The choice of barriers in an indoor shooting range is a critical decision that affects the overall performance and shooter experience. Whether for a commercial range, law enforcement training facility, or military training, selecting the right material can mean the difference between a highly secure environment and increased risks of ricochets and damage.
Traditional barriers such as concrete and steel have been widely used for decades. Still, ballistic panels, made from advanced recycled rubber materials, are becoming a preferred alternative due to their enhanced safety features.
Choosing to add rubber ballistic panels over the existing walls and ceiling baffles provide a safer, quieter, and better overall performance of your indoor range. Lead contaminates are easier to remove providing a healthier environment.
Indoor shooting range operators, law enforcement agencies, and military training planners often face a dilemma when choosing between traditional barriers and ballistic rubber panels. Traditional materials like concrete and steel offer durability and cost-effectiveness, but they work much better when ballistic panels are installed over them.
By adding ballistic panels, they provide greater adaptability and are designed specifically to absorb bullet impact, reducing ricochet risks and offering better long-term performance. The ballistic panel eliminates impact damage to the concrete surface caused by errant shots.
Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of both options can help facility operators make an informed decision. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the benefits of including ballistic panels at your range.
Understanding Ballistic Panels and Traditional Barriers
What Are Ballistic Panels?
Ballistic panels are engineered protective materials designed to absorb and contain bullet impact. They are typically made from SBR recycled tires. These materials effectively prevent ricochets and fragmentation, making them an excellent choice for indoor shooting ranges. Ranges with traditional concrete or wood wear quicker causing costly repairs and range down time.
Key Benefits:
Lightweight and modular – Easier to install and configure over existing walls.
Energy-absorbing properties – Reduces ricochet risks significantly.
Sound reduction - Reduces sound improving shooter health. High sound levels from constant training increases hearing loss.
Customizable protection levels – Can be tailored to meet various ballistic resistance standards.
Common Use Cases:
Commercial ranges, Law enforcement and Military training facilities.
Shooting ranges with high frequency of shooting. Maintenance and modifications are greatly reduced giving more hours for range access.
Tactical training and Shoot Houses that include CQB training.
Environments where lead-dust containment and cleaning is a priority.
What Are Traditional Barriers?
Traditional barriers include poured concrete, concrete blocks, steel plating, and wood walls. These materials have been used for decades in shooting range construction due to their availability and cost-effectiveness.
Key Benefits:
Strong and impact-resistant – Can withstand reasonable gunfire over time.
Lower initial costs – Structure walls of concrete are commonly used material.
Can be painting when continuous damage occurs.
Common Use Cases:
Commercial shooting ranges with fixed layouts.
Military and law enforcement training facilities with long-term installations.
Large-scale shooting ranges with high-calibre firearm use.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Ballistic Panels vs. Traditional Materials
Safety and Ballistic Protection
Ballistic panels are designed to absorb bullet impact and minimize ricochets. Traditional barriers like concrete, wood, and steel can stop bullets, but they also increase ricochet hazards, as bullets can deflect unpredictably.
Durability and Maintenance
Ballistic panels are built to be durable but may require periodic replacement after extended use. However, they are made for easy maintenance, allowing damaged panels to be swapped out without major renovations. Traditional barriers, especially concrete, are highly durable but can develop cracks, dents, or lead contamination over time, making maintenance more expensive.
Installation and Customization
Ballistic panels are lighter and modular, allowing for quick installation and modifications. They are ideal for adaptive training environments where layouts may change over time. Traditional barriers, such as poured concrete, are heavy, permanent, and difficult to alter, making them less flexible for evolving training needs.
Cost Comparison
Ballistic panels may add some upfront cost, but their lower long-term maintenance expenses make them cost-effective over time. Traditional barriers have lower initial costs, but repairs, soundproofing, and safety improvements can add up OR are not possible.
Soundproofing and Environmental Considerations
Ballistic panels absorb sound, reducing noise levels inside shooting ranges. Some materials also help contain lead dust, improving air quality. Traditional barriers like concrete and steel reflect more sound, causing higher noise pollution and increased maintenance needs for lead removal.
Outdoor ranges are dealing with neighbourhood complaints about shooting ranges. They are often close to residential or public spaces and public complaints are increasing because of the continuous noise of gun fire. Noise reduction can be greatly reduced by using ballistic panels in the shooting stalls and covered structures.
ure the Area: Accurately measure the area where you want to install the panels.
Making the Right Choice for Your Indoor Range
When to Choose Ballistic Panels:
You require modular and customizable barriers.
You prioritize safety, noise reduction, and ease of maintenance.
You operate a law enforcement or military range with evolving training needs.
When to Choose Traditional Barriers:
You need a fixed, minimal cost to build your range.
You have a low volume of activity. Private or personal ranges with occasional shooting.
Upgrade Your Indoor Range with the Right Barrier
Choosing the proper barrier for an indoor shooting range is a decision that impacts safety, longevity, and operational efficiency. Facility operators should carefully consider factors such as ballistic protection, maintenance, cost, and noise control when making their choices.
Contact our team at Tap Ballistics today for expert guidance on selecting the best configurations for your indoor range. Our specialists can help you design a safer, more effective shooting range with customized solutions.
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