I have 10 acres and would like to construct a dedicated dirt backstop down from my patio to allow me shooting from a bench. Does anybody know of a site that shows some construction methods for nice backstops (outdoors)? I have generally in mind a clay and topsoil backstop berm 6 feet high, framed in with railroad ties , but I'd like to see pictures of tried and true safe setups before going to the expense and finding I wish I had done it differently. Thanks so much all. Best to you.
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Plans for outdoor backstops?
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My range just added another range. What they did is used a back hoe or something to pile up the dirt. Then they piled some on each side and they are going to let it settle over the winter.
I'm not sure how thick or high but you should be OK with an 8' - 10' back stop. I'd make the sides 5 or 6 feet.
It might also be nice to put some crushed rock down the middle and across your target area to keep your feet clean.
Just make sure you take drainage into account. If you will be shooting down hill you need to regrade or put in a ditch or something to catch runoff. Idealy you want the grade to slope slightly away from your backstop.
I'm not sure how thick or high but you should be OK with an 8' - 10' back stop. I'd make the sides 5 or 6 feet.
It might also be nice to put some crushed rock down the middle and across your target area to keep your feet clean.
Just make sure you take drainage into account. If you will be shooting down hill you need to regrade or put in a ditch or something to catch runoff. Idealy you want the grade to slope slightly away from your backstop.
Moondoggie
Member
I have a range setup on my nephew's 5 acres. I usually shoot there when he's at work, but it's OK if he's at home, too.
I use several of the big round hay bales as a backstop, with lots of open ground behind them. Bales this size go for $25 around here. The one's at my nephew's were left by the previous owner, and they're too old to feed to livestock.
You might think about putting these in front of your dirt backstop to capture your rounds. The nice thing about them is that if you think they've become "saturated" with bullets you can burn them and set new one's in their place.
I use several of the big round hay bales as a backstop, with lots of open ground behind them. Bales this size go for $25 around here. The one's at my nephew's were left by the previous owner, and they're too old to feed to livestock.
You might think about putting these in front of your dirt backstop to capture your rounds. The nice thing about them is that if you think they've become "saturated" with bullets you can burn them and set new one's in their place.
Lupinus
Member
When I move to SC I plan to buy a few acres in the middle of no where. I still need to check local laws to make sure it will be all fine and legal but I have been thinking on way's to make my own little outdoor range and never thought of haybale's.....excelent idea
thorn726
Member
oh boy these are the types of plans that make me giddy.
i dump dirt for the better part of my living.
you shoulds see some of the mountains i have helped create.....
but you will be suprised just how much dirt it takes.
i figure you're looking at about 12-15 tons minimum, easily up to 20
yes, and maybe look for a pile of crushed concrete to put UNder the dirt (low enough to not get hit with bullets, duh)
to help with the drainage.
that's gonna be your big issue, keeping the berm from sliding back down inot a sloppy pile.
a three sided railroad tie setup sounds real good, then rock underneath-
CHECK THIS= you would need a slgiht hole, (or build up over it)=
you put your layer of rock down, only make the rock a bit higher in the front, sloping backwards towards your back wall, then cover with dirt.
also you have some outlet holes for water in your walls.
this way you get any water headed towards the back, where the dirt will be held by the wall.
id even suggest builing a partial slope agianst the back wall for support.
i might do a little sketch for the heck of it
dude! SupERioR idea!!! - if you reload, you could even collect up the lead!!, and if you don't -= you can STILL collect up the lead and protect YOUR environment!
i dump dirt for the better part of my living.
you shoulds see some of the mountains i have helped create.....
but you will be suprised just how much dirt it takes.
i figure you're looking at about 12-15 tons minimum, easily up to 20
It might also be nice to put some crushed rock down the middle and across your target area to keep your feet clean.
yes, and maybe look for a pile of crushed concrete to put UNder the dirt (low enough to not get hit with bullets, duh)
to help with the drainage.
that's gonna be your big issue, keeping the berm from sliding back down inot a sloppy pile.
a three sided railroad tie setup sounds real good, then rock underneath-
CHECK THIS= you would need a slgiht hole, (or build up over it)=
you put your layer of rock down, only make the rock a bit higher in the front, sloping backwards towards your back wall, then cover with dirt.
also you have some outlet holes for water in your walls.
this way you get any water headed towards the back, where the dirt will be held by the wall.
id even suggest builing a partial slope agianst the back wall for support.
i might do a little sketch for the heck of it
You might think about putting these in front of your dirt backstop to capture your rounds. The nice thing about them is that if you think they've become "saturated" with bullets you can burn them and set new one's in their place.
dude! SupERioR idea!!! - if you reload, you could even collect up the lead!!, and if you don't -= you can STILL collect up the lead and protect YOUR environment!
Lupinus
Member
Would The haybale by istelf be sufficient to stop most round's?
If not what would you think it should take- 2, 3, 4?
Heck I wont need wide but I want deep enough to capture most anything....well anything short of cannon fire.
If not what would you think it should take- 2, 3, 4?
Heck I wont need wide but I want deep enough to capture most anything....well anything short of cannon fire.
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