Henry Rifle Forums

Got the range cleared back to 50 yds. Problem is the backstop is inside the woods line. Shooting from outside the woods line makes target hard to see. This picture is from the 50 yard line.

Two suggestions:

Clear some trees around the targets to allow light in, or...
Easier: Use bright orange centers on bright white background for your targets when the light is at it's brightest.

I'm shooting down a tunnel of trees, but the berm is at the back edge of the tree line and there is sun on the targets most of the day as the berm is somewhat exposed. I have a guy coming late fall to remove three more trees. You can guess which ones... they are right in the way ...

Here is the view from 50 yards, you can see the sunlight on the berm. A bright white target of any kind in the sunlight will stand out.



This is a view from 80 yards, but somewhat zoomed.

We have added a lot more dirt to the berm itself since these pics were taken. It's now level with the top of the berm wall, and much thicker.

I’ll put a blank sheet of paper up today and see how that stands out. You can see something in picture that shines a little. That’s a set of aluminum ramps to the left of the backstop. If I see them, maybe I can see the white paper. Where the bush hog is sitting is at 25 yds. That’s the edge of woods line and can see good from there. When the leaves fall, probably can see then.

Mine is in the open yet I still have problems seeing the targets because I shoot to the south. In the summer it’s great. In the winter not so great. I’m hoping that all changes when snow is everywhere. Still it’s nice having a range even with problems.

Our backyard range has the same problem with shade, given our yard is surrounded by trees.

If we want to effectively use iron sights or even red dots we have top pick a time of day when the backstop isn't in shade. Even brightly colored targets are hardtop see in deep shade and I've tried them all.

The only way we can shoot any time of day on our range is to use a scope. It's not so much the magnification as it is the ability of the scope to make targets in the shade visible. I love shooting with iron sights and do it when the light allows, but that's not often. Without scopes, our backyard range wouldn't get much use.

I knew there would be issues, but I chose my location intentionally. This is Oklahoma. This summer, we had forty five straight days with temps over 110. The wind comes whipping down the plains, even though we are in the mountains. The temps in the shade are significantly lower, drive by any pasture, see where the livestock spend the day. The trees also provide a decent windbreak.

I'll deal with it.

With you all the way on dealing with it. Beats not having a range.

North Country Gal wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 15, 2022 10:51 am

With you all the way on dealing with it. Beats not having a range.

My feelings exactly. My side “Boot Hill” range makes me shoot uphill maybe 20 feet in 50 yards. Not ideal but better than tid-dly-winks.