Trap Machine Submerged,But May Be Salvaged

Mister Stubblejumper:

You have a drainage problem at your range. Just like on my farm this year...and last year. The folks in your community like growing grain and raising cattle. Not raising ducks for that useless DU.

Call up some professional civil engineering firms asking how to to manage your water flow problems. And get some hard numbers of the costs involved in solving the issue.

Next, Take an assessment of your wonderful "little" range and what sort of requirements are needed to upgrade the facility to a more "touristy" level. Get some hard numbers of the cost. The more traps the better.

Next, Go to the Camrose MLA with a request for provincial assistance in keeping your operation a going concern. Show the numbers.

If the current provincial government is pro gun..let them show their support of you in hard cash.

If you get into problems with the Alberta government please post them.

As I have posted, the trap machine gets used two or three times per year, due to lack of interest, and long term, we are planning to relocate our facility, so we are not going to make any significant investment for this trap house. There is a sump pump installed now, so flooding again isn't likely, so we will run the machine as is, when someone wants to use it.
 
I'd try and run it enough to dry it out thoroughly now and keep it lubed with WD-40 or something that will drive the moisture out. Bearings will need something with a heavier lube after they're dry, but it will hopefully be ok. Too bad there isn't more interest in trap, I preferred it to skeet.
 
I'd try and run it enough to dry it out thoroughly now and keep it lubed with WD-40 or something that will drive the moisture out. Bearings will need something with a heavier lube after they're dry, but it will hopefully be ok. Too bad there isn't more interest in trap, I preferred it to skeet.

It will be run regularly , just to try and keep corrosion to a minimum, but even with the sump pump, there is still a couple inches of water remaining. As to the popularity of skeet, I guess our members just find it more of a challenge than trap. I shoot the odd round of wobble trap myself, but I would be totally bored shooting regular trap.
 
Doesn't hurt to keep a log book for volunteer hours worked at your gun club. Volunteer hours of upkeep and maintenance are counted as something of value per entry.
Gives you some traction when you apply for a provincial grant as a not for profit organization.
 
With the Alberta government and its citizens currently drowning in debt and no end in sight with the energy industry struggling like it is, I think it is time us shooters pay our own bills. There are people and things that need it more than us.

I apologize for the derail.
 
Personally I would try to lift the house onto cinderblocks/foundation to help raise off ground.

Im well aware it's easier said then done
 
I've often pondered building a trap field on a raised deck, with the house and machine above ground level.
The other guys at the club just smile politely and nod...

Smiling, and nodding....

There are definite specifications for a properly set up trap range. A raised house likely wouldn't fall into those specs.

Edit: Non-pitted house should be maximum 3' above grade.
 
I've often pondered building a trap field on a raised deck, with the house and machine above ground level.
The other guys at the club just smile politely and nod...

You mean to have the deck under the shooters, so that they and the machine are that much higher and it's out of the ooze? Sounds like a plan. Or if standing on the green earth is too traditional, you could put a retaining wall around the shooters area and dump in a bunch of fill and grass seed.
 
Smiling, and nodding....

There are definite specifications for a properly set up trap range. A raised house likely wouldn't fall into those specs.

Edit: Non-pitted house should be maximum 3' above grade.

Technically speaking, the plate of the trap thrower should be level with the #3 post. Although few actually are. That's why trap house are built into the ground.
 
Technically speaking, the plate of the trap thrower should be level with the #3 post. Although few actually are. That's why trap house are built into the ground.

Their is one trap field neaby that is properly raised, Miramichi Shooting Sports has one, the trap house is tall enough to walk in and fill the machine and the 16 yrd line is set at the proper eleavation. Occasionally they shoot double wobble on it, which is entertaning.
 
Back
Top Bottom