Material Choices for Indoor Shooting Range Back Panels: Absorbing and Containing Bullets
Indoor shooting ranges are designed to not only provide a safe environment but also to effectively catch and contain bullets. The choice of materials for back panels is crucial, as it heavily influences the safety and performance of the range. This article explores the common materials used in indoor shooting range back panels, their characteristics, and the considerations behind their selection.
Common Materials Used in Indoor Shooting Ranges
Indoor shooting ranges typically use a variety of materials to ensure safety and efficiency in containing bullets. These materials are selected based on their ability to absorb impact, reduce ricochets, and minimize sound. Here are some of the most common materials used:
1. Rubber
Heavy-duty rubber sheets are often employed due to their superior ability to absorb the impact of bullets. They can significantly reduce ricochet by absorbing the bullet's force, making them a popular choice for many ranges. Rubber is also beneficial in controlling noise and vibration.
2. Steel
Steel backers are used, especially for high-caliber rounds, to provide additional protection. These steel plates are often angled to deflect bullets downward and minimize ricochet. Steel is an excellent choice for its strength and stability, ensuring that the back panel remains intact even under heavy fire.
3. Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is used in conjunction with other materials to enhance sound absorption and reduce the velocity of projectiles. This material helps in creating a more comfortable and quieter shooting experience for the shooters and spectators.
4. Ballistic Nylon or Kevlar
Ballistic nylon and Kevlar are used for their high strength and ability to absorb energy. These materials are particularly useful in areas where there is a need for bullet resistance and protection against secondary rounds.
5. Lead or Steel Shot
Some ranges use a combination of loose lead or steel shot encased in material to catch bullets effectively. This method ensures that even lighter rounds are contained without the risk of ricocheting back towards the shooters or spectators.
Range Variations and Custom Designs
The choice of materials for back panels can vary significantly between different ranges, depending on factors such as the type of firearms used, the specific design needs, and local safety regulations. For instance, one range I frequent has cream-colored walls and a backstop made of steel armor covered in shredded rubber tire material. This design provides both impact absorption and a layer of tire material to further reduce noise and ricochet.
Another range uses a 'snail' system, which consists of steel plates angled vertically to form a sideways 'V'. Bullets are directed towards the point of the 'V', where they enter a steel cylinder running across the width of the backstop. This design effectively absorbs the impact and reduces the risk of ricochet by spinning the bullets inside the cylinder.
Evolution of Range Design
Over the years, I have designed and installed various indoor shooting ranges. One notable example was a 25-meter indoor range for one of the component companies of BAe in the 1980s or early 1990s. The backplate was 10mm homogenous rolled steel plate secured to wooden beams. The space behind the targets had 20mm plates, arranged in a portrait layout, supported at the top by single 20mm bolts with springs on either side to allow the plate to float. The bottom was supported by a steel RSJ on concrete pillars.
The design was intended to create a convex shape with the impact zone getting closer to the shooter, which was counter-intuitive yet effective. This was achieved by hammering and stretching the plate towards the shooter. A built-in pulley/hoist was used to lift the plates and spin them 180 degrees, allowing the impact to reverse the bending process. This method extended the armor's life by a factor of ten by reducing stress and providing a more flexible impact surface.
In front of the backplate, a linotex curtain was installed to prevent splashback, with lightweight wooden target frames in front.
Conclusion
The selection of materials for indoor shooting range back panels is a critical aspect of range design. Factors such as the type of firearms, the range's design, and safety regulations all influence this choice. Whether it is heavy-duty rubber, steel, polyurethane foam, ballistic nylon, Kevlar, or a combination of materials, each provides unique benefits in terms of impact absorption, noise reduction, and bullet containment.
The evolution of range design over the years highlights the importance of continuously improving and adapting these designs to meet the changing needs of shooters and the evolving standards of safety and performance.