Quoted: It would be nice to have a single covered, cement pad that you could use to shoot from for all distances.
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This idea is definitely in the plan. It's gonna be tough though since the rugged, off-road location won't permit access to a ready-mix truck. I'll have to buy a bunch of sackrete and get a gas powered mixer. Fortunately there is a pond right next to the range site where I can draw water.
For handgun and rimfire I would set up a good berm at 25 yards. The hill is your 100 yard backstop.
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I am reluctant to add any more berms since the site is remote and the area between the hill and the concrete pad is part of the watershed for the pond. If you saw the site, you'd understand what I am talking about. The hill should be all the berm necessary.
At 50 and 75 yards, in line with the hill, I would sink pairs of PVC pipe in the ground, too be used for target holders (2x2 legs). I would also put swinging steel plates at various distances for a simple reactive type of target. You hear the hit and see the plate move.
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I'm going to use heavy timbers for the holders and install steel plates. We like reactive targets!
On the main covered pad I would eventually set up 2 cement tables and a small equipment shed.
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Cement tables will be too heavy unless there is a way to cast them in place. I will probably build heavy wooden tables and assemble them onsite.
On the large hill I would build earth berms to the left and right of the target area. Probably get some old railroad ties to put on the hill, horizontally.
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This is optimal, but very expensive. Way too expensive for me at this time. Also the hill is steep and to tear it up with a dozer or backhoe will invite erosion and silting in of the pond.
From the main covered positon I would also start to build a "5 stand" type of clay set up, adding to it every year!! That berm at 25 yards could be the start of a good covered position for additional throwers from incoming shots.
Eventually I would set up other clay positions around the 100 yard area cleared for the range.
I would add a shooting tower by the main shooting pad.
I would try to see if I could get power out to my covered position/shed, then see what clay throwers I buy! I would eventually move in to the shed and let my wife have the house on the hill.
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That part sounds like phase 10 of a 10 part project!
I would recruit guys like me, preferably Republicans, to help set it up in return for letting them use it!
I would contact the NRA for their info too.
In your case I would also consider it as a possible spot for fund raisers, like a Turkey shoot. Clear enough room for a large tent with portable propane heaters.
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I've thought about the same thing...holding fundraisers on the range. First I have to improve the access because right now if it is raining, a 4x4 truck is the only way, besides walking, anyone is getting up there. In the meantime, if I can get some help, we will schedule an ARFCOM outing when there is something to shoot at!
Thanks for all the ideas. Much appreciated!