Your thoughts on a "Portable Range"???

[Chaz]

Hey Guys,
I'd like for you to think about this and give me you ideas, opinions, knowledge, insight, etc. on something I have been thinking about. I've never seen one (that might be a clue hmmm...) but I have been thinking about the feasibility of a portable range made out of a 53' semi-trailer and tractor. I believe it would give me about a 15 yard range when all said and done. Obviously it would be plated, top, bottom and sides, and a catch type backstop put in.
Building it would be no problem for me as I have the equiptment. But, it would take a bunch of plate! But the weight wouldn't be an issue.
I thought it might be a cool deal for taking it places for stuff like- NRA instruction, maybe Boy Scout training, gun shows where people could check out a used gun before they buy, gun shops could have a special week/weekend deal and use it, etc.
Now, this is only something I have been kicking around and chances are there are probably drawbacks but, when isn't there!!??!!?? Every great invention or idea has had it's hurdles. I'd just like to know if any of you have ever saw one, Know of any, know of any drawbacks or pitfalls, permits, legal issues, etc. OR, if you think it's a good idea and have any suggestions. I have a basic plan down but I'm always interested in other people's thoughts.
Anyway, if you would be so kind, take a minute and let me know what ya think. I'd do a Poll if I knew how.
Thanx a bunch!!
Chaz

 

[troycowan]

Sounds Like a great idea, not sure on laws or permits though. If it is legal I think it would be a great training tool, and a lot of fun. Id be interested in seeing it happen.

 

[sloughfoot]

If you build it, they will come.

Seriously, a snail type bullet trap and ventilation should do it.

Now, how much to charge?

 

[Clay]

There is a 'new indoor range' in Clinton, IN that is exactly what you're talking about.

an enclosed semi trailer shipping container converted into a pistol range, complete with HVAC, ventilation, target carriers, and a bullet trap at the far end. Its a pre-fab setup that a gunshop owner put in recently. They delivered it, just dropped it on a slab, hooked up the electric and ready to go.

 

[Clay]

and then I did a search and found this:

Blue Line Corporation - mobile firearms training range, law enforcement training ma and nh, on site firing range training, fire arms training for private sector

 

[Chaz]

Dang.
Oh well, I thought I could do something to help further our sport and maybe make a buck in the process. I wasn't really considering selling them (unless of course someone wanted it! ) but mainly to drag around and rent or lease it out to people or organizations that could use it.
I'm still going to put some numbers together to see if it's feasible.
And you're right, sloughfoot, "what to charge"? I have messed that up MANY times and basically given stuff away. (actually well known for being "too generous"................... unfortunately )
I'm still open for ideas and suggestions!!!
Thanx a bunch!!
Chaz

 

[slow1911s]

QuickRange - Advanced Interactive Systems

 

[riverman67]

There is a 'new indoor range' in Clinton, IN that is exactly what you're talking about.

an enclosed semi trailer shipping container converted into a pistol range, complete with HVAC, ventilation, target carriers, and a bullet trap at the far end. Its a pre-fab setup that a gunshop owner put in recently. They delivered it, just dropped it on a slab, hooked up the electric and ready to go.

Where is this range located?
I'm from the area and get back regularly to visit family

 

[Clay]

McDonald Lake Rod and Gun club, over by Spendel's meat packing

 

[perry]

First thought is that I imagine you would hit those restrictions against discharging firearms inside city limits in most places. You'd have to get special permits wherever you hauled the thing or just park it out in the country.

 

[riverman67]

McDonald Lake Rod and Gun club, over by Spendel's meat packing

Thanks

I'll check it out

 

[downrange72]

There is a 'new indoor range' in Clinton, IN that is exactly what you're talking about.

an enclosed semi trailer shipping container converted into a pistol range, complete with HVAC, ventilation, target carriers, and a bullet trap at the far end. Its a pre-fab setup that a gunshop owner put in recently. They delivered it, just dropped it on a slab, hooked up the electric and ready to go.

Where is this range located?
I'm from the area and get back regularly to visit family

McDonald Lake Rod and Gun club, over by Spendel's meat packing

Thanks

I'll check it out

It is not open usually in Winter. You have to catch him at the shop. It is also a restaurant in the Spring/Summer. There is a small incline that can be treacherous to get up in the winter. It is near where Mom took out the row of mailboxes when she first got her Fusion.

 

[riverman67]

It is not open usually in Winter. You have to catch him at the shop. It is also a restaurant in the Spring/Summer. There is a small incline that can be treacherous to get up in the winter. It is near where Mom took out the row of mailboxes when she first got her Fusion.

Briar Hill
It's tough to stop at the bottom when it's slick.

 

[IndyGunSafety]

One of the things local municipalities ARE still able to regulate is the DISCHARGE of firearms. You would have to know the laws of any town, city, or village you went to.

 

[Chaz]

The local cops here said that this may not be something that the city's have thought of, yet, and that would be a in for allowing such a rig to be used. They said it would more than likely be looked at as an "indoor range" with the same regulations. The cops also said they would LOVE to have one come to town to be able to do their quals in. They actually wanted to buy one but way too pricey.
Looks like I keep looking into it.