Pistol range in my back yard

[Overscore]

So, I'd like to build a small pistol range on my property, so that I can spend more of my lunch break shooting than traveling to a local range. Before just going out and getting to work on it, what kinds of things should I consider or verify? Rough thoughts so far:

• Make sure my township doesn't have any no-discharge ordinances. I've verified this.
• Review laws about distances from other properties and structures required. I've reviewed this, and I have enough room all around.
• Feel out the neighbors' reaction to this. One of my neighbors hangs out in his back yard and shoots deer. Two of my other neighbors are family. And the other neighbors I'm friendly with and will courteously tell them about it.
• All obvious safety issues, such as blocking access from outside the shooting area, building up the ground high enough, signs, etc.

Is there some big obstacle that makes this project not even worth considering, such as insurance concerns, legality, or other?

Thanks

[streaker69]

There was a story a few years ago about State Farm dropping insurance on a guy once they found out he was shooting on his property. I think it took quite some time for him to find another insurance company after that.

[1iarrowking]

There was a story a few years ago about State Farm dropping insurance on a guy once they found out he was shooting on his property. I think it took quite some time for him to find another insurance company after that.

I have State Farm so please don't tell them about my pistol range.

[Svickstc]

Not sure about this, but I've heard before a min acre requirement to build something like this, I'm guessing it all depends on zoning

I would def. Look into the zoning map and zoning ordinance for your property that could prohibit such a thing, hell even such signage could be prohibited by the zoning ordinance..

Try and get ahold of zoning officer

[WVBob]

Some places have rules about only using shotguns in some places. The bigger and better the backstop, the less said.

[streaker69]

While researching the article about State Farm dropping the guy for the range on his property, I ran across this: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/713749/posts

Here's the original story about the guy that was dropped from a few years ago:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...8/ai_92589575/

[bac0nfat]

I built a range in my backyard. It's 82 yards long with a 5'x8' earth berm. I made the berm with a tractor and covered it with a 1 foot thick layer of mulch. The mulch is to prevent ricochets. I've shot thousands of rounds of .22lr into my berm and have NEVER had a ricochet off the berm itself. I only shoot 22's with subsonic ammunition and suppressors.

[gfanikf]

I've been wondering about this myself. Now I'm fairly sure the HOA in Newtown Grant wouldn't be keen on it (plus it would be dramatically dangerous based on space available.

That said the cops at the Newtown Municipal Complex across the street could just let me shoot there at their firing range.

My eventually goal when my wife and I buy a house is to have enough room for at least pistol and also rifle range in the back. I want one of those back yards where you can also do Bubba ballistic testing and fire off "exotic shotgun" rounds.

[Overscore]

While researching the article about State Farm dropping the guy for the range on his property, I ran across this: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/713749/posts

Wow, interesting story. Thank you.

[Svickstc]

Im telling you, your zoning ordinance will tell you a lot about what is prohibited on your property (or lack of whats not) and where you could press the issue on applying for certain permits (the building ones you might need), or how to go about a temporary use on your property which is approved by the ZHB (zoning hearing board)