Tips & Suggestions for Building a Private Range?

[AdioSS]

I've looked through the topics posted here & didn't see much that fit what I'm asking about.

I recently bought a nice chunk of land that has been in my family for over a century. One of my plans for the place is to build a private range on it.
My Dad used to take me shooting out there when I was younger. I know that 2 of my neighbors have smaller places where they shoot nearby. I spoke with one of them about this a bit already & he wants to help. The other one has been shooting into a berm, but some of his lead has made it onto my land, so I'm hoping he will appreciate a new safer place to shoot. I know that several of my friends are looking forward to shooting with me out there.

I would like to hear & see suggestions on what to do before getting started. Before I committed to buying this place I was a member of the East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club. There is also a small range on the ranch where I work. My range won't be near as nice as the Club's, but should get the job done.

Any pictures or suggestions from people who have helped construct ranges would definitely be appreciated. Hopefully this thread will also help others in the future who want to build their own private ranges across this Great State!

[WildBill]

If you are not an NRA member, please join and visit their website. They have a lot of resources concerning shooting ranges.

[sjfcontrol]

The NRA Range Development and Operations Conference is an absolute must, especially if you want to make a profitable business out if it.

[AdioSS]

I am an NRA member, but don't plan on doing this as a business. Just as a fun, safe place to shoot for cheap.

NRA's website is confusing, & I've been online almost half my life

[sjfcontrol]

The RDOC would still be a valuable learning experience -- if you can afford the time and expense.

[AdioSS]

http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm putting this link here for future reference.

[Mike1951]

How much land? Counties have the right (and sometimes do) regulate tracts smaller than ten acres.

Also, not sure how much specific information on range design the NRA is offering anymore.

Several years ago, we bought their Range Sourcebook and CDs. While they're still offered, it's my understanding that specifics have been removed.

For example, I believe they no longer state that berms should be 20' high because they didn't want to establish 'standards.'

[AdioSS]

around 60acres & outside of the nearest city limits.

So, is the current edition of the NRA Range Book not worth buying? I already suggested it to my supervisor at work for our range out there.

[Mike1951]

This was a PM from Charles on the subject. I hope he doesn't mind me reproducing it here.

Re: Range Operators

Sent: Tue Oct 11, 2011 4:14 pm
From: Charles L. Cotton
To: Mike1951

Hi Mike:
The NRA stopped publishing the Range Manual several years ago ******************** The Range Manual was replaced with the Range Guide that expressly states it contains suggestions and alternative ways to accomplish things and that it does not establish a standard.

*********************************** The new Range Protection Law that I wrote (SB766) expressly states that the standard for ranges is what was customary in the industry at the time the range was constructed. In Texas, however, any person or entity can establish a higher standard for themselves/itself and be held to that standard in a civil court. Using the Range Manual does precisely that.

Chas.

You'll need to decide whether it will help you.

[Charles L. Cotton]

The NRA Range Manual does not exist any longer. The NRA Range Source Book is the current NRA book.

Chas.

[AdioSS]

Is there any way to borrow the old book from anybody?

[Charles L. Cotton]

Is there any way to borrow the old book from anybody?

I hope not. The Range Manual was withdrawn and replaced by the NRA Source Book.

Chas.

[sjfcontrol]

I haven't looked at it in a while, but as I recall, the source book is still very useful. I recall there being sample range designs and layouts. Berm construction, etc. if you ever get up this way, I'd be happy to let you see mine. For your info, it's a 3" thick loose leaf notebook, with fold-out pages.

Edit: 4" notebook with 3" of content