Steel Core Ammunition on our Range

[TSE_Sales]

Good afternoon Canadian Gunnutz.

A number of people have inquired why they can't use Surplus 7.62x39/7.62Nato etc ammunition on our ranges, and I wanted to show folks a specific example that we found recently that illustrates this quite well.

This is the target carrier dolly from one of the lanes in our rifle bay. It is faced with a 1/4" plate of AR500 steel (if not AR550 which is harder), which is really tough stuff.



The impact point near the inner edge, the lowest of three impacts with steel cored ammunition (one is right at the top of the carrier plate, and the other is more centrally located in the upper half and shiny) has bent the plate back so far that it is touching the wheel that is behind it and buckled the side of the dolly.



The bullet then ricocheted into the cable stay, the brass coloured plate attached above the near wheel, bending it up into the position shown before at least parts of it came to a stop in the far wheel.



This dolly needed to have the exterior carrier replaced, both of the front wheels from the internal carrier, the cable stay, and the front plate.
In the back ground of the first photo you can also see one of our staff replacing the lights that were broken by the shrapnel from these hits.
These are all costs that effect our ability to provide the service and facility that our clients deserve.

This is also an item that is designed to withstand impacts from non-steel cored projectiles and does so quite well. Other parts of the range can not carry this weight of steel, and have been engineered to safely operate with normal hunting/civilian ammunition. If a Steel cored projectile were able to do enough damage to the ceiling plates, for instance, it could leave the facility. If that happens, the range is going to get shut down. Since we all want to continue to have a range and enjoy the shooting sports, we have unfortunately had to disallow the use of surplus 7.62x39 etc on our ranges.

While we have video of the damage being done, and the people responsible aren't going to be welcome back, it is after the fact and the damage had already been done. As such we will continue to inspect ammunition, and stop people from using unsafe ammunition on the ranges.

Thanks

Colin

[Redblack]

Do you do spot checks to catch these guys? It looks like they tried to shoot it intentionally because the paper targets hang a few feet lower than the dolly.

I'd hate for my range fees to go up again and again for these repairs.

[CobraGuy]

Wow.

[GeoTrekr]

The range is clearly marked no steel. Exactly the type of attitude that got the public range in Kananaskis shut down is being exhibited here, and it's infuriating for those who aren't so selfish.

[baldabe]

Its always the selfish and entitled few who think they are above any rules and laws who ruin it for the rules and law abiding majority.
Shame on the people who did this.

[bsand]

its almost like they did it on purpose.. Shooting the steel plates. What a bunch of dinks... So not cool.

[SIGNUT]

On top of just dumb on so many levels, that is a pretty sh!tty shot! my 6 year old blindfolded would be better than that.

Would there be any way to use an electrical sensor on the backstop (backside) that could detect the additional force of the steel or frequency , then send off a signal to the staff?

[tinman304]

Before we hang the shooter here, lets consider the possibility of a novice shooter who was sold steel ammo unknowingly. The range officers should be very vigilant in checking ammo being brought in if accidents are to be prevented.

[SIGNUT]

Before we hang the shooter here, lets consider the possibility of a novice shooter who was sold steel ammo unknowingly. The range officers should be very vigilant in checking ammo being brought in if accidents are to be prevented.

Wrong. You pull the trigger, you are responsible. No exceptions.

[Sea Monkey]

Thanks for posting this. It's unfortunate that selfishness and a clear lack of imagination seems to make some humans think they are special or somehow excused from rules or exercising common sense, respect and courtesy.