SSN Vet
Member
Hey gang.... I've been toying with an idea for some time and thought I'd float it hear and see if anyone else has tried this.
I have a clear 30' space in my barn and during the cold winters up here in Mainiac land I've pondered setting up a backstop to shoot "indoors".
My thoughts are to make a 8" deep (front to back) "box" out of two sheets 3/4 plywood, then fill it with sand. I'd add a 1/4" plate of steel on the outside surface of the back side as an "insurance policy" that no projectiles could get through, and then I'd put several layers of a rubbery membrane (like Bitchethane) on the inside surface of the front side, to help prevent the sand from spilling out of the perforated surface. Replaceable spoil boards could be made for the front side as well. Then make a removable plate for the top side to check the sand level and add additional sand if needed.
I'd put this contraption against the end wall of the barn (with a wood pile and another shed, and then woods on the back side) and shoot from the other end of the barn some 30' away, limiting my use to normal hand gun loads (no magnum stuff) and .22 LR.
Note that we live in the woods with the closest neigbor some 700 ft. away through the woods and no houses behind the side where the bullet trap would be.
My inspiration comes from a co-worker who grew up shooting .22 LR in his basement with his brothers using a home made bullet trap. He says it was a popular thing to back in the day, and the bullet trap plans were published in a magazine.
Any constructive input is much appreciated.... especially from any who have made private use indoor ranges.
I have a clear 30' space in my barn and during the cold winters up here in Mainiac land I've pondered setting up a backstop to shoot "indoors".
My thoughts are to make a 8" deep (front to back) "box" out of two sheets 3/4 plywood, then fill it with sand. I'd add a 1/4" plate of steel on the outside surface of the back side as an "insurance policy" that no projectiles could get through, and then I'd put several layers of a rubbery membrane (like Bitchethane) on the inside surface of the front side, to help prevent the sand from spilling out of the perforated surface. Replaceable spoil boards could be made for the front side as well. Then make a removable plate for the top side to check the sand level and add additional sand if needed.
I'd put this contraption against the end wall of the barn (with a wood pile and another shed, and then woods on the back side) and shoot from the other end of the barn some 30' away, limiting my use to normal hand gun loads (no magnum stuff) and .22 LR.
Note that we live in the woods with the closest neigbor some 700 ft. away through the woods and no houses behind the side where the bullet trap would be.
My inspiration comes from a co-worker who grew up shooting .22 LR in his basement with his brothers using a home made bullet trap. He says it was a popular thing to back in the day, and the bullet trap plans were published in a magazine.
Any constructive input is much appreciated.... especially from any who have made private use indoor ranges.