Building the 200 yard range
The 200 yard range was built almost entirely by the efforts of our members. A dedicated few people have labored over many years to deliver a state-of-the-art high-power rifle shooting venue. The pictures on this page tell the story of the range construction. When you see a photo of someone you recognize please remember to thank them for all their hard work.
In the Beginning
Construction began in 2003. The area was marked off, land cleared, and the end berm built up. Initial construction costs were supported by a $5000 donation from the Friends of the NRA.
Overshot Protection - Phase I
Construction of the overshot protection was the most time consuming portion of the project. It was divided into three phases. Phase I was the portion nearest the firing line.
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Overshot Protection - Phase II
Phase II was the next section down range.
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Overshot Protection - Phase III
Phase III was the final section of overshot. The photos below were taken during work days in the October - November 2003 period.
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Overshot Protection - Adding Stone to Phase I
Filling all the overshot with stone was a major effort requiring many hours of back-breaking labor. Luckily some members had access to construction equipment. The Phase I overshot was filled first.
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Pouring the Slab for the Range House
A quality firing range needs a solid foundation. Early on the range designers decided the range house would be built on a slab.
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Overshot Protection - Adding Stone to Phases II & III
With the slab in place. The work teams moved on to adding stone to the remainder of the overshot protection. The front end loader was a huge help.
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Range House
The range house provides sheltered firing positions. The addition of a flag pole in 2007 and custom built firing benches in 2008 provided the finishing touches.
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Reworking the Left Side Berm
In December 2007, local excavator Dick Chandler did some major work for the club. The 200 yard range left side berm was shifted, raised, and lengthened. Dick also raised the 50 yard range berm. Please thank Dick for his excellent work.
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Target Rack Redesign
When SaraSpa's High-power Rifle Activity started up their practice matches in Spring 2008, it was decided to rework the target racks. The initial design used "folding" target racks at the 100 yard distance. The redesign uses fixed target racks at 100 yards. The fixed racks are lower to the ground allowing engaging targets at both 100 and 200 yard ranges - without reconfiguring the target racks. In addition, a berm was added behind the 100 yard target racks. We also needed to raise and enlarge the target racks at the 200 yard mark to fit the match-size targets.
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What's Next?
The 200 yard range is here to stay. This page will record the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain this very important resource.
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