Advice on buying property where I can set up a shooting range?

[Justin]

So I'm kicking around the idea of selling the house I currently live in and buying some rural property.

I've not done this before, and would be interested to hear from anyone who's gone through the process on the best way to find property, evaluate it, buy it, etc.

Ideally I'd like to buy property where I could do some shooting, and would like to know if any of you have done this as well, and if so, how do you go about doing it properly?

Thanks!

[ray1970]

This is only something I heard from a guy who owned land but I can?t verify the validity of the information and it may vary from county to county.

Anyhow, he owned over 40 acres and claimed he bought that much because there weren?t many restrictions on what he could do with his land. He had a range set up behind his house.

Could just be BS or misinformation but I?d still say to check with the county before you buy and see what they say you can or can?t do with your property.

[00tec]

This is only something I heard from a guy who owned land but I can?t verify the validity of the information and it may vary from county to county.

Anyhow, he owned over 40 acres and claimed he bought that much because there weren?t many restrictions on what he could do with his land. He had a range set up behind his house.

Could just be BS or misinformation but I?d still say to check with the county before you buy and see what they say you can or can?t do with your property.

For Adams county, you want over 35, zoned a3 (a3 requires 35+). The restrictions aren't so much for shooting, but are geared toward livestock and such. For example, if I was zoned a3, there are restrictions on how many animals I could have, etc.

[VDW]

We’re assuming you’re talking about a personal range, not a commercial range, correct? I can’t give much advice on either, but the restrictions would be very different.

[Justin]

Yes. Just kicking around the idea of a personal range.

[CS1983]

Make SURE to check for covenants, even if every single neighbor has old boats for planters and their property looks like it could be a set for a Rob Zombie movie. For example, out east of the Springs are a bunch of 40 acre trash properties. Guess what, a LOT of those are part of a covenant that allows NO shooting, hunting, etc. on the property.

While most of those folks don't abide by that, or at least wouldn't care if you didn't, all it takes is one Karen to take you to court over it, with the covenant on her side, and ruin your life and sink your goals.

[Bailey Guns]

I had 15 acres in Park Co. No county restrictions there re: shooting except for existing state law. Obviously you can't be violating any law (for example, possessing a firearm under the influence, can't shoot across a road, etc) and you have to have an area that will contain the projectiles on your property. Of course if you and a neighbor wanted to share I don't believe there's anything that would prohibit your range from existing on both pieces of property.

I'm guessing most rural counties have similar rules...or lack of rules, more precisely.

[rondog]

Wheee! C'mon over boys, I'm cooking burgers and 'dogs this weekend!


https://youtu.be/DoQTFbPbg_g

[Bailey Guns]

Shock and Awe!

[Bailey Guns]

I had a neighbor, almost 1/3 mile away and over a hill, call the SO to complain I was shooting on my property. A deputy/friend arrived and we chatted. Then he pulled out a select fire UMP-40 he'd just been issued. I asked to shoot it but he said he didn't have ammo yet. Well, I just happened to own a gun store...ammo wasn't a problem. Sgt showed up with a mil-surp M14 (a Winchester)...a real one. We each put a mag or two thru the M14 and between 3 or 4 of us we put about 800 rounds thru the H&K. No one bothered to call the SO again when I was shooting. To be fair, that was 20 years ago. Things may have changed a bit.

[CS1983]

Wheee! C'mon over boys, I'm cooking burgers and 'dogs this weekend!


https://youtu.be/DoQTFbPbg_g

To quote that great philosopher Quagmire, "Giggity."

[SSChameleon]

My friend in Pueblo County has land just north of town. He had built a berm and a bench and someone stole the steel plates he had set up as targets. He called SO to make a report. The SO told him it was ok to shoot on the property, but if he made improvements to make it an actual shooting range, he needed a permit from the county. We discussed the irony that he could shoot all he wanted, but building berms to make it safer may require permits.

[Lurch]

Buddy has 40 acres north of Bennett and we shoot out to 400yds. 22lr to 50 BMG, Single shot to FA, when it rains or snows we shoot tracers. Have set off 50lbs of Tannerite and not once have the cops showed up. Pretty cool to be laying down mags of tracers with planes flying over coming out of DIA.

[Mykidsdad]

There a LOT of considerations. Zoning is a big one for sure.

Consider:

1) Environmental impact. It's gonna be YOUR land. Protect your own water rights and be certain drainage doesn't have an impact on your well or that of those you share riparian rights. Any long term environmental issues will have an impact on resale.

2) Be sure that you have some guidance from your property insurance carrier regarding liability for injury to persons and property (yours and adjacent).

3) READ YOUR LOAN DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY. Terms and conditions have been included by some lenders that specifically prohibit certain activities on some secured properties.

4) Consider adequate fencing and security around perimeter.

NRA actually has teams to support and help with range construction and training for operations:
http://https://rangeservices.nra.org

Good luck and be sure to keep us posted on progress....ie...WE WANNA COME PLAY!

[00tec]

Buddy has 40 acres north of Bennett and we shoot out to 400yds. 22lr to 50 BMG, Single shot to FA, when it rains or snows we shoot tracers. Have set off 50lbs of Tannerite and not once have the cops showed up. Pretty cool to be laying down mags of tracers with planes flying over coming out of DIA.

This sounds VERY familiar, but my buddy's range is out to 600.
We contemplated popping 50lbs the other day when there were a few sheriff's out there investigating a stolen motorcycle (burned)

I however, am over tracers. They always find the biggest tumbleweed in the field, and I have melted shoes trying to put them out.

[00tec]

keep in mind with these small acreages like 40, it CAN really limit what you can shoot. I know Lurch mentioned shooting on 40 acres. People do it all the time. However it depends on where the other houses are. I know people in the Bennett and Strasburg areas that have both had their houses hit by bullets and have also had the police called on them. If there is a house behind your backstop, I would bet you wont get to shoot rifle for long. Pistols and shotguns sure.

I have 800 meters at my house with AR 500 plates at every 100 meters and a bunch at 100 meters. There are no houses for 2 plus miles past my berms. I shoot whatever I want and whenever I want. It really depends on the location, lay of the land, location of other structures, etc. Just because you legally can, doesnt mean you should or that you wont have neighbors calling in to complain.

Moral of the story, dont buy a small acreage. Go for 160 acres or more. Even that will feel small. If you are looking east of the Springs, there are plenty of nice sized parcels within 45 minutes that are pretty reasonably priced.

This is very true. My buddy has 40ish that is fine to shoot on, as it is very long and there are no houses for 4 miles behind him. My place, same acerage, is terrible for shooting. I have a house at every angle. I would have to put up a significant berm for even handguns.

[Bailey Guns]

My 15 acres was in the bowl of Mt Bailey. No problem with backstop.

[D_F]

https://www.montrosepress.com/news/no-decision-on-shotgun-range/article_f4757aa2-5f55-11ea-b11e-57a79730a8cf.html

I'd avoid Montrose county... Range was finally conditionally approved with a ton of conditions that seem pretty offensive to a local.

[MrPrena]

I guess we do not need to worry about coar15 south shoot spot when you get this done.

[Coffee]

[.455_Hunter]

Since the "Shall Issue" CCW law was passed in 2003, counties have very little control over personal shooting on private property in unincorporated areas, regardless of what ordinances are still on the books. If its being done in a safe manner that prevents projectiles from leaving property, the Karens can complain as much as they want, and the LEOs may pay a visit, but they can't keep you from shooting. Obviously, emergency decrees can override, like fire restrictions, etc. This is based off F2F interactions with LEO from both Jeffco (for work) and Boulder, not just hearsay. I have no experience with HOAs, so not sure how they fit into things.

In my case, I try to limit the number of full volume loads, focusing more on .22 Colibri/CB/SV or low pressure .32/.38/.45 for the bulk of our shooting, just to be a polite neighbor.

[Irving]

Landwatch.com

Billyland.com

[eddiememphis]

Nothing to do with shooting, but with less than 35 or 40 acres, not 100% which, you can only use your well water for domestic (in-house) use. No lawns or gardens.

[MrAK]

Since the "Shall Issue" CCW law was passed in 2003, counties have very little control over personal shooting on private property in unincorporated areas, regardless of what ordinances are still on the books. If its being done in a safe manner that prevents projectiles from leaving property, the Karens can complain as much as they want, and the LEOs may pay a visit, but they can't keep you from shooting. Obviously, emergency decrees can override, like fire restrictions, etc. This is based off F2F interactions with LEO from both Jeffco (for work) and Boulder, not just hearsay. I have no experience with HOAs, so not sure how they fit into things.

In my case, I try to limit the number of full volume loads, focusing more on .22 Colibri/CB/SV or low pressure .32/.38/.45 for the bulk of our shooting, just to be a polite neighbor.

The Karens and anti gunners in Gilpin County use fire restrictions in order to keep people from shooting on public and private lands. I wouldn’t recommend looking for property in Gilpin.

[TRnCO]

Finding and buying land is as easy as finding and buying a house. Find a realtor and tell them what you're looking for.

In our case, that's what we did. Planned to find land to build a house on. It was really no different then house hunting.

Then when we were about done with the house build, I had a buddy come in with a skid and dump truck and take a few loads of dirt, left over from digging the basement/foundation, down in our pasture and dump them at 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards for berms.

I'd avoid anything that falls in the HOA situation like the plague. Never fails, there's always a neighbor or two that take it upon themselves to police everyone else. It's almost guaranteed.

[SuperiorDG]

Since the "Shall Issue" CCW law was passed in 2003, counties have very little control over personal shooting on private property in unincorporated areas, regardless of what ordinances are still on the books. If its being done in a safe manner that prevents projectiles from leaving property, the Karens can complain as much as they want, and the LEOs may pay a visit, but they can't keep you from shooting. Obviously, emergency decrees can override, like fire restrictions, etc. This is based off F2F interactions with LEO from both Jeffco (for work) and Boulder, not just hearsay. I have no experience with HOAs, so not sure how they fit into things.

In my case, I try to limit the number of full volume loads, focusing more on .22 Colibri/CB/SV or low pressure .32/.38/.45 for the bulk of our shooting, just to be a polite neighbor.

Hunter we are probably pretty close to each other (in Jeffco) and I've been considering building one with my goto closed for the last few months.

[.455_Hunter]

The Karens and anti gunners in Gilpin County use fire restrictions in order to keep people from shooting on public and private lands. I wouldn’t recommend looking for property in Gilpin.

I know I have mentioned it before, but the fact that Boulder County has NOT restricted private land shooting in this Corona Fire Ban and Gilpin has put it on the no-no list is interesting.

[.455_Hunter]

Hunter we are probably pretty close to each other (in Jeffco) and I've been considering building one with my goto closed for the last few months.

I am definitely in Boulder County, but the firing set-up we did for work and the original guy who fought the mountain pink designated "no shooting zones" is in Jeffco. Our range is basic- Just shooting over the septic field into the hillside supplemented with sand bags and a railroad-tie barrier wall.

[Zundfolge]

If we'd have stayed in CO, we were considering finding land up in Teller county. Much of that is shooting friendly but you really have to be careful because so much of the land (even rural land) has been divided up into subdivisions that will limit shooting (but IIRC there are a few subdivisions up there that were created expressly with the idea of allowing shooting). I think finding an experienced Realtor in the areas you're looking for would be a good idea. Downside is you'll have to deal with a Realtor (I know how much you learned to love them working at MacVan ;) ).

The downside to finding a 40+acre plot is going to be that one you could afford (if such a thing exists) is going to be way out in BFE ... away from water, electrical, internet service.

[buffalobo]

Price and availability go northeast. Plenty of land in Morgan, Washington, Eastern Adams. Many areas 1-1 1/2 hour commute to Denver area. Many small acreages(20-40) will be subdivisions and may have HOA.

Depending on location and size can buy farm ground(dryland) $2-3000/acre. Often only available in large acreage, 160+ acres.

I bought my 40 in 2001 for $60K. Power was $3500 to meter and water tap was $3400. We are part of a subdivision but no one has paid any attention to covenants/rules for long time. If someone tried to complain or enforce rules they would be told to pound sand.

We kinda lucked out, there are two game bird hunting places and a resort type place that offers hunting within a few miles and everyone in the area shoots on their property or their neighbors. Gun fire around the area is literally a daily occurrence.

Between my neighbor and I we can shoot out to 800yds when needed. I can get out to 400yds and keep projectiles on my property.

For pistol and rimfire we have a small berm in back yard out to 50yds so we can shoot from deck.

A group or COOP would be a good way to go to purchase large acreage(300+ acres)

[buffalobo]

As long as you don't endanger livestock, homes/equipment or people nobody cares if you shoot on your property.

In general I do whatever the hell I want on my property. I don't ask the county anything. If I want to dig a hole and fill it with my water for a pond I'm just gonna do it, not gonna ask shit. Helps that Morgan county is a right to farm county and I am considered farmer(I grow grass hay) by county.

[buffalobo]

After almost 20 years 40 acres is getting too small, if we ever sell and move it will be to at least 100 acres.

[iego]

You have to make sure this is a profitable venture, likely requiring a lot of your work.

[iego]

Or go out to Hoyt.

:)

-John

[mjzman]

You have to consider into the future too.
I have 35 acres east of the Springs, bought ten years ago. On two sides in back was a 1700 acre cattle ranch. Checked with my few neigbors- no problem with shooting. So set up a 300 yd range with a backstop out toward the ranch. So-- four years ago ranch owner sells and subdivides into 35 acre parcels. Three years ago a house is built directly beyond my backstop. It is about 700 yards away, but still... I think about moving the direction of my range a little, but then another house is built in that direction.
So basicly... I could still shoot but don't feel comfortable doing so except for .22 rimfire and pistol. Have given up my centerfire shooting.

[iego]

The future is something No one can really do, so if it is that important, then over buy land, if you can afford it.

The one thing you can never do, is control land you don't own.

-John

[Madusa]

I’m glad for this thread, I’ve been looking for years and thought I could make 40 acres work. You all have convinced me it needs to be bigger. One other thing to consider I want the range to go north-south. Sun rises and sets are brutal to aim threw.

[crays]

Buddy has 40 acres north of Bennett and we shoot out to 400yds. 22lr to 50 BMG, Single shot to FA, when it rains or snows we shoot tracers. Have set off 50lbs of Tannerite and not once have the cops showed up. Pretty cool to be laying down mags of tracers with planes flying over coming out of DIA.


This sounds VERY familiar, but my buddy's range is out to 600.
We contemplated popping 50lbs the other day when there were a few sheriff's out there investigating a stolen motorcycle (burned)

I however, am over tracers. They always find the biggest tumbleweed in the field, and I have melted shoes trying to put them out.

Not just for Lurch & 00tec, and slightly off topic but... Where is the best place to buy tannerite in quantity? Local would be great, but online could work. Do I remember correctly that it does not require hazmat?

[00tec]

Not just for Lurch & 00tec, and slightly off topic but... Where is the best place to buy tannerite in quantity? Local would be great, but online could work. Do I remember correctly that it does not require hazmat?

Ammoniumnitrateforsale.com

I got 150lb on sale one day for $240. I dont believe it requires hazmat fee. Looks like $100/50lb now

[Justin]

Landwatch.com

Billyland.com

Thanks for these links.

[Irving]

My wife bought some land down near Alamos from Billyland.com. we really should go down and see it.