Page 41 - Kansas Sportsman

and perhaps more from the shooting position, depending on excellent time to consult with a shooting range expert on best
terrain and site conditions. practices to ensure you get the most out of yours.

“It is important that shot and target debris do not reach adjoin- It’s also important to think about orientation if you have the
ing property and that they do not fall into waters or wetlands flexibility to do so. For example, a south-to-north range will
on your property. If siting a range for a business or more maximize natural light on the targets while minimizing glare
frequent use, the most fundamental management considera- from natural light in the shooter’s eyes.
tion is periodic reclaiming and recycling of bullets and shot on
ranges. Keep in mind this is much more efficient on moderately Select appropriate materials for construction, targets, and safe
slopping un-forested areas without boulder fields where the backdrops. This will vary if you’re building an indoor or outdoor
necessary equipment can operate effectively.” range. Earth berms, log walls, and railroad ties walls work well
for outdoor backdrops as do swinging steel targets that can
For further gun range consultation please reach out to Dr. absorb a bullet’s velocity without shattering. They also allow
Peddicord at www.environmentalrangeprotection.com. the shooter to hear the hit, versus having to walk long distanc-
es to confirm impact.

DESIGNING YOUR HOME GUN RANGE
EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
As discussed, your personal shooting range is going to be
specific to your property and its allowances. Before you begin, The size and location of your home gun range will determine
determine the layout of the range (indoor or outdoor) and the the equipment required to maintain it. Targets, shooting lanes,
appropriate shooting lanes and target distances. This is an and shooting benches all require upkeep, so it’s important to
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THE KANSAS SPORTSMAN | SPRING 2024 41