Rural Living Adaptation of a City Dweller

[MJB]

I don't know what kind of ammo he is firing but I know that my 7mm Mauser with FMJ ammo will shoot right through a 12" diameter pine tree like it isn't even there. I would not consider a 6" or 8" thick landscape timber fence to be any kind of safeguard against rifle ammunition.

 

[beenthere]

Maybe it be cheaper to move a building (sstorage shed, old trailer house, or barn) onto that site near his firing range. Something you can use as well as something that constitutes your property which in turn restricts his ability to have his shooting range. Also something that will show any bullet holes for your proof that his range is errant in construction.

I agree with others that a rifle bullet will penetrate wood of 6-8 inches, but it will be pretty well spent if and when it comes out. Seems your idea is not to make him a backstop for his range, but to show evidence that his range is not safe for you.

Good luck.

 

[Egon]

Doc:

There should be no need to spend your money to protect your family from bullets crossing your land. The shooters action is denying you use of your property due to his actions. One stray bullet passing over your property should be enough to justify preventive action by the presiding law enforcement officials.

Please note I have nothing against shooting but if I do so It cannot endanger or render someone's land unusable.

RE: Deckers comments

Egon

 

[alco141]

i would definately not rely on a timber wall for down range protection. if you want to demonstrate bullet trajectory just put up a plywood wall, you will not be safe from a high powered rifle behind 8 inches of wood. with the avearage hunting rifle you can shoot through a 12 inch tree and kill what is behind it, easily.

alex

 

[DocHeb]

Oh well, your comments (and others') have taken care of my calmness. I figured 8" of heart Southern Pine would be adequate, but from your comments I guess that won't make a difference . Maybe I'll put a building up so that the 450 foot rule will push him back.

 

[ljh2]

Doc,

I'd have to second ( or third ) the opinions of those who suggested talking to the neighbor before going to the effort of "proving" him wrong. The guy may look at the situation when you mention it and agree to a better solution.

While I agree completely that his line-of-fire is dangerous and unacceptable, the leap to defensive maneuvers in lieu of diplomacy seems pre-mature.

I would save the legal tactics, restraining orders and barricades in the event that a neighborly conversation fails to resolve the issue. It is the neighborly "country" way to try communication before serving writs.

Good luck and keep your head down.

Larry

 

[cowboydoc]

I totally agree to try the neighborly approach first. The guy may simply not realize what you're thinking and be very nice about it. I've learned the hard way over the years that things get accomplished much better with a kind word and a hand of friendship rather than harsh words and finger pointing. It may just get worse if you start doing this and that and then he thinks bad of you, etc. At least go talk to him nicely first and then if that doesn't work you can try more drastic measures. Remember he was there first and for however long he could shoot that way without problems. I know it's your land now and all but I'd sure try the new good neighbor route first.

 

[DocHeb]

Today I tried the friendly neighbor approach. I saw the "gunsmith" out in the yard and went over to talk to him - asked him if he had any luck deerhunting. Also talked about trimming the grass along the fencerow. He asked me not to trim it so there would be some cover for rabbits - I agreed not to.

Then the $64,000 question: "What can we do to make the downrange situation better when you're shooting? "

His reply - "it's just fine the way it is". He said he designed the 3' x 3' backstop himself with a hay bale, a layer of 2x6 lumber, 6" of sand, and some 1/2" steel plate. He states that he and his friends "never miss the target", so there "wouldn't be any downrange problems". I said "if that's the case, how about I help you move it over to the other property line". "No, I don't want to move it, cause that's where I have it set up; besides there's a house downrange on that lot line". (That house is over 1500' away, and 250' off line, as opposed to my house that is 450' away and ~150 feet offline.) His unwillingness to even consider any other solution was becoming evident. I then suggested that since he "never misses", and there are no downrange problems, how about he turn his range around and shoot the other way. He seemed shocked - "I'd never do that! - that's towards my house!". I expressed that there wouldn't be a problem since he "never misses". We discussed having the township's gun safety officer stop by to get their opinion about his range. "You can do anything you want, but I'm still shooting there". It's clear where he stands.

I left the NRA rifle range development material with him - it could be useful - he could use the fifteen pages to light his fireplace. Overall, I was fairly discouraged with our interaction.

Previously someone mentioned that a 12" pine tree wouldn't be enough to stop a high powered rifle slug. How about 10" of concrete?

 

[MikePA]

Chris, this is certainly a bummer /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif. As you suggested, it's time to bring in the township gun safety officer. Might want to have another copy of the NRA guidelines handy in case he/she doesn't know about them. I can't imagine the officer will let this situation stay as is.

 

[TimSullivan]

Chris, you tried the friendly way to solve this dangerous situation. Looks like you are dealing with someone that does not have any concern for you or your family.

I hope the town officials will be of some help. If not you could always set up a range of your own in the opposite direction.