backyard shooting

Amarksman · 03-17-2008, 06:05 PM

Hey everyone,
I have been reading different threads on this forum and have found all of your info very useful! This is my first post here, and any info you could give me would be useful. I just bought a ruger p95, which is my first gun. I kind of live out in the country, and wanted to set up some place to shoot it. Can you guys give me some ideas on what to use as a backstop? I guess I just dont know what is sufficient. The only thing behind my propert is a nursery, that probably gos on for a 1/2 mile before turning into farmland. I guess it probably wouldnt hurt to let them go out there, but I would feel better if they didn't.
Thanks in advance!

*just so there no confusion, oddly enough, my screen name has nothing to do with marksmanship, but was the name I used on a precious metals forum to describe my affinity for A-mark silver bars. I am surely far from a marksman.

BaserRonin · 03-17-2008, 06:16 PM

Is a dirt berm a possibility? That is kind of the end-all for backstops.

ander254 · 03-17-2008, 06:21 PM

now you just can't let bullets go flying into a nursery, there's children in there. Just kidding...im assuming you mean a tree nursery or the equivalent. I'd be careful letting builts fly off into it just because there very well could be somebody walking though it, checking out the baby trees. Also, its never really good to let your bullets fly onto someone else's land. Also make sure your in the country and not in the city limits cause down here firing off a gun is a big no-no inside the limits. You might want to build maybe a outhouse shaped structure (without the door of course) and stack sandbags up in it. maybe two bags deep and how ever many it takes to go the proper hight (you could build up a floor so that you don't have to use as many bags). Or you could get you a dumptruck full of dirt and just make a big mound behind your target. or just do like me and buy a membership at a local range. only cost 119 for a year of unlimited range time. And thats for a whole family. Im frankly not sure how deep you need to go to stop a bullet so do some research before relying on my estimates.

Amarksman · 03-17-2008, 06:43 PM

I think the sandbags might be the most feasable. The dirt could be, but I am not sure how I would do that. Gonna have to do some more research.
As far as the range gos, we have one about 1/2 hour from here, but it only accomodates 3 at a time, and is constantly packed. Thanks for the ideas.

ander254 · 03-17-2008, 06:56 PM

i could see that. ours has 12 lanes. call any grading service and they can give you a quote on a load of dirt. i'd get the cheapest they had. might be cheaper than a bunch of sandbags.

squirrelbaster · 03-17-2008, 07:05 PM

hmm 3 at a time is not a lot, that would be frustrating!
well i got lucky, i shoot at my parents farm and there happen to be a small hill that we shoot in to and behind the small hill a a much bigger hill that catchs anything that might go over the little hill. its fairly ideal if you ask me!. i think it would take a lot of sand bags to do this properly. i like to have a large shooting area. i would make a project out of it. maybe make a cental area out of sandbags to shoot at, so you can start shooting soon. then when you have time start building up a dirt birm around the edges of it curving into a large U shape. you would shoot into the open end of the U of course, and that way any stray shots will get cought by the dirt. this is all asuming you have the right equiment for this, might be hard with out it.......

nick112207 · 03-17-2008, 07:22 PM

whenever i shoot its at my buddies (shooting ranges around here only allow shotguns and pistol. closest one to allow rifles is about 30 miles away, and thats only .22 rifles!) and its just in his back yard. ive never asked but im assuming there are no neighbors back behind his house in the direction we shoot. His dad is always around and it is very dense woods so im guessing its all good

samuel · 03-17-2008, 08:08 PM

You had better check with the local law enforcement before you start letting bullets fly.A pile of dirt is fine until it dries,and the ni makes everything bounce all over.Stacking railroad ties up and putting dirt behind works the best.Poles will work but they rot out fast.Sandbags are great but soon tear out.The pile of dirt works if you can keep it soft(wet it down)or keep it straight up and down.But dont shoot across the nursery!I dont think they want you to trim their trees with gunfire.Ask the county sheriff,s office. sam.

Sins-of-Mosin · 03-17-2008, 08:23 PM

Not sure if its a good idea but I seen a shooting range use tires to help keep the dirt from shifting too much. I assume you can get used tires from a dump but who knows how much they'll charge. If I was in your situation, I'd ask myself this question: how much time you plan on being out there shooting? Since it seems like you don't have many options, it might not hurt to put some effort and money into making a nice backstop.

Heck, make your buddies help pay for it if they are going to want to use it too.

Amarksman · 03-17-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuel

You had better check with the local law enforcement before you start letting bullets fly.A pile of dirt is fine until it dries,and the ni makes everything bounce all over.Stacking railroad ties up and putting dirt behind works the best.Poles will work but they rot out fast.Sandbags are great but soon tear out.The pile of dirt works if you can keep it soft(wet it down)or keep it straight up and down.But dont shoot across the nursery!I dont think they want you to trim their trees with gunfire.Ask the county sheriff,s office. sam.

As far as shooting goes, I will chek with the county sherrif, but I am pretty sure there aren't any restrictions. How do you guys think this would work? What if I take railroad ties, basically make a box out of them, and fill it with dirt? Or would I really even have to use the railroad Ties in the front of the box? The wheels are turnin here....I wonder how much dirt, or how deep I should make it...If you guys have any ideas keep em coming!

samuel · 03-17-2008, 08:26 PM

Don't shoot handgun bullets or rimfire into rubber or metal.They may shoot them back at you.I use railroad ties in front.They last quite a while if you dont shoot just one place all the time.I've got 5yrs on mine. sam.

squirrelbaster · 03-17-2008, 08:32 PM

lol, i have anidea that should prove to be a huge pnta!! dig a huge ditch! make it like 6 feet wide and 150 feet long and about 6 feet deep!! get a ladder and climb in shoot away!! lol sorry silly idea but i thought it was funny, oh yeah you may have to put some sort of drainage system so it does not fill with water! lol!

Mooseman684 · 03-17-2008, 09:00 PM

You could build a Target stand Out of angle Iron with a thick piece of steel As a deflector plate at a 45 degree angle with a sandbox below to catch the bullets...
Put a plywood face on it for stapleing targets to it. 3 ft square or 4 ft. square
would be great, to could then also recycle your bullets...might cost a few hundred to build but it would last forever, and be safe !
Rich

HAWKEYE50 · 03-17-2008, 09:02 PM

Welcome, I use dirt for my 25yd backyard range. I shoot my 1911, and my muzzeloader right off my back porch. My pistol I shoot at combat(5-7paces), out to 15yds. The tip about the dirt drying out will be used, never thought of that. Thanks SAMUEL. Oh yeah, it is cool being able to shoot off the porch. My recliner is very comfortable to patch and reload from. It's the little things.

ander254 · 03-17-2008, 10:08 PM

I could see my wifes face now. Setting up a target about 100yrds out and proping the rifle up on the window sill to sight in the scope. You might be a redneck if...

I also bet a nice reloading setup would look great on the granite countertops

wunhunglo · 03-18-2008, 05:15 AM

Firstly if you cannot see your bullet strike area, DON'T SHOOT! For a 25 yard range you should ideally have a safety zone about 3-4 yards above your target point of aim, and a good clear safe zone beyond that for any stray shots which might possible go over.

Montveil · 03-18-2008, 08:46 AM

REMEMBER--YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY STRAY BULLETS

Check local ordnances, noise, nuscence regulations, police feelings.
You could also incur a lawsuit from neighbors.
Would You TRUST being down range from a backyard shooter, even if he was doing things correctly.
All you need is one richocet whining somewhere to really get things stirred up.

samuel · 03-18-2008, 09:34 AM

The reason I mentioned dirt drying out and bullets bouncing is,I have a pile of dirt about 7ft tall and railroad ties about 4ft tall in front of it with dirt to the top of the ties.I have an open field directly behind it for 600yds.I was shooting a Marlin rifle at 60yds once when it was dry and had a target sitting on the ties.The neighbor was in his yard beside me and told me the bullets were richocheting.I had him shoot and I stood in front and off to the side and he was right.I couldnt hear them when shooting,but could when I was away from the firing.If you have crabby neighbors and they hear a richochette,even if it goes the other way they will claim it went right under their nose.Once the law gets into it,they will take no chances and probably say it is unsafe.I dont blame them.The best bet is not to have bouncers and dont do any spray and pray shooting.If you keep the dirt soaked down even .22lr,s dont bounce.The neighbor and I tried it.Also,when dirt is blown out,replace it.This is just a sugestion and the way I do it. sam.

03-17-2008, 06:05 PM	#1
Amarksman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: behind you Posts: 137	backyard shooting Hey everyone, I have been reading different threads on this forum and have found all of your info very useful! This is my first post here, and any info you could give me would be useful. I just bought a ruger p95, which is my first gun. I kind of live out in the country, and wanted to set up some place to shoot it. Can you guys give me some ideas on what to use as a backstop? I guess I just dont know what is sufficient. The only thing behind my propert is a nursery, that probably gos on for a 1/2 mile before turning into farmland. I guess it probably wouldnt hurt to let them go out there, but I would feel better if they didn't. Thanks in advance! *just so there no confusion, oddly enough, my screen name has nothing to do with marksmanship, but was the name I used on a precious metals forum to describe my affinity for A-mark silver bars. I am surely far from a marksman.

03-17-2008, 06:16 PM	#2
BaserRonin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In a Dark Cubicle Posts: 371	Is a dirt berm a possibility? That is kind of the end-all for backstops. __________________ "It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions in favour of vegetarianism" ~ R. W. Inge

03-17-2008, 06:21 PM	#3
ander254 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 235 Images: 5	now you just can't let bullets go flying into a nursery, there's children in there. Just kidding...im assuming you mean a tree nursery or the equivalent. I'd be careful letting builts fly off into it just because there very well could be somebody walking though it, checking out the baby trees. Also, its never really good to let your bullets fly onto someone else's land. Also make sure your in the country and not in the city limits cause down here firing off a gun is a big no-no inside the limits. You might want to build maybe a outhouse shaped structure (without the door of course) and stack sandbags up in it. maybe two bags deep and how ever many it takes to go the proper hight (you could build up a floor so that you don't have to use as many bags). Or you could get you a dumptruck full of dirt and just make a big mound behind your target. or just do like me and buy a membership at a local range. only cost 119 for a year of unlimited range time. And thats for a whole family. Im frankly not sure how deep you need to go to stop a bullet so do some research before relying on my estimates. Last edited by ander254; 03-17-2008 at 06:33 PM.

03-17-2008, 06:43 PM	#4
Amarksman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: behind you Posts: 137	good suggestions I think the sandbags might be the most feasable. The dirt could be, but I am not sure how I would do that. Gonna have to do some more research. As far as the range gos, we have one about 1/2 hour from here, but it only accomodates 3 at a time, and is constantly packed. Thanks for the ideas.

03-17-2008, 08:26 PM	#11
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	Don't shoot handgun bullets or rimfire into rubber or metal.They may shoot them back at you.I use railroad ties in front.They last quite a while if you dont shoot just one place all the time.I've got 5yrs on mine. sam. Last edited by samuel; 03-17-2008 at 08:31 PM.

03-17-2008, 06:56 PM	#5
ander254 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 235 Images: 5	i could see that. ours has 12 lanes. call any grading service and they can give you a quote on a load of dirt. i'd get the cheapest they had. might be cheaper than a bunch of sandbags.

03-17-2008, 07:05 PM	#6
squirrelbaster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,269	hmm 3 at a time is not a lot, that would be frustrating! well i got lucky, i shoot at my parents farm and there happen to be a small hill that we shoot in to and behind the small hill a a much bigger hill that catchs anything that might go over the little hill. its fairly ideal if you ask me!. i think it would take a lot of sand bags to do this properly. i like to have a large shooting area. i would make a project out of it. maybe make a cental area out of sandbags to shoot at, so you can start shooting soon. then when you have time start building up a dirt birm around the edges of it curving into a large U shape. you would shoot into the open end of the U of course, and that way any stray shots will get cought by the dirt. this is all asuming you have the right equiment for this, might be hard with out it.......

03-17-2008, 07:22 PM	#7
nick112207 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 337	whenever i shoot its at my buddies (shooting ranges around here only allow shotguns and pistol. closest one to allow rifles is about 30 miles away, and thats only .22 rifles!) and its just in his back yard. ive never asked but im assuming there are no neighbors back behind his house in the direction we shoot. His dad is always around and it is very dense woods so im guessing its all good

03-17-2008, 08:08 PM	#8
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	You had better check with the local law enforcement before you start letting bullets fly.A pile of dirt is fine until it dries,and the ni makes everything bounce all over.Stacking railroad ties up and putting dirt behind works the best.Poles will work but they rot out fast.Sandbags are great but soon tear out.The pile of dirt works if you can keep it soft(wet it down)or keep it straight up and down.But dont shoot across the nursery!I dont think they want you to trim their trees with gunfire.Ask the county sheriff,s office. sam.

03-17-2008, 08:23 PM	#9
Sins-of-Mosin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: IL Posts: 194 Blog Entries: 3	Not sure if its a good idea but I seen a shooting range use tires to help keep the dirt from shifting too much. I assume you can get used tires from a dump but who knows how much they'll charge. If I was in your situation, I'd ask myself this question: how much time you plan on being out there shooting? Since it seems like you don't have many options, it might not hurt to put some effort and money into making a nice backstop. Heck, make your buddies help pay for it if they are going to want to use it too.

03-17-2008, 08:32 PM	#12
squirrelbaster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,269	lol, i have anidea that should prove to be a huge pnta!! dig a huge ditch! make it like 6 feet wide and 150 feet long and about 6 feet deep!! get a ladder and climb in shoot away!! lol sorry silly idea but i thought it was funny, oh yeah you may have to put some sort of drainage system so it does not fill with water! lol!

03-17-2008, 09:00 PM	#13
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,691 Images: 2	You could build a Target stand Out of angle Iron with a thick piece of steel As a deflector plate at a 45 degree angle with a sandbox below to catch the bullets... Put a plywood face on it for stapleing targets to it. 3 ft square or 4 ft. square would be great, to could then also recycle your bullets...might cost a few hundred to build but it would last forever, and be safe ! Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

03-17-2008, 09:02 PM	#14
HAWKEYE50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: HOLLY MI Posts: 166 Blog Entries: 20	Welcome, I use dirt for my 25yd backyard range. I shoot my 1911, and my muzzeloader right off my back porch. My pistol I shoot at combat(5-7paces), out to 15yds. The tip about the dirt drying out will be used, never thought of that. Thanks SAMUEL. Oh yeah, it is cool being able to shoot off the porch. My recliner is very comfortable to patch and reload from. It's the little things. __________________ "KEEPIN MY POWDER DRY"

03-17-2008, 10:08 PM	#15
ander254 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 235 Images: 5	I could see my wifes face now. Setting up a target about 100yrds out and proping the rifle up on the window sill to sight in the scope. You might be a redneck if... I also bet a nice reloading setup would look great on the granite countertops Last edited by ander254; 03-17-2008 at 10:11 PM.

03-18-2008, 05:15 AM	#16
wunhunglo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: currently "Sunny West Africa" Posts: 1,659	Firstly if you cannot see your bullet strike area, DON'T SHOOT! For a 25 yard range you should ideally have a safety zone about 3-4 yards above your target point of aim, and a good clear safe zone beyond that for any stray shots which might possible go over.

03-18-2008, 08:46 AM	#17
Montveil Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mountains of NC Posts: 37	stray bullets. REMEMBER--YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY STRAY BULLETS Check local ordnances, noise, nuscence regulations, police feelings. You could also incur a lawsuit from neighbors. Would You TRUST being down range from a backyard shooter, even if he was doing things correctly. All you need is one richocet whining somewhere to really get things stirred up.

03-18-2008, 09:34 AM	#18
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	The reason I mentioned dirt drying out and bullets bouncing is,I have a pile of dirt about 7ft tall and railroad ties about 4ft tall in front of it with dirt to the top of the ties.I have an open field directly behind it for 600yds.I was shooting a Marlin rifle at 60yds once when it was dry and had a target sitting on the ties.The neighbor was in his yard beside me and told me the bullets were richocheting.I had him shoot and I stood in front and off to the side and he was right.I couldnt hear them when shooting,but could when I was away from the firing.If you have crabby neighbors and they hear a richochette,even if it goes the other way they will claim it went right under their nose.Once the law gets into it,they will take no chances and probably say it is unsafe.I dont blame them.The best bet is not to have bouncers and dont do any spray and pray shooting.If you keep the dirt soaked down even .22lr,s dont bounce.The neighbor and I tried it.Also,when dirt is blown out,replace it.This is just a sugestion and the way I do it. sam.