A buddy I shoot with just bought a place in the country with a good sized barn. After we finish the laundry room, he wants to build a shooting range in the barn. Any one ever do this? Right now the biggest gun is a .44 mag but who knows what will wind up there. Any ideas, experiences, literature?
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The National Rifle Association has a Range Manual that gives you information on how to build shooting ranges. Otherwise you could probably visit or call some indoor ranges to inquire. If the barn is fairly tight ventilation wise you will need to address ventilation of fumes as well as bullet stopping.
Steve.
I've tried to get use to indoor shooting, but the calibers only seem to make the enjoyment less than had I gone outdoors. Even with hearing protection, the acoustical reverberation seems too unenjoyable.
I've found a nice, state-run/owned outdoor range that has covered stations (about 10 or 12). You can sit or stand. Its outdoors but the canopy covering keeps the sun out of your eyes, and some of the Summer heat off of your arms & shoulder.
Unless your friend is located in an otherwise windy location is there other reasons (rain, insects, neighbors) that prohibit outdoor consideration of the type I mention about?
This is OHio. Wind, rain, snow, mud, hail, heat. Take your pick.
I used half inch hardened steel plate set at a 45 degree angle. Underneath I had a frame of 2X12s to contain the 10 inches of sand. I suspended a piece of carpet in front to hang targets on and it also helped to prevent the occasional piece of lead from coming back.
Have an exhaust fan at the target end of the barn to keep the air flow downrange. Seal off any doors downrange to prevent the curious from walking into the line of fire.
Use only lead bullets - no jacketed rounds. Jacketed stuff will dimple the steel.
The NRA has information available for range developement - you will have to scale it down to suit your needs. http://www.nra.org
Insist on safety glasses/ear protection for any visitors. Be careful.
I used to shoot the 44 mag indoors, can't hear worth a $hit now, hearing protectors were not very good 40 years ago. Also, great ventilation is a must because of the lead.