Building an effective and safe backstop is one of the most important considerations when constructing an outdoor shooting range. The backstop is responsible for stopping bullets and preventing ricochets, so taking the time to build it properly is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about selecting, designing, and constructing a quality backstop for your outdoor range.
Introduction to Shooting Range Backstops
The backstop, sometimes called a bullet trap or bullet catcher, is the downrange barrier that safely catches and contains bullets fired on a shooting range. It is the last line of defense to prevent rounds from escaping the range and endangering those outside the immediate shooting area.
Backstops need to be extremely tough and impenetrable to stop a variety of bullets. They must also prevent ricochets, which can unpredictably send bullets off in dangerous directions. Backstops are typically the most expensive component of a shooting range, but they are an indispensable investment in safety.
When deciding on a backstop system, you need to consider the types of firearms that will be used, the quantity of rounds, and the layout of your range. There are many backstop designs to choose from, with earthen berms and steel plate traps being among the most popular for outdoor ranges.
Your backstop must be designed and built to meet your specific needs. Factors like bullet velocity, angle of fire, height requirements, and maintenance access will all inform the ideal backstop solution for your range. Planning meticulously and following backstop construction best practices will help ensure yours stops bullets reliably for years to come.
Choosing the Best Backstop Type for Your Outdoor Range
There are a few main types of backstops suitable for outdoor shooting ranges. The optimal choice depends on your range specifications, site conditions, budget, and maintenance capabilities. Let’s compare the pros and cons of various backstop designs:
Earthen Berm
Earthen berms are mounds made of dirt, sand, or another natural material. Berms stop bullets through friction and absorption as the bullets penetrate the material.
Pros:
- Cost effective using naturally available materials
- Can be shaped as needed for containment
- Lower maintenance than many structures
Cons:
- Requires a large footprint of open land
- Erosion can compromise bullet containment over time
- May not handle high velocities without ricochet
Steel Plate
Steel plate backstops, or bullet traps, are constructed from angled steel plates. The plates deflect bullets into a collection area upon impact.
Pros:
- Highly effective for most pistol and some rifle rounds
- More compact footprint than earthen berms
- Plates can be replaced as needed
Cons:
- Not suitable for high power rifles
- Plates require monitoring and maintenance
- Initial construction more costly than earthen
Granular Media
Granular media backstops use materials like sand, gravel, shredded rubber or polymers to decelerate bullets. The media can be held by a structure or mound.
Pros:
- Decelerates bullets well to lower ricochet risk
- Materials are replaceable or recyclable
- Can supplement other backstop types
Cons:
- May not fully stop high velocity rounds
- Requires containment structure
- Media can degrade over time
Concrete/Steel
Backstops made of solid concrete or steel, often with angled walls, stop bullets through sheer hardness and thickness of material.
Pros:
- Extremely impenetrable for all bullet types
- Long-lasting with minimal maintenance
- Can be used at close ranges
Cons:
- Very expensive to construct
- Difficult to repair or replace components
- Risk of ricochet without angled design
Once you understand your needs and options, you can select the right backstop type and design it to match your range specifications. Consulting a qualified range designer is wise for larger or higher risk ranges. Always place safety first when planning your backstop system.
Design Considerations for Shooting Range Backstops
A properly designed backstop takes into account various range parameters and targets. Backstop requirements will vary based on factors such as:
- Types of firearms used: Higher velocity and larger caliber firearms require greater stopping power.
- Range layout: Backstops must fully protect exterior sides of range. Consider range length, width, shooting positions, and angles of fire.
- Bullet velocity and energy: Backstop durability must match bullet characteristics to prevent failures. Fast rounds require more impenetrable materials.
- Bullet containment needed: For multi-use ranges, full bullet containment prevents lead accumulation on ground. Ricochets must be eliminated.
- Height: Backstop must extend vertically to block direct fire and ricochets from all anticipated shooting positions.
- Maintenance access: Ability to monitor, repair, and replace backstop components can extend its working lifespan.
- Drainage: Prevent erosion on earthen berms with drainage channels, vegetation coverage, and stability engineering.
- Use patterns: Frequency of use, number of shooters, and quantity of rounds fired will impact durability needs.
- Future expansion: When possible, design backstop to accommodate potential increased firing usage, additional bays, or new firearms.
- Cost: Balance construction costs against long-term maintenance and liability costs. Prioritize safety above all else. Consulting with a certified range designer is advisable for building a backstop to meet your specific needs while following best practices.
Constructing an Earthen Berm Backstop
For many outdoor shooting ranges, an earthen berm backstop provides an affordable and practical option. Here are some guidelines for constructing a properly engineered berm:
Select Suitable Location
- Pick site with enough open space for the berm footprint and buffer zone in front of berm to allow for gradual slope up.
- Ensure no obstructions are in bullets’ potential flight path beyond berm to sides or top.
Prepare Foundation
- Remove all vegetation, grade smooth, and compact soil base where berm will sit to prevent shifting.
- The foundation should extend beyond the berm dimensions to support gradual slopes up.
- Install drainage components like french drains if area has poor natural drainage.
Build Berm Structure
- Mound core material (soil, rock, sand) gradually using multiple thin layers for stability. Avoid overly steep inclines.
- Pack each layer thoroughly before adding more material. Soil binders can help harden surface.
- Build up to required thickness, height, and side angles according to your range specifications.
Add Erosion Control Layers
- Cover berm surface with hard materials like rock or gravel to mitigate erosion.
- Plant native grasses on sides and any non-target-facing areas for added erosion resistance.
- Add drainage channels, retention ponds, or runoff diversions to manage rainfall.
- Use retaining walls, ground staples, or geo-textile wraps if more stability is needed.
Monitor and Maintain Berm
- Inspect frequently for erosion, settling, or cracks in surface which can compromise effectiveness.
- Refill and pack any subsidence or gouges promptly. Replant vegetation as needed.
- Test containment integrity periodically by firing into berm and checking for pass-throughs or ricochets.
Constructed properly to specifications, an earthen berm backstop provides excellent bullet stopping power with minimal maintenance required. Advanced drainage and stability engineering can extend its working life significantly.
Building a Steel Bullet Trap Backstop
Steel bullet traps offer high strength bullet containment in a more compact footprint than earthen berms. Here are some tips for constructing a steel bullet trap backstop:
Choose Suitable Steel
- Hardened AR500 or AR550 steel plate is commonly used for durability and resistance to gouging.
- Steel thickness from 3/8″ to 1/2″ is adequate for most pistol and shotgun loads. For rifles, use 1/2″ to 3/4″ or more.
- Manganese steel self-heals small damage indentation through work hardening. It can extend plate life over other alloys.
Design Deflection Angles
- Bullet traps work by deflecting bullets rather than stopping them outright.
- Plates are layered and angled from 30-45 degrees to redirect bullets into a collection container.
- Vary plate spacing and angle patterns to maximize bullet deformation and fragmentation for greater energy dissipation.
Build Robust Frame
- Use thick steel corner posts and frames to mount plates securely while withstanding heavy bullet impacts.
- Plate joints and mounts must not bend or loosen over time, or ricochets could occur.
- Leave access doors for cleaning collection containers and monitoring plate integrity.
Install Granular Fill (Optional)
- For extra protection, fill spaces between plates with materials like shredded rubber.
- This helps absorb energy and contain fragments or ricochets for added safety.
- Leave drainage holes to evacuate granular fill when wet for continued performance.
With proper steel thickness, mountings, and angled design, steel traps can withstand years of use across a wide variety of firearms. Higher velocity rifles may require greater plate thickness and spacing for maximum effectiveness and longevity.
Constructing Side Berms and Baffles
In addition to the main backstop that absorbs direct fire, outdoor shooting ranges need supplemental berms and baffles to fully contain errant rounds.
Side Berms
- Install side berms running the length of the range to prevent escape through potential ricochets or crossfires.
- Side berms typically use natural earthen construction and can be integrated into surrounding terrain for improved aesthetics.
- Berm dimensions must block shots from highest anticipated shooting position and angle.
Overhead Baffles
- Baffles installed overhead serve to block high shots that could carry over the backstop.
- Materials like angled steel plates, timber beams, or thick rubber sheets can be suspended from vertical supports.
- Baffles should extend 5-10 feet past the backstop at a minimum to catch extreme elevations.
Bullet Catchers
- On each shooting bay, install localized bullet catchers to the sides of the shooters.
- Steel traps or small berms here help contain errant shots headed laterally outside the firing line.
- Catchers protect neighboring bays and also reduce lead deposition along the firing line.
With thorough containment on all sides, escapable bullet paths are minimized. Backstops and baffles combined create complete protection for a shooting range. Maintain these structures diligently to uphold the highest safety standards.
Best Practices for Shooting Range Backstop Maintenance
The backstop is the heart of the range, so keeping it in peak condition through regular maintenance is essential. Here are some backstop care tips:
Inspect Often
- Visually inspect backstop and side berms for any erosion, settling, leaks, or material degradation. Higher use equals higher inspection frequency.
Test Integrity
- Fire live rounds into the backstop intentionally to check for bullet penetration issues, ricochets or fragmentation that indicate repair needs.
Address Wear Promptly
- Refill settled areas and gouges in earthen berms immediately to prevent exacerbation from further weathering or bullets.
Monitor Materials
- For bullet traps, check that media fill levels are adequate and plates have not warped, cracked or sustained pitting wear that widens with time.
Drain Properly
- Ensure drainage components are cleared to prevent water saturation and erosion problems within the backstop.
Vegetate & Stabilize
- Replant berm vegetation whenever it dies off or becomes sparse. Add erosion control blankets or materials as required.
Record Keeping
- Keep logs on backstop repairs, bullet impacts observed, drainage fixes, and any changes over time.
Bring In Professionals
- For major repairs or materials replacement, consult certified backstop installer to ensure safety standards are met.
With frequent inspection and swift attention to any wear or damage, a properly built backstop can serve your range reliably for decades. Prioritize maintenance to get the longest usable life from your investment.
Common Backstop Maintenance and Repair Requirements
Over years of use, backstops require repairs and parts replacements to keep containing bullets effectively. Here are some common maintenance needs:
Earthen Berm
- Replacing layers lost through erosion, settling, or bullet impact tunnels
- Reshaping to correct slumping or flattened profile
- Installing new drainage components to manage runoff and hold shape
Steel Bullet Trap
- Replacing warped, cracked or pitted steel plates
- Adding new media fill to replace degraded rubber or polymers
- Reinforcing misaligned posts or plate connections
Rubber Slats
- Patching or replacing damaged slat sections
- Tightening or realigning loose panel mounts
- Removing embedded bullets and debris
Concrete Wall
- Patching small bullet holes and spalls with fresh concrete
- Sealing cracks or gaps where seepage can occur
- Rebuilding sections eroded by rainfall or bullet impacts
Granular Media
- Screening old media and replenishing to correct level
- Introducing fresh media to replace compacted or depleted old
- Ensuring drainage to prevent saturation
Neglecting needed repairs compromises backstop integrity. Range operators should perform repairs as soon as issues arise before accelerated wear progresses.
Improving Existing Backstop Performance
If an existing backstop proves inadequate for the firearms in use or develops containment issues over time, there are enhancement options to bolster performance.
Add Steel Plates
Mounting angled steel plates to the face of earthworks or concrete backstops can improve impenetrability, especially for rifle use. The steel traps bullets while the existing material stops fragments.
Install Baffles
Suspending overhead rubber or steel baffles can help contain ricochets and high shots that escape over an undersized backstop. Baffles also reduce maintenance costs by keeping more bullets from directly impacting the backstop.
Apply Binders/Sealants
Special chemical binders and penetrating sealants can strengthen and weatherproof earthen materials used in berm and media trap construction to increase longevity.
Add Granular Fill
Loose materials like sand or rubber when added between solid backstop materials can enhance bullet deceleration and dissipation of energy to reduce pass-throughs and ricochets.
Increase Slope
For earthen berms, regrading the front slope to a more gradual incline lowers bullet velocities on impact and allows bullets to penetrate deeper into the material to get fully contained.
Widen Stance
Expanding side berm dimensions or using retaining walls to increase effective width can keep the wider bullet spray patterns of rifles fully contained.
With some creative modifications and bolt-on enhancements, an existing backstop’s safety and longevity can often be improved substantially without the cost of full replacement.
Choosing a Backstop Expert or Installer
Quality backstop installation is complex work best left to experienced professionals. Here’s what to look for when selecting an installer:
- Expertise – Seek companies focused solely on range construction with many years spent specializing in backstops.
- Designed for Guns In-Use – Ask if they have experience building to contain the specific caliber and power firearms your range will operate.
- Safety Record – Inquire about any past accidents or failures to ensure the utmost safety standards are followed.
- Custom Solutions – Choose a contractor able to assess your needs and site to design a tailored backstop system just for your range.
- Responsiveness – They should provide ongoing support after installation for maintenance needs and repairs down the road.
- Client References – Ask for several client references you can contact to learn about their quality and service first-hand.
- Certified – Seek contractors accredited by organizations like the NRA or ACTA to ensure adherence to all safety best practices.
While DIY backstop construction is inadvisable, you can lower project costs through heavy involvement in planning and design before hiring pros for proper installation.
FAQs About Constructing Shooting Range Backstops
What is the most cost-effective backstop material?
For most range situations, earthen berms provide the most affordable backstop option, with costs scaling based on size. Minimal maintenance needs also keep long-term costs down.
How thick should a dirt backstop berm be?
Backstop thickness is determined by bullet energy, but a minimum of 10 feet thick is advisable for pistol ranges. Rifle ranges often need 15 feet or greater thickness depending on velocities.
What slope gradient is best for an earthen backstop?
Around 45 degrees allows bullets to penetrate gradually rather than ricochet. The front face can slope more gradually starting around 10-15 degrees to allow bullets to slow before impact.
Should drainage be incorporated into a berm design?
Yes, drainage components like french drains are important to include to prevent erosion and instability within the berm from water saturation. Proper drainage improves lifespan.
How often should steel bullet trap plates be replaced?
Plate life depends on thickness, shoot volume, and ammunition. Inspect frequently for pitting and deformation. Some ranges budget full plate replacement every 2-5 years. Heavier use necessitates more frequent replacement.
Can existing natural hills serve as suitable backstops?
Natural topography can possibly be adapted into an effective backstop with extensive engineering to harden surfaces appropriately. This is highly site-dependent and risky without expertise.
How tall should side berms be?
Side berms must be tall enough to contain shots from potential elevated shooting positions and angles. An additional 20% height over the main backstop height is recommended for side berms to allow a safety margin.
How far should the backstop extend beyond the firing line?
The backstop should extend at least 30 feet downrange from the firing line to dissipate energy and lower ricochet risks. 50 feet or more is preferable for higher velocities.
Can backstops be dangerous?
Poorly designed or maintained backstops can fail to stop bullets and lead to accidents. Follow best practices and consult