Quality video and love the range. Sitting in UK with no legal ability to own firearms for self protection. You guys continue the fight to protect the 2nd Amendment. Supporting from afar. Stay safe.
Fighting for it as we speak! Today is a big day my friend in UK! HOPING FOR TRUMP REELECTION! They will have ONE HELLA time taking 300,000,000++ guns from patriot's🤣🇱🇷
I think Americans love their 2nd amendment and gun freedom because guns allowed them to gain independence from Britain. After the American revolution Brits banned guns in India. After independence the Indian govt continued the British policy of gun control so as an Indian citizen i aslo can't get a gun licence easily
Anyone interested in taking a simple course in using tourniquet can go to www.stopthebleed.org for more information. You can check to see if there are free course near you in learning to use the tourniquet. The course usually last about 1-2 hours and worthwhile to do.
firearm safety should always be the 1dt thing tought to any new gun owner.Get them to siiiiiiign a contract to get at the least 5classis in safety that they can train and try and gain some musclee memory when it comes to trigger finger and setting safeties as soon as they are done actively shooting.alwys keeping firearm pointed down range or in a safe direction when applicable.Im praying this election frees New Jersey from the Communist bonds we are shackled by presently?!?!We must stop Murphy from continually shredding our Constitution!!!
Good explanation Karl! My grandpa always said, " A bullet is just an idiot, it going to go in the direction you send it and it doesn't discriminate what's in it's path. So you better know it's path and what's in it as it may cost you more than you can bare." I'd definitely say you are 100% correct about having an adequate backstop, be responsible and safe. Stay safe fellas!
Should be re-titled "How to build your own LEGAL shooting range". Very glad you pointed out this and the issue of insurance before getting into the meat and potatoes of construction.
Wish that I was allowed to have my own range. Two months with no range access made me re-think the standard Gun Range/Gun Club. Recently threw down some cash and got access to a really nice private range close to my house so now I can practice weekly again and with more flexibility in training. Thank you Karl for your dry fire videos which really has helped so many through this period.
In many rural areas (where most private ranges will be) cell service can be spotty or nonexistent -- you have to have RELIABLE communications as part of your medical/medevac plan. If the range is close enough to the house and you still have a landline phone at the house, you may be able to run a phone line out to the range then just bring the instrument when you go to shoot. OR perhaps a two-way radio at the range and someone at the house listening for you to call so they can relay by phone. Or worst case, knowing exactly where you do have reliable cell service (and which carriers work). There are other possibilities but whatever method you choose, reliable communications are essential. If the range isn't clearly visible from the main road to the house, you need to ensure that local first responders can FIND your range. If you call for an ambulance, it is usually a good idea to station someone at the road to ensure the ambulance finds the range quickly. Also know the closest place suitable for a medevac helicopter to come if needed -- and know EXACTLY how to tell the helicopter where that location is. You will probably never need it -- but if you do need it, you will need it very badly.
I encourage owners to use a waiver (like you have for your classes). You don't want to lose the farm because your brother-in-law's buddy Ralph shot his big toe off.
Great video! I was telling another commenter on here, regarding the collection of empty casings & hulls, I place down 3 or 4 (or more) heavy duty plastic tarps (like you’d cover a load on a flatbed trailer with). I weigh the corners down to prevent wind blowing them away & then check the length of casing ejection on what I’m shooting to ensure it doesn’t overshoot the tarp covered ground. Once shooting is complete, fold corners up & allow casings to fall to center making a funnel with the tarp & dump into either a bin to later sort & reload or simply a trash can. Makes it so much easier than digging through gravel, grass etc for the casings. Anyways, beautiful range & great video!!!! Take care :)
I'm sitting on 1,000 acres out in Texas so I'm set but Carl makes a great point regarding a good back stop or berm. We run cattle as well so just soothing anywhere doesn't cut it. Great video for anyone who is thinking about setting up a range and doesn't have the background also a great refresher for those with the training and background.
Berm density is 1x4 or for every foot of height, make it 4 feet wide. That might seem excessive but it allows berms to be stable without fear of collapse or deterioration
He gave a lot of good advice, but more detail is needed for a really safe outdoor range. I designed facilities for the military for 30 years and one of my many responsibilities was designing ranges (both indoor and outdoor). I'm particularly glad he mentioned safety fans which is the old term for what are technically 'surface danger zones' (SDZ's). Everyone should understand what a surface danger zone is and how much land it incorporates depending on the round being fired. Building a backstop does NOT ease the requirements for the SDZ, but is a recommended practice just in case someone is downrange. A backstop does not prevent accidental discharges over the top of the berm. Fencing the SDZ is always a recommended practice and is a requirement on most military ranges although not always practical. Also consider placing signage around the perimeter of the SDZ to discourage the occasional intruder. I could go on and on, but the primary goal is to be safe and to protect yourself and the public.
Another advantage of having a good bed of gravel (specifically with underlayment and drainage like you mentioned) is that you won't have a sloppy mess from rain or melt. It can still get nasty over time, but you've got a longer grace period
It should go without saying, but doesn’t necessarily: drinking (or significant hangovers) and range days never go together. Take it to the porch and just watch.
Very true. I mean when it comes to range safety or shooting in general target or hunting there's always a variables and safety issues be it a hangover or prescription medications all the way to dehydration that could cause something to go south fast. That's why taking some sort of advanced first aid training and keeping a good trauma kit are essential, even for the lonely hunter who doesn't consider himself or herself a potential concern. Accidents happen and they can most always be prevented.
Archer Mcfinger ha! You have no idea what my military career or experiences were. Didn’t mean we were right to do it. I’ve been massively hungover in Key West doing a 200FSW solo dive. It was dumb, but we were all young once.
Awesome video! Building a 100 meter range in the pasture this summer with my son. Already got a couple of hundred tires, a hillside behind, and a good mile of nothing behind. Unexpected soil conservation tip on the winter rye (not rye grass) Rye is great for erosion control and holding soil together. The medical aspect was much appreciated.
@@whoisjohnlamb local tire stores, auto repair stores, farmers, construction companies, etc. Most landfills charge a fee to dispose of tires but they might give them to them for free or a small cost.
The medical aspect is something I would have forgotten... Thank you for emphasizing it
4 ปีที่แล้ว +16
Basically everything in this video has been codified in a rulebook for ranges we use in Sweden. One thing we do in wintertime is put a piece of rebar into the berm to make sure it is not frozen solid. Also we calculate risk angles on everything and inspect our ranges regularly so they hold a high standard.
Gonna use that permanent first aid kit idea. I always have multiple between my belt, ankle, vest, and go bag but I really like the ammo can vs the high dollar boxes I've seen online.
good timing with this Karl. my business partner and I just acquired some new land in upper new Hampshire and we were considering building a private range for us and our employees. I mean literally final signing was last Monday afternoon. of course the medic thing is covered already. so thanks for the tips will forward to my bro. another great reason to bore the hell out of civis with a good old fashioned nco safety brief..
I'm building a range at my place with tires just like the berm behind him. I work for an equipment rental company and I've taken several pickup loads of tires from work
Thanks, you have presented some absolutely great information. I’m not building a public range. In fact it will be for me and maybe 2 other people to use at a time. But you have opened my eyes to some things I never considered even for a private personal range. Thanks again.
Someone smarter than me please feel free to correct me here...be sure to parcel your land with your range separate. That way if you need to sell it you wont have to pay tens of thousands of dollars to decontaminate the land of lead prior to selling. Also when it comes to using used tires beware the EPA also treat those as environmental hazards so you may not even be able to utilize those as part of your berm. Great video btw. Very useful information, especially about the medevac plans.
That's a good point depending on what type of targets you're using as well as picking up the spent cartridges be it rifle or shotgun. I'm on 1,000 acres in central Texas and personally prefer to shoot in the same spot because it's set to reach out to 800+ yards. When family members bring friends out is when it gets aggravating because cattle like shotgun shells and it creates a mess. My dad and I I just started using steel targets for plinking but that's on 12 acres where we don't run live stock and we don't really let to many people come out that way and shoot due to liability and frankly some people just shouldn't ever handle a firearm; a bb gun for some people. I'll definitely be interested to research that though. We don't ever intend on selling however I appreciate the information. For the most part everything is separate however we do have to rotate cattle from pasture to pasture and if it's a dry summer then that 12 acres is utilized for extra grazing. Any way not to ramble on but I appreciate that information; we might just keep things the way they are to avoid any unnecessary hassle. ✌
the if you sold knowing the a land had a range and did not disclose the lead , and the tires, that is negligent misrepresentation at best, fraud at worst not mention violation of local, state, and federal environmental legislation. But life is a series of choices. Is it honest and does it have integrity? Shoot shovel and shut up is that a way to business honorably?
i always wondered about that. like if i have a 1000m range that gets contaminated with lead, i dont think i would ever want to then use that land to grow human food crops or hay for livestock. it seems like you'd be making a large piece of land unusable for food production. i dont know how lead contamination works, but id assume growing food in it is no good lol.
Yes that is very very very important. And as for hiding it like soem suggest, you are liable for an “undisclosed hazard” and so is yoru estate. So you cant hide from this and you dont want to ruin your kids or grandkids future.
We had a local public range here that was at least 70 years old. Generations of people loved this range. It was in the middle of nowhere. It was great for plinking, shotguns (Trap and Skeet), pistol, archery, the scouts even had and beginner area for BB guns. One day they put a new housing development in exactly the wrong place. . .Even if one round out of 10,000 escapes the range that is one too many. One round did escape. We don't have a range anymore.
Love this video man. I cannot stop fantasizing (such a strange word “fantasizing lol) about building my own range. My family owns 40acres of farm land, but until my mother inherits it, we cannot mess with it because it’s being farmed and grandma doesn’t want to stir the pot lol. So basically we have a bunch of land that we can’t do anything with. Which is frustrating when you live in a city and all this civil unrest is going on lol. It’s not if I’m going to build a private range, it’s when. I’m sure it’ll be something relatively small, but hell it could be 15 or so yards wide and 50 yards long that’s plenty enough space to do some really good training. Idk why I’m complaining. I’m a member of a gun club that 90% of the time when I get there I have at least 1.5-2 hours of range time by myself and it goes from 3-600 yards. So I can actually train. It’s an hour and 20 minutes from my house though. Make that drive at least twice a month. Thanks for the video man, I’ve been curious about the berms for sure. The way you used the tires is exactly how we built dirt bike jumps back in the day lol. Free tires from the swamp lol.
I have 40 acre ranch in SoCal and my brother in law was helping me build a range, we were cutting targets in the shop (a converted Quonset hut) and having a few beers, as I walked outside to dig in the scrap metal pile I ran across an 8 ft rattle snake. I grabbed a shotgun out of my truck while he decided he was going to try to capture it by forking it with a valve turner. It lunged at him and I pulled the trigger at about five yards distance with some #7 (and as the building as a backdrop) Needless to say, we both caught some ricochet and learned a number of important lessons.
Awesome, thank you! I’ve been putting in work on the range this year, in more ways than one. You guys have helped a lot with all of it. This helps a ton, thanks again!
I have a small private range made up of about 54 yards of dirt. Erosion is a serious thing living in Florida with hurricane hitting at least once a year. Planning on tripling the amount of dirt in the near future. Finally a good video on TH-cam about private shooting ranges. Would’ve loved this when I first made my range 4 years ago.
RUBBISH.. You set up a range and the Stadt will be all over you...! I have run ranges in Germany and they are even tighter than UK. It is very difficult to find enough open danger area in Germany and you need to build nil danger area ranges with baffles and berms.
Man I'll never forget when I started shooting someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "I'm about to shoot my 308" I was like alright, and I was thinking wtf do I care lol I went back to shooting and next thing I know I was grabbing my ammo and gun putting back into case and bag and I walked out!!! I stood out front till he finish and every time he shot that damn thing the cameras go offline 🤣
@@ishitrealbad3039 Build it underground. Tell the council it's gonna be a a wine cellar. Don't forget the air filters and ventilation air should move towards the backstop rather than towards the shooter.
The worst part of having a home range on 6.5 acres is the neighbor 120 yards behind it who constantly complains of noise. Wish I lived further out in farm land where no one complains.
I bought 20 acres way out in the farm land of Texas to shoot. Nearest house is half a mile away. Neighbor still complains. Guy called the sheriff, deputy came out and checked I was safe, talked about guns for awhile, and said I was within my rights. After that the guy left a nasty note on my gate. After that he sits in his car on the county dirt road along my property line watching me. No matter where you go there’s an asshole mad you’re enjoying yourself.
Tell Mr Crabby you're shooting an extra 2 cases every time you hear from him. Plus you must train at night. He soon learn to keep him opinion to himself.
After watching all the labor involved in creating the "shooting berm" on this video, I consider myself lucky to have a TALL bluff for my backstop on my farm range.
Great video. You can't stress safety enough. I have my own range, and would add the following: Liability waivers, professionally made for your state. Even if it just your friends, their heirs could still sue you if they pass. Don't lose everything letting your friends shoot for free. Read the whole safety speech every time, even if everybody has been there and heard it before . We all need reminders, and in the event of an accident it shows due diligence. Make the safety speech as thorough as possible, don't assume everyone knows terminology, range etiquette, boundaries, etc. Make sure no one leaves the area without your knowledge. No drinking or drugs (duh). Even by spectators, everyone around guns needs to be sharp. No shooting of animals or anything that isn't a target in the target zone, and only shoot from designated area, to manage trajectory. I also like to warn people about hot brass, in case they are new or have never shot without a indoor range divider before. It's better they are mentally prepared than get a surprise round down the shirt and do a spin with a gun in their hand. I ask that nobody post any photos or video of others, or others gun, without express permission, and never with any location tags. I advise that in the event emergency personnel have to show up, proper preparations should be made. You figure out what that means to you. Being in Southern California, we also have fire extinguishers and tools handy in case we spark something, but I have never seen that happen. Guests are told to not call authorities until we decide they are needed. Also, if you have neighbors that might complain, invite them. That goes a long way in keeping the peace. Yes, some of this is 'common knowledge', at least to us. But it really doesn't hurt to say it, and only takes a few minutes. I have everybody start at the range at a predetermined time so I only have to say it once. Can't be there on time? Then you can come next time.
When I was about 10 years old I was shooting a Daisy BB gun and shot at a bird up in the top of a tree what seemed pretty far away. One BB came back it me in my left where you pick out the stuff after sleeping. Wearing safety gear and being careful is paramount!!!!
Used to use A36 mild steel, worked OK against cap and ball black powder and pure lead. Had one with a bunch of craters in it from jacketed ammo. About a 30 yard shot and a small chunk of lead flew right back and hit me in the cheek. Luckily a minor cut and not much blood, but lesson learned and all future targets are AR500.
Back in 1984 as a SSGT NCOIC of Arms and Equipment, I built a range at the 9th Main Jet Base Balikesir Republic of Turkey for My USAF Security Police Detachment. That plus other work I did there got me the USAF Commendation Medal. I just went on Goggle Earth and even though the American Detachment doesn't exist anymore....my range is still there...I guess the Turkish Special Forces are using it now.
well, i've seen Robocop (specifically thinking of the gun shot in the elevator). and i learned that bullets ricochet from wall to wall like a billiard ball making its way around the table. your neighbor might have similar expert qualifications.
LOL Yea that guy must have moved by me/to you. Apparently shooting into soft dirt 10 ft away, 160 degrees away from him..will richicehtt up at a 45 degree angle, around a barn, then back down a hill, and around his porch. Man, where did i get those smart self guiding bullets again..???
@@LYLEWOLD Thanks for making my day much better 🤣...Oh what people see on t.v and believe is a shame these days. I don't wear a bullet proof vest I just hold it and everything is cool. All cars are also bullet proof as well but can explode if they roll over. Got to love Hollywood.
Lead exposure is greatest in indoor ranges due to breathing in the lead dust. That is why the Navy went through significant effort to increase ventilation in our indoor facilities. I am sure the other services did the same stateside. Jump to my next life after AD, I was the environmental chief for US Army Europe until recently and we built a ton of live fire ranges in Eastern Europe and we also have the very managed training facilities at GRAF. One of the biggest concerns we had was contamination of water sources. Ideally the placement of ranges should consider ground and surface water plus soil type. The berms or backstops help significantly trap the bullets so we can excavate and replace the soil. To prevent or reduce transfer of lead through the soil to water, place impermeable sheeting below the dirt probably at least 6 mil. You do have to still consider drainage to prevent ponding. One of the things we found was that military training ranges across Europe have significantly better eco systems than most public parks. Our troops are limited to certain areas during specific periods of time. Up in the Baltics we had to consider bird nesting etc. Modern training ranges also have a number of best management practices (BMP) to maintain the quality. The US EPA has a BMP document for outdoor shooting ranges www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/epa_bmp.pdf
Here is a document from the European NATURA 2000 environmental commission. Sort of like the EPA. ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/military_en.pdf
I have a bunch of friends coming tomorrow to help me finish mine. I'm using 30 40ft long telephone pools and dirt, it will be 40 ft. wide with a 20 ft wing wall on the sides at a 45 degree angle. My max range is 100 yards with most of the shooting done at 25 and 50.
Great video. Thank you so much for the info. Spoken like a property owner and a business owner and someone who can run a military range. Lots of hats all at once. Kudos!
Used election signs are a free source of corrugated plastic for target backing. Could also use the wire frame if the ground is soft enough to poke it in.
Good on ya for harping on the medical/safety side! I think too few folks with a home range really think it through and plan it properly. Love the tire idea too.
I really dig that you focused on the first aid and medivac plan. That is something a lot of people overlook. My follow up question would be what was the cost of each component? I sure that has been asked before but you guy are the most in depth tactical Training channel and your audience including me would like to build one, at least as good as yours. Also the erosion point was something I honestly didn't think about long term.
Karl... I had my own 100yd range at my house. Wasn’t near as nice as yours, but it was decent and better than half I’ve seen. Instead of using sand filled tires, I got permission from a railroad company to pick up a bunch of used cross-ties. You’d be surprised how gooda’ shape most are in. After setting all those timbers in place, I covered them with fill dirt and then covered over the dirt with carpet given to me by a friend that owns a flooring company. It saved him $$$ on landfill and helped keep dirt in place...
Man, I can't think of anything to add to what you've already said. Awesome range: do things right (backstop and targets), med plan, evacuation plan. Hopefully, one day I will have the property to build my own range on.
I have 32 acres, outside city limits, but still in a neighborhood type setting, i have about 7 houses nearby and three neighbors that border the property…when i moved in i built a range out of an existing 35+ ft high slope that existed naturally…what i woukd have liked to see you focus on as well is sound reduction….my backstop is great, ive got concrete pad, shooting station…but neighbors no matter how much i talk to them, they call the police on me, police tell them theres nothing they can do, but i would rather not be a nuisance…so i find myself not using the range as often as i want, even though im legally able to do so and i paid 2 million dollars for the home and property, spent about $40k in building out the range huts, electric, targets… I havent found an aesthetically appealing solution….im beginning to think i should purchase one of those converted shipping containers they make in vegas, they are $160k and i got the electric set up and concrete can be poured for a pad…i just enjoy the open air shooting… Anynthoughts?
Quality video and love the range. Sitting in UK with no legal ability to own firearms for self protection. You guys continue the fight to protect the 2nd Amendment. Supporting from afar. Stay safe.
Move to Northern Ireland if it’s important for to you to be able to have a gun for protection.
Fighting for it as we speak! Today is a big day my friend in UK!
HOPING FOR TRUMP REELECTION! They will have ONE HELLA time taking 300,000,000++ guns from patriot's🤣🇱🇷
Hunter - this comment didn't age well.
@@randomgoat2272 Or stay in England and hide in your basement in hopes you'll still be alive when the police finally show up. You do you.
I think Americans love their 2nd amendment and gun freedom because guns allowed them to gain independence from Britain. After the American revolution Brits banned guns in India. After independence the Indian govt continued the British policy of gun control so as an Indian citizen i aslo can't get a gun licence easily
As a paramedic. The amount of gun enthusiasts that don’t know how to use a tourniquet and chest seal is alarming. Love that you covered safety.
Very well put.
Anyone interested in taking a simple course in using tourniquet can go to www.stopthebleed.org for more information. You can check to see if there are free course near you in learning to use the tourniquet. The course usually last about 1-2 hours and worthwhile to do.
Lol. People think it is unimportant until they need it. Only need to die one time.
firearm safety should always be the 1dt thing tought to any new gun owner.Get them to siiiiiiign a contract to get at the least 5classis in safety that they can train and try and gain some musclee memory when it comes to trigger finger and setting safeties as soon as they are done actively shooting.alwys keeping firearm pointed down range or in a safe direction when applicable.Im praying this election frees New Jersey from the Communist bonds we are shackled by presently?!?!We must stop Murphy from continually shredding our Constitution!!!
Dont use a chest seal unless you know how to use a decompression needle.
Don’t forget to plant some tulips at the top of the berm to add a pop of color to your range
I went with day lillies and marigolds.
The most complete and detailed review of building a personal shooting range I believe I have ever seen or heard!
Good explanation Karl! My grandpa always said, " A bullet is just an idiot, it going to go in the direction you send it and it doesn't discriminate what's in it's path. So you better know it's path and what's in it as it may cost you more than you can bare."
I'd definitely say you are 100% correct about having an adequate backstop, be responsible and safe. Stay safe fellas!
That grandpa of yours was a wise man.
Wow.. I never thought of it that way lol
Should be re-titled "How to build your own LEGAL shooting range". Very glad you pointed out this and the issue of insurance before getting into the meat and potatoes of construction.
Wish that I was allowed to have my own range. Two months with no range access made me re-think the standard Gun Range/Gun Club. Recently threw down some cash and got access to a really nice private range close to my house so now I can practice weekly again and with more flexibility in training. Thank you Karl for your dry fire videos which really has helped so many through this period.
In many rural areas (where most private ranges will be) cell service can be spotty or nonexistent -- you have to have RELIABLE communications as part of your medical/medevac plan. If the range is close enough to the house and you still have a landline phone at the house, you may be able to run a phone line out to the range then just bring the instrument when you go to shoot. OR perhaps a two-way radio at the range and someone at the house listening for you to call so they can relay by phone. Or worst case, knowing exactly where you do have reliable cell service (and which carriers work). There are other possibilities but whatever method you choose, reliable communications are essential.
If the range isn't clearly visible from the main road to the house, you need to ensure that local first responders can FIND your range. If you call for an ambulance, it is usually a good idea to station someone at the road to ensure the ambulance finds the range quickly.
Also know the closest place suitable for a medevac helicopter to come if needed -- and know EXACTLY how to tell the helicopter where that location is. You will probably never need it -- but if you do need it, you will need it very badly.
I encourage owners to use a waiver (like you have for your classes). You don't want to lose the farm because your brother-in-law's buddy Ralph shot his big toe off.
At minimum have posted safety rules.
Or 500 private’s with shovels 😂
where can I rent these
True story, I've been one of those 500.
Accurate
Has to be Privates because no E-4 worth his salt would be in sight.
I scrolled to the comments to see this when he said it.
Great video! I was telling another commenter on here, regarding the collection of empty casings & hulls, I place down 3 or 4 (or more) heavy duty plastic tarps (like you’d cover a load on a flatbed trailer with). I weigh the corners down to prevent wind blowing them away & then check the length of casing ejection on what I’m shooting to ensure it doesn’t overshoot the tarp covered ground. Once shooting is complete, fold corners up & allow casings to fall to center making a funnel with the tarp & dump into either a bin to later sort & reload or simply a trash can. Makes it so much easier than digging through gravel, grass etc for the casings. Anyways, beautiful range & great video!!!! Take care :)
I'm sitting on 1,000 acres out in Texas so I'm set but Carl makes a great point regarding a good back stop or berm. We run cattle as well so just soothing anywhere doesn't cut it. Great video for anyone who is thinking about setting up a range and doesn't have the background also a great refresher for those with the training and background.
Love my place in Montana. When I get tired of shooting on my range, I can go 50 ft to the East and go fishing. Life is good.
I hate you a little.
Don't worry democrats are looking to end all of that.
Planning on visiting Montana with the wife. Any recommendations?
yeah, don’t vote for Kamala lol
Berm density is 1x4 or for every foot of height, make it 4 feet wide. That might seem excessive but it allows berms to be stable without fear of collapse or deterioration
Couldn’t have been better timing, I was just getting started on a range. Thanks for the tips!
By hand
Same.
He gave a lot of good advice, but more detail is needed for a really safe outdoor range. I designed facilities for the military for 30 years and one of my many responsibilities was designing ranges (both indoor and outdoor). I'm particularly glad he mentioned safety fans which is the old term for what are technically 'surface danger zones' (SDZ's). Everyone should understand what a surface danger zone is and how much land it incorporates depending on the round being fired. Building a backstop does NOT ease the requirements for the SDZ, but is a recommended practice just in case someone is downrange. A backstop does not prevent accidental discharges over the top of the berm. Fencing the SDZ is always a recommended practice and is a requirement on most military ranges although not always practical. Also consider placing signage around the perimeter of the SDZ to discourage the occasional intruder. I could go on and on, but the primary goal is to be safe and to protect yourself and the public.
This is the dream. My own personal range.
Same
Another advantage of having a good bed of gravel (specifically with underlayment and drainage like you mentioned) is that you won't have a sloppy mess from rain or melt. It can still get nasty over time, but you've got a longer grace period
It should go without saying, but doesn’t necessarily: drinking (or significant hangovers) and range days never go together. Take it to the porch and just watch.
Very true. I mean when it comes to range safety or shooting in general target or hunting there's always a variables and safety issues be it a hangover or prescription medications all the way to dehydration that could cause something to go south fast. That's why taking some sort of advanced first aid training and keeping a good trauma kit are essential, even for the lonely hunter who doesn't consider himself or herself a potential concern. Accidents happen and they can most always be prevented.
Ok Karen
This guy was never on teams..... tdy somewhere night out with the boys, flat range next day...happens all the time....allegedly
Archer Mcfinger ha! You have no idea what my military career or experiences were. Didn’t mean we were right to do it. I’ve been massively hungover in Key West doing a 200FSW solo dive. It was dumb, but we were all young once.
Awesome video! Building a 100 meter range in the pasture this summer with my son. Already got a couple of hundred tires, a hillside behind, and a good mile of nothing behind. Unexpected soil conservation tip on the winter rye (not rye grass) Rye is great for erosion control and holding soil together. The medical aspect was much appreciated.
@@whoisjohnlamb local tire stores, auto repair stores, farmers, construction companies, etc. Most landfills charge a fee to dispose of tires but they might give them to them for free or a small cost.
Our range really promotes using spray glue with targets or adhesive targets instead of staples so people won't get cut or scratched by old staples.
The medical aspect is something I would have forgotten...
Thank you for emphasizing it
Basically everything in this video has been codified in a rulebook for ranges we use in Sweden. One thing we do in wintertime is put a piece of rebar into the berm to make sure it is not frozen solid. Also we calculate risk angles on everything and inspect our ranges regularly so they hold a high standard.
Thanks for sharing
What does the rebar do??
@@TheLordNoodles it tests to see if the ground is frozen. Frozen dirt is ice, and you might as well be shooting at cement.
Gonna use that permanent first aid kit idea. I always have multiple between my belt, ankle, vest, and go bag but I really like the ammo can vs the high dollar boxes I've seen online.
good timing with this Karl. my business partner and I just acquired some new land in upper new Hampshire and we were considering building a private range for us and our employees. I mean literally final signing was last Monday afternoon. of course the medic thing is covered already. so thanks for the tips will forward to my bro.
another great reason to bore the hell out of civis with a good old fashioned nco safety brief..
We used to steal real estate yard signs for heavy duty target stands. Lot more stable but not as satisfying as campaign signs lol.
Corrugated plastic campaign signs for targets are the only positive gain from most elections.
I'm building a range at my place with tires just like the berm behind him. I work for an equipment rental company and I've taken several pickup loads of tires from work
"I don't care if it's a sissy little 556..." LOL, love this guy.
It's a sissy round right up until it's going through you or breaking apart inside you.
@@Tyborz did his ignorance and machismo hurt my feelings? Nope.
Well I’ll tell you this ! 556 is one sissy I want no touch from.
Thanks, you have presented some absolutely great information. I’m not building a public range. In fact it will be for me and maybe 2 other people to use at a time. But you have opened my eyes to some things I never considered even for a private personal range. Thanks again.
I'm a range fan. Been a fan of ranges for decades!
Someone smarter than me please feel free to correct me here...be sure to parcel your land with your range separate. That way if you need to sell it you wont have to pay tens of thousands of dollars to decontaminate the land of lead prior to selling. Also when it comes to using used tires beware the EPA also treat those as environmental hazards so you may not even be able to utilize those as part of your berm.
Great video btw. Very useful information, especially about the medevac plans.
Just dig another hole before you are ready to sell and bury your range like it never existed.
That's a good point depending on what type of targets you're using as well as picking up the spent cartridges be it rifle or shotgun. I'm on 1,000 acres in central Texas and personally prefer to shoot in the same spot because it's set to reach out to 800+ yards. When family members bring friends out is when it gets aggravating because cattle like shotgun shells and it creates a mess. My dad and I I just started using steel targets for plinking but that's on 12 acres where we don't run live stock and we don't really let to many people come out that way and shoot due to liability and frankly some people just shouldn't ever handle a firearm; a bb gun for some people. I'll definitely be interested to research that though. We don't ever intend on selling however I appreciate the information. For the most part everything is separate however we do have to rotate cattle from pasture to pasture and if it's a dry summer then that 12 acres is utilized for extra grazing. Any way not to ramble on but I appreciate that information; we might just keep things the way they are to avoid any unnecessary hassle. ✌
the if you sold knowing the a land had a range and did not disclose the lead , and the tires, that is negligent misrepresentation at best, fraud at worst not mention violation of local, state, and federal environmental legislation. But life is a series of choices. Is it honest and does it have integrity?
Shoot shovel and shut up is that a way to business honorably?
i always wondered about that. like if i have a 1000m range that gets contaminated with lead, i dont think i would ever want to then use that land to grow human food crops or hay for livestock.
it seems like you'd be making a large piece of land unusable for food production.
i dont know how lead contamination works, but id assume growing food in it is no good lol.
Yes that is very very very important. And as for hiding it like soem suggest, you are liable for an “undisclosed hazard” and so is yoru estate. So you cant hide from this and you dont want to ruin your kids or grandkids future.
We had a local public range here that was at least 70 years old. Generations of people loved this range. It was in the middle of nowhere. It was great for plinking, shotguns (Trap and Skeet), pistol, archery, the scouts even had and beginner area for BB guns.
One day they put a new housing development in exactly the wrong place. . .Even if one round out of 10,000 escapes the range that is one too many. One round did escape.
We don't have a range anymore.
Sad but true
Thank you for always sharing your wealth of knowledge and telling it like it is and being honest.
Love this video man. I cannot stop fantasizing (such a strange word “fantasizing lol) about building my own range. My family owns 40acres of farm land, but until my mother inherits it, we cannot mess with it because it’s being farmed and grandma doesn’t want to stir the pot lol. So basically we have a bunch of land that we can’t do anything with. Which is frustrating when you live in a city and all this civil unrest is going on lol. It’s not if I’m going to build a private range, it’s when. I’m sure it’ll be something relatively small, but hell it could be 15 or so yards wide and 50 yards long that’s plenty enough space to do some really good training. Idk why I’m complaining. I’m a member of a gun club that 90% of the time when I get there I have at least 1.5-2 hours of range time by myself and it goes from 3-600 yards. So I can actually train. It’s an hour and 20 minutes from my house though. Make that drive at least twice a month. Thanks for the video man, I’ve been curious about the berms for sure. The way you used the tires is exactly how we built dirt bike jumps back in the day lol. Free tires from the swamp lol.
1stSgt safety brief....never lift with your back. Lift with your E-1. Remember it well.....
I have 40 acre ranch in SoCal and my brother in law was helping me build a range, we were cutting targets in the shop (a converted Quonset hut) and having a few beers, as I walked outside to dig in the scrap metal pile I ran across an 8 ft rattle snake. I grabbed a shotgun out of my truck while he decided he was going to try to capture it by forking it with a valve turner. It lunged at him and I pulled the trigger at about five yards distance with some #7 (and as the building as a backdrop) Needless to say, we both caught some ricochet and learned a number of important lessons.
Great quote, “Drive you the bobcat carefully so you don’t fall and die”. Lol
70 dumb asses liked what you said and it makes no sense
Recently discovered this channel, and I'm addicted to watching now. His philosophy on every topic is awesome.
Awesome, thank you! I’ve been putting in work on the range this year, in more ways than one. You guys have helped a lot with all of it. This helps a ton, thanks again!
I have a small private range made up of about 54 yards of dirt. Erosion is a serious thing living in Florida with hurricane hitting at least once a year. Planning on tripling the amount of dirt in the near future. Finally a good video on TH-cam about private shooting ranges. Would’ve loved this when I first made my range 4 years ago.
Here in Germany the only legal restriction is that the property we're shooting on must have a fence around it. Even within city limits.
No restrictions in the state I am in except that you can not shoot across a public roadway.
@@phillhuddleston9445 What state is that?
What about city ordinance?
@@phillhuddleston9445 that's not true for any state. Even Alaska.
@@jonross377 Every city has ordinances, many restrict or prohibit shooting firearms in them that is why it's best to live outside of city limits.
RUBBISH.. You set up a range and the Stadt will be all over you...! I have run ranges in Germany and they are even tighter than UK. It is very difficult to find enough open danger area in Germany and you need to build nil danger area ranges with baffles and berms.
I just started my range yesterday lol. Glad this popped up in my feed
I’m building a 19 lane indoor range in Waco, Tx. Can’t wait to break ground!
Texflix,,,I live right down the interstate a piece,,I will be one of your first customers!!!
I live in Temple, TX. I will happily attend your range when it opens!
Man I'll never forget when I started shooting someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "I'm about to shoot my 308"
I was like alright, and I was thinking wtf do I care lol
I went back to shooting and next thing I know I was grabbing my ammo and gun putting back into case and bag and I walked out!!!
I stood out front till he finish and every time he shot that damn thing the cameras go offline 🤣
Excellent advice! The idea of making the berm might makes a LOT of sense. Thanks for all of it. Much appreciated...
Karl has all the good toys, range and all.
Legally!!! You are the first person I have seen even mention that caveat!!
Great job!!
i'm watching this and i'm not even american.... *cries in european*
Just go to an eastern country. Nice and empty.
@Eric Bowman uh no, you can't setup a private shooting range.
@@jdude9922 unlucky me, i don't have money to do that.
@@ishitrealbad3039 Build it underground. Tell the council it's gonna be a a wine cellar. Don't forget the air filters and ventilation air should move towards the backstop rather than towards the shooter.
@@ChucksSEADnDEAD wouldn't work, too risky. you get surprise inspections from the police if you're a registered gun owner.
"What do you mean by that...I appreciate you asking" Beautiful!
The worst part of having a home range on 6.5 acres is the neighbor 120 yards behind it who constantly complains of noise. Wish I lived further out in farm land where no one complains.
Timothy Muncy
Yeah, this channel has a lot of weird comments
Sounds like you need to invite your neighbor to shoot.
I bought 20 acres way out in the farm land of Texas to shoot. Nearest house is half a mile away. Neighbor still complains. Guy called the sheriff, deputy came out and checked I was safe, talked about guns for awhile, and said I was within my rights. After that the guy left a nasty note on my gate. After that he sits in his car on the county dirt road along my property line watching me. No matter where you go there’s an asshole mad you’re enjoying yourself.
David B a note? Smh sure it wasn’t his WIFE? What kind of man leaves another man a nasty note smh
Tell Mr Crabby you're shooting an extra 2 cases every time you hear from him. Plus you must train at night. He soon learn to keep him opinion to himself.
The wind noise filtering on the audio for this vid is VERY impressive. It is really whipping up but you would never know from the audio.
We have a great sound crew. Thanks
After watching all the labor involved in creating the "shooting berm" on this video, I consider myself lucky to have a TALL bluff for my backstop on my farm range.
me too.aren't we lucky?
Great video. You can't stress safety enough. I have my own range, and would add the following:
Liability waivers, professionally made for your state. Even if it just your friends, their heirs could still sue you if they pass. Don't lose everything letting your friends shoot for free.
Read the whole safety speech every time, even if everybody has been there and heard it before . We all need reminders, and in the event of an accident it shows due diligence.
Make the safety speech as thorough as possible, don't assume everyone knows terminology, range etiquette, boundaries, etc.
Make sure no one leaves the area without your knowledge.
No drinking or drugs (duh). Even by spectators, everyone around guns needs to be sharp.
No shooting of animals or anything that isn't a target in the target zone, and only shoot from designated area, to manage trajectory.
I also like to warn people about hot brass, in case they are new or have never shot without a indoor range divider before. It's better they are mentally prepared than get a surprise round down the shirt and do a spin with a gun in their hand.
I ask that nobody post any photos or video of others, or others gun, without express permission, and never with any location tags.
I advise that in the event emergency personnel have to show up, proper preparations should be made. You figure out what that means to you.
Being in Southern California, we also have fire extinguishers and tools handy in case we spark something, but I have never seen that happen. Guests are told to not call authorities until we decide they are needed.
Also, if you have neighbors that might complain, invite them. That goes a long way in keeping the peace.
Yes, some of this is 'common knowledge', at least to us. But it really doesn't hurt to say it, and only takes a few minutes. I have everybody start at the range at a predetermined time so I only have to say it once. Can't be there on time? Then you can come next time.
Thanks for sharing. TR
Can't wait to apply for my permit from Chicago.
You owe me a new monitor
Let us know how that goes
Do you have enough years left in your life to wait for it?
Good luck took us 3 years toget ours and we are not even in crook county shit really sucked and I lost alot of money because of it.
Ha!!
Thank you for your service to keep me and my family safe and free.
Awesome video man. Really great tips and you obviously have a wealth of knowledge. Thank you.
When I was about 10 years old I was shooting a Daisy BB gun and shot at a bird up in the top of a tree what seemed pretty far away. One BB came back it me in my left where you pick out the stuff after sleeping. Wearing safety gear and being careful is paramount!!!!
Always wear eye and ear protection when using firearms
My home range wants to grow up and be Karl’s range. 🤘🏾
looking ahead to retirement and putting in a range after we relocate. great ideas will definitely use this info
I love how you said “God’s creatures” , liked the video for sure :)
Used to use A36 mild steel, worked OK against cap and ball black powder and pure lead. Had one with a bunch of craters in it from jacketed ammo. About a 30 yard shot and a small chunk of lead flew right back and hit me in the cheek. Luckily a minor cut and not much blood, but lesson learned and all future targets are AR500.
This is the best damn range building video I’ve ever seen! True story! 🇺🇸 👍🏼
500 privates seems like the best idea. E4 Mafia approves.
I spent most of my 12 year career as an E4. Ha ha.
"Don't use dimpled steel!"
Hangs it back on range 😂
A solid Emergency Action Plan will make all the difference. Excellent tip!
10:05 "I actually made these in Iraq. I made them out of dead Iraqi humvees."
That's exactly why we're here, Karl.
I believe in the Truth
Back in 1984 as a SSGT NCOIC of Arms and Equipment, I built a range at the 9th Main Jet Base Balikesir Republic of Turkey for My USAF Security Police Detachment. That plus other work I did there got me the USAF Commendation Medal. I just went on Goggle Earth and even though the American Detachment doesn't exist anymore....my range is still there...I guess the Turkish Special Forces are using it now.
Thanks this will help a lot.
EXCELLENT information that I'll certainly take advantage of when I have the property to build my own range! Thanks!!
That's not a range, that's Shangri-La....
It really is nice. I was thinking of the tires for a berm myself. The stacking is a good idea
Best video with actual good advice for range building
Impressed... a bunch of army guys understand erosion! Great work btw .
One of the best videos I have watched on anything!
Also be aware of any potential wetland impacts that could occur when you're turning dirt.
this is the best video on making a range, thank you, awesome watch
"Go get the extension cord for the RANGE FAN".......Oh the days :)
Talk about a "Big-Ass Fan" !
Top you give me insight to things I didn't even think about for considering my own private range. Thanks and have a great weekend.
According to my neighbor ap 8mm mauser will ricochet off a 10 ft stack of giant trees just so everyone knows lol
well, i've seen Robocop (specifically thinking of the gun shot in the elevator). and i learned that bullets ricochet from wall to wall like a billiard ball making its way around the table. your neighbor might have similar expert qualifications.
LOL Yea that guy must have moved by me/to you. Apparently shooting into soft dirt 10 ft away, 160 degrees away from him..will richicehtt up at a 45 degree angle, around a barn, then back down a hill, and around his porch. Man, where did i get those smart self guiding bullets again..???
@@LYLEWOLD Thanks for making my day much better 🤣...Oh what people see on t.v and believe is a shame these days. I don't wear a bullet proof vest I just hold it and everything is cool. All cars are also bullet proof as well but can explode if they roll over. Got to love Hollywood.
@@shofarsogood7504 ...Oh thank ya'll for making a vet laugh; I really needed it today 👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏼
Lead exposure is greatest in indoor ranges due to breathing in the lead dust. That is why the Navy went through significant effort to increase ventilation in our indoor facilities. I am sure the other services did the same stateside. Jump to my next life after AD, I was the environmental chief for US Army Europe until recently and we built a ton of live fire ranges in Eastern Europe and we also have the very managed training facilities at GRAF. One of the biggest concerns we had was contamination of water sources. Ideally the placement of ranges should consider ground and surface water plus soil type. The berms or backstops help significantly trap the bullets so we can excavate and replace the soil. To prevent or reduce transfer of lead through the soil to water, place impermeable sheeting below the dirt probably at least 6 mil. You do have to still consider drainage to prevent ponding. One of the things we found was that military training ranges across Europe have significantly better eco systems than most public parks. Our troops are limited to certain areas during specific periods of time. Up in the Baltics we had to consider bird nesting etc. Modern training ranges also have a number of best management practices (BMP) to maintain the quality. The US EPA has a BMP document for outdoor shooting ranges www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/epa_bmp.pdf
Here is a document from the European NATURA 2000 environmental commission. Sort of like the EPA. ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/military_en.pdf
"Check Google Earth" Man I almost quivered when I saw that my club range was pointed right at an industrial park.
Mine also a lot of restrictions but there's always the range idiot .
I have a bunch of friends coming tomorrow to help me finish mine. I'm using 30 40ft long telephone pools and dirt, it will be 40 ft. wide with a 20 ft wing wall on the sides at a 45 degree angle. My max range is 100 yards with most of the shooting done at 25 and 50.
Sweet!!!
Don’t weld on your AR500, it will soften it....ask me how I know....
How do you know
Great video. Thank you so much for the info. Spoken like a property owner and a business owner and someone who can run a military range. Lots of hats all at once. Kudos!
I loved it when he said gods creatures
Used election signs are a free source of corrugated plastic for target backing. Could also use the wire frame if the ground is soft enough to poke it in.
Save yourself time and money, help destroy Karls range.
The medical plan/kit was a good suggestion I hadn't considered before on my home ranges.
Ensure you use a sealed container and inspect often. Thanks for watching, TR
"Excuse me. Do you have a hubcap for a 1978 Toyota Corolla by chance?"
"Let me check my belt... You're in luck! I only have one left."
Good on ya for harping on the medical/safety side! I think too few folks with a home range really think it through and plan it properly. Love the tire idea too.
Ive had 9mm fragments come back and hit me from a rifle dimpled steel target. Itll wake you up real quick. Lol
Amen
I took one to the face in January. At 20M the jacket put a pretty good cut on my chin.
@@jameybaxteryup. Same. Luckily didnt break skin.
I wonder why frangible ammo is not more popular with steel shooters?
@@vampyrick price
Finally a TR video about something I can afford!
Eating my pizza and drinking my beer .. 😂🤣
I really dig that you focused on the first aid and medivac plan. That is something a lot of people overlook. My follow up question would be what was the cost of each component? I sure that has been asked before but you guy are the most in depth tactical Training channel and your audience including me would like to build one, at least as good as yours. Also the erosion point was something I honestly didn't think about long term.
6:10 you just earned yourself a sub good sir. LMAO
😂 that’s why I sub his on point! 🥸 “it was a pain in the neck I had a whole crew eating my pizza and drinking all the beer” 🍕 🍺 🤣🤣7:35
Karl... I had my own 100yd range at my house. Wasn’t near as nice as yours, but it was decent and better than half I’ve seen. Instead of using sand filled tires, I got permission from a railroad company to pick up a bunch of used cross-ties. You’d be surprised how gooda’ shape most are in. After setting all those timbers in place, I covered them with fill dirt and then covered over the dirt with carpet given to me by a friend that owns a flooring company. It saved him $$$ on landfill and helped keep dirt in place...
Solid plan
You know those things you know you'd miss about the military once you ETS; for me, it was the range.
Man, I can't think of anything to add to what you've already said. Awesome range: do things right (backstop and targets), med plan, evacuation plan. Hopefully, one day I will have the property to build my own range on.
This is the next Christopher Walken by way of his voice :)
I have 32 acres, outside city limits, but still in a neighborhood type setting, i have about 7 houses nearby and three neighbors that border the property…when i moved in i built a range out of an existing 35+ ft high slope that existed naturally…what i woukd have liked to see you focus on as well is sound reduction….my backstop is great, ive got concrete pad, shooting station…but neighbors no matter how much i talk to them, they call the police on me, police tell them theres nothing they can do, but i would rather not be a nuisance…so i find myself not using the range as often as i want, even though im legally able to do so and i paid 2 million dollars for the home and property, spent about $40k in building out the range huts, electric, targets…
I havent found an aesthetically appealing solution….im beginning to think i should purchase one of those converted shipping containers they make in vegas, they are $160k and i got the electric set up and concrete can be poured for a pad…i just enjoy the open air shooting…
Anynthoughts?
Who disliked this video already?
Pretty sure the commie bastard in the comment section named Joe.
Or could’ve been someone from Australia. It’s a thumbs up there
Comment section ah ok. I thought his name was biden.
Valhalla is my Heaven🤙🏽🤙🏽
Yeah pretty sure it was No Land Joe
Just moved out to the country and looking to add a small range. Thank you for this video!