Selecting land for a shooting range

[cdd1]

So here's the background. I live near to Philly on 1/3 of an acre. For about 47 different reasons, shooting at my property is not feasible.

Therefore, I'm looking for land that has the following set of criteria:


1) Reasonable (ideally 60 to 90 minute) drive time from Plymouth Meeting
2) The cheaper the better, of course--but I'll be willing to pay a bit more for the right place. I plan to have this for a long time and I want my son to be able to take ownership when I kick the bucket
3) County/counties and/or local municipalities that have favorable (i.e. reasonable) noise ordinances
4) Enough land for a rifle range (200 meters?)

I'm in the VERY early stages--purchase would probably happen in the next 2-4 years

There's an amazing wealth of knowledge here, and hoping to tap into some of it. Any info, no matter how small that will help me narrow down to some decent geographic options to start the search would be a great help.

If I'm asking for the impossible, it would be good to know that as well.


Thanks all.

[Boyd Sponaugle]

Look for mountain land that is less suited for development, which usually means steep and rocky. The first ridge of the Appalachians - the area north of Allentown for example - is a ridge called Blue Mountain and in PA the south side of this ridge is a geologic upthrust which means the south side is quite a bit steeper than the north side. So the north side may be better. Make sure the land use regulations permit what you want to do. Land use regulations are usually established by the municipality unless they opt out in favor of the county. Advertise your interest. Take your time. Good luck.