Private ranges

[fkleinbu]

There are those, blessed with either owning or leasing property on which one can shoot pretty much anytime wanted.. Personally, two of the main reasons I bought acreage way out in the country was for a place to shoot, and the other a place to be able to hunt..

Through a weird twist of fate, out in the country we can actually live farther away from formal ranges; e.g. when I lived in Austin, I lived within about 20 miles of a couple nice public ranges.. These days the closest public rifle range to me is over 40 ~ 50 miles away..

Many will turn to setting up a private range so we can shoot “out the back door” so to speak.. As for me, I’ve had a nice set of steel pistol targets at 25 yards for years set up near the house.. And from time to time, I’ve set up a temporary target out to 100 yards or so when I wanted to sight in a rifle or one of my scoped pistol.. But this past year, I have started work on my 150 yard rifle and scoped pistol range..

After the pictures by grimmy in his recent post “New Grendel birthed”, I thought I’d see if we can start a discussion of what the members have set up and share ideas.. I know from a couple other lists on which I am a member, there are some really nice private ranges..

So far I have nice clearing along a fence line where I have set up a back stop composed of dirt and brush which has been cleared from the firing lane.. Google Earth makes determining what is down range a snap these days.. When I first moved to the country aerial photos were very expensive.. But It is very spooky what you can see in Google Earth.. I can see the horses eating at the hay bales.. Anyway, ultimately I will set up a stack of tires filled with dirt as a backstop..

I do have a pretty solid shooting bench, being made of 2x6 with 4x4 legs.. Since I often will be shooting with my youngest daughter or a buddy, I plan on building another.. The bench is currently just sitting out under a tree on the ground, but the plan is to build a small “shooting shack”; something like 8x12.. And this being central Texas, where 3 digit temp’s are not uncommon from April to Oct, it will be air conditioned..

I have 2 wireless, 12 volt color/ir cameras I am hopping I can set up at 100, and 150 yards.. This way I don’t have to come off of the rifle to record a shot.. I have found when doing load development, it is nice to be able to correlate the bullets MV with where it hits on paper..

I am hoping the receiver will be able to receive from cameras so far away – technically at 300 ft, and 450 ft, they are beyond their listed spec’s.. In the country though there will not be many stray signals to interfere, and it will be a straight shot between the antennas, so I have hope.. Time will tell..

To get power for it all, I have plan and a backup.. Just about all of the power needs for the computers, DVR, etc. can be supplied by an inverter on a couple of truck batteries.. However the need for an A/C unit in the summer, will kill any simple solution..

My neighbor has a power pole within about 75 feet of where my shooting shack will be.. The pole was set up for what looks like an old pump house, which doesn’t look like it has been used for years.. I am hoping I can work something out with my neighbor to be able to get power from there.. If not I have a 3500 watt generator which I can use.. The only question being if it will big enough to carry the AC unit..

I’ll post some pictures of the simple range as it stands today, when I can snap a couple.. The plan is to update it as I get the range and shooting shack finished.. We are entering the “anvil of god” season, and doing anything outside is done before 9am by most folks.. So it will be slow going until Oct..

Flk k

[stokesrj]

One really functional additon to a private range is a target pit. If you are serious about learning to read the wind, having a buddy in the pit marking your targets for you will greatly reduce the time needed to learn wind doping as opposed to shooting blind and then driving 600 yards down range to see what you did.
David Tubb has a 1000 yard private range with a target pit in Canadian Texas. If you can get past the infomercial on his T2K rifle you will see some video of his range. Be careful, I bought a T2K after watching this. Which by the way is much more econonmical that building a range.
Bob

[fkleinbu]

Part of the purpose of the cameras is they connect to a DVR to be able to record each hit for later analysis.. Being able to record spoken notes also helps.. If I know I just pulled a shot, I can record my comments, and later know the 4th shot of the group went wide because of the loose nut behind the trigger..

Being able to display them on a computer screen will make it easier to see also without having come off of the rest to look though a scope.. When you are doing load development, the last thing you want to do is to have to get everything re-situated in the rest..

I went to the Tubbs site and enjoyed the 4+ minute infomercial.. Sure love looking at that T2K.. Sweet.. I sure want one, but I was able to resist.. Besides I am sure I can build my little air conditioned shack for less than what one of those rifles costs..

flk k

[stokesrj]

Yea, I agree that those tubb 2k's are over the top and what you are doing is practical and at the ranges you intend probably adequate.

But for longer range you need the immediate feed back to learn wind doping with any speed at all. Otherwise it is a many year project. The way you do this is by having your spotting scope set up so you can see it with your left eye, assuming you are right handed, without moving from your rifle. As soon as you break the shot you look at the mirage to see if the wind has changed, make your call and then see your target come up to compare your call to actual shot placement. Doing this for a few thousand shots will teach you to read the wind. But at 150 yards the wind is insignificant and can be ignored for the most part.
Bob

[Drifter]

With the right optics and targets, spotting hits is easy at the distances mentioned (<150 yds) without the use of cams or video. Targets should have no more black than necessary to get consistent holds, as white shows holes much better.

Using a 15x scope, I use this target at 100 yards:

http://www.mytargets.com/target22%20circles%20x20.pdf

And this one at 200 yards:

http://www.targetz.com/targetzlib/10148.pdf

Rarely is there a hit that can't be spotted with these.

Basically, I would move the target cam down the priority list for your stated distances.

On another note, I'm not a fan of a roof over a shooting bench due to increased noise and concussion. I would lean more towards a removable canvas tarp for shade (or "party tent" of some sort), which shouldn't bounce the sound back at the shooter too much. Perhaps inexpensive box fans instead of air-conditioning to help deal with the heat.

[Variable]

If not I have a 3500 watt generator which I can use.. The only question being if it will big enough to carry the AC unit..

Gandering at some window mounted AC units online--- As an example I'm looking at a 15,000 BTU unit that draws 12 amps at 115 volts. If you figure 115v X 12 amps for 1380 watts, then multiply that times 3 (surge draw on startup) comes out to 4,140 watts. That's for a pretty large unit, and I doubt you'd need one that big either. What is the full rating on your genny? If it's at 3500 watt steady state and with a higher surge value, it should carry about any normal sized window mount AC unit just fine.

Another 12,000 BTU unit I just did the math on comes out:

115v X 10.2A = 1173 watts
1173 watts X 3 for surge = 3519 watts

I'd say you should probably be able to find an AC unit that your genny could carry the load of OK.

[Variable]

I am hoping the receiver will be able to receive from cameras so far away – technically at 300 ft, and 450 ft, they are beyond their listed spec’s.. In the country though there will not be many stray signals to interfere, and it will be a straight shot between the antennas, so I have hope.. Time will tell..

Worth trying on a straight line of sight shot. If not, are the antennas removable? If so you could possibly replace them. If not, then next I'd try wrapping the antennas with extra lengths of wire and enhancing them by inductive coupling.

[fkleinbu]

Thanks for the tip.. I'll have to check the generator.. It's been a few years since I have used it.. But still, like you say, 15k btu is a large unit.. The shack I am talking about would be 8x12, so we are talking about 96 sqft, and with a 7' ceiling and R30 above it, an 8k btu unit should be able to cool it..

This is Texas summer though we are talking about.. High temp's with high humidities.. And the shack will have to have two big windows open through which to shoot, we shall see..

flk k

[fkleinbu]

Worth trying on a straight line of sight shot. If not, are the antennas removable? If so you could possibly replace them. If not, then next I'd try wrapping the antennas with extra lengths of wire and enhancing them by inductive coupling.

I just could go to a wired IP camera if I have the term correct.. Perhaps one with a zoom.. flk k

[stokesrj]

This is Texas summer though we are talking about.. High temp's with high humidities.. And the shack will have to have two big windows open through which to shoot, we shall see..
flk k

Don't make me laugh, I shoot all day out in the open sun here in FL with a heavy coat on over a sweatshirt. I thought you Texans were suposed to be tough.
We have recently built an aluminum cover over our 600 yard firing point at Port Malabar and put in an astro turf sod to lay on, now it's so commfy I fall asleep during the prone slow fire stage. I guess us Florida boys are getting soft too.

Bob

[fkleinbu]

Don't make me laugh, I shoot all day out in the open sun here in FL with a heavy coat on over a sweatshirt. I thought you Texans were suposed to be tough.
[snip]
Bob

<LOL>..
Are we soft or just smart??

I have been shooting at public ranges in the central Texas for the last 25 summers or so.. I have baked as the temp's reached 110, as you drink a gallon of Gatorade in an attempt to stay hydrated.. So you can say I have paid my dues..

Yes, it would be very easy to just set up a cover over my proposed range.. Actually the shooting point sits under a very nice live Oak, and there is great shade in the afternoon as it is now.. A cover would allow for shooting on the few days it rains around here..

But for the cost of a nice AR plus a fair amount of work, I can shoot in relative comfort.. To me is seems smart.. flk k

[fkleinbu]

With the right optics and targets, spotting hits is easy at the distances mentioned (<150 yds) without the use of cams or video. Targets should have no more black than necessary to get consistent holds, as white shows holes much better.

Using a 15x scope, I use this target at 100 yards:

[snip links]

Rarely is there a hit that can't be spotted with these.

Basically, I would move the target cam down the priority list for your stated distances.

It isn’t so much not being able to see a hit.. Besides, my target rifles have 20x power scopes.. It has to do with not coming off of the rest to look through the spotting scope.. With the cam's and the DVR, I can record a shooting session, and then go back and review each shot later..

On another note, I'm not a fan of a roof over a shooting bench due to increased noise and concussion. I would lean more towards a removable canvas tarp for shade (or "party tent" of some sort), which shouldn't bounce the sound back at the shooter too much. Perhaps inexpensive box fans instead of air-conditioning to help deal with the heat.

VERY GOOD POINT!! Especially with muzzle braked rifles.. And this isn't completely worked out on paper.. The plan is to have the bench in such a way the barrel is actually outside.. May need a bit of the sound deadening foam..

Flk k

[fkleinbu]

I've uploaded some pictures which show what I have set up..

For now, here is a set of rim fire targets I have right out of my front door, followed by a close up of it.. It's nice having a little 22 rf range from the front porch.. I work from the house, so after a stressful day, shooting a magazine or two is very relaxing.. The resetting 1.5" swingers are about 10 yards from the porch..



The next little range is my cowboy range.. The heavy 5 swinger target are at 30 yards.. It is handy for practice with pistols and pistol caliber lever action rifles.. The second shot is a close up of the targets..



<To be Continued>

Flk k

[fkleinbu]

<Continued from the previous post>

It is hard to see in the picture above, but just to the right of the heavy metal target, there is another rim fire resettable swingers..


But the high power rifle range is to go along the rear fence line of my property.. The first picture is from behind the bench looking down the range.. It is still morning, but the tree to the left of the bench even shades the round table on the right of the bench.. Down range the target standing is at 100 yards..


The next picture is from the bench after picking up the target at 50 yards which had blown down in the picture above..


Lastly, a close up of the targets down range.. The closest target stand is at 50 yards, and the one on the left is at 100 yards.. And then at 150 yards is a set of steel resettable swinger.. Red, you can see the swinger on the left which is down.. The swinger on the right is up..


Flk k

[Drifter]

It isn’t so much not being able to see a hit.. Besides, my target rifles have 20x power scopes.. It has to do with not coming off of the rest to look through the spotting scope.. With the cam's and the DVR, I can record a shooting session, and then go back and review each shot later..

20x scope should enable you to see hits at the specified yardages (< 150 yds) without ever breaking cheekweld on the stock. No spotting scope needed for such short distances.

Maybe I'm late to the party, but what's the perceived benefit of reviewing each shot later on video?


Nice lookin' place to shoot. Don't blame you a bit for developing a private range.

[fkleinbu]

20x scope should enable you to see hits at the specified yardages (< 150 yds) without ever breaking cheekweld on the stock. No spotting scope needed for such short distances.

Maybe I'm late to the party, but what's the perceived benefit of reviewing each shot later on video?

Interesting you chose the word "perceived".. Very challenging.. Passive aggressive I think they label it..

I am quite sure you meant to ask "What benefit to you derive from reviewing each shot..."

The short answer is it helps in the data analysis later.. And It is a real benefit to me..

The longer answer.. Hello I am Frank, and I am an accurate-aholic - look at my sig.. Then add to it the fact I am also anal retentive, which means I collect all kinds of data and crunch it six ways to Sunday so to speak.. Finally given the fact I am a software engineer I have the opportunity to use enterprise level database tools.. I just don't go out and shoot; I go out and spend the day collecting load performance data <grin>..

With that said, I hate to admit it, but I am not perfect on my trigger pull.. And to make matters worse, because of a vision loss in my right eye, I am having to learn to shoot left handed..

It is like getting a new pair of shoes.. It doesn't fit, and no position is comfortable.. I took out 'painless' the other day.. Thus named such because every deer I have ever shot with it, has dropped dead in its tracks.. It is my Rem 700vs which is capable of shooting sub 1/4" groups, and I just couldn't get it to fit.. It really sucks..

So every once in a while, I will pull a shot.. I know it when I do.. It's usually not much, but if I am doing load development I want to be sure not to use the pulled shot when making a determination about the accuracy of the load.. It is nothing to add audio to the input to the DVR..

This way I would have a record of each shot, its velocity, and any comments I may want to make, all without having to take my focus away from the sights and target..

Best of all, I have most of the stuff on hand, gathering dust.. I originally bought it for use as security system..

Nice lookin' place to shoot. Don't blame you a bit for developing a private range.

Thanks.. I have been quite pleased with the place.. I run it as a Texas Wildlife Management area for Texas native song birds for the ag' exemption, the benefit being all of the birds we have at the place.. Plus I put out corn and water for the deer.. Last year I had as many as 18 does and young feeding shortly after I would put it out - normally twice a day.. And I saw my first 2012 fawn Saturday morning.. They are so little..

Flk k

[stokesrj]

One of the great things about the the shooting sports is that there are so many ways to have fun. You can literally spend your whole life pursuing different aspects and discipline within the sport we call shooting. Having a private range to do as you please would be a great thing that most of us will never have the privilege of realizing.
While a 150 yard range is certainly better than nothing, why are you settling for such a short distance? Does your property not lend itself to a full course range?
I too am limited to short ranges near by, but I make several matches a month (3-5) where I can stretch my legs on a full course venue, (200, 300, and 600 yards) and find my learning of real marksmanship is greatly enhanced by doing so. Almost any rifle is a 100% deer killer at under 200 yards, from almost any position. So I don't understand why you are seeking ultra precision at 150 yards, that doesn't mean the rig is worth it's salt at mid range. I've seen many 1/4 MOA rifles that are 6 MOA rifles at 600 yards, I even own a couple of them.
Regardless of your answers or motives,you are a fortunate man I hope you truly enjoy your pursuit of building a range the way you see fit, but remember you did ask for input. I only ask these questions to possibly help you expand your thinking of what a rifle is really for, and what it is really capable of.
Bob

[jkingrph]

Depending upon how long you will be in your "shooting shed" insulation may or may not be your friend. Some in the ceiling will be a definite help, a very light colored shingle or metal over wood preferable to a bare metal over rafters will not radiate as much heat down. One of the thin reflective insulations will be an advantage, I have a 12x24 Gambrel roofed storage shed, fully insulated with "Reflectivix" a bubble wrap type product with a very shiney aluminum skin on both sides, plus full fiberglass in the sides. It has two turbine vents and two gable end vents and by cracking two lower windows, stays relatively cool even during the hottest weather.

A lot of plain fiberglass or cellulose insulation will retain a lot of heat and require cooling before the ac unit catches up and does not have to work so hard. A higher ceiling will help zone cooler air in lower areas. Vent it with ceiling level and lower level vents so you can open it up when not in use and keep it as cool as possible.

[fkleinbu]

Thanks for the discussion.. When planning things out, it is possible to overlook things - especially new technology..

I know venting is very important for several reasons.. Since the Shooting shack will only be used a few times a month, the venting will also keep moisture from building up and leading to mold..

Since I am an early riser, I suspect I will open the shack in the early morning hours to begin the day's shooting activity vs. coming into it in the afternoon.. This should help in reducing the load on the A/C unit to bring the shack down to comfortable range..

For the really cold days, a simple space heater should be all I need.. Those who live here will attest, cold days for us are those days where it doesn't warm up to the low 40's.. The plumbers are kept very busy during those rare years where we have a week below freezing, from broken water lines..

My initial thought was to use some of the corrugated tin I have for the roof; one less thing to have to buy.. But since you mention it, white shingles would probably be better in the long run.. And since the shack is to be about 8x12, we are not talking about a lot of money since the roof is small..

I will also look into the bubble wrap insulation - is sounds very interesting.. In my buddies house, we used 4x8 foam sheet with a reflective film to the OSB of the roof.. The idea is to then put R30 insulation..

For the shack, I was going to do something similar, but put the R30 on the ceiling rather than to the rafters as we are doing in my buddies house to accommodate the vaulted ceiling..

The first step for now though is to get a floor in place.. It will make sliding the stool much easier..

As far as my shooting goes, I just need to practice shouldering a rifle.. I lost vision in my right eye a few years back and I am having to learn to shoot all over again.. A couple of weekends ago I was out with painless - my Rem 700 VS.. I shot one 5 round group and then had to put it away because I just couldn't get comfortable with the rifle on my left side.. I was just wasting ammo..

Flk k