I want to build an outdoor range

[sesh]

I have about 9 acres. I live outside city limits. I want to run the range from south to north, there is a tree line on the east and west sides of the field I want to use, it would probably give me 200+ yards.
One problem is, beyond the tree line on the west side is a nice little upscale subdivision that borders my property, and they wouldn't be too far from the proposed range, approx 100 yards, but they certainly wouldn't be directly down range. I don't want to sound like a jerk but I don't care if they care about the noise, it would be private use only, family and friends, and it wouldn't be all the time. I'm in Rogers County, is there someone I need to contact, i.e. county commissioner, to find out if I'm okay to do this?
If I am clear to do it, I'd like to have a nice big dirt berm for a backstop, anyone know anyone around the Owasso area that would be reasonable for moving some dirt? I've been debating digging a pond, would it be smart to just transport the dirt from a pond to create the back stop?
What else am I missing? I know there's a lot of advice out there, let me have it. I know there's an NRA rangebook out there but do I really need to buy one? I'm not building a competition range, just want to create a place I can sight in my hunting rifles and shoot my pistols whenever I want.

 

[Lurkerinthewoods]

I have about 9 acres. I live outside city limits. I want to run the range from south to north, there is a tree line on the east and west sides of the field I want to use, it would probably give me 200+ yards.
One problem is, beyond the tree line on the west side is a nice little upscale subdivision that borders my property, and they wouldn't be too far from the proposed range, approx 100 yards, but they certainly wouldn't be directly down range. I don't want to sound like a jerk but I don't care if they care about the noise, it would be private use only, family and friends, and it wouldn't be all the time. I'm in Rogers County, is there someone I need to contact, i.e. county commissioner, to find out if I'm okay to do this?
If I am clear to do it, I'd like to have a nice big dirt berm for a backstop, anyone know anyone around the Owasso area that would be reasonable for moving some dirt? I've been debating digging a pond, would it be smart to just transport the dirt from a pond to create the back stop?
What else am I missing? I know there's a lot of advice out there, let me have it. I know there's an NRA rangebook out there but do I really need to buy one? I'm not building a competition range, just want to create a place I can sight in my hunting rifles and shoot my pistols whenever I want.

My son's grandparents live out east on the other side of 169 and 116th. We called the sheriff to verify the address was outside the city limits and legal to shoot. We got an "all clear" from the deputy we talked with. The neighbors were pissed when we started unloading hundreds of rounds of 5.56 and .45. We seen a deputy drive by, he looked and waved and proceeded to pull into the neighbors driveway. I don't really know what was said, but the deputy left a short time later and the neighbors went back inside.

The only problem I would see would be the liability problems if one of your or a friend's round left the range and struck a house or person in the housing development. I would definitely contact your insurance agent and tell him what you are planning to do..

 

[Phat Mike]

you might think about some shrubs to help with the noise also. and I'd not tell the local folks that you allow friends to use the range IMHO

 

[BReeves]

Do you have a tractor? I built our berm using my old Ford 3000. If you want you can stop by our place east of Catoosa and I'll show you what we did.

 

[Electrician Mike]

If you build this, I would like to be your friend please.....Seriously though, it looks as though we dont live very far apart. I would be willing to help out if needed.

 

[OK Bush Pilot]

I have dozer experience and have built two pounds. Usually, the dirt from the digging of the pond is used to build the dam of the pond. The good thing is most pond dams (even small ones) are more than enough of a back stop for a private shooting “area”. I would stay away from the word “range” when talking to anyone about your plans; range implies lots of use, just a little play on words. Good Luck!

 

[HMFIC]

I have an older version of the NRA guidelines book on how to build a range. If you'd like to borrow it, you're more than welcome to.

 

[sesh]

I have an older version of the NRA guidelines book on how to build a range. If you'd like to borrow it, you're more than welcome to.

I think I'll take you up on that, I need to get some things lined out first and I'll get in touch with you. Thank You

 

[Jefpainthorse]

I'd like to hustle 50 yards worth of big culvert pipe (8 ft diam. Or bigger) and build a shooting tunnel
Build it so it drains... Hang some lights an add a target trolly...

 

[HMFIC]

I think I'll take you up on that, I need to get some things lined out first and I'll get in touch with you. Thank You

No problem. I'll set it out handy. Just PM or email me or something and we can find a time to meetup when you're ready.