At home on my range

[Que]

It looks like we will be closing on our home next month. We will have a little over an acre in the back, butting up against a neighbors farm. I'm looking to build a 100 yard range for bow and firearms. I like the idea of using railroad ties for the backstop, because they are abundant around here. Im hoping to have this done by the end of September. Any suggestions on design or materials are welcome.

 

[lovemywoods]

Congrats!!! You're going to have lots of fun!

 

[Vigilant]

As said, congratulations! As far as backstops go, bi piles of dirt, on top of other piles of dirt! In front of them, RR ties are ok, but lotsa DIRT! Just like a useless college grad, PHD, Pile it Higher and Deeper!

 

[churchmouse]

KJG used a series of wood siniler to RR ties interlocked. It will stop a .308.
The only improvement I could see it needs is a PHD of dirt behind it just in case.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Looks good!


Has anyone mentioned adding more dirt behind PHD just in case?

 

[KJQ6945]

KJG used a series of wood siniler to RR ties interlocked. It will stop a .308.
The only improvement I could see it needs is a PHD of dirt behind it just in case.

This is a combination of 6x6s and 8x8s. Most of the front row is 8x8s (two 6x on the left three on the right). Back row and base is all 6x. This is 6'6" tall, 12 foot wide, and 14" thick. .308 won't go through the first timber. The 8x8s are close to 200 pounds a piece, very dense.
Two posts in the back set in concrete, with a 2x4 across them. Each timber in the back row has one concrete framing nail through the 2x4, to hold it in place. Front row has a board across the top.

Pull one one nail and you can remove or rotate any timber.

My previous backstop was railroad ties, with dirt behind it. If you go that route, use the dirt. Rifle rounds go through railroad ties.

 

[patience0830]

Dirt. May need groomed occasionally but won't need replaced as often as rr ties.

 

[Slawburger]

Dirt is the answer to your question. You want something that will absorb the energy.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Hey, Bubba. Good to hear from you! Are you still back east? And did anyone mention dirt?

 

[Tactically Fat]

Calculate the volume of soil you're going to need... And then double it.

1 CY of soil isn't very much. And you're going to want much. :-)

 

[Pistol boy]

You could rent a small excavator or bobcat to dig a small pond for fishing and use the dirt for shooting? That was my plan but wife had different plans. Dam hoa.

 

[themurseman]

That sounds fantastic!

 

[Haven]

I see PhD and I think "Piled Higher and Deeper".. Maybe just me.

I saw a guy who dug out a pond and built a 10' high, 10' thick half circle berm that he used for his backstop.

 

[Hawkeye7br]

Riley Conservation Club | Indiana Shooting Range | Terre Haute Indiana

At Riley Conservation Club, we're in the process of adding more backstops. The new ones will be similar to the one shown in the link. We stack railroad ties 6 high and put sand IN FRONT of the wall of ties. The sand absorbs bullets without shooting thru the ties, the tie at the bottom front minimizes erosion. These backstops are virtually maintenance free, 2 times a year we spend 20 minutes to shovel sand back to the top and spray for the occasional weed. Dirt grows weeds, sand not so much. Our new ones will be 2 ties wide and one tie deep with interlocked corners and seam in the back.

 

[Spike Jones 5 2002]

repeat of #14

No way to cancel

 

[oldpink]

Way to go, Que!
You'll finally have a place for all your artillery, especially that beautiful Henry .45-70.
You're living the dream, man.

 

[Que]

Thanks for all the input guys, but I think I'll go with a suggestion another guy gave me. He said to use sand in front of railroad ties. I think that will work better that what I've seen posted so far. Still, thanks for the input.

 

[throttletony]

Rr ties are ok, but dirt in front of them is better.
I've had lots of rounds BOUNCE BACK off of railroad ties (seems like anything moving slow enough and thats hard, in my exp)
For 22 at 50 yds, no big deal. But for 38 spl from 10-15 yds.... it'll spit it right back.

In other words, leave sufficient room between target and backstop. Live and learn

 

[eatsnopaste]

Has anyone mentioned dirt or sand?

 

[Slawburger]

Dirtiest thread on INGO.