sun is right in your eyes during your peak shooting hours.
Short distance ranges are great for those looking to shoot handguns, while larger properties will be needed for those shooting rifles at long distances. Target spacing should be based on shooter preference and your lands compatibility. Great news is since this is your range, you can customize it to be just how you like. For shooting pistols, we suggest a range of 10-50 yards with approximately 10 yards between targets. If you’re looking to set up your range to shoot rifles, then 100-600 yards would be best with suggested spacing of 50-100 yards. If the spot you have chosen for you long range has space, also consider a combo of both the short and long range targets and spacing.
Noise Control: Be mindful of noise levels, especially if you have close neighbors. Implement noise reduction measures such as acoustic barriers, baffles, and only shoot during reasonable daylight hours. No one wants to deal with angry neighbors so be respectful.
Accessibility: Ensure that your shooting range is easily accessible, allowing for convenient transport of firearms and equipment. A well-planned layout contributes to a smoother and safer shooting experience. None of us want to drag heavy targets to hard-to-reach locations.
- Safety Measures
Backstop and Berm: Establish a robust backstop or berm to catch bullets and prevent them from traveling beyond your property. The backstop should be made of materials like sand or soil, and it should be high enough to contain stray bullets. Stay conscientious of ricochet and bullet spray in regard to target placement.
Signage and Boundaries: Clearly mark the boundaries of your shooting range with visible signage indicating the presence of a shooting range. This helps prevent accidental intrusion by others onto your property. If you allow others to hunt your property, be sure to communicate with them on the ranges’ location and when the range will be in use. If you plan to have others use our range, even if they are family or friends, be sure they are educated on gun safety to prevent any potential accidents.
Emergency Preparedness: Have a well-equipped first aid kit on-site and establish communication protocols for emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest medical facilities and emergency services.
Maintenance: Ensure that there are no obstacles or obstructions in the shooting lanes. Keep the area clear of trees and limbs that may cause bullets to stray. Stay mindful of how to minimize the risk of accidents. Effective shooting target maintenance is crucial for ensuring accurate and safe practice. Regularly inspect targets for damage, replacing any that show signs of wear to maintain a clear and visible aiming point. Rotate and change target locations to distribute bullet impacts evenly, extending the life of the targets. Additionally, consider using AR500 steel targets for durability and longevity. Shop Now. Be sure to keep your spray paint handy so you can recoat steel targets to improve ease of visibility. Regular upkeep of shooting targets will contribute to a more enjoyable shooting experience.
- Targets and Accessories:
Ear Protection: Always prioritize safety by wearing ear protection and safety glasses. Invest in quality hearing protection to reduce the risk of hearing damage from repeated firearm discharges. Passive muffs are a more economical solution while still offering unbeatable protection when compared to standard earplugs. If you’re looking for more out of your hearing protection, consider upgrading your earbuds or earmuffs to a set with hearing enhancement and automatic sound deadening. Double Tap has several hearing protection offerings. Shop Now
Eye Protection: Toss those scratched up safety glasses that you got free from work (no one really likes those anyway). Anymore safety glasses don’t just have to be basic, opt in for a new sleek pair that will keep you safe and looking good. Made from shatter resistant polycarbonate, our glasses can keep you safe from flying debris.
Paper Targets: Invest in quality paper targets with clear markings for precise aiming and assessment of accuracy. There are various target designs available, catering to different shooting disciplines. While paper targets do require more maintenance (replacing & resetting) they can be a great way to compare accuracy with your buddies.
Steel Targets: Steel targets provide an audible and instant way to understand your accuracy, adding an extra layer of excitement to your shooting sessions. Ensure the targets are AR500 steel, capable of handling high-velocity rounds. Check out our Ammo Caliber Chart for minimum shooting distance by caliber to insure long term target performance. Dueling trees or reactive targets are a great way to get competitive on your range with both family and friends. Gongs and silhouettes are offered in multiple sizes to help you dial in your shooting precision. Want to know more about target selection? Check out our page on "Hitting the Mark: A Guide to Choosing the Right Shooting Targets" or Shop Now.
Target Stands and Holders: Use sturdy target stands or holders to secure your targets at the desired height and angle. Choose durable and adjustable hangers that can accommodate various target sizes and materials. Double Tap Industries only makes their hangers from AR500 steel because when anyone starts sighting in a gun, things can be a little off. The high-impact AR500 steel keeps you from inadvertently damaging your hangers and mounts. Ensure your mounts are securely fastened to a stable structure, providing a reliable foundation for the targets. Many choose to use conduit and 2x4’s to build a structure to hang gongs. Opt for steel targets for robustness and resistance to wear, particularly if the range is exposed to the elements. Consider hangers with quick and easy target replacement features to streamline practice sessions. Adjustable mounts enable flexibility in target placement, allowing shooters to customize their training experience. Regularly inspect and maintain the hangers and mounts to ensure structural integrity and reliability, enhancing the overall longevity of the shooting range equipment. Shop Stands or Shop Hangers.
Cleaning Supplies: Keep your firearms in top condition by having a comprehensive set of cleaning supplies, including brushes, solvents, and lubricants. Be sure to look for quality supplies that provide caliber specific brass brushes. Jamming your gun while trying to shoot will kill the mood and can be frustrating to correct. Stay ahead and keep your guns in tip top shape.
Creating your own at-home shooting range can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it requires careful planning and a commitment to safety. By selecting the right location, implementing safety measures, and investing in quality targets and accessories, you can build a shooting range that provides a satisfying environment for honing in on your shooting skills. Remember to continually prioritize safety, adhere to regulations, and enjoy the responsible use of firearms on your property. You and your range will be the envy of all your friends if you do it right. We hope this guide will be just what you needed to get building that range.
Good luck & shoot straight!
