Old 02-05-2009, 08:41   #1
Soft Target
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Private Shooting Range Backstop

I am picking up 20-30 railroad ties this weekend for the purpose of building a backstop for a personal shooting range on my property. I live on extremely flat prairie. Mostly handgun, small rifle caliber and occasional shotgun with ranges out to about 100m.

Any advice?

I must be google-challenged since I couldn't find anything on this.
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Old 02-05-2009, 09:04   #2
The Reaper
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Soft Target View Post
I am picking up 20-30 railroad ties this weekend for the purpose of building a backstop for a personal shooting range on my property. I live on extremely flat prairie. Mostly handgun, small rifle caliber and occasional shotgun with ranges out to about 100m.

Any advice?

I must be google-challenged since I couldn't find anything on this.
Use a lot of dirt as well, and plan your range fan for ricochets and overshots. Someone eventually, will wing one over the backstop.

TR
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Old 02-05-2009, 09:12   #3
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What's wrong with a nice high dirt mound? Throw some fertilizer on it to grow some weeds to stabilize it and you have the perfect back stop.
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Old 02-05-2009, 09:35   #4
Soft Target
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Thanks, Guys. At least now I'm expanding my thinking.
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Old 02-05-2009, 10:38   #5
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If it is that flat,,

TRENCH,, at least for the short range,, You can get someone with a bulldozer or even a plow-blade tractor and just plow a trench 40-50 ft wide x 10-15 ft deep. use the tailings to build a burn around the target end.. Just look for a spot that is 30 - 40 ft above the water table,, so you don't create a swimming hole...

I have seen some good improvised ranges at streams that erode pastures, creating trenches that are almost perfect for ad-hoc target shooting..

An aside: I have use RR ties to line my drive-way, very common here,, about 5% of the ties have spikes and rail plates still attached.

Good Luck,, when your done,, let's see some pictures...
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Old 02-05-2009, 10:46   #6
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If you're really into it you could bulldoze and big U shape and shoot 270 degrees!
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