My Gun Range was Closed, Safety Issue!

[TimSr]

It's not really a "trend". There have always been, and always will be a small percentage of inconsiderate, irresponsible slobs in any activity. Unfortunately it only takes one or two of these to totally eclipse all of the others, and become what is seen as representative of the sport. it takes a lot of good guys to make a club. It only takes one slob to destroy one. it is imperative that the responsible police the irresponsible, maintain an efficient procedure for removing them from their midst.

 

[kcofohio]

larry, I could see bullets landing on property about 90' from the range. Our range use to be layed out where there was 2 horseshoe bermed pits. The 2nd pit was perpendicular to the 25 yd. range. You could hear the bullets zinging overhead when somebody shot one of the target stand steel post. But I doubt a riquochet bullet would travel that far from a 90' turn. I would think any degree over 45 would greatly demenish the velocity of any caliber.

 

[kcofohio]

After ready so many of the post, I will take a closer watch of my neighboring shooters.

If I go by myself, I'm usually the testing and chrono'ing loads. So I'm preoccupied. That will have to change somewhat.

Thanks for all the input/stories. Really an eye opener.

 

[kcofohio]

Update: Just completed the newly required safety session.

I found out that there were several incidents that happened. One of them, someone was shooting several shots over the berm with a high powered rifle. This was in a horseshoe pit meant for handguns and shotguns. A mother and kids were outside and could hear the bullets hitting the house. One bullet embedded in the bathroom wall.

The other, I know about, that somebody had a barn struck by a bullet. This could only have happened by that person angling their weapon away from the backstop.

There were a couple other selfish stupid acts that could have resulted in personal/property harm.

With the stricter rules and surveillance being planned, I would hope it is enough to prevent further occurrences. He said the range has spent approximately $70k, not including the volunteers hours and donated materials.

The instructor said the range is one stray bullet away from being shut down.

Plus there have been 3 other ranges in about a 50 radius that have had about the same issues.