I'm making my own range, yesterday I made a nice (I think) raised 8x8 shooting platform.

[Tyler Kemp]

A business partner of my father is graciously giving me command of a pretty large CRP field to make my own range to create videos on. Yesterday a few buddies and I made this platform. It's steady, level, and just under six feet high. Should help get out of the mirage somewhat. As soon as I get some targets it's time to brush hog and make some berms, then get to shooting!

All the supplies loaded into the truck:

Creating the frame:

Legs are all braced with plenty of support from the outside as well:

Frame up and in the bases that we leveled out

Joists and joist hangers in place:

Laying down the top boards:

Needs another board...they weren't as thick as advertised

98% done, just a few more screws and boards next time we come out!

Pretty nice view from up top:

Hope you guys like it! Hopefully will have everything else set up in a few weeks.

 

[GrantA]

Looks nice, I'm jealous! A couple of pointers though. First all dimensional lumber is sized by the rough-cut dimensions. For example a 2x4 will measure 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches. It appears you used 5/4x6 deck boards which should measure 1"x5-1/2"
Now on to the screws, for best strength you should stagger the screws/nails, meaning don't put 2 in the same grain line (where you screwed the 2x bands to the posts, just stagger them a bit).

I look forward to some pics of the berms!

 

[Bigalfromfl]

Nice platform and shooting area!

 

[0311@LAR]

Pretty sweet set up! But what is with the dudes wearing nurses pants in the second photo?

 

[FN in MT]

Very nice! I'd add a roof to keep out of the sun or some sort of SHADE. Camo netting?

Looking forwward to more pics.

 

[pyplynr]

Looks great! I've done the same thing. just gotta add a little more bracing underneath. here's mine.

 

[Bigtmiller]

Looks great. I'm thinking of building the same thing. I like the "feet" you put the post in. Where did you get those, lowes, etc?

 

[GrantA]

those blocks are called deck blocks (at Lowes at least, last time I bought some), available at lowes, hd, etc. 2x lumber can stand on edge in them or 4x4s can stand upright, genius idea

I second the motion for a roof!

 

[snakedocc]

Looks Great !!!

Are you going to secure it to the ground so it doesn't blow over ?

 

[565fitter]

my only suggestion is to take off the 2 cross braces and put them on an angle from the bottom of the 4x4 to the center of the 2x6 then the same on the other side. what you have will probably work but if by chance it does fall, it could be dangerous with a loaded weapon. other than that I cant wait to see to the finished range

 

[Scratchthejeepguy]

Looks great! Keep us updated on future work.

 

[JByrd]

Im thinkin stair step wall baricade underneath. And funky port plywood baricade screwed into bottom side" the ones with the 45 deg slots, small circles etc.

 

[Outlaw45]

What is the dimension, 8 ft by 8 ft?

 

[sawman556]

Very nice!

Whose girlfriend followed you two around taking pictures all day? Or was it a total sausage fest?


Nice set-up. I wish I had land like that at my disposal.

 

[timjoebobbradley]

diagonal bracing! otherwise it could rack and fall down.

 

[TheGerman]

Needs more barricade.

Be ready to reinforce the concrete blocks in the bottom after a few rainstorms. They are going to sink a bit and can cause all sorts of support issues when they do.

 

[elfster1234]

Omg, i hate you! That place and stand looks amazing!

Nice job and nice write up.

A business partner of my father is graciously giving me command of a pretty large CRP field to make my own range to create videos on. Yesterday a few buddies and I made this platform. It's steady, level, and just under six feet high. Should help get out of the mirage somewhat. As soon as I get some targets it's time to brush hog and make some berms, then get to shooting!

All the supplies loaded into the truck:

Creating the frame:

Legs are all braced with plenty of support from the outside as well:

Frame up and in the bases that we leveled out

Joists and joist hangers in place:

Laying down the top boards:

Needs another board...they weren't as thick as advertised

98% done, just a few more screws and boards next time we come out!

Pretty nice view from up top:

Hope you guys like it! Hopefully will have everything else set up in a few weeks.

 

[Tyler Kemp]

That's what I get for hanging out with doctors

 

[Tyler Kemp]

I'd like some shade as well...that may be another day's project. Not sure of the best way to make some shade on the cheap just yet.

 

[thrusty]

If you wouldn't mind...how about posting a material list? I'd like to have something like this on the ready.

 

[timjoebobbradley]

If you wouldn't mind...how about posting a material list? I'd like to have something like this on the ready.

4 concrete blocks 4 4 x 4 posts, 7 or 8 joist boards ( he had something huge like 2 x 10, you only need 2 x 6) a bunch of 2x4 or 2x6 floor boards and then his little braces that don't brace properly ( no offense to you tyler)

 

[KYS]

4 concrete blocks 4 4 x 4 posts, 7 or 8 joist boards ( he had something huge like 2 x 10, you only need 2 x 6) a bunch of 2x4 or 2x6 floor boards and then his little braces that don't brace properly ( no offense to you tyler)

That's a pretty detailed list. I called Lowe's but they are having a hard time locating "his little braces".

 

[choover23]

Plus 1 for cross bracing and a sunshade

 

[dpilot83]

I am surprised you are allowed to mow and build berms on CRP ground. In my area, land owners are paid by the federal government to grow approved mixes of grasses on their CRP ground to reduce erosion. After you've got it growing good, you're not allowed to touch it as far as I know.

 

[rjacobs]

I am surprised you are allowed to mow and build berms on CRP ground. In my area, land owners are paid by the federal government to grow approved mixes of grasses on their CRP ground to reduce erosion. After you've got it growing good, you're not allowed to touch it as far as I know.

I have a buddy with a couple hundred acres of CRP land and he keeps it mowed and in fairly good up keep. He also has his shooting range setup on it and a couple of berms at varying distances. I think he told me the only requirement for CRP where he is is that he cant farm it. He has deer/turkey stands built on it, a lake he keeps stocked, etc... But like you said, different states may have different laws on what you can and can not do on CRP land.

 

[Tyler Kemp]

Yep, that's what the farmer told me, as long as I don't make drastic changes or farm it I can do anything shooting/target/berm related.

What would be the easiest way to add shade? Drill a hole for an umbrella?

Looks like the consensus is I need some diagonal bracing, it seemed really solid to me but I'd prefer it last.

 

[Engine 22]

I could provide some targets for a day in exchange for some trigger time...........just say when Columbia, correct? I think I may have some spare lumber for the cross bracing/ thingy/ whatever!

 

[rjacobs]

Its to late now, but if I were to have built that platform I would have gotten really long 6x6 instead of 4x4 and continued them all the way up and just build a roof off of them. I would have gotten like 12' long ones or maybe even 16'.


At this stage I would just buy an easy up, they are about 8x8 and rig it up there when you are there shooting and then take it home with you. Most of the legs have holes in them for stakes you could get some fasteners(not sure what they are called) that screw into the wood and then have threads on the top. Its similar to all thread, but the bottom portion is designed for biting into wood and it has a small section in the middle to put a wrench on it to turn. Then just grab some nuts to fasten your easy up to the "bolts" in the wood.

Oh and I just saw that you are in Missouri.... Where abouts? I am in St. Louis, but dont mind driving a bit for some long range shooting. Im always good for buying steaks and cigars.

 

[hk dave]

I think I officially hate you. Yep... sure do. As my wife would say... so jelly.

 

[WTW]

Tyler that is a nice looking setup. I have been considering something like this on some of the land my family owns. How big of platform did you make?

 

[deadwooddick]

Suggestions…

diagonal bracing! otherwise it could rack and fall down.

… WILL FALL down, over and or get racked, losey-goosey). Run a diagonal from "top" of each post to somewhere slightly below the middle of the next corner post. Repeat three more times.

Deck screws will not stay tight for long, gonna need pairs of 3/8" (1/2") bolts/nuts/flatwashers to connect rim joists to each post.

Suggesting a diagonal 2X6 UNDER the floor joists to prevent racking the deck.

 

[pawprint2]

I am really happy to see you guys having so much fun(come on-it was fun building the stand), not to mention all the great times you're going to be having, God Bless you! Be safe, and enjoy.

 

[KTDLS7]

Tyler Kemp,

Nice job!

Do add diagonal braces for structural rigidity. You may want to consider anchoring the corners with those screw-in anchor rods used for deer blinds and temporary antenna towers. A brisk surface wind may cause you some grief.

Cover/Sunshade: Unless you want something permanent, consider using electrical conduit for supports. It's relatively light weight for the diameter/section, and coated to prevent rust. If you want, add pulleys and a halyard to easily raise the cover. You might consider greenhouse sunshade for a cover. It is not waterproof and allows air flow, but will keep the sun off the deck. Don't forget side curtains when the sun is not directly overhead.

Kevin

 

[565fitter]

get some 2x4's and some camo burlap at walmart for your sun shade

 

[Sean the Nailer]

For me, it's a cross between the 'easy-up' shade tent thing, or the 'longer 6x6's and a permanent roof. Only thing I'm gonna do (when I build a tower of my own one day) is put an oversize roof on it, similar to a Control Tower. Simple because, unless it is 12 o'clock noon, all that "shade" you're creating is only shading the grass on the ground below you.

How much off-hand let alone 'bench' shooting are you going to be doing from that platform? Do you need an 8' ceiling?

 

[Tyler Kemp]

It's about an hour north of Columbia. I'll have to check with the farmer if he'll allow me to bring people out often, not my land so I can't say for sure.

 

[Tyler Kemp]

Tyler that is a nice looking setup. I have been considering something like this on some of the land my family owns. How big of platform did you make?

It's an 8x8' platforum WTW. Columbia, MO, you've gotta be close!

 

[tylerw02]

It's about an hour north of Columbia. I'll have to check with the farmer if he'll allow me to bring people out often, not my land so I can't say for sure.

Guys that build their own range get very, very popular. LOL

 

[cramey74]

Does need some more bracing. Keep your finger off the trigger PS90 guy. Nice place to shoot. Chris R.

 

[SugarBooger]

Yeah, "choker" bracing.
A single diagonal under the joists and an opposing one at the base should be plenty.

As for shade, 2x4's longer on the vertical in the direction of fire, shorter behind, and a 12'x12' tarp, some eye hooks and bungees

Sweet set up

 

[clmayfield]

Awesome platform, but the finger in the trigger guard is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

 

[hessian]

I hope you guys are good shooters "cause you suck as carpenters.

 

[Ironhide]

Looks great guys !!!

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Tyler,
Nice job. Gives me an idea for my dad's bottom field where with a raised platform I can shoot up to 600 yards. Definitely the way I'll go now!

 

[Armiger]

Appreciate you sharing the build and the pics! A few helpful carpentry comments and new friends seem to be coming out of the woodwork

 

[Chopperguy]

Good looking set up.

I'm going to set up something like this for my archery/22 rimfire range in my back yard/field.

Have fun with it.

 

[Cartman]

Pretty sweet set up! But what is with the dudes wearing nurses pants in the second photo?

Nurses pants! Shit, I was ready to post "the '80s called and wants the green pants back". Your read probably makes more sense. I recently had surgery for cancer and got much clearly instructions and help from a couple male nurses than the gals so I'm not going to poke fun at that.

Regarding the range set up; living in SoCal as I do, having a set up like that would be like Natalie Portman begging me to do things to her that a hippie hillbilly wouldn't do to a farm animal. I'm ready to move.

 

[tmada45]

Me and a buddy are in the process of building a cabin/shooting platform. We only have a 300 yard range though. It is nice have a private place to shoot. If I can figure out how to post pictures I'll put them up. You have a good looking setup! How long is your range?

 

[Silverbullet2]

My easy up is 10X10, but someone has to make an 8X8. Looks like a slice of long range heaven to me! J

 

[tabby]

You guys just gave me some motivation to make my own now! A good 500m range!
Definitely would like to see more pictures as you progress!