Indoor range design

[GnarlyTwoTrack]

May be a dumb question but I was just thinking... how is an indoor range bullet tap/backdrop made? I mean an outdoor is just a hill but is an indoor kind of like those bb gun traps. Does it just use heavier steel and ricochet it down as well? Is there sand bags? hhmm.

 

[Moonman]

There are different backstops.

One has ballistic steel on an an upward angle into a type of a wedge at the top.

One has an area of heavy conveyor belting with an thick area bin of ground rubber.

I'm sure someone will add other designs in a post.

 

[swinokur]

The NRA has info on range design.

 

[D Rock]

The indoor range that I belong to uses a Savage Range System.
Savage Range Systems

http://www.snailtraps.com/bullettraps/

They use an interesting collection system that you can read about on their site.

Dave

 

[RPNelson]

I have a question in regards to this topic...the range i go to has water running down..any logical explanation besides pushing the projectiles down?

 

[s&wchad]

Our club range has heavy steel plates covered with a pile of shredded car tires. It has to be cleaned out several times a year (nasty job).

The air handling system is just as important as the bullet trap. Heated or cooled fresh air intakes behind the line, air evacuation down range with filters to remove the lead and combustion gasses. One of our local PD's failed to maintain their range filters for quite some time and people upstairs started feeling the effects. High lead levels is a serious health issue.

 

[D Rock]

The Savage system used the water, I guess it's for sparks and to move fragments down to the auger that carries the bullets away.

s&wchad is right, air quality is very important. I know the one at our club is working very well, they had one of the local universities conduct a two week EPA of OSHA type test (can't remember which) and they have monitors at all the shooting stations.

Dave

 

[RPNelson]

hmm very interesting on the air situation... would have never thought it would be such an issue.

 

[D Rock]

If you've been shooting indoors with less than perfect ventilation for a long time you should have your lead levels checked (blood test) by a doc.

If you do a Google search you'll probably find some threads on shooting forums talking about it.

Dave

 

[s&wchad]

hmm very interesting on the air situation... would have never thought it would be such an issue.

Most shooters at our indoor pistol range shoot lead or FMJ ammo. FJM has exposed lead at the base and some of the lead is vaporized when fired and goes into the air. That's why manufacturers have come up with TMJ (total metal jacket) and lead free bullets.

 

[Maddmax]

I have a question in regards to this topic...the range i go to has water running down..any logical explanation besides pushing the projectiles down?

To help control and contain the lead dust.

 

[mlapaglia]

I am a member of Blue Core Shooting Center Lakewood, CO.

They state "Our entire range area is ventilated by a state of the art ventilation system. An industry leading Carey’s Ventilation system cleans the air around you as you shoot. A negative pressure is created moving smoke and lead dust away from the firing line towards the back of the bullet trap area. Simply put, it is the cleanest indoor shooting experience available."
This is good as I have a bad long condition and shot at another indoor range once and spent 2 days in bed on higher than normal O2.
I can tell you that I come home and the wife can not tell I have been shooting. At least by the smell. The smile tends to give it away.

If you shoot indoor make sure they have good air handling.

 

[GnarlyTwoTrack]

Ever been to those ranges where it is probably hotter inside that it is outside. Your hands sweat so much you can't even hang on to the gun. your sweat rolls into your eyes and stings. Ugh! That was the range I bought my shield from but I didn't care I just wanted to get in there and shoot it. Will never shoot there again though. Good thing it was only while I was traveling and not a local.