Setting up a 1,000 yard range

[Scalloper]

I recently accepted a job at my buddies ranch here in TX. The politics in Maine are just getting out of control.
I have been coming here for almost 25 years. He has a rifle range now with 8 targets from 50-670 yds. Also a nice pistol range and shotgun range.
The ranch is 2,600 acres with about 1,400 high fenced. We spent 2 hours picking out the best spot for a 1,000 yd range today. It will only be one bench but its the safest place and an excellent chance.
I am looking for suggestions for a bench and target set up. As far as what to build it out of and size. We will be shooting down a fence line but 3-400 yds short of the back fence so we don't tare up the fence.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tesoro]

Build a bench where you setup behind it so you can shoot square. Ie butt on pec not in pocket. See your hits, and if lucky, your trace. Ie like shooting prone without having to lay in the dirt

 

[Scalloper]

Every dam time I shoot prone while hunting I get scoped. Happened again 3 weeks ago shooting at a hog with nothing to rest on.

 

[JFrank]

Agreed that you have a berm to see hits and hopefully you’re not looking into the morning sun.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

It’s pretty simple.
1) Build a bench
2) Build a target
3) Face North
There you have it
Joe

 

[Scalloper]

So what size is the target holder and what are the sensors?
I have never been to a formal shooting range.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

So what size is the target holder and what are the sensors?
I have never been to a formal shooting range.

We are shooting a sighter target and using the ShotMarker system to see where the bullet strikes in the sighter target and then to the left of it is a record target. If you plan this range for personal use you could build a single 4’ x 4’ target area up off the ground a foot. So your legs would be 5’ tall and 4’apart. The ShotMarker system would let you see impact at 1000 yards so you could tell how you were doing. It also is a great help in documenting your load development.

 

[Scalloper]

Perfect, thanks. The only option (for safety) we have in all cases is to shoot to the south not ideal but we will just pick the best times of the day.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

Too bad you can’t flip it around. Facing south and shooting in the winter can be a real bear. You may have long durations you won’t be able to see the target clearly at 1000 yards due to sun flair. But a guy can only do so much, then you have to play the hand you were dealt. Good luck!

 

[Clancy]

Perfect, thanks. The only option (for safety) we have in all cases is to shoot to the south not ideal but we will just pick the best times of the day.

I shoot on a south facing 1,000 yard range quite often and it’s never been a problem. Don’t sweat that. Anything but east and west.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Just use clay pigeons to sight in on, part of the fun and excitement is driving down to look at that target. It's either going to be a good day or it's gonna be miserable until you can get back out. Definitely put in the effort to pour a concrete pad and use blocks and a concrete top.Nothing worse than a wobbly bench

 

[JFrank]

Start simple, just start ..,

 

[rwj]

Considering the Texas heat, build a structure to create shade for the bench.

 

[Tesoro]

I had my first orgy with the shot marker last weekend. F amazing. I will be ordering one and forget about it during the 4 month wait. You dont need to have a giant target board. A smaller one will work for shorter distances ie to 300 and you can put on half a dozen targets that the system will read.
I am shooting this winter on a south facing 300yd range that faces the Arizona rising winter sun with the targets in the shade of the berm. Makes a man out of ya, even with the adjustable shade plates and double 56mm sun shades . Also makes my highmaster feel like I am looking through an Athlos.

 

[gambleone]

Every dam time I shoot prone while hunting I get scoped. Happened again 3 weeks ago shooting at a hog with nothing to rest on.

Use the sling if you have one on it. How heavy is that rifle?

 

[Tesoro]

Every dam time I shoot prone while hunting I get scoped. Happened again 3 weeks ago shooting at a hog with nothing to rest on.

Mine is portable and heavy enough made out of 1 1/2 in ply. the tripod legs unscrew. I scalloped the shooter side.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Face it N or S.

 

[Tesoro]

Face it N or S.

Why? Isn't Coriolis a constant and cancelled out by zeroing? I would face it based on local wind trends if possible.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Ever hear of the sun in your eyes.

 

[ogre1911]

I had my first orgy with the shot marker last weekend. F amazing. I will be ordering one and forget about it during the 4 month wait. You dont need to have a giant target board. A smaller one will work for shorter distances ie to 300 and you can put on half a dozen targets that the system will read.
I am shooting this winter on a south facing 300yd range that faces the Arizona rising winter sun with the targets in the shade of the berm. Makes a man out of ya, even with the adjustable shade plates and double 56mm sun shades . Also makes my highmaster feel like I am looking through an Athlos.

I shoot at 1000 yards 3 times a week using the shot marker at a range my buddy built in an old floodway. For me the shot marker was a game changer