Shooting in the basement

[jgofnj 5]

Ok, not sure if this is a dumb question or not, so I figured I would ask here.

 

Brand new gun owner, bought a .22 pistol (Browning Buckmark Camper) - BTW - I LOVE THIS GUN.

 

I know I need to go to the range to shoot a few hundred rounds, but if I wanted to shoot just a few rounds (say 10-20 rounds) just for the heck of it. Is there any reason why I can't just buy this box and use it in my unfinished basement (where it is completely safe). There is nothing in this part of the basement other than the furnace and the concrete walls. I would of course have my eye and ear protection gear on. As far as ventilation goes, I am not looking to shot more than 10-20 rounds in a single day. I also don't intent to shot anything more than just a .22 (I don't have anything else to shoot with anyway). I would only do this when I am the only one home (2 teenage kids and a wife at home). Probably just once a week.

 

This is very tempting since the closest range is 50 minutes away.

[Malsua 1,422]

Buy some CB caps. I wouldn't want to shoot standard Long Rifle in my basement even if the did all make it into the trap.

 

Probably won't cycle the action but your neighbors won't think you're shooting someone either.

 

I did a video about the noise levels.

[67gtonut 847]

Check with your town and see if its legal to discharge a firearm.....

[sirsloop 1]

I would def check your town laws, see what the popo says about it... then warn your neighbors so they don't think a friggin war is going on in your house HA!

[jgofnj 5]

I can understand about shooting outside (I don't have enough room on my property, too close to the neighbors).

 

But I never thought about that for the inside - good point.

 

Glad I asked. I could just picture the response on the popo's face when I ask.

[raceruss2003 0]

A while back...I'm talking high school here. I had a 22 that was not cycling correctly. I took a bunch of telephone books and tested the gun on them in the basement of my house. Afterwards I wondered why the neighbors never said anything...

[Pew Pew Plates 358]

I've fired blanks in my basement for testing. Turns out a 12GA full load movie blank is about 10x louder than a live 1oz slug! Neighbors never said anything (but my cat wasnt happy upstairs!)

[MidwestPX 172]

Even if it's legal, I wouldn't want to discharge any type of firearm in an enclosed space without a good ventilation system.

[njpilot 671]

With concrete walls and floor, If you missed the box, I would think you'd have to worry about riccochets.

[henrym 19]

+1 on the ventilation issue. Airborne lead dust is not anything to take lightly.

[Guest]

Get an airsoft pistol. There is some great models with metallic slide and blow back action. Even some working replicas of glock, beretta, pps, 1911... Lots of fun!

 

And you don't need a pistol permit for it

[PeteF 1,044]

With concrete walls and floor, If you missed the box, I would think you'd have to worry about riccochets.

 

What about the ceiling? This is typically plywood. I don't think I'd take the risk of accidentally putting a bullet into living space.

 

If I shoot in my house, it's gonna be because of an emergency not a convenience.

[docwalt 1]

Use a fan to circulate air to the outside. Use BB Caps. Don't tell anyone, and most

important....have fun.

[Jon 264]

Get an airsoft pistol. There is some great models with metallic slide and blow back action. Even some working replicas of glock, beretta, pps, 1911... Lots of fun!

 

And you don't need a pistol permit for it

 

Seconded. I built a trap for my MP5 airsoft gun out of cardboard and old magazines, and shoot njgf targets with it on occasion.

[Guest]

Ricochet, and furnace? Not a good idea buddy...

[John Fox 5]

Use CB longs as you don't have to use ears and they won't leave rings in your chamber shorter than the the 22 long rifle that you would use on the range.

[Maksim 1,504]

Ventilation.

[average joe 5]

Not really a good idea.

[FFDP82 4]

Can I buy your guns? You should sell them all to me. That way, when your neighbor calls the cops and the JBTs show up to confiscate all your guns, you'll only be out on the one you were using for target practice at the time. Might want to leave the dogs at a friend's house too, they usually get shot when they storm the house.

[jgofnj 5]

Just asking the question buddy. Haven't done anything.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

Get an airsoft pistol. There is some great models with metallic slide and blow back action. Even some working replicas of glock, beretta, pps, 1911... Lots of fun!

 

And you don't need a pistol permit for it

 

+1 I have tons of airsoft stuff including blow back pistols and SMGs.

[Celraysoda 7]

I know someone who built a single lane in their basement. 2 rows of cinderblocks for the lane walls and has a rubber chips at the end. He does have a very long basement so it worked out well. He uses an old range hood as his ventilation which blows air outside...even has a light.

 

In a normal situation, I guess neighbors would be an issue but his nearest neighbor is accross a pond so it's all good.