Range Work

Recently I’ve been granted access to a Friends private rural range. It’s a pretty basic set up, partially in ground, 15 yard outdoor range.
The range needs some grading, gravel added, drainage, as well as stretching the range out to 25 to 50 yards. Currently the range is wide enough to accommodate 6 to 7 shooters comfortably on line with each other, And there is some talk about making it even wider to allow for up to 10 shooters at once.

This range is used by my churches security team, as well as a small business that teaches concealed carry classes and the like, (another friend)

If anyone here has earthmoving equipment, dump trucks/trailers, or gravel and would like to assist in anyway building out this range I would very much like to talk with you and see what kind of deal can be worked out. Cash, Guns/Ammo, classes, or possibly even range access, (that would need to be worked out directly with the property owner as well as the primary instructor of the small business that operates out of this range).

PM me if you are interested and I can get you pictures, dimensions, location and whatever other info needed to make an estimate.

Thanks!

Rent a Bobcat and get at it!

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Originally Posted by def90

Rent a Bobcat and get at it!

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This is going to be a bit more involved than a run of the mill bobcat, otherwise that’s what I’d do.

Attachment 75612

You could do all of that with a bobcat, would take a few more hours but who doesn't like to play around in a cat?

That would be easy enough with a backhoe and a 4 way bucket, which I have access to but it's 3 states away

Looks like someone drained the mud bog pit for a gun range... Is there a low point for it to drain to?

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Originally Posted by Wulf202

That would be easy enough with a backhoe and a 4 way bucket, which I have access to but it's 3 states away

Looks like someone drained the mud bog pit for a gun range... Is there a low point for it to drain to?

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Yes, it drains pretty well. Wasn’t my choice, and the only work I’ve done was pick up brass so far.


“Don’t go slow, be careful” Jedi

Double post, thanks Apple.

Dirt work may be difficult to acquire from outfits that have big equipment. For example a Front End Loader would make quick work of what you are wanting to do, but it would cost you a significant amount of money to get one hauled to the site much less the actual digging time. Then you have to deal with getting locates done and all of that jazz. Most excavating companies won't do this kind of work because there isn't any money in doing it. They can make way more money on digging basements for track homes and not need to haul their equipment around as much. You would be better off with renting a smaller piece of equipment that can be hauled out there with a normal pickup then hire an operator to do the work.

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Originally Posted by CHA-LEE

Dirt work may be difficult to acquire from outfits that have big equipment. For example a Front End Loader would make quick work of what you are wanting to do, but it would cost you a significant amount of money to get one hauled to the site much less the actual digging time. Then you have to deal with getting locates done and all of that jazz. Most excavating companies won't do this kind of work because there isn't any money in doing it. They can make way more money on digging basements for track homes and not need to haul their equipment around as much. You would be better off with renting a smaller piece of equipment that can be hauled out there with a normal pickup then hire an operator to do the work.

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Thanks Cha-Lee, this is what we are looking at now.

Don’t own anything like that, but like people have said rent the equipment. If you need help moving it message me. I’m going to rent a skid steer to lay out crushed asphalt.

It'd be cool if you did a write up with before, your plan, during, and after photos so we can see what goes into building a range.

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Originally Posted by Irving

It'd be cool if you did a write up with before, your plan, during, and after photos so we can see what goes into building a range.

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Will do!

A friend of mine helped to build the berms at Colorado Rifle Club that may be able to help. I’ll ask and see.

no-one has a tractor with a bucket on it here? seems like everyone out here tween fomo and loveland has one... when i was thiking i wanted (to buy) a skid steer for building a range on my place, the general consensus is that tractor with an bucket is cheaper and less (maintenance) hassle than a skid steer

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Originally Posted by KS63

A friend of mine helped to build the berms at Colorado Rifle Club that may be able to help. I’ll ask and see.

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Thanks man! [emoji1417]

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Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck

Personally I dont think tractors are good for digging or moving dirt. I own a good sized tractor and use it daily. I want to sell the one I have and buy a skidsteer. Tractors dont change directions fast (you have to shift) and its a pain when you want to go back and forth quickly, they dont dig down well, they are usually much longer than a skid steer, they can carry less due to the weight of a loaded bucket being so far forward. For moving materials like hay, dirt, rock, etc skid steers are better at every thing.

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Think that one at my place would be too slow?

I was thinking that if you were interested in obtaining it, I'm sure it could be arranged.

I recently moved to acreage near Kiowa and bought a new Kubota tractor for the place. I don't have XP with any other type of tractor or bobcat type so can't compare

Purchased a Land Pride post hole digger and have mixed results. If I hit clay then it's a multiday job of digging a couple inches, soaking for hours, dig a little more, soak, dig, soak..... However if there's no clay I'm able to dig a 4 foot post hole easily
https://kubota.ca/en/products/implem...e-diggers/pd15

Spoke with a friend of a friend about a day rate for all the post holes needed for the new fence and he would bring a medium sized bobcat to punch holes in this clay. In his opinion I wouldn't be able to generate enough downward pressure even with the hydraulic kit. For me it would be a day rate vs a job rate
https://weingartz.com/PD/2963803/lan...e-kit-317-027A

The flat edged bucket is not good for digging but does a good job of moving loss material like rock, dirt, mounds of poop if you have access to a tractor

for your situation I would consider hiring someone to do the heavy digging portion despite the cost and only offer range time if you know them. Too many yahoo's think basic firearm safety doesn't apply to them