Shooting Rifles In A Neighborhood

[nathan]

After reading all these, i think the NRA instructor (referred by the OP) must be an idiot.

I dont know why he is an instructor in the first place. His actions are not congruent to what safe discharge of firearms is concern. Again , there are a lot of idiots out there who profess to be this and that and have no common sense, period.

 

[ForumSurfer]

ricochets are very unlikely

Ricochets do crazy, unpredictable things. I would walk over and have a face to face chat immediately, before he ever even put the gun down. If I saw it once more, I'd escalate to legal options.

Then again, I have kids. "Unlikely" isn't acceptable. The last thing I want is some yahoo across the road accidentally putting varmint rounds through my windows. Firing anything at those distances is irresponsible, reckless and disrespectful. My 11 year old has a rather powerful, supersonic pellet rifle. This same 11 year old would demonstrate better safety than this.

 

[gdesloge]

Thank you all for your help. Your perspectives are appreciated.

I am planning on asking our neighbor if he knows with certainty where his bullets are traveling, is he aware of the possibility of ricochets, and what lays beyond his intended targets.

It is difficult to describe the layout of our neighborhood, but there are houses in view from his property for 180 degrees, and it is in those 180 degrees that he has told me he is firing.

gd

 

[hso]

I think the member who first suggested basing the question on what range safety requirements for an outdoor range would be and then asking if the situation meets those requirements is a great approach.

 

[Zip7]

My neighbor is using a .17 HMR, although that makes little difference to the basic safety issue.

17HMR with the V-Max bullet - I expect is FAR less likely to ricochet than a .22lr. I have shot both extensively.

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

i agree with zip about likely hood but with bullets its like buying lottery tickets you only need one winner

 

[LeonCarr]

I was shooting on a buddys property in East Texas once upon a time. We were shooting an 8mm Mauser 98 Rifle loaded with Portuguese Surplus 198 grain FMJBT ammo. I know they were boattail bullets since one of them hit one of the junk vehicles on the range (A 1983 Ford Econoline Van filled to the roof with junk auto parts and dirt) and left a perfect hole showing the outline of the keyholed bullet. If it would have went past the backstop, it could have traveled for miles.

Also, in Texas it is against the law to shoot across a public roadway. Not a good thing to do in any state.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[cskny]

+1

Quote:
Is it prudent to fire rifles (or handguns, for that matter) in a neighborhood where the backdrop beyond one's field of fire and point of aim is houses and an active road?
No, it's not.

 

[noob_shooter]

that would really bother me..... ask him if he'll let you shoot from your house with his house in the background..

 

[danprkr]

Invite him over so the two of you can sit in your front yard & shoot his groundrats with his house in the background.

We have a winner! That'll put in perspective for him. Especially if he has kids in his house.

 

[wishin]

I get the feeling that you're intimidated by this guy because of his NRA credentials. You say he's a "really nice guy" with "common sense" and a "really great guy" who's a "good friend", that "you're fond of" as well.

Given that, there should be no reluctance on your part to approach him as a friend and reveal your concerns. If he's the person you think he is, he'll respect you for it.

 

[Claude Clay]

Invite him over so the two of you can sit in your front yard & shoot his groundrats with his house in the background while his wife and kids are outside playing with the family dogs.

added to a already winner

----his actions are a danger to others.
he should stop immediatly. perhaps your houses came after his and he has been doing this for quite some time. he has rationilized the 'new' situation in his favor (gosh, how is that possible). a visit, along with any other neighbors of yours, should put a end to his actions. if not, proceed to the police.
the potential for injury or death will not stop till he does

 

[gdesloge]

wishin wrote:

"I get the feeling that you're intimidated by this guy because of his NRA credentials. You say he's a "really nice guy" with "common sense" and a "really great guy" who's a "good friend", that "you're fond of" as well.

Given that, there should be no reluctance on your part to approach him as a friend and reveal your concerns. If he's the person you think he is, he'll respect you for it. "


gdesloge had previously written:

"I am planning on asking our neighbor if he knows with certainty where his bullets are traveling, is he aware of the possibility of ricochets, and what lays beyond his intended targets."

gd

 

[wishin]

Sorry, didn't mean to offend, just to provide impetus. Would like to have seen that you did talk to him. Good luck.

 

[gdesloge]

No offense taken. My family's safety and well-being comes before all else.

Thank you,

gd

 

[lexjj]

ask him to use a pellet gun?