Airgun Range Lead Issues

[MaineMarksman]

I'm the State Marksmanship Coordinator for the Maine National Guard and want to start utilizing airguns for training, practice, & competition. There are indoor ranges available in a number of our armories that are no longer in use primarily due to LEAD issues. In order to utilize these ranges with airguns I need hard data, research, white papers, etc. that have addressed, pro or con, the issues of lead residue resulting from airgun use.

--Mike.

www.mainemarksman.org

[Afy]

Air guns use lead. End of story...

Lead poisoning is an issue.. then again most firearms have some health issues... not the least of which is to go out and buy more...

That being said lead contamination is serious at all ranges. I have nothing more to add..

[bdutton]

There is very little to worry about when it comes to lead exposure and air guns. Since there is no explosive charge there is no burning of the lead or dust generated.

The only dust that would be created is the pellet striking the backstop and that would be minimal.

Also, since you must handle the pellets, you need to take precaution during and after shooting to avoid contacting the mouth and eyes with fingers and wash hands and face throughly after each use.

Ranges that are no longer in use for firearms are probably safe for air pistol/rifle if they have been hepa vac'd and wet mopped and have decent air flow away from the shooter.

I know all of this is not exactly 'hard data'. You migth try using a goggle search on "firing range lead contamination air pistol".

[hso]

It is unlikely that you'll find any hard data on airgun use and lead. I can tell you that there would be very little lead exposure hazard for several reasons.

As mentioned there is no lead fume as in created when the hot propellant gas from the fired cartridge vaporizes lead from the base of the bullet as it travels down the barrel.

The velocities are low enough to keep the projectile intact and prevent lead dust formation due to splatter on a backstop.

There are no lead compound primers involved in shooting air rifle.

I'll look around and see if there's anything out there, but you may want to post the question on the air rifle boards to find if they have any information.

[MaineMarksman]

I've spent a few hours searching the 'net for info on this issue. I've only found one article that speculated since the pellet is traveling less than 600 f.p.s. there would be no lead 'vapor' and there wouldn't be any 'splattering' in the trap.

The Facilities Engineering Director is on my side as far as using the ranges but since lead is such a hot button issue he's asked for some real data and I understand where he's coming from.

Air rifle boards is a great idea. I'll search for some but I'd appreciate any leads (no.....BAD word) links as well.

--Mike.

[bdutton]

Go to http://targettalk.org/index.php for air pistol and rifle experts.

Also, you could tell the Director that you and your men would agree to frequent blood tests before use and after use of the ranges with a pre-arranged blood level limit to drop the project.

You can also recommend the use of personal respirators like this:

http://images.absolutehome.com/assets/images/product/msasafetyworks-respirator-10026345.jpg

Personally... for air pistol this is the overkill equivalent of a nuke to end a heated discussion.

[Old Fuff]

Air and gas powered guns are used extensively for indoor target shooting in Western Europe - especialy Germany. I think that's where your hard data might come from.

For assistance, I suggest you contact Beeman Precision Airguns - a major importer of European match-grade air powered pistols and rifles. They would likely have the contacts you need.

www.beeman.com

Also, the National Rifle Association has had an air rifle program for years, and might be able to help.

[Steve N]

Seach the general discussion board on THR for "lead, hazard" etc. There were a few discussions within recent weeks, and if I remember correctly, they did reference some hard data.

Try rimfirecentral.com and rimfireshooting.com. They both have airgun forums.

Contact Daisy, www.daisy.com and Crosman, www.crosman.com. They may have additional info, as it is in their best interests to promote safe shooting.

Go to targettalk.org, then click on the link to their sponsor, pilkguns. They may have some data, or may be able to link you somewhere.

I would love to open an indoor archery/airgun range when I retire, but lead is the biggest potential problem with this plan.

[cdrt]

I attended the NRA's range operations course a few years ago and they had a lot of information on lead problems in indoor ranges. None of it would apply to air pistol/rifles since there is not the same dynamic as when you're using regluar firearms/ammunition. Most of the lead exposure was due to the cloud of gases/lead/etc. that forms in front of the firing line when a round goes off. Much of that can be taken care of by a set of fans/vents set up directly in front of the firing line and with the newer primers, much of that is gone as well.
I would suggest contacting the NRA and see if they're running the course anytime soon. If not, maybe they can send you the info on lead contamination in ranges.
Also, lead is like asbestos, if you leave it alone, it can't hurt you. One of the danger spots is mining the lead from the back of a range. It's safe as long as you wear the proper equipment. One club I know of, has the newer bullet traps where the lead is never touched by human hands and can be mined by the flip of a switch.

Navy Vet.