Purchasing desert land for shooting

[xxINKxx]

Still cheaper in the long run to just drive the extra 30 mins to BLM and save yourself the possible headaches.

[sigstroker]

Hey all-

Anyone have any advise/cautions in regards to buying property (San Bernardino county) for target shooting?
I'd really just like a place of my own vs BLM.
Seems straightforward enough but not sure if there were gotchas.
One thing I've heard is lawsuit danger if trespassing ATV riders get hurt and sue.

Thanks

Bury the witnesses deep and melt down the ATV's.

[sigstroker]

If your worried about trespassers then I would consider putting up a fence, signage, and a backstop. I think if an accident did happen you could say you took the necessary steps to protect people in the vicinity of your range.

Or piano wire about 4 1/2 feet high, a la The Counselor.

[MudCamper]

Owning your own shooting range is awesome. No worries about other unsafe shooters. No stupid range rules. No closures. Like others have said, only trespassers to worry about. Just post No Trespassing signs at all entrances to your property. A gate or a chain is also nice if it is possible.

There aren't any state laws you need to worry about, other than some Fish and Game codes. And any local, state, or federal lands rules don't apply, because it's your land. The only thing to look out for are local county ordinances. This is where you will find shooting restrictions. Usually they are just about safe distances from structures or people, or maybe time of day. But be sure and research these in the county you plan to buy in.

Some of my steel targets

[Royal_Cake]

Bury the witnesses deep and melt down the ATV's.

lol I hate digging. I'll need a small back hoe.

[Royal_Cake]

Owning your own shooting range is awesome. No worries about other unsafe shooters. No stupid range rules. No closures. Like others have said, only trespassers to worry about. Just post No Trespassing signs at all entrances to your property. A gate or a chain is also nice if it is possible.

There aren't any state laws you need to worry about, other than some Fish and Game codes. And any local, state, or federal lands rules don't apply, because it's your land. The only thing to look out for are local county ordinances. This is where you will find shooting restrictions. Usually they are just about safe distances from structures or people, or maybe time of day. But be sure and research these in the county you plan to buy in.

Some of my steel targets

Yeah that was the thought anyway. Your setup is awesome, and greener than San Bernardino desert
If I let friends go up and shoot just gotta make sure I cover the liability thing there too, maybe a waiver. Just don't want to be ruined cause a lawyer gets involved.

[Royal_Cake]

Still cheaper in the long run to just drive the extra 30 mins to BLM and save yourself the possible headaches.

Yeah this definitely the default. Easier and cheaper.
I like the though of being able to set up semi permanent training courses like walls, cover, etc.
Also I'm looking at taking the frontsight combat master course this year and wanted a dedicated place to practice.
It's a pipe dream but at least an excuse to shoot.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

If I win the Mega Lottery then I would buy 640 wilderness acres to make a range with everthing from pistol distance to 1000 yards. But it would not be in CA rather NM or CO. Elevation > 4000 ft to cool in summer. I would invite friends and maybe start a non-profit for youth.

[MudCamper]

I like the though of being able to set up semi permanent training courses like walls, cover, etc.

Yep. I want to set up a run-n-gun steel target course, and run around like a dork like nutnfancy!

[1911su16b870]

Anyone know about land above the 138 (Neenach) area? I remember along time ago doing a Boy Scout camping/shooting thing somewhere north of the 138?

[audiophil2]

Yep. I want to set up a run-n-gun steel target course, and run around like a dork like nutnfancy!

It's fun and my only exercise. What I picture myself and what I look like are so different.

[WallySparx]

I actually had my eyes on a peculiar property just south of Hodge Rd., west of the 15. Zoned for residential, but in the middle of the desert, so I figured the other property owners there were speculative buyers who were hoping to sell to a developer at some point in the future. Funny thing is it was sandwiched between a couple bigger parcels, and was 10'x600'. I could basically have my own 200 yd lane, put a berm on one end, and chainlink the whole thing off. I should also mention that parcel was a whole $800.

[bbodybill]

I have the same thoughts...

I actually had my eyes on a peculiar property just south of Hodge Rd., west of the 15. Zoned for residential, but in the middle of the desert, so I figured the other property owners there were speculative buyers who were hoping to sell to a developer at some point in the future. Funny thing is it was sandwiched between a couple bigger parcels, and was 10'x600'. I could basically have my own 200 yd lane, put a berm on one end, and chainlink the whole thing off.

On EVERY... WONDERFUL trip to Hodge Rd.. NO bad days (so far)... SHOOTIN !!!!!!!!!!!!

[sigstroker]

I actually had my eyes on a peculiar property just south of Hodge Rd., west of the 15. Zoned for residential, but in the middle of the desert, so I figured the other property owners there were speculative buyers who were hoping to sell to a developer at some point in the future. Funny thing is it was sandwiched between a couple bigger parcels, and was 10'x600'. I could basically have my own 200 yd lane, put a berm on one end, and chainlink the whole thing off. I should also mention that parcel was a whole $800.

No visible buildings? Check covenants and deed restrictions. Be sure to check property taxes.

[major burnout]

If I win the Mega Lottery then I would buy 640 wilderness acres to make a range with everthing from pistol distance to 1000 yards. But it would not be in CA rather NM or CO. Elevation > 4000 ft to cool in summer. I would invite friends and maybe start a non-profit for youth.

If I won the lotto I would donate every penny to the NRA and they would get our gun rights back!