TargetTalk

The high school that I coach at is undergoing a complete rebuild to include our MCJROTC air rifle range. Looking to get your options and recommendations regarding dimensions for lane width, depth behind the line…etc. I have a rough idea, but looking to get some ideas from folks that have gone through this process.
Semper Fi!

Scott ... you are only worried about CMP rules, so recommended is 1m wide by 2.2m deep minimums. (Rule 5.5.2)

On our smallbore range we have a converted army barracks so we have 6 lanes at ~48" (1.22m) wide. I tend to like that extra 8" per lane as when you get leftys and righties in prone they can work out how not to kick each other. We shoot some 3-P air on this too and the dimensions work well.
We also go 8' (2.43m) behind the line to the ready line ... the little bit of extra space allows the ROs & Coaches to move a bit more freely. As well a provide more space for the rifle shooters to dump their stuff.

One thing that I've done, since our range is an old barracks and is in a windy draw and collects a lot of dust, even indoors, is paint the 1st 4 feet behind the line with a paint that has some anti-skid additive in it. Keeps the boots from sliding.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_288784-4-024.00 ... facetInfo=

Another suggestion, especially if you have any input to the sidewalls. Put a 15A quad outlet on each side about 2-3 feet ahead of the firing line ... this will allow you some easy 110VAC to run your SCATT systems or laptops/etc on the line. Same thing downrange (on separate breakers) to add in a few floor lights if ever necessary.
These work well if you have to vacuum too. I hate running a 75ft extension cord for the vacuum.

Hang some speakers ahead of the line facing back for a PA or to run your distraction music ... you know all that 60s, 70s and 80s music that we old folks like to groove to.

Probably too late for you, but you can always pass thru here on your way to the Firecracker & I'd give you a tour.

Joel

Here's our layout. Specifics if you want to call.

http://www.eteamz.com/omrc/files/The_Ol ... 24x36).pdf

Roy McClain
(678) 772-8185 cell
www.OleMillRangeCTC.com

The ISSF rules require for 1m width for air ranges (which assumes standing only), and 1.25x2.5metres for prone/3P. You may not be overly concerned about ISSF, but it's a good benchmark.

It's hard to offer advice given we don't know the whole facility - is it the type of place where you have a ready room and only take the relevant gear onto the range, or is it the sort of place where your kit bag is on the firing point and you do all your set up there?

As jhmartin says, lots of strategically placed power sockets for SCATT, laptops, vacuums or auxiliary target lighting if you find you need extra.

I personally like a generous bit of space around the back for coaches to move about in. When I was shooting at uni (prone rimfire), we had a 2m deep firing point, behind which was a wall (bags and boxes stayed in the club room).
Unfortunately the room was about 28yards long, and by the time you had the target assemblies/bullet catchers at the far end, and then squeezed in a 25yard range, you had a bit under 2 yards for the firing point, which was okay for a short stop like me but lankier shooters had their feet resting halfway up the wall, and coaches pretty much had to sit on your feet. Depends what space you have to work with.


On the other matter of lighting (a controversial topic!), I'm not one of those who likes shooting off a dark firing point and prefer pretty even lighting, but make sure any lighting on/behind the firing point isn't aimed at the shooter's back. I've been on ranges that have strip lamps with reflectors aligned just so and you get reflections on the back of your rearsight (so it appears grey rather than a nice black circle).
It's the sort of thing that - if a range has been set up well previously (intentionally or by luck) - people don't always think about. They worry about lux levels and ensuring any lights downrange aren't visible or pointing at the shooter, but they forget that the lights behind the shooter can also reflect off their barrel and sights.

It's really annoying, so make sure any lighting behind the shooters is pointed at the walls to give dispersed "area lighting" rather than harsh direct light on the shooter and their rearsight. The simple test is if you're shooting, and put the gun down and turn around, can you see any exposed bulbs? Basically apply similar rules to what you would for the lights downrange.