Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 25
  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Williamsport, Pennsylvania
    (Lycoming County)
    Posts
    523
    Rep Power
    2271005

    Default Shooting Range in the Basement

    I have heard of some that have a small shooting range set up in there basements and use .22 LR Standard Velocity cartridges.

    A) Is this legal if you are in an area where it is unlawful to discharge a firearm - like I believe most communities would be?

    B) Would there be any difference if it was an air gun since they make some really nice air powered rifles?

    B) If it is a an acceptable situation - how do you go about creating one?

    Moderator/Administrator - Please move if need be (I looked over all the titles and did not find one that jumped out "In here!" with this subject.)

    Thanks for any help on this!

    God bless!!

    PPP
    I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. - Jesus Christ

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Back in the great white north., Michigan
    Posts
    815
    Rep Power
    791470

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    Make sure you have a good ventilation system installed.

    If God didn't intend us to have guns why would he have given us a trigger finger?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Hatboro, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
    Age
    37
    Posts
    3,519
    Rep Power
    53852

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    Quote Originally Posted by Pistol Packin Preacher View Post
    I have heard of some that have a small shooting range set up in there basements and use .22 LR Standard Velocity cartridges.

    A) Is this legal if you are in an area where it is unlawful to discharge a firearm - like I believe most communities would be?

    B) Would there be any difference if it was an air gun since they make some really nice air powered rifles?

    B) If it is a an acceptable situation - how do you go about creating one?

    Moderator/Administrator - Please move if need be (I looked over all the titles and did not find one that jumped out "In here!" with this subject.)

    Thanks for any help on this!

    God bless!!

    PPP
    You will have to check with your local laws. If there is a local ordinance against discharging a firearm, you will have to check for exceptions. Some have exceptions for target shooting. Some have exceptions for target shooting only at approved ranges. If you can sound-proof your basement, that's another story.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    ...., Pennsylvania
    (Northumberland County)
    Posts
    94
    Rep Power
    520

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    What's the size of your basement?


    Id check local law on discharging a firearm inside your residence.


    As for an air gun,making targets to catch the projectile is far easier and safer than of a .22

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Williamsport, Pennsylvania
    (Lycoming County)
    Posts
    523
    Rep Power
    2271005

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    Our basement is huge.

    Our home is a rancher at 1840 square feet and so our basement will be the same.

    And we don't have much down there so size should not be an issue I think.

    I have seen a shooting competition at a local borough building during the winter months where they are shooting I think it is 30 feet with single shot standard velocity .22 LR.

    Quite fun.

    And I have heard of people doing similar in their basements so I thought - Hey!!

    So I do not think space is an issue so that leads us to the legality issue.

    I am afraid the same police department that does not know if OC is legal will answer this question without proper knowledge.

    Thanks.

    God bless!!


    PPP
    I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. - Jesus Christ

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    montrose, Pennsylvania
    (Susquehanna County)
    Posts
    93
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    I have shot a lot of what they call "CB caps". They only work single loaded, and of course cause some noise, though nothing like a regular 22. I shot into a big piece of hardwood. The standard distance for indoor is 50 ft, I believe.
    A good alternative is airsoft. You can get really good airsoft guns like 1911, Beretta 92, etc. The claim is that they are remarkably accurate, and quiet too.
    To make a "range", simply make a box out of plywood / 2x4s, and make the back wall @ around a 45 degree angle to deflect the bbs down. Line the bottom with carpeting to stop the bbs. You can reuse the bbs.
    Happy shooting!!
    When seconds count, the police are only minutes away...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Ambridge, Pennsylvania
    (Beaver County)
    Posts
    2,380
    Rep Power
    21474853

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    While I don't shoot 22 in my basement I do shoot a rubber bullet (X-rings) propelled by just a primer in a plastic case (from Speer) for my 38/357 revolver. They are reuseable and reloadable. Also just a cardboard box with a bath towel is all that's needed for a bullet trap. I still recommend good ventilation and ear protection.
    www.Steelvalleycasting.com is your new home for coated bullets and custom ammo.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Central Jersey, New Jersey
    Posts
    1,652
    Rep Power
    2586539

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    My FFL has a range in his basement. I think it's 1/2 inch steel plate with something like 2 inches of rubber in front of it. I believe he can shoot up to .40 cal.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Montoursville, Pennsylvania
    (Lycoming County)
    Posts
    135
    Rep Power
    1415633

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    Quote Originally Posted by Pistol Packin Preacher View Post
    Our basement is huge.

    Our home is a rancher at 1840 square feet and so our basement will be the same.

    And we don't have much down there so size should not be an issue I think.

    I have seen a shooting competition at a local borough building during the winter months where they are shooting I think it is 30 feet with single shot standard velocity .22 LR.

    Quite fun.

    And I have heard of people doing similar in their basements so I thought - Hey!!

    So I do not think space is an issue so that leads us to the legality issue.

    I am afraid the same police department that does not know if OC is legal will answer this question without proper knowledge.

    Thanks.

    God bless!!


    PPP
    I have never had a problem OC'ing in Williamsport when I lived there. I have seen multiple police while doing so and no one ever said a word. This leads me to believe that they are aware of the legality of OC.
    United States Air Force 2010-2016

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Williamsport, Pennsylvania
    (Lycoming County)
    Posts
    523
    Rep Power
    2271005

    Default Re: Shooting Range in the Basement

    WPD may know but I do not live in Willliamsport.

    God bless!!

    PPP
    I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. - Jesus Christ

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Can I reload in my basement?
    By Last Resort in forum Ammunition & Reloading
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: January 25th, 2011, 12:36 AM
  2. Replies: 1
    Last Post: January 17th, 2010, 02:20 PM
  3. Basement target range?
    By MarcS in forum General
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: June 30th, 2007, 03:32 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •