New range plan.

[Texas Solo]

Awhile back I posted the Central Alabama Gun Club was beginning the task of building a 1000yd range.
Unfortunately the topography of the land is so bad that we were looking at $500K to do it. The idea was scrapped.

Now we're looking at building a new 600yd range elsewhere on our property. The membership will vote this Saturday to approve the money for a survey, etc.

I know it's not 1000yd, but a really nice 600yd range should get well used. We plan on doing this first class, as much as possible. The range will face West for obvious reasons. 20 positions, berms at 200, 300 & 600. Shotmarker scoring.
Electric & water too.

So without any bad news from the survey, we hope to get started soon.

 

[Allen Corneau]

... The range will face West for obvious reasons.

Would you help me understand this statement?

As far as I know, the the preferred orientation is to have the range face due north so that no matter what time of the year the sun is overhead or behind you, thus keeping the targets illuminated by direct sunlight.

If you face the range westward then the you get the sun in your face/scope and the targets in shadow any time after noon and getting worse into the evening.

Just trying to understand your perspective. Best wishes for the project!

 

[Turkeytider]

Would you help me understand this statement?

As far as I know, the the preferred orientation is to have the range face due north so that no matter what time of the year the sun is overhead or behind you, thus keeping the targets illuminated by direct sunlight.

If you face the range westward then the you get the sun in your face/scope and the targets in shadow any time after noon and getting worse into the evening.

Just trying to understand your perspective. Best wishes for the project!

Our range runs essentially north and south, with the targets set up where shooting direction is from north to south. I’m not sure that there is a worse orientation, especially in summer. Sun is in your face, heating up both the shooters and barrels. The only benefit is that most of the time the wind is either coming from directly in front or behind.

 

[Texas Solo]

Would you help me understand this statement?



Just trying to understand your perspective. Best wishes for the project!

First, North to South or South to North is impossible due to boundaries.
2nd, with matches starting at 0800 and finishing by about noon, there couldn't be a better orientation than East to West.

 

[Allen Corneau]

Geographic constraints are definitely a primary limitation.

Being in a good situation for club matches is also a consideration. You'll just have to keep in mind that if you intend to ever hold bigger regional/state matches that always extend into the afternoon you'll start to have to deal with sun in your face.

Again, best wishes for your new range layout and matches.

 

[Texas Solo]

Geographic constraints are definitely a primary limitation.

Being in a good situation for club matches is also a consideration. You'll just have to keep in mind that if you intend to ever hold bigger regional/state matches that always extend into the afternoon you'll start to have to deal with sun in your face.

Again, best wishes for your new range layout and matches.

True. We've already considered that and plan on a long cover to combat that

 

[Clancy]

East and West? I bought a membership to an east/west range once and couldn’t wait until it expired.

But, if that’s the only option, that’s what it’s gotta be.

 

[charlie b]

Land availability almost always dictates directions. Been on many ranges with EW or S shooting positions. Yep, a PITA. but when it is all you can get you deal with it.