Building a course

[Scratch]

I’m thinking about setting up a shooting course something like a USPSA or IDPA course in my backyard, and I might be looking for help. I know it’s getting late in the year and once the snow flies, getting to the range is not gonna be fun, so right now I’m just wondering if anybody who has any experience in setting up these ranges, or shooting on them would be interested in coming out to take a peek and see if it’s even possible to do.

I live in Hudson Wisconsin, and my house is at the top of a big hill. I own 10 acres of woods and down the hill in the woods, is a flat area surrounded by hills. I’ve been using these hills for building trails for off roading, but now I’d like to setup a shooting course. From the bottom of the woods, the only houses to be seen are mine and my brothers, who has another 10 acre lot next to mine that can also be used if necessary. There is a large hill on the other side of the property that has a railroad track on the top. There are a couple ravines that might also be of use too. I have a supply of old wooden hollow core doors, plywood, a bunch of 55 gallon barrels and various lumber that I can save for use as cover and barricades.

Like I said, I’m not sure I want to start on this project yet since once the snow comes, the wood barricades and cover would start to rot, but I’d like to get some other input on feasibility, safety and layout from someone who has actually been to, or setup these types of courses. My brother and I have a 100 yard shooting lane down there now and use it often, but I’d like to get into something a little more exciting and fast paced. I also own a small metalworking shop which includes a CNC plasma cutting table so I may be interested in getting a sheet of AR500 and making some steel targets.

Once the course is complete, I would love to have others come out and give it a shot (pun intended…)
I’m currently recovering from an injury, am unable to drive, and am not working, so I’m home most of the time. If anybody has some experience with these courses and has some time to stop out and give me some input, I’d love to hear it.

Here’s some pictures of some stuff I’m thinking of:

[Doc Harvey]

I don't know a thing about setting up a course, but I'd be very happy to help in the construction phase and might even be able to buy some plywood, nails, screws, 2x4's, etc. I also have my own tools. Just let me know!

[forcefed]

Let me know when you need help

[westhope]

Shoot local IPSC & IDPA clubs. You will see the equipment and props they use and have more than enough ideas what to make. Take the IPSC Range Officers course or IDPA Safety Officers course and they will give you a lot of information too. Go to IDPA and IPSC web sites. Lot of information their too.

Here is an Idaho club that has a lot on their site:

http://www.parmarng.org/freeidaho/AlSkDjFhG/index.html


Have fun.

[Sherry]

My Mr. Runs the Oakdale USPSA. He might be able to give you some helpful pointers.

[timwarner]

I have tons (figuratively, as they are on my computer) of courses for ranges that can only be shot straight back, no side berms.

If you want me to send em out, shoot me a PM.

[Scratch]

My Mr. Runs the Oakdale USPSA. He might be able to give you some helpful pointers.

I love it when my wife volunteers me for stuff too!

Tim, yes... I'd like to see a few of them. "Tons" may be a bit too many but I'd take a few of them. You can send them to: steve@edgemetalworks.net

Thanks everybody and when I get started on this, I'll let you know when I need help.
I'll also let you know when it's done. It's no fun to compete against yourself...

[Snowgun]

Shoot local IPSC & IDPA clubs. You will see the equipment and props they use and have more than enough ideas what to make. Take the IPSC Range Officers course or IDPA Safety Officers course and they will give you a lot of information too. Go to IDPA and IPSC web sites. Lot of information their too.

Here is an Idaho club that has a lot on their site:

http://www.parmarng.org/freeidaho/AlSkDjFhG/index.html


Have fun.

+1

You will find out how the clubs construct the equipment so it is EASILY movable, modular (so you can make many different courses out of the same "building blocks"), and functional/robust. Since you have the gear and some down time, you could make most of the stuff yourself. Since you will need multiple copies of the same types of building blocks (stands, walls, and if you want to get fancy, bear traps, swingers, doors, etc), you can do this in your shop as the snow flies, and then set them up in the spring.

Also, depending on the time you have, Putting a little cheap shed where you intend to make the course is great for storing the stuff close buy so the elements won't degrade them.
Sounds awesome. good luck!

[MrVvrroomm]

Grab the bull by the horns and get them to start a uspsa and/or idpa club out at the hudson rod & gun club. I grew up in north hudson and spent many days of my childhood at the club.

[Sammichman]

Not much of a Carpenter but,,when you but a crew together on a WARM saturday this spring ,,I,m good for a Case of Burgers, Buns and some PBRs

[rukwikenuf]

i'd be willing to lend a hand, as long as i can join in the festivities

[gyrfalcon]

....You can send them to: steve at edgemetalworks.net

[Sherry]

The hubby's type of courses might be a good place to start. All you need is some wood to make stands and walls, a drill to assemble them, and a staple gun to put the walls and targets up, and some orange mesh stuff. I think they would be nice for a back yard gun playground because you can change them up easily, but it is all still cheap and durable.

[Sherry]

Easy to store too since it can be taken apart and stacked. Nothing too heavy that one person couldn't handle it either.

[Scratch]

....You can send them to: steve at edgemetalworks.net

Thanks.... I goofed up my email address. I fixed it now.