HOW TO MAKE an airgun range in your back garden

The first consideration is the layout of the airgun range. Initially, it is important to carry out a thorough risk assessment of your garden area in order to satisfy yourself that the range can be constructed and used safely, not only to those taking part but to others either in the home or on adjacent properties.

What should a DIY airgun range backstop be made from?

Since it is an offence for pellets to fly outside the confines of your property, whether by error or ricochets, it is important to recognise the need for a secure backstop. This may be an adequate soft soil bank, without stones, or a brick wall onto which an old piece of carpet can be hung to prevent ricochets. Do not use chipboard, plywood or any thick composite material with a polished surface as there is a risk of ricochet with these.

What is the best shooting position at a back garden airgun range?

A comfortable shooting position should be established with a bench and table, ideally slightly elevated from the targets. The elevated position will reduce ricochets and make the backstop more effective. This position should be selected and protected such that spectators, other family members or pets cannot unwittingly enter into the firing area.

What is the best material for homemade airgun targets?

As to targets, these should ideally be of card or thick paper held in suitable metal traps to contain the spent pellets and prevent contamination of your garden. On no account should cans or bottles be used as these can lead to ricochets and, unless your garden is very large, the use of metal “drop down” targets or spinners is not advisable — for exactly the same reason.

Downloadable paper target designs are easy to find online and can be simply printed off in their hundreds. Shooting paper targets is great for zeroing and practising at different ranges and different positions. The great thing about paper targets is that they don’t lie, and you can analyse and re-analyse all aspects of your shooting at will.

Safe conduct is paramount and handling rules should be the same as used in the club and fully in line with the BASC Air Rifle Safety Code.

Should I tell my neighbours about the DIY airgun range?

I would encourage all readers to let your neighbours know what you are up to in your back garden. Make sure you comply with the law and remember it is an offence for any pellet you have fired to leave the boundary of the premises where you have permission to shoot.

5 safetyrules for your DIY back garden airgun range

• Youngsters should be kept under close supervision at all times
• Before you shoot, make sure that a safe backstop is present for the pellet to be captured
• Let other users of the garden know that you are shooting
• Prevent pets and livestock from entering the range while you are shooting
• Always unload the gun and the remove the magazine (if it has one) before checking the targets

To download free targets, visit basc.org.uk/airgunning; and for more information on the BASC Air Rifle Safety Code, visit basc.org.uk/codes-of-practice