Posted: 12/17/2013 8:29:33 PM EDT
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Don't know if anyone has ever tried this before, but i would like some input on the "perfect" general purpose range, other than my own.
Keep in mind, I wasn't blessed with deep rolling terrain like Hickok45, My property is rather flat, however, i do have a very nice size Private range. At some point i plan on opening it up / using it for a local ARF team member shoot. I routinely shoot full auto NFA weapons out here, and I have only had contact with L/E/O once or twice, they usually stop and talk for a couple minutes, and let dispatch know that everything is safe/legal/ok and then leave. The distance in the photograph from the google "a" to the letter T is about 100 yards. The T is where my chronograph and range benches are usually set up. It's also close to restrooms, etc. you can use that as a guide. all fire would have to keep between the tree line. I can build a dirt backstop with our bulldozer/tractors up across the entire back if it was deemed necessary for safety, however the property backs up to a natural swamp full of trees - and no houses for several miles. I know, there isn't room for 200+ yard shots, I have another range location for that, with very very tight lanes of fire, so it's less appropriate for anything other than very long distance shooting. TL;DR Imagine an ARFCOM firing range, that you could join other arfcommers at and shoot for free, without dealing with Brassholes or asshole range officers. eta: don't worry about the tracks in the back. that's just from tractors, and access for checking the honey bee hives in the back. eta2: location is about 45 minutes north of houston. Here's a google earth view. 
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I'm looking at doing something similar but out to 150m with berms at 50m, 100m, and 150m. If i get some good feedback I'll post updates with pictures as it get's built up. I have one tree i need to move this week (rotten fell over) in the very middle, with the bulldozer. Then i have a berm at about 20 yards i've been using for pistol and reactive targets. I want to push it out, and level out and smooth out the whole field, then begin building the "master" berm at 150-200m, and depending on feedback, set it up as a multi-purpose range for arfcommers in the area. Maybe even have a summer arfcom machine gun shoot. Fully catered with real texas BBQ, of course. |
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If i get some good feedback I'll post updates with pictures as it get's built up. I have one tree i need to move this week (rotten fell over) in the very middle, with the bulldozer. Then i have a berm at about 20 yards i've been using for pistol and reactive targets. I want to push it out, and level out and smooth out the whole field, then begin building the "master" berm at 150-200m, and depending on feedback, set it up as a multi-purpose range for arfcommers in the area. Maybe even have a summer arfcom machine gun shoot. Fully catered with real texas BBQ, of course. Quoted:
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I'm looking at doing something similar but out to 150m with berms at 50m, 100m, and 150m. If i get some good feedback I'll post updates with pictures as it get's built up. I have one tree i need to move this week (rotten fell over) in the very middle, with the bulldozer. Then i have a berm at about 20 yards i've been using for pistol and reactive targets. I want to push it out, and level out and smooth out the whole field, then begin building the "master" berm at 150-200m, and depending on feedback, set it up as a multi-purpose range for arfcommers in the area. Maybe even have a summer arfcom machine gun shoot. Fully catered with real texas BBQ, of course. And they say all us 13ers suck at life. |
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And they say all us 13ers suck at life. Quoted:
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I'm looking at doing something similar but out to 150m with berms at 50m, 100m, and 150m. If i get some good feedback I'll post updates with pictures as it get's built up. I have one tree i need to move this week (rotten fell over) in the very middle, with the bulldozer. Then i have a berm at about 20 yards i've been using for pistol and reactive targets. I want to push it out, and level out and smooth out the whole field, then begin building the "master" berm at 150-200m, and depending on feedback, set it up as a multi-purpose range for arfcommers in the area. Maybe even have a summer arfcom machine gun shoot. Fully catered with real texas BBQ, of course. And they say all us 13ers suck at life. Thanks for the props. eta: by reactive targets i meant spring loaded steel pistol targets. however, there are no restrictions to use of binary explosive target indicators, as long as it was done at a safe distance, and not enough at one time to launch my 50's chevy into low orbit Quoted:
A different approach. Hire hotties to wear tight fitting low cut tops to work the range and sales. Do something different to draw people in. Sales? This would be 100% free. Of course i'll have volunteer texas hotties wearing tight fihting low cut tops and daisy dukes to serve bbq and pick up brass, and change targets. |
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Thanks for the props. eta: by reactive targets i meant spring loaded steel pistol targets. however, there are no restrictions to use of binary explosive target indicators, as long as it was done at a safe distance, and not enough at one time to launch my 50's chevy into low orbit Sales? This would be 100% free. Of course i'll have volunteer texas hotties wearing tight fihting low cut tops and daisy dukes to serve bbq and pick up brass, and change targets. Quoted:
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I'm looking at doing something similar but out to 150m with berms at 50m, 100m, and 150m. If i get some good feedback I'll post updates with pictures as it get's built up. I have one tree i need to move this week (rotten fell over) in the very middle, with the bulldozer. Then i have a berm at about 20 yards i've been using for pistol and reactive targets. I want to push it out, and level out and smooth out the whole field, then begin building the "master" berm at 150-200m, and depending on feedback, set it up as a multi-purpose range for arfcommers in the area. Maybe even have a summer arfcom machine gun shoot. Fully catered with real texas BBQ, of course. And they say all us 13ers suck at life. Thanks for the props. eta: by reactive targets i meant spring loaded steel pistol targets. however, there are no restrictions to use of binary explosive target indicators, as long as it was done at a safe distance, and not enough at one time to launch my 50's chevy into low orbit Quoted:
A different approach. Hire hotties to wear tight fitting low cut tops to work the range and sales. Do something different to draw people in. Sales? This would be 100% free. Of course i'll have volunteer texas hotties wearing tight fihting low cut tops and daisy dukes to serve bbq and pick up brass, and change targets. Well there ya go brother! Wish you were closer! Im 9 hrs NW of ya... 
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What size in acres is your plot of land? I am currently contemplating buying my first house, and I really want to shoot Colibri 22 rounds out of my bedroom window if I feel like it. The family has around 40? contiguous acres out here, plus smaller divided plots in the immediate area. The range is actually on a small plot, like 10-12 acres. However, check with the Sheriffs Department in the county you are planning on moving to, to see if they have restrictions on such activity. I have heard stories of some places having minimum acreage/backstop requirements. |
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Well there ya go brother! Wish you were closer! Im 9 hrs NW of ya... That's why i'm fixing up the range. Not for every day public use or anything like that, but maybe some summer event that doesn't require eating peeps and chugging 6 packs of soda. Like, dragging out one of the 8-10' pits and smoking a couple hundred pounds of meat, complete with onions, pickles, texas toast, beans and potato salad, and a private friendly arfcom team member NFA shoot? have it planned out and everything planned ahead with a list of those planning on attending, as to predetermine how much food/drinks/targets and setup a thread when it gets closer linking to area hotels, directions from bush intercontinental/dfw/atx/ etc. of course, that is if i can do so without violating some COC for using the term "arfcom" or some legal affiliation jargon. |
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The family has around 40? contiguous acres out here, plus smaller divided plots in the immediate area. The range is actually on a small plot, like 10-12 acres. However, check with the Sheriffs Department in the county you are planning on moving to, to see if they have restrictions on such activity. I have heard stories of some places having minimum acreage/backstop requirements. Quoted:
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What size in acres is your plot of land? I am currently contemplating buying my first house, and I really want to shoot Colibri 22 rounds out of my bedroom window if I feel like it. The family has around 40? contiguous acres out here, plus smaller divided plots in the immediate area. The range is actually on a small plot, like 10-12 acres. However, check with the Sheriffs Department in the county you are planning on moving to, to see if they have restrictions on such activity. I have heard stories of some places having minimum acreage/backstop requirements. I will do that... thanks for the advice. Thats good, because I think 10-15 acres plus a house is about the limit of my purchasing power. I'm only looking to build a 100-200 yard max range. Your situation, from my inexperienced eye, seems like it could turn out to be a very nice setup. |
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I will do that... thanks for the advice. Thats good, because I think 10-15 acres plus a house is about the limit of my purchasing power. I'm only looking to build a 100-200 yard max range. Your situation, from my inexperienced eye, seems like it could turn out to be a very nice setup. Quoted:
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What size in acres is your plot of land? I am currently contemplating buying my first house, and I really want to shoot Colibri 22 rounds out of my bedroom window if I feel like it. The family has around 40? contiguous acres out here, plus smaller divided plots in the immediate area. The range is actually on a small plot, like 10-12 acres. However, check with the Sheriffs Department in the county you are planning on moving to, to see if they have restrictions on such activity. I have heard stories of some places having minimum acreage/backstop requirements. I will do that... thanks for the advice. Thats good, because I think 10-15 acres plus a house is about the limit of my purchasing power. I'm only looking to build a 100-200 yard max range. Your situation, from my inexperienced eye, seems like it could turn out to be a very nice setup. Just depends on your budget, and where you are planning on working/commuting to. Property out here hasn't skyrocketed YET. 100+/- acres less than an hour from houston, really close to me is on the market for 200k. No house on it though. course out in west texas near the border property is VERY inexpensive. but you may be 4+ hours from gas stations and wal-mart. I'm 15 minutes from a wal-mart. |
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If I could, I'd dig a 3 sided shooting pit so you could to some fun IDPA type stuff...multiple targets, transitions, etc.
But if there is stuff you don't want shot at on either side of those tree lines, safest would probably be a close berm for pistol shooting, and a longer berm out at 100....or just build one long berm and have stuff for pistols set up closer. You'd either need to match up the firing lines and build 2 berms for pistol/rifle or only use one at a time if you built one, obviously. |
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If I could, I'd dig a 3 sided shooting pit so you could to some fun IDPA type stuff...multiple targets, transitions, etc. But if there is stuff you don't want shot at on either side of those tree lines, safest would probably be a close berm for pistol shooting, and a longer berm out at 100....or just build one long berm and have stuff for pistols set up closer. You'd either need to match up the firing lines and build 2 berms for pistol/rifle or only use one at a time if you built one, obviously. I already have a 100 yard rifle berm and 20 yard pistol berm. Wanted to build something more interesting/nicer/more unique to AR15 shooting and cater to NFA stuff too. I can't dig a pit for IDPA unfortunatly, because the water table is too high out here. If i dig 12" it will hold water. I could build UP a berm on another piece of property for this, depending on how much soil it will need/size, i would probably have to rent a trackhoe and build another pond or two. |
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That's why i'm fixing up the range. Not for every day public use or anything like that, but maybe some summer event that doesn't require eating peeps and chugging 6 packs of soda. Like, dragging out one of the 8-10' pits and smoking a couple hundred pounds of meat, complete with onions, pickles, texas toast, beans and potato salad, and a private friendly arfcom team member NFA shoot? have it planned out and everything planned ahead with a list of those planning on attending, as to predetermine how much food/drinks/targets and setup a thread when it gets closer linking to area hotels, directions from bush intercontinental/dfw/atx/ etc. of course, that is if i can do so without violating some COC for using the term "arfcom" or some legal affiliation jargon. Quoted:
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Well there ya go brother! Wish you were closer! Im 9 hrs NW of ya... That's why i'm fixing up the range. Not for every day public use or anything like that, but maybe some summer event that doesn't require eating peeps and chugging 6 packs of soda. Like, dragging out one of the 8-10' pits and smoking a couple hundred pounds of meat, complete with onions, pickles, texas toast, beans and potato salad, and a private friendly arfcom team member NFA shoot? have it planned out and everything planned ahead with a list of those planning on attending, as to predetermine how much food/drinks/targets and setup a thread when it gets closer linking to area hotels, directions from bush intercontinental/dfw/atx/ etc. of course, that is if i can do so without violating some COC for using the term "arfcom" or some legal affiliation jargon. |
| I believe the NRA has information of how to build ranges, backstops, etc. A guy here had a problem with Code Enforcement as he build an 18 foot high dirt berm/backstop. He learned that he did not have enough acreage to have a private personal range but it was legal to just shoot without the berm. |
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The perfect range is going to need a 0-1800m rifle range, several shoothouses on a fake city block, a 360 degree berm scenario bay, 0-50m advancing/retreating target range, a gold mine, a money tree and a sex dungeon full of Scandinavian bikini models. and your Somalian gun collection 
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The perfect range is going to need a 0-1800m rifle range, several shoothouses on a fake city block, a 360 degree berm scenario bay, 0-50m advancing/retreating target range, a gold mine, a money tree and a sex dungeon full of Scandinavian bikini models. No No No. The advancing targets should be out to at least 100 yards. AND mark everything in meters as well as yards. And a silver mine. And the girls should be allowed to go outside. |
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and your Somalian gun collection
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af277/Tommyintx/forum%20shit/IMG_08734_zpsf28156b6.jpg Quoted:
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The perfect range is going to need a 0-1800m rifle range, several shoothouses on a fake city block, a 360 degree berm scenario bay, 0-50m advancing/retreating target range, a gold mine, a money tree and a sex dungeon full of Scandinavian bikini models. and your Somalian gun collection
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af277/Tommyintx/forum%20shit/IMG_08734_zpsf28156b6.jpg You know they have real guns in Somalia, right? Like, lots of them, and RPGs and shit? Toy guns are a first world item. |
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No No No. The advancing targets should be out to at least 100 yards. Quoted:
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The perfect range is going to need a 0-1800m rifle range, several shoothouses on a fake city block, a 360 degree berm scenario bay, 0-50m advancing/retreating target range, a gold mine, a money tree and a sex dungeon full of Scandinavian bikini models. No No No. The advancing targets should be out to at least 100 yards. Ehhh... Hard enough to get a cable mover to work out to 50m. And a track mover fucking SUCKS! I'll stick with 50m. AND mark everything in meters as well as yards. I'll just use my range finder. And a silver mine. You've got me there... How could I forget the silver mine? Probably need a platinum mine too. And the girls should be allowed to go outside. Fuck that... The Scandinavian chicks will probably be wandering downrange and zip-lining on the movers. They can stay in the sex dungeon. |
I made an MS paint for clarity. Its not to scale
You'll want most of the range to have a berm at the furthest range you can, sounds like 200m. Have steel spread out every 50m from 50m out to the berm. Include a section of berm at 100m for paper targets and zeroing. Also build an IDPA box as pictured- at least 50m deep and 30m wide. This area gives more flexibility for maneuver and target placement. Whatever kind of reactive targets you use should be repeatable. Don't use anything that needs to be constantly set up again. Larue pop-ups or something similar are tits. Otherwise steel plate hanging on chains is good, because they don't fall over. Another cool thing you could include, that most ranges don't have, is a variety of shooting positions. Put in a few benches like a traditional range, and leave a few spots for prone shooting (spread pea gravel on these to keep people off the dirt). Maybe have an old pickup truck so people can stand in the bed and shoot over the top terrorist style. Build a couple of these: 
Build a line of unique shooting positions like in this video (at 11:44): 
If you do all of this, you'll have a range that will entertain people for days. |
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I made an MS paint for clarity. Its not to scale <a href="http://s592.photobucket.com/user/sonoran_Tj/media/perfectrange.png.html" target="_blank">http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt7/sonoran_Tj/perfectrange.png</a> You'll want most of the range to have a berm at the furthest range you can, sounds like 200m. Have steel spread out every 50m from 50m out to the berm. Include a section of berm at 100m for paper targets and zeroing. Also build an IDPA box as pictured- at least 50m deep and 30m wide. This area gives more flexibility for maneuver and target placement. Whatever kind of reactive targets you use should be repeatable. Don't use anything that needs to be constantly set up again. Larue pop-ups or something similar are tits. Otherwise steel plate hanging on chains is good, because they don't fall over. Another cool thing you could include, that most ranges don't have, is a variety of shooting positions. Put in a few benches like a traditional range, and leave a few spots for prone shooting (spread pea gravel on these to keep people off the dirt). Maybe have an old pickup truck so people can stand in the bed and shoot over the top terrorist style. Build a couple of these: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOsIzexeMEU/Ug1PG7_qMEI/AAAAAAAA1y8/cprQkiUeyf0/s1600/Jim3.jpg Build a line of unique shooting positions like in this video (at 11:44):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJvDElvbJfk
If you do all of this, you'll have a range that will entertain people for days. Great Ideas! Noted!! |
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Fuck I wouldn't want to shoot with most of you ass holes
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Imagine an ARFCOM firing range, that you could join other arfcommers at and shoot for free, without dealing with Brassholes or asshole range officers. Fuck I wouldn't want to shoot with most of you ass holes
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How far are you from the College Station area? I'd be happy to drive down and give you a hand. I work rotating shifts, so I have days off during the week and weekends. PM me if you need some help. I wish we could do a wanted to trade work, for hunting, or range time in the HTFs. |
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I wish we could do a wanted to trade work, for hunting, or range time in the HTFs. Quoted:
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How far are you from the College Station area? I'd be happy to drive down and give you a hand. I work rotating shifts, so I have days off during the week and weekends. PM me if you need some help. I wish we could do a wanted to trade work, for hunting, or range time in the HTFs. Hadn't really thought about that, but you could talk to Site Staff about it. Doesn't seem unreasonable, considering Texas' land circumstances. I'm lucky to have a friend with a decent 100yd range. My 7ac is in the middle of too many houses to shoot centerfire. |
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Hadn't really thought about that, but you could talk to Site Staff about it. Doesn't seem unreasonable, considering Texas' land circumstances. I'm lucky to have a friend with a decent 100yd range. My 7ac is in the middle of too many houses to shoot centerfire. Quoted:
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How far are you from the College Station area? I'd be happy to drive down and give you a hand. I work rotating shifts, so I have days off during the week and weekends. PM me if you need some help. I wish we could do a wanted to trade work, for hunting, or range time in the HTFs. Hadn't really thought about that, but you could talk to Site Staff about it. Doesn't seem unreasonable, considering Texas' land circumstances. I'm lucky to have a friend with a decent 100yd range. My 7ac is in the middle of too many houses to shoot centerfire. Zip code is 77575. I am 3 miles from dead center of town. Google map it. I'm just trying to compile ideas right now as far as what all targets to make. I have some sheets of 1" heat treated steel (already made a 3' gong). I'm looking into pneumatic resettable pepper popper style targets right now. I have a 3 phase screw compressor on site, so it wouldn't be a big deal to pipe it out to the range, and set up a small control panel. also deciding how i'm going to build the berms. However, After the first of the year, i should be well underway if not completed with the berms. And as long as i have notice, any of you houston area or any area, really, arfcommers are welcome to come shoot. Right now the range isn't ready though. I still have a pecan tree down from a recent storm i need to bulldoze. I don't have any big bbq pits or anything, But my brother has won a couple cookoffs and has a 6' and 9+' trailered pit. I'm sure i can work out a deal for an assembled upper and some ammo for him to come cater. |
