What is a backstop?
A backstop is a safety feature or device designed to stop or catch projectiles fired from the air gun. It acts as a barrier or target positioned behind the intended shooting area to prevent the pellets or BBs from travelling too far or causing damage beyond the shooting range.
The purpose of a backstop is to provide a controlled and safe environment for shooting with air guns. It helps contain the projectiles and prevents them from going beyond the designated shooting area, reducing the risk of accidents, property damage, or injury to people or animals.
When using an air gun, it is crucial to have a proper backstop in place and ensure that it is sufficient to contain the projectiles being fired. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local laws or regulations regarding air guns and their associated backstops. Additionally, practising safe shooting habits and maintaining awareness of your surroundings is essential to ensure a responsible and enjoyable shooting experience.
Why is it important that you have a backstop?
The reason you need it is because of the UK air gun laws
You must ensure that all of your pellets remain within the boundary of the land to which your shooting permission applies.
The Size Of The Backstop
When setting up a backstop for shooting with air guns, it is generally recommended to have a significantly larger backstop than the target area. The exact size can vary depending on several factors, including the type and power of the air gun, the velocity of the projectiles, and the shooting distance. A standard guideline is to have a backstop that extends at least 1-2 feet (30-60 centimetres) beyond the edges of the target area on all sides. This extra margin ensures that any stray shots or slight variations in aiming are captured safely within the backstop.
Having a backstop larger than the target area provides a buffer zone that helps contain the projectiles within a controlled shooting zone. This is particularly important in case of any unexpected deviations or deflections of the projectiles, reducing the risk of accidents or damage to property outside the shooting range. It’s worth noting that different shooting ranges or shooting disciplines may have specific requirements or regulations regarding the size of backstops. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the guidelines provided by the range or relevant authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when using air guns, so using an adequate backstop that surpasses the target area’s size is a prudent measure to minimise risks and maintain a safe shooting environment.
Types Of Backstops
Backstops for air guns can take various forms, depending on the shooting range and the type of air gun used. Some common examples of backstops include bullet traps, steel targets, sandbags, specialised shooting boxes, or ballistic curtains made of thick material. These backstops are designed to safely absorb or deflect the projectiles, minimising the potential for ricochets or stray shots.
Comercial Backstops
You can buy commercially made backstops but the sizes are rather small, for around £10 you can get a steel backstop 14x14cm and the target slides into the backstop itself. However it doesn’t really provide any buffer zone. The other downside is that when the pellet hits the steel it does make a loud pinging sound.
Homemade Backstop
If you go to your local DIY store you can pick up a 60x60cm paving slab for around a tenner. To help reduce any noise or ricochets cover the slab in old carpet. This will give you enough of a buffer zone even if you used large A3 targets which measure 30x42cm
Forum Ideas For Backstops
- Large cardboard box filled with expanding foam which costs around a tenner per tin, apparently this is very good for reducing noise levels. Some have suggested old travel brochures (yes they still print them but not as much) or any old magazine would suffice.
- Cardboard box filled with old towels or clothes, probably the cheapest solution..
- A couple of bags of builders sand, or a single bag in front of a paving slab.
- An old suitcase filled with old clothes.
- Mild steel, 3mm thick 50x50cm and costs around twenty pounds. Again do add carpet to the surface to dampen the sound. Or an old steel filing cabinet.
- Toplite aerated concrete blocks, the large ones, (L)440mm (W)300mm (H)215mm cost seven pounds each but ideally you would need 2. They are very good at absorbing the sound but after a while because they are soft you would have to replace them.
- A pallets covered in at least two layers of carpet
If you are shooting in your garden do consider the amount of noise an air rifle creates.