The lead trainer for TriCounty Tactical, Kurt Newman, was aware of the training needs across many police departments and law enforcement agencies, but also realized the tight budget constraints of these same agencies. Knowing what they wanted to accomplish, TriCounty Tactical requested a mobile shooting range with ballistic containment and advanced training capabilities beyond what had developed as the standard for mobile shooting ranges.

TriCounty Tactical approached Action Target with the idea to create this mobile shooting range. The goal of this mobile range was to meet the unique demands of law enforcement training, concealed carry training and certification, and also provide a new experience for gun enthusiasts throughout the greater Chicago area.

Action Target designed and built an advanced shooting range contained within a 53 foot semi-trailer completely armored in AR500 steel. The range includes advanced target retrievers, a custom air filtration system and a custom rubber berm trap for bullet containment and recycling. The trailer also utilizes an onboard diesel generator for untethered powering allowing it to be used virtually anywhere.

The safety of the shooter and anyone outside the range was paramount in the construction process. A great amount of time and resources was devoted to ensure the shooting range could be used safely in any location by anyone from the novice to expert shooter.

The mobile range has a “no blue sky” design, meaning there is continuous overhead ballistic containment from the firing line to the bullet trap for tactical use. This was accomplished by armoring all four sides of the trailer with AR500 armored steel.

A sound abatement material called PEPP was used to cover the side walls, overhead baffles and the area behind the shooter to reduce the noise generated from shooting and reduce reverberation in the range. The PEPP also helps contain bullet splatter from errant rounds.

Three shooters can train from the standing position at one of three clear shooting stalls or the table can be collapsed at each position to practice drawing from the holster or shooting from a prone or kneeling position.

Bullets are safely captured in a custom rubber berm trap that is capable of stopping all handgun rounds as well as rifle rounds up to .50-cal BMG.

To meet the unique training demands of law enforcement, the Mancom Touch Plus was installed as the target retrieval system. The Touch Plus offers 360 degree turning as well as blue, red and white LED lights on the carrier and programmable scenarios for different qualification courses.

The three target retrievers can be controlled by the individual shooter from each shooting stall or by a range master from a master control system.

Carey’s Small Arms Range Ventilation designed and installed the HVAC system. The ventilation system keeps shooters and trainers safe by creating airflow that pushes the contaminants generated from firing guns down range. The HVAC system meets or exceeds all OSHA, NIOSH and EPA requirements by using a series of pre-filters and HEPA filters. Once the air from inside the range is filtered it is exhausted back into the environment cleaner than it was when the air entered the range.

All of these safety and training features came together to provide a new training tool available to any agency that has a training need but lacks funding for their own shooting range. It also serves the civilian market by providing a shooting range that can be delivered on demand.

TriCounty Tactical plans to make the mobile range available for not only law enforcement, but for corporate events, private parties and many other uses that open the doors for people to enjoy and experience the shooting sports in a comfortable and unique way.

 

THINKING ABOUT BUILDING A SHOOTING RANGE?

Building a shooting range can be an overwhelming process. Your time and resources deserve a partner who will listen to your ideas and turn your dreams and plans into a successful, thriving business. If you are considering building a range, talk to the Action Target Range Consultant in your region, and he will be happy to help you find the right equipment to fit your needs and budget. You can also use our Request a Quote form to get started on your range project today.

Please note, the tips included in this message have been found to be helpful for many clients throughout the years but may not apply in all situations. Please use judgment in determining which tips will be helpful in your particular situation.