Tag: ballistic shooting stalls

What to Consider When Building a Home Shooting Range

Private home gun range with ballistic shooting stalls and target retriever

Few things offer as much joy and freedom as being able to shoot your firearms in your own private gun range. A home shooting range provides more than just a fun venue for shooting and a place to entertain your friends, it also provides you with training scenarios to hone your abilities as a shooter and develop the skills you need to protect and defend yourself, your family, and your home. If you’ve decided to build a private shooting range, there are many considerations to make sure you create a high-quality, engaging, and economical range that is reliable, easy to maintain, and safe.

Experience

Select an experienced shooting range vendor to work with your architect and general contractor. Shooting ranges are highly specialized, so your architect will certainly have questions regarding the design. Action Target™ designs, builds, and installs commercial and private gun ranges worldwide, and has the experience you need to build a quality home gun range. Action Target shooting range consultants are ready to assist with custom range designs and drawings for your home gun range. Reach out to the Action Target team early to help guide you through every phase of your project. (See past Projects here)

Planning

Consider how you present your plans to the city in which you are building your range. Some homeowners prefer to postpone installing a shooting range until after they occupy the home, often listing the space on the plans as cold storage, an archery range, or a panic room, and use the space accordingly until they are ready to build out the shooting range. However, in-home shooting ranges require careful planning during the design phase of the home to ensure proper dimensions, materials, penetrations, and space for the shooting range equipment. When planning a home range, meet with local zoning and planning departments early on to understand any codes with which you must comply.

Safety

When it comes to shooting ranges, safety is paramount. When designing a range, the materials used must provide complete safety for shooters. Walls should be solid concrete at least 8” thick (filled CMU, tilt-up, or poured in place), and use at least 4,000 PSI concrete. The ceiling should also use at least 4,000 PSI concrete, but you should avoid hollow core or other pre-cast concrete that contains voids or foam because it offers reduced ballistic protection. Solid concrete walls and ceilings provide the best solution to dampen noise and offer extra ballistic protection—crucial if your range is in a basement with occupied space above. The floor should use 5,000 PSI concrete (3,000 PSI min).

Purpose

What is the primary purpose of your home shooting range? Leisure, entertainment, 50BMG mag dumps? If you begin with a clear understanding about how you intend to use your range, Action Target range consultants can design a home shooting range to meet your needs and identify the right equipment and controls to operate it. By working with Action Target, you can ensure that you build a range that not only fits best with your budget but provides you with equipment that is tailored and built to last.

Design

Modern shooting ranges offer more than just concrete walls and paper targets. Today’s ranges are completely customizable to allow them to blend in homogenously with your home. Action Target range consultants help you make your product selection based on needs, performance, and aesthetics. Action Target offers standard and custom product designs that provide different functionalities and appearance for your home gun range. Combined with a variety of bullet trap options, ceiling baffle layouts, shooting stalls, and sound abatement solutions, your range will be custom-tailored to your needs and design specifications.

Product Offering

Action Target is the foremost provider of true turn-key solutions for any size gun range. From ballistic partitions, safety baffles, and acoustic treatments to target retrievers, bullet traps, lighting, ventilation, and even paper targets and range supplies, Action Target is the go-to for all home gun range needs. Why is this important for a homeowner considering installing a private gun range? Imagine needing service, or parts, only to discover that the vendor is no longer in business. Or worse, imagine you need to have several products serviced and you must coordinate with multiple manufacturers. Action Target simplifies the process of owning and maintaining a home gun range by being the expert for all equipment installed. Further, Action Target has a proven track record of maintaining range equipment—our longest-running target retriever has been in operation for over 15 years. When it comes to products, choose a company that offers everything you need for your home range, and who stands behind their products with long warranties.

Target Retrievers

Perhaps the most important choice you make in designing your private shooting range is the type of target retriever used. Action Target offers multiple retrievers to fit nearly any budget, but where possible, we recommend that customers use the Genesis retriever. The Genesis features pre-loaded games and training drills developed by leading firearms trainers to challenge every shooter. Whether you want to train or just simply be entertained, the Genesis can meet all your shooting needs. The addicting scenarios associated with a variety of dynamic targets provide you with an entertaining and unique shooting experience unlike any other.

Bullet Trap

For home gun ranges that do not expect a high volume of annual shots fired, a Rubber Berm Trap is often the best and most economic bullet trap solution. At low volumes, a Rubber Berm Trap requires little maintenance and lasts a very long time. Periodically the Rubber Berm requires mining to remove lead and maintain a safe environment, which service Action Target offers. Beyond that, regular maintenance to control rubber depth and fire retardant is required only periodically. The Vortex steel trap offers home gun range owners a high-volume option that simplifies lead collection. While the steel bullet trap has a higher up-front investment, it reduces lifetime maintenance costs by automatically collecting bullets in its deceleration chamber, eliminating the need for fire retardant application and preventing routine maintenance on rubber depth.

Ballistic Dividers

Ballistic dividers are extremely important when you have multiple lanes in your private gun range. These dividers can stop handgun and rifle rounds in the case of an accidental discharge. Action Target offers a full range of ballistic dividers, ranging from very economical to completely customized. A full line of accessories are available for ballistic dividers, including different table configurations for rifle and pistol, muzzle blast barriers, brass deflectors for shooter comfort, and rifle hangers for stowing unused firearms during sessions. Whether functionality, aesthetics, or budget is your goal, Action Target has you covered—literally.

Ventilation and Filtration

Another important safety factor in a home shooting range is the ventilation system. The shooting range ventilation system must be separate from the house system because it filters out harmful lead particulates and heavy metals. Ideally, your ventilation system should achieve a laminar negative air flow of 75 FPM, but not less than 50 FPM, and use an air filtration bank of HEPA filters. Action Target takes care of your ventilation needs, designing and installing systems guaranteed to meet all OSHA and EPA standards.

Life-Long Maintenance

Properly maintaining a home shooting range directly impacts its long-term operation. When properly maintained, you’ll enjoy a lifetime of hassle-free shooting in the comfort of your own home range. To ensure your equipment continues to function properly, Action Target provides a wide range of aftermarket services, programs, and products. Choosing Action Target for all your range products simplifies service and maintenance. Action Target customer service representatives are cross-trained to provide support for all products while on service visits or when providing over-the-phone support.

Warranty

We stand behind our customers and our products. To demonstrate our commitment to your success and satisfaction, and our confidence in Action Target products, we provide a Trusted Partner 3-year comprehensive coverage warranty that is 3x the industry standard.

Home shooting ranges are quickly taking the place as the entertainment option in custom homes. Action Target is dedicated to providing you a safe, comfortable, and fun shooting range where friends and family can compete and practice their skills as shooters.

Reach out to the Action Target Range Design Consultants to discuss your future in-home gun range.

The Guardsman Shooting Stall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ACTION TARGET LAUNCHES THE GUARDSMAN SHOOTING STALL.
THE LOW-COST SOLUTION.

PROVO, Utah – October 26, 2016, Action Target Inc., the leading manufacturer of modern shooting ranges, is pleased to announce the launch of its newest shooting stall – The Guardsman Shooting Stall. The Guardsman Shooting Stall is geared towards providing a lower-cost option for gun ranges looking for a more economical stall partition solution. The Guardsman Shooting Stall features a rugged, yet simple design that retains the industry-leading ballistic standards to which Action Target proudly holds itself.

The Guardsman Shooting Stall boasts a rugged ABS protective skin that resists brass impacts for long life and low maintenance and also features a stainless Steel trim that protects all of the edges of the Guardsman from damage. The Guardsman Shooting Stall consists of a standard Action Target stall table with a non-slip rubber top and an optional lower shelf that adds a functionality for shooters that is unmatched in the industry.

“The new Guardsman shooting stall allows the most budget-conscious facility to upgrade to the superior quality and unmatched ballistic standards of Action Target’s industry leading products.” – Jesse Nelson, Product Marketing Manager at Action Target.

The quick and easy installation of the Guardsman cuts down the cost and time of installation. The Guardsman is a low-cost option for gun ranges that are looking for a more economical stall partition solution. The Guardsman retains Action Target’s industry-leading standards and is compatible with all Action Target retrievers.

The Guardsman Shooting Stall is available for order today and may easily be retrofitted into any existing ranges. For more information visit https://www.actiontarget.com/Guardsman or to purchase the Guardsman, call 801-377-8033.

SHOT Show 2017 New Products

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ACTION TARGET ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCTS TO BE DISPLAYED AT SHOT SHOW 2017

PROVO, UTAH – January 2, 2017 – Action Target INC., the leading manufacturer of modern shooting ranges, has announced the launch of new innovative shooting range technology, including: The Dual Running Man Pro, The AWD Pro, The Guardsman Shooting Stall, The American Series Shooting Stall, the PT Gong Series and the PT Twist Rimfire steel targets. Visit the Action Target booth #14568 at SHOT Show 2017 for live, hands-on demonstrations.

Duel Running Man Pro

Created to exceed the standards of Law Enforcement training and professional shooters, DRM Pro provides first-of-its-kind precision control, acceleration, speed, and programmability. These features have the unique simplicity of being controllable from your own tablet, smart phone or PC. The DRM Pro offers instructors the ability to train for and replicate real-worlds scenarios. Within the new user’s interface, instructors can input the speed of each runner independently from 2-20 feet per second, move the target along the track by sliding the on-screen target indicator to any positon, and receive real-time validation on the screen for speed and track position.

Action Target’s Product Marketing Manager Chris Hess explains, “Developing the DRM Pro has been exciting. The more time we spent with top Law Enforcement trainers and professional shooters, the more we realized there was an opportunity to fill the technology void in training. This product is the perfect upgrade to any range looking to modernize their equipment and outfit their instructors with the ability to provide world-class training.”

Tempe PD firearms instructor and competitive shooter Kyle Schmidt said, “This is most versatile moving target system I have ever used. Instantly making changes on my device screen gives me more time with trainees and allows me to customize the training on the fly for any need without changing equipment.”

All Wheel Drive Pro Target Retriever

The wireless AWD Pro retriever is the most engaging and robust retriever on the market. It features a modern, easy to use interface with 27 addicting games and training scenarios for all skill levels. These programs offer shooters an unparalleled experience, improving both novice and expert shooters and keeping them at the range longer.

“Shooting at a static target is no longer sufficient to engage this new generation of shooters. They expect more from their equipment and are looking for an entertaining experience. The AWD Pro engages shooters like never before, with its intuitive interface, self-guided shooting scenarios and easy-to-setup drills.” – Jesse Nelson, Action Target Product Marketing Manager.

The Guardsman Shooting Stall

The Guardsman Shooting Stall boasts a rugged ABS protective skin that resists brass impacts for long life and low maintenance and also features a stainless Steel trim that protects all of the edges of the Guardsman from damage. The Guardsman Shooting Stall consists of a standard Action Target stall table or extended rifle table with a non-slip rubber top and an optional lower shelf that adds functionality for shooters that is unmatched in the industry.

“The new Guardsman shooting stall allows the most budget-conscious facility to upgrade to the superior quality and unmatched ballistic standards of Action Target’s industry leading products.” – Jesse Nelson, Product Marketing Manager at Action Target.

PT Twist

The patent pending PT Twist Rimfire interactive target may be the most effective way to burn through your stock pile of 22lr. Made from 3/16 inch A514B steel, it combines rugged impact resistance with supreme reactivity on the range. Uniquely formed from a single piece of steel, there are no welds or bolts to break or ricochet providing a safe and long lasting target.

“Using the PT Twist shooters can develop their accuracy and acquisition skills as each shot walks the target further away. With two PT Twists side by side, shooters can challenge one another in an engaging duel that will quickly determine the best shot.” – Chris Hess, Product Marketing Manager

The PT Twist Rimfire will be available February 2017 at the new Store.ActionTarget.com with an MSRP of only $25. Stop by Action Target booth #14568 at SHOT Show 2017 to sign up as a dealer.

PT Gong Series Steel Target

Hanging a piece of steel down range isn’t new, but it has never been more affordably or of higher quality. Action Target is proud to offer more than 30 new target shapes and thicknesses to hang from any chain, rope or the innovative The Last Stand target hanging system.

Precision shooters will enjoy circles from 4-18 inches. IDPA and IPSC Torsos for training and sportsmen will love shooting our life-size animal shapes including: Boar, Coyote and Prairie Dog. .25 inch, .375 inch and .500 inch are available.
“Action Target prides itself in the highest possible quality AR500 Steel. As one of the largest buyers in the world we are able to pass on our quality and low cost to our loyal customers.” – Chris Hess, Product Marketing Manager.

MSRP $10 – $150 Available February 2017

Visit booth #14568 at SHOT Show 2017 to become a dealer.

The American Series Shooting Stall

The American Series Shooting Stalls provide ranges an unparalleled ability to customize their range.  The extra deep stalls, built in muzzle blast barriers, integrated lighting and floor to ceiling walls provide shooters a comfortable atmosphere unrivaled in the industry.  Ranges will love the ability to make their stalls truly unique.

Customers may choose from one of our standard designs or customize literally every element of the stall to match their range’s design and needs.  An on-staff interior decorator is available to assist ranges with their selections.

“Ranges are constantly looking for ways to set them apart in today’s competitive market.  With the American Series Shooting Stalls, ranges now have the ability to customize every aspect of their stalls, providing shooters the most unique, luxurious and comfortable environment possible.” – Jesse Nelson, Product Marketing Manager, Action Target.

Range Security

Action Target now combines all security solutions into one easy-to-use system. Video confirmation and two-way audio prevent incidents and reduce false alarms to less than 1%. Trained security professionals review alerts 24/7. The advanced video analytics offer a number of reliable alerts to provide accurate threat assessment. Stay connected, arm/disarm your security system and view live video from anywhere.

“Our security solutions provide ranges the highest level of confidence.  By integrating cutting edge technology and industry leading hardware we are able to provide a tailored solution unmatched in the industry.” – Jesse Nelson, Product Marketing Manager, Action Target.

LE Targets Rebrand to Action Target

Action Target is excited to announce the successful rebrand of Law Enforcement Targets. All of the paper targets, cardboard targets and range supplies sold by www.letargets.com can now be found on the new Action Target store: Shop.ActionTarget.com

SHOT Show attendees looking for Law Enforcement Targets will find them at Action Target’s booth #14568 near the “Dealer Services” section. New and current dealers are encouraged to visit the booth to take advantage of special pricing and SHOT Show specials.

Action Target Renovates Ohio Indoor Range

Action Target first worked with Ohio State Highway Patrol back in 1999 when we installed our “state of the art” Total Containment Trap. When it was determined the Highway Patrol would renovate the rest of their existing facility in 2011, we were contacted directly by the architect for specifications on the new equipment that would be provided. Because of the quality, performance, and robust nature of our Total Containment Trap, it was the only piece of equipment not removed and replaced in the 2011 renovation. Due to the heavy use of the range, the project was to be completed on an extremely tight time-line with only six weeks of manufacturing time. Action Target acted as a sub-contractor to Williamson Builders Inc. and together completed the tremendous facility in the time required.

This 24 lane, 25 yard indoor range now provides officers a variety of training options, including timed training qualification courses and decision making drills. In addition, the total containment trap system, and tactical baffle layout allow for dynamic cross lane firing and moving and shooting drills, accomplished under the watchful eye of the RSO through our clear ballistic glass stalls. Such dependability, quality, and versatility are completely unique to Action Target’s design. We thank Ohio State Highway Patrol for their continued business and support!

Range Project Spotlight: Junction City, KS Commercial Range

Action Target is widely known for constructing the toughest and most challenging shooting range projects in the world. Working together as a team allows us to overcome various obstacles we face as we design, build, and create ranges for our clients. For example, Action Target was approached by the Federal Reserve Bank to design and build a shooting range on the 17th floor of a major office building in Chicago, Illinois. When considering the noise, ventilation, and other items associated with a range, constructing a range in a skyscraper surrounded by offices was a challenge, but not an impossible task for Action Target. Through careful planning and execution, we created a .50 BMG rated shooting range complete with three lanes, stalls, and retrievers.

Action Target Builds New Commerical Range in Junction City, KSAction Target’s challenging builds don’t end there. When Chris Hart, Action Target Range Consultant of the South Central Territory, was approached with an equally challenging range project, he welcomed the opportunity by stating, “It’s not every day that you install a modern shooting range in a building from the 1800’s.”

Every commercial shooting range project requires two key elements to get it off the ground- passion and hard work. When it comes to Godfrey’s Indoor Range, Todd Godfrey had plenty of both in reserve when he embarked on this project. Todd, an officer with the Junction City Police Department, envisioned opening a commercial indoor shooting range to serve not only the citizens of Junction City and his fellow police officers, but also the soldiers stationed at neighboring Fort Riley.

In 2008, Todd toured Kansas City PD’s 30 lane tactical indoor range with ATI Midwest Range Consultant Chris Hart and Bill Provencher from Carey’s Heating and Air Conditioning, as the two companies worked together to build this range several years earlier. After viewing the range, Todd decided that Action Target was the partner to have. With a visitor’s pass from Action Target, Todd attended this year’s SHOT Show where he secured everything he needed to run his range business, from firearm distributors to inventory software (we are also happy to help all of our future range clients attend the SHOT Show with us).

Junction City, KS Commercial Range Build by ATIFor this commercial range, Todd secured some prime real estate in downtown Junction City–three vacant buildings totaling 20,000 sq-ft. on a main thoroughfare. However, this perfect location came with one catch–the building dates from the 1800’s. Building a range in a building this old would be challenging, but not impossible, for Action Target. Using ATI’s detailed range drawings, Todd began building out the structure to accept the modern range equipment. His company (yes, Todd has three jobs!), Godfrey Construction and Renovation, LLC, installed new ceiling trusses and concrete work. He also remodeled the building with a new store front that includes a luxurious lounge area for those waiting to shoot.

To accommodate the expected high volume of shooters, Todd chose Action Target’s Total Containment Trap with Dust Collection Unit, Rifle Rated Ceiling Baffles, Digital Smart Target Retrievers with SmartRange Master Control System and Level III clear Ballistic Glass Shooting Stalls. To enhance the realistic training environment, he connected the SmartRange system to his P/A system so he can broadcast sound effects such as gunfire, screaming, and sirens. The range also has police light bars to simulate felony vehicle stops. Carey’s provided a fully automated range ventilation system guaranteed to meet all OSHA and EPA regulations.

Junction City, KS Commercial Range Built by Action TargetGodfrey’s Indoor Range opened to the public on July 31, 2010 and was named Junction City’s 2010 Business of the Year within five months of opening. However, that wasn’t enough for Todd–he then got creative with his extra space and installed a state of the art 6,000 sq-ft. 3D archery range. To further service his range customers, Todd leases 4,000 sq-ft. of retail space to Quantico Tactical.

If you’re ever near exit 296 on I-70 west of Kansas City, do yourself a favor and stop by to meet Todd and his great staff and send a few rounds downrange while you’re there. Todd is currently available for consulting on range franchise opportunities and the construction of range facilities.

www.godfreysranges.com
Godfrey’s Shooting and Indoor Archery Ranges Facebook Page

Other recently completed projects include:

  • Smith & Wesson Range – Houlton, ME
  • Watts Bar Nuclear Range – TN
  • Triad Gun Source Range – NC
  • Denton County Sheriff’s Department Range – TX
  • Atlanta State Penitentiary Range – GA