Range build question

[Dan in MI]

I may soon be able to set up a range on some land nearby. Looking at close to, if not, 600 yards.

Here is my question. Single shooting point and multiple berms, or single berm with multiple shooting points?

I have been to ranges with both layouts and can see good and bad for both. I would like to minimize non tillable land usage. Of course tall crops would be an issue no matter what.

It would always be only a couple guys or small groups (family training scenario) so a long range contingent versus close range shouldn't be an issue, but is a consideration too.

I'm limiting details to not limit ideas. So, that said, your thoughts, experiences, ideas for an endeavor like this.

 

[Mobuck]

I prefer a single firing point and multiple target locations BUT this increases the input exponentially. If you use a portable shooting bench, the cost of using a singe target butt and shifting shooting positions is far cheaper. Downside of this is you can't do stuff like multi-range zero checks w/o moving all your plunder here and there.
My bench is just beyond the yard gate facing 25, 50, and 100 yard target butts with a portable swinger frame that can be moved anywhere along that distance. I used to have a 1/4 mile target location but the pesky trees have grown up between bench and that butt. I do have both 150 and 300 meter targets using a different firing point at the end of my driveway. These are both set against a steep hill so all they require is 3-4 railroad ties stacked behind to ensure no bullets bounce away when the ground is frozen.
For catching rifle bullets at long(er) range, I like to use old truck or tractor tires filled with dirt or sand. They do a good job, last a long time, and only require minimal attention from year to year. I wouldn't shoot them at close range with handgun or rim fire.

 

[kmoore]

If it was my range I would have 1 firing position and build a roof over the firing area to keep sun and rain off of the shooters. Have each distance backstop off set from each other, when your at your shooting point you see all backstops and they look like they are side by side, but really are 100 yds apart in distance. Depending on the terrain each backstop/berm could be about 6 ft wide 6 ft tall.

 

[contender]

A single firing point, (and as mentioned,) covered, is the better direction in my opinion. When you pull up to the bench, table or whatever, with your vehicle, you never have to move stuff to change the distance you choose to engage the targets. Set up, and shoot whatever distance(s) you choose, and all your stuff is right there.
The only thing I'd add would to build the berms much bigger than you THINK you need them. Especially at longer distances.

 

[Kevin]

My range is outdoors; and has covered shooting spots. Both rifle and separate pistol bays. I was there last weekend and had all my stuff spread out since I was the only one there. Then a few more people showed up and I had to make space for them just to be polite. It all worked out. We have 5 to 6 pistol bays and only 2 rifle bays, one at 100 yards and the other at 500 yards.

But one shooting point with mulitiple targets would be the best scenario. Especially with a private range and limited number of shooters. Shade is nice. If you have several shooting points, will they all be in the shade?

 

[Pat-inCO]

If you have a single shooting point it is MUCH easier to assure everyone heard
the range commands.

 

[Dan in MI]

OK, time for more details.

This will be a private range only ever in use if I am there. So worrying about range commands or others at further shooting points is a non issue.

1/2 of the area will be in use for crops. Most likely only hay. So I'd like to minimize the areas that will no longer be useful for growing. Multiple shooting points may eat up less ground than multiple berms. The main berm would be in the non tillable area.

I need to start actually measuring. I may only need 25 and 50 (possibly 100) in the hay area , so multiple berms may be just fine.

The shooting point may be elevated which will help. Again final measurements need to be taken, but eyeball says it is.

As far as the shooting bench etc... I'm thinking just a clean flat area that a large wagon (apparently it must be covered) can be pulled into place when required.

 

[RSIno1]

I saw a small cabin/shed about 10x20 used as the shooting spot. Bench was part of the covered porch. Reloading bench in shed along with comfy chair etc. A great man cave.

 

[hittman]

I’d vote for multiple berms ….. one shooting/staging area.

 

[contender]

To add to my earlier post.
A single firing point,, with a SOLID bench is very desirable for serious accuracy. It's another reason to have a permanent shooting point, vs a mobile one, or multiple ones. Make the furtherest berm the biggest & highest you can. It can act as a backstop for errant shots.
Elevated helps a lot.
Make the berms in a fashion to where you can adjust the distance easily from one point. And again, if you have a single point/bench, you can drive to it, allowing a vehicle be the "mule" carrying all the heavy stuff.
My range has 6 separate handgun bays, and a 7th bay that can be the 100 yds rifle/handgun impact area. The hill behind that point is over 20 ft high. I can show you errant shots well away from where you'd THINK all shots would be.