For almost a century, since the construction of the first known indoor shooting range, the topic of indoor firearms range design has involved a complex interaction of a variety of different disciplines. While early ranges were simple by today’s standards, from the beginning of indoor range design, creating a safe space for the routine discharge of firearms required a deep understanding of Physics and Engineering, as well as a reasonable knowledge of metallurgy, ballistics, and ventilation. Over time as our understanding of the health risks associated with noise and heavy metal exposure grew so too did the practical and regulatory design requirements of shooting ranges. Modern shooting range design principles are not only founded on these essential early disciplines, but also now require an understanding of energy conservation, sustainability, Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
The majority of indoors shooting ranges are 60 or 75 feet between the firing line and the target line, or 20-25 yards but the length of the building will in fact be a good bit longer. A 75’ foot range can actually exceed 100 feet in total length depending on the equipment chosen, and other factors.
There is no set standard for the width of a shooting range. While most range users associate range with the number of lanes, the width of the lane itself can be a significant driver of total range width. Spans wider than 60 feet will typically necessitate the use of a Truss style roof structure.
A structural ceiling height of 10 to 12 feet from the finished floor to the underside of any ceiling structure is the most effective. Ceiling heights lower or higher than this can be accommodated; however they do present additional costs for ballistic protection, lighting, and target retrieval systems.
It can range from one or two in private home ranges to large 99 lane. Some range operators prefer to employ an open concept firing line where there are no set lanes or dividers, and the range is one big open bay.
A 42 to 69-inch wide shooting point is industry standard, but widths down to 36 inches are still acceptable for most shooting activities.
Typically you should expect to require at least 2 access points to the range, preferably with both of them behind the primary firing line. Some ranges might need double doors or even a larger entrances for vehicles in the case of tactical ranges.
An adequate ventilation system accounts for a substantial amount of the cost for interior equipment for a range. Your range ventilation system must work with your other range equipment systems, choose a ventilation supplier who is familiar with shooting range applications.
There are two primary noise considerations in a shooting range; lowering the sound level within the range to make it safe and comfortable for range users (Noise Reduction Coefficient NRC), and preventing the transmission of noise outside of the range (Noise Transmission Coefficient NTC).
The concerns with regards to ballistic security in any range are first, ensuring that rounds fired on the range do not leave the range, ie containment, and second, ensuring that the range is a safe space to be in while firearms are being discharged, ie, ricochet protection.
Two types of illumination are required in the range; general range lighting, and scene lighting. General illumination is intended to simply make the range bright enough to move around in safely. Scene lighting consists of dimmable incandescent reflector-type lamps or LED light bars, and sometimes additional auxiliary light systems like distractions lighting or muzzles flash simulators.
A conventional style of range where both the shooters and the targets are fixed in place during the course of fire.
Also referred to as a dynamic range, this type of range is intended for the shooters to be able to engage targets from any point between the targets and the furthest firing point.
Shooting ranges are built based on the type of weapons to be used. Consideration should be given to the type of bullet traps, baffles and deflectors to accomodate a variety of calibers and bullet speeds.
The current and most effective bullet trap, the Reclining GranTrap™ from InVeris utilizes granular rubber as a containment medium. GranTrap’s granulated rubber material, GranTex, not only stops bullets, but provides environmental benefits by minimizing airborne, dust, ricochets, and reducing noise levels.
InVeris LE5000 Steel Escalator Rifle Trap offers range durability, minimizes environmental concerns, and is available in a variety of models to meet each customer’s specific needs. The system contains interchangeable and reversible main trap impact plates for longer service life, open throat design and scroll style bullet trap with bucket collection.
An embankment constructed to stop or redirect bullets fired on a range. This is usually an earthen structure, built in accordance with NRA recommended standards.
Shooting stalls organize the firing line into defined shooting positions and provide a location for mounting range support equipment for the individual shooter. They also serve to provide protection for the shooter from adjacent shooting positions.
Target carrier that feature 360 degree turning, and hit sensing capabilities, and can be grround or overhead mounted. Designed for random and concealed placements throughout an indoor or outdoor live fire range.
Targets expose, conceal and cycle suitable for both indoor and outdoor ranges. Targets are secured to a concrete pad or suitable foundation and may be sheltered by a berm or other ballistic guard.
Running man target systems are track mounted systems that run perpendicular to the range to reflect lateral moving targets. This is a popular type of target system with range users that need to facilitate tactical/dynamic training environments with diverse target exposures.
Pop-Up Targets are 360° turning, expose, conceal, hit-fall, hit-hold, and hit-bob target actuators capable of displaying friend and foe silhouettes.
A quiet, smooth, low maintenance wireless carrier that is easily operated and programmable, and rides on rails.
Hand cranked or electrically driven guide wire target retrieval system.
Target systems can be controlled by an individually control unit located in the shooting stall, from a central control booth, from a mobile wireless tablet, or a combination of these.
Enhance the safety on your range by using communication systems. Range operators and shooters can easily communicate with each other, allowing operators to monitor changing safety conditions on the range in real-time.
