Target Placed On the Ground
By Rod Carter

A target placed on teh ground and shot at is one of the most dangerous situations we have at RRRC. Do you know why? When targets are placed on teh ground instead of properly attached to a target frame, the bullett will strike the ground, and not the backstop. Any time time a bullet strikes teh ground, it is going to ricochet. No question about it. The bullet is going to ricochet. Now, if any of you know how to control ricocheted bullets, Please let me know and we will conduct a class for the rest of our members.

This safety article is not about me being on my soapbox. My intent is to help us be aware of what could happen, and help us to remember that safety is common sense. We have all shot at targets placed on the ground, myself included. After the research I have done on ricochets, and visits to other ranges, I avoid placing targets on the ground unless they are very close to the backstop. Most shooting clubs do not permit targets to be placed on the ground under any circumstances. At this time, I do not think our Club should impose this restriction as long as shooters use common sense.

Ranges A, B and C have target frames and stands for you to use if you do not bring your own. If you have suggestions on how we might improve this, Please let me know. As Safety Office for the club, I am always interested in any suggestions on how we can improve our club.

Range C Shooters - Remember - If you must place your target on the ground closer than 100 yards; please ensure that your target is not in line with the orange lane markers. These markers are there for ou safety to help us identifiy the ocrrect shooting lane so we can prevent cross lane shooting, and they are not targets.

Until I see you at the range, good shooting, and be safe. Thanks for your time.