Design Your Dream Range House: Explore Our Range House Plans

Range house plans, also known as Shooting House Plans, are architectural designs specifically tailored for constructing facilities dedicated to firearms practice and storage. These blueprints provide detailed instructions for creating structures that cater to the unique requirements of shooting enthusiasts and firearms collectors.

Range house plans often include designated areas for target practice, gun cleaning, and secure weapon storage. They may also incorporate features such as ventilation systems, soundproofing, and reinforced walls to ensure safety and comfort during shooting activities. Whether you’re an avid marksman or a collector seeking a secure and purpose-built space for your firearms, range house plans offer a comprehensive solution.

In this article, we will delve into the key considerations, features, and benefits of range house plans, providing insights into how they can enhance your shooting experience and ensure responsible firearms ownership.

Here are 9 key points to consider when planning a range house:

Safety first
Proper ventilation
Soundproofing
Adequate lighting
Secure storage
Shooting range design
Cleaning and maintenance
Legal compliance
Customization options

By carefully considering these factors, you can create a range house that meets your specific needs and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for firearms practice and storage.

Safety first

Safety should be the top priority when designing and constructing a range house. Here are some key safety considerations:

Fire safety: Range houses should be constructed with fire-resistant materials and equipped with fire safety systems, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers.
Proper ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential to remove harmful fumes and gases produced by firearms discharge. Range houses should have a properly designed ventilation system that meets all applicable safety codes.
Soundproofing: Shooting can generate loud noise, so it’s important to soundproof the range house to minimize noise pollution for both the occupants and the surrounding community. Soundproofing materials can be installed in the walls, ceiling, and floor of the range.
Secure storage: Firearms and ammunition should be stored securely in a dedicated storage area within the range house. The storage area should be locked and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.

By incorporating these safety features into your range house plans, you can create a safe and responsible environment for firearms practice and storage.

Proper ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential in a range house to remove harmful fumes and gases produced by firearms discharge. These fumes and gases can be dangerous to breathe and can also damage the firearms and other equipment in the range house.

Exhaust ventilation: An exhaust ventilation system is used to remove fumes and gases from the range house. The exhaust system should be designed to provide a minimum of 10 air changes per hour. The exhaust fan should be located at the highest point in the range house and should be ducted to the outside.
Make-up air: Make-up air is used to replace the air that is removed by the exhaust ventilation system. The make-up air should be filtered to remove dust and other particles. The make-up air intake should be located at the lowest point in the range house and should be ducted to the outside.
Air filtration: Air filtration is used to remove dust and other particles from the air in the range house. The air filter should be located in the return air duct of the ventilation system. The air filter should be changed regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pressure relief: A pressure relief system is used to prevent the build-up of pressure in the range house. The pressure relief system should be designed to open when the pressure in the range house exceeds a certain level. The pressure relief vent should be located at the highest point in the range house and should be ducted to the outside.

By incorporating a properly designed ventilation system into your range house plans, you can ensure that the air in the range house is safe and healthy to breathe.

Soundproofing

Soundproofing is an important consideration for range houses, as shooting can generate loud noise. Soundproofing can help to minimize noise pollution for both the occupants of the range house and the surrounding community.

Wall construction: The walls of a range house should be constructed with soundproofing materials, such as drywall, fiberglass insulation, and soundproofing panels. The walls should be at least 6 inches thick to provide adequate soundproofing.
Ceiling construction: The ceiling of a range house should also be constructed with soundproofing materials. The ceiling should be at least 8 feet high to provide adequate soundproofing.
Floor construction: The floor of a range house should be constructed with soundproofing materials, such as carpet, rubber mats, and soundproofing underlayment. The floor should be at least 1 inch thick to provide adequate soundproofing.
Doors and windows: The doors and windows of a range house should be soundproofed. Soundproofing weatherstripping and gaskets can be installed around the doors and windows to help block out noise.

By incorporating soundproofing features into your range house plans, you can create a quieter and more enjoyable environment for firearms practice and storage.

Adequate lighting

Adequate lighting is essential for a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. Proper lighting will help you to see your targets clearly and avoid accidents.

General lighting: The range house should have general lighting that provides even illumination throughout the space. This lighting can be provided by fluorescent lights, LED lights, or high-intensity discharge (HID) lights.
Task lighting: Task lighting is used to illuminate specific areas, such as the shooting lane and the target area. This lighting can be provided by spotlights, floodlights, or under-cabinet lighting.
Emergency lighting: Emergency lighting is required in case of a power outage. Emergency lighting should be provided by battery-powered lights or generators.
Natural lighting: Natural lighting can be used to supplement artificial lighting. Windows and skylights can be used to bring natural light into the range house.

By incorporating adequate lighting into your range house plans, you can create a safe and well-lit environment for firearms practice and storage.

Secure storage

Secure storage is essential for firearms and ammunition in a range house. Proper storage can help to prevent accidents, theft, and unauthorized access to firearms.

Separate storage: Firearms and ammunition should be stored in separate locked containers. This will help to prevent accidental shootings and unauthorized access to firearms.
Locked cabinets: Firearms should be stored in locked cabinets that meet the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations. The cabinets should be made of sturdy materials and should be bolted to the floor or wall.
Ammunition storage: Ammunition should be stored in a locked cabinet or container. The cabinet or container should be made of sturdy materials and should be kept in a cool, dry place.
Security system: A security system can help to deter theft and unauthorized access to the range house. The security system should include motion detectors, door and window sensors, and an alarm.

By incorporating secure storage features into your range house plans, you can help to prevent accidents, theft, and unauthorized access to firearms and ammunition.

Shooting range design

The shooting range is the heart of a range house. It is important to design the shooting range carefully to ensure that it is safe, efficient, and enjoyable to use.

Here are some key considerations for shooting range design:

Range length: The length of the shooting range will depend on the type of shooting that you will be doing. For shooting, a range length of 25 yards is typically sufficient. For rifle shooting, a range length of 50 yards or more is recommended.
Range width: The width of the shooting range should be at least 12 feet to allow for safe shooting. If you plan on shooting multiple shooters at the same time, you will need to increase the width of the range accordingly.
Target placement: The targets should be placed at the appropriate distance for the type of shooting that you will be doing. For shooting, the targets should be placed at a distance of 7 yards. For rifle shooting, the targets should be placed at a distance of 50 yards or more.
Backstop: The backstop is the area behind the targets that stops bullets from traveling beyond the shooting range. The backstop should be made of a sturdy material, such as concrete or steel. The backstop should be at least 6 feet high and 12 feet wide.

By carefully considering these factors, you can design a shooting range that is safe, efficient, and enjoyable to use.

In addition to the above considerations, there are a number of other factors that you may want to consider when designing your shooting range, such as:

Lighting: The shooting range should be well-lit so that you can see your targets clearly. Natural light is the best option, but artificial lighting can also be used.
Ventilation: The shooting range should be well-ventilated to remove harmful fumes and gases. A ventilation system can be installed to help circulate the air.
Soundproofing: The shooting range should be soundproofed to minimize noise pollution. Soundproofing materials can be installed in the walls, ceiling, and floor of the range.
Safety features: The shooting range should be equipped with a number of safety features, such as a bullet trap, a range master, and a first aid kit.

By incorporating these additional features into your shooting range design, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for firearms practice and storage.

Cleaning and maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your range house in good condition and ensure that it is safe to use. Here are some key cleaning and maintenance tasks that you should perform on a regular basis:

Clean the shooting range: The shooting range should be cleaned after each use to remove any debris, such as spent casings, targets, and powder residue. The floor, walls, and ceiling should be swept or vacuumed, and the targets should be replaced.
Clean the firearms: Firearms should be cleaned after each use to remove any dirt, debris, or fouling. The barrel, bolt, and other components should be cleaned with a cleaning rod and a solvent. The exterior of the firearm can be cleaned with a cloth and a gun oil.
Clean the ventilation system: The ventilation system should be cleaned regularly to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. The filters should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect the safety features: The safety features of the range house, such as the bullet trap, range master, and first aid kit, should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working order.

By performing these cleaning and maintenance tasks on a regular basis, you can help to keep your range house in good condition and ensure that it is safe to use.

In addition to the above cleaning and maintenance tasks, there are a number of other things that you can do to keep your range house in good condition, such as:

Keep the range house dry: Moisture can damage the firearms and other equipment in the range house. Keep the range house dry by using a dehumidifier or by opening the windows and doors to air it out.
Control the temperature: Extreme temperatures can also damage the firearms and other equipment in the range house. Keep the temperature in the range house between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lubricate the moving parts: The moving parts of the firearms and other equipment in the range house should be lubricated regularly to prevent wear and tear. Use a lubricant that is specifically designed for firearms.
Store the firearms and ammunition properly: Firearms and ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place. The firearms should be stored in a locked cabinet, and the ammunition should be stored in a separate locked container.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your range house in good condition and ensure that it is safe to use for many years to come.

Legal compliance

It is important to ensure that your range house plans comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes federal, state, and local laws. Failure to comply with the law could result in fines, penalties, or even criminal charges.

Federal law: Federal law regulates the manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms and ammunition. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 prohibits the possession of firearms in school zones. The National Firearms Act of 1934 regulates the manufacture, sale, and possession of certain types of firearms, such as machine guns and silencers.
State law: State laws vary significantly in terms of firearms regulation. Some states have strict gun control laws, while others have more relaxed laws. It is important to be familiar with the gun laws in your state before you build a range house.
Local law: Local laws may also regulate the construction and use of range houses. For example, some cities and counties have zoning laws that restrict the location of shooting ranges. It is important to check with your local zoning board to make sure that your range house plans comply with local law.
Building codes: Building codes are regulations that govern the construction of buildings. Building codes may include requirements for the structural integrity of the building, the electrical system, the plumbing system, and the fire safety system. It is important to make sure that your range house plans comply with all applicable building codes.

By ensuring that your range house plans comply with all applicable laws and regulations, you can avoid legal problems and ensure that your range house is safe to use.

Customization options

Range house plans can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few of the most popular customization options:

Size and layout: The size and layout of your range house can be customized to fit your needs. If you only need a small space for target practice, you can choose a smaller plan. If you need a larger space for multiple shooters or for storing a large collection of firearms, you can choose a larger plan. You can also customize the layout of your range house to include features such as a separate reloading room, a gun cleaning room, or a storage room for ammunition.
Materials and finishes: The materials and finishes used in your range house can be customized to match your taste and budget. You can choose from a variety of materials for the walls, ceiling, and floor, including drywall, wood, metal, and concrete. You can also customize the finishes, such as the paint color, the type of flooring, and the lighting fixtures.
Amenities: You can also customize your range house to include a variety of amenities, such as a kitchen, a bathroom, a climate control system, and a security system. These amenities can make your range house more comfortable and enjoyable to use.
Safety features: Finally, you can customize your range house to include a variety of safety features, such as a bullet trap, a soundproofing system, and a fire suppression system. These features can help to make your range house safer to use.

By customizing your range house plans, you can create a space that is perfect for your needs and preferences.