New Range Setup: Is this normal?

[GigaBuist]

A while back my local range pushed their 100 yard line out to 200 yards. This I like. They also reconstructed the firing line, covering it quite nicely, putting a 90% wall behind the shooters, new bench positions, and then the thing that has me semi-confused: a half wall in front of the shooters.

It extends down from the roof stops about about 12" above the top of the benches.

It's done to limit the shooters line of sight to only something that can hit the back berm. Of course, that's provided that your rifle is remotely sighted in.

It's impossible to sit at the shooting bench and actually see the back berm unless you lean forward, which means you're shouldering the rifle as if you were prone. Something that I'm -not- comfortable doing for any length of time with something like a Mosin M44, which was what I tried shooting today.

I really can't see using this range, as it's setup, unless I'm only going to be there to touch off 5-10 rounds from a rifle off of bags. Of course, I might be approaching the situation wrong. My first instinct would be to take a sitting positon next to the benches but that's expressly forbidden until further notice.

Anybody else shoot under similar circumstances? Any tips on working from such a position?

 

[rino451]

One range I used to go to had this setup. Did not like it at all.

 

[RNB65]

It's all about liability concerns and a fear of bullets going over the berm. You can thank the lawyers.

Complain to the range owner. Ask that the wall be raised so you can shoot from a comfortable position. Ask other shooters to join you in complaining. If the range owner isn't willing to cooperate, find another range. I wouldn't shoot at a range that forces me to shoot from an uncomfortable position.

 

[Alphazulu6]

Complain to the range owner. Ask that the wall be raised so you can shoot from a comfortable position. Ask other shooters to join you in complaining. If the range owner isn't willing to cooperate, find another range. I wouldn't shoot at a range that forces me to shoot from an uncomfortable position.

with the way the liberals have been shutting down or delaying them to be built... Its going to be hard to get anything changed.

I am with you though about the berm and probably would look to find another range.

 

[FDC]

Yuck.
That would drive me nuts. I understand why the owner did it, but he apparently got a little carried away with it.

RNB65 has the answer, complain to the owner and recruit your fellow shooters in this as well. You could find a new range, but for many of us that's not a realistic option.

 

[yhtomit]

I'd like to see a picture of this setup (doesn't have to be from the OP, since it seems that several people here know exactly what he's talking about). From the sound of it, this would drive me buggy -- you have just a 12" slot through which to shoot? (Or am I misreading this?)

timothy

 

[Warbow]

I can't blame the owner. Whenever you're at a public range that's been there a while and has a covered line, look up -- many, many bullet holes. Not everyone with a gun knows or follows the four rules.

 

[Wes Janson]

I'd be worried about fragmentation from shots hitting the wall. Touch off a .308 or something heavier, and depending on the wall material I'd suspect there to be a decent potential for having stuff come back at the shooter.

 

[Jenrick]

Depending on where the wall is located in relation to the edge of the bench, it can also be to help with noise. One place I've shot a few times, the wall edge comes down probably 5-6" in from the edge of the table. It's angled so you can it doesn't limit your position anymore then the 12" gap does. It does make the area behind the line quiet a bit quieter though IMO. Not a a huge fan. Then again I think having anything other then a tacked down firehose to signify the range line is a little over the top. If I want a table to put my stuff I can bring my own. I'd much prefer to be able to shoot prone or sitting w/o impediment.

-Jenrick

 

[jerkface11]

So you can't shoot offhand? What good is that?

 

[Frog48]

I'd like to see a picture of this setup

The range I go to has a similar setup on both the pistol and rifle ranges. Yep, they're annoying.

Here's a pic that sort of shows it:

 

[ocabj]

Our range had to add a slight sloping overhang on the front of the overhead cover to satisify 'noise reduction' requirements to renew a BLM lease. It actually helps to block out the sun in the morning since our range fires eastward.

 

[Ol` Joe]

I`ve seen a couple ranges with similar set ups except the area between the table and barrier was more like 18" or so. The one range went to it after people in homes half mile away were complaining of bullet holes in their sideing. (Had to come from the range, as there is nothing between the range and homes except a major interstate)The berm is about 30' high and some still couldn`t keep their bullets in it. There were more then 1 or 2 complains and they happened before and after the berm was raised. (about 5-10 ft added 10 or so yr ago)
The liability with home owners within range of a stray bullet forced the barrier or closeing.
It only takes one idiot................

 

[slugcatcher]

Our club did this a few years ago. It was strictly due to noise complaints from the new neighbors. It is annoying and nobody likes it here either.

 

[Eljay]

Grant, where's the eye protection on that range??

 

[AndyC]

The range I go to has a similar setup on both the pistol and rifle ranges. Yep, they're annoying.

Alpine?

 

[yhtomit]

Thanks for the picture; I think the angle of that shot makes it look worse than it is (at least I hope so), but ... wow, that sure looks annoying!

A more generous gap would be fine (or at least OK) with me, but that just looks like a visual distraction.

timothy