Needs to Lessen Rifle Report

Q: I’m building a rifle range on my property with a benchrest
for my own use in sighting in and testing handloads. However,
I want it to be as private as possible, which means I’d like
to find some way of reducing the loud rifle reports. Is there
any way I can do this?
Frank Martin

A: An efficient sound moderator for rifle ranges is readily
made up using a dozen or more worn-out light truck tyres mounted
together on a wooden rack in front of the benchrest. Tyres are
firmly tied together with plastic clothes line on each side but
not so tightly that interior beads are compressed. A firing port
hole in a plywood bulkhead, wedged in place by a cross-member at
the end of rack is lined with split rubber hose. Let me know how
this works for you.

Nick Harvey

+ posts

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.