Shooting in your back yard?

[Redbug]

That's all pretty scary stuff. The problem is the shooters are too bone headed to realize they are affecting others. And they don't have that right. A pond is the perfect place for a bullet to glance and spin upward again. I cannot think of the liability this brings.

You have a right to protect yourself and your family Prokop. And I would also venture a guess that Prokop's neighbor probably has 5 horses fenced in on an acre of ground. You know the type...

Chris...That's a good idea with the luaun. And take pictures when you first install them. Then you have evidence. It's ashame you have to do this...

 

[twarr1]

I say if someone is hunting on a small lot (and it isn't a properly built range) they are not a responsible shooter. Period.


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/150237-how-much-land-do-you.html

 

[Toyboy]

This is exactly why they have gun clubs with proper shooting ranges. That's where I do all my major shooting except for the occasional rodent that ticks me off. You can't reason with a rodent

 

[psj12]

Speaking of skip, I shoot on several military ranges where tracers are fired and we see many skips. Bullets skip off dirt, asphalt, trees, water and just about anything you can shoot them at. All they need is a little off angle hit and away they go. Sometimes hitting the target prior to striking the back stop is enough to upset the bullet enough to skip off the backstop.

 

[2manyrocks]

I remember that earlier thread. Could it hurt to print off some of the information that talks about backstops and put it in the mail to the neighbor? He can choose whether to look at it or not, but at least you gave him the information.

 

[DocHeb]

I remember that earlier thread.

I don't know for sure, but I guessed he was on some kind of probation after his divorce since he didn't shoot a single gun for 3 years. Now he is back with a vengence. I had given him printed NRA guidelines for rifle ranges years ago - I am sure he just used it to start one of his bonfires he has with his beer buddies.

 

[RonMar]

Speaking of skip, I shoot on several military ranges where tracers are fired and we see many skips. Bullets skip off dirt, asphalt, trees, water and just about anything you can shoot them at. All they need is a little off angle hit and away they go. Sometimes hitting the target prior to striking the back stop is enough to upset the bullet enough to skip off the backstop.

Tracers are funny animals. Since they have a hollow rear core where the flare material is placed, they destabilize quite a bit easier than solid bullits do. Full auto onto water with traced ammo can show you the difference in deflected trajectory between the two different projectiles

 

[MikeD74T]

Prokop, If you're interested in helping him shoot more safely I have plans for a bullet trap if someone can tell me how to post an adobe file. MikeD74T

 

[RoyJackson]

Although a backstop is preferable, open spaces work well too (they use open space in the western states all the time). With a .223 rifle, the round may well travel over a mile with lethal results. A handgun round (like a .45) won't travel as far....not enough velocity).
Before you call 911 (and possibly get yourself in a jam for a bogus call), maybe you and your neighbor should walk the area beyond that lake and see where any potential unsafe conditions. He may get his eyes opened, or you may realize there is no problems with him shooting in his backyard. You can also suggest to him that a hiker walking those woods could be injured or killed.

Yes, I shoot in my backyard occasionally too. I limit the caliber to .22LR out of a revolver now. There are several around me who use larger caliber firearms though. From the sounds, I'm pretty sure they' mostly handguns.

 

[DocHeb]

I would be interested. When you reply, use the "Go Advanced" button, and use the "Paper Clip" (the one without the blue globe), browse to your file, select it and "Upload". Post your comment as usual.

Would this bullet trap work with WWII machine guns? Do you have plans for a "Bomb Trap"?