sound proofing a gun range

[Jake Benson]

I have five acres in a semi-rural area and want to put up a good backstop for shooting handguns. While its legal in my area, I am concerned about neighbors complaining in adjacent neighborhoods because of the noise. What I had thought about was building some kind of shed that would be enclosed on three sides, plus a roof. The front side would be open, of course, to accommodate the shooting. Or, maybe there could even be a half wall in front, as long as there was the open space to shoot from. My wife and I could then stand inside the shed to do our firing. If such a structure were soundproofed, but with the front still open, would it at least muffle the gunshots so they didn't echo across our property?

If this would work, what kind of soundproofing would I need to adequately do the job? 

[Randy S]

Jake,

You will need to contact me direct in order for me to help you adequately. The way you have to deal with outside noise is far more complex then indoor noise. My contact info is below, I will need a rough idea of distances to property lines and elevation in regards to the neighbors.

Randy S.
760-752-3030 ext 104.

toll free 888-942-7723 ext 104

[johnbergstromslc]

Talk to your neighbors first.  If you have 5 acres and you maximize the gun range distance as far away from each neighbor as possible, it might not be a problem. 

Over a large distance, gun noise is mainly a high frequency 'crack', a lot easier to block.