Brass Catcher

[260 Rem]

Perhaps better described as a "brass screen", but wire 6" longer could easily be bent to form a pocket that would actually catch brass. Background: We've all heard the stories about the semi-auto shooter on the bench to our left pumping ejects into our space --- a hot one down the neck or an unfortunate "nick" in a mint scope! Just put these up this morning (March 1 / -28C / range all to myself.) on the Big Bore at SPFGA ... and now need some "test reports" before I cut up any more wire. NOTE: The screens are made of 16 gauge 1/2" X 1" mesh ...just hang over the bottom chord on the trusses so they can be moved or removed in 30 seconds. Placement can be over a bench as pictured, or between shooters if moved one truss right. If these work, two units will be made available on each Range. There is no design copyright

[jackrabbit000]

Great that you look after fellow shooters at the range 260 REM.

[deanmc]

Nice

[Backwoods Runner]

Looks nice and simple. I was considering spring loaded roll-up blinds and changing the material to a semi-transparent type. I'm just not sure the inconsiderate type would take time and energy to pull it down!

[260 Rem]

Well, if it works here, it will work in a lot of places. It needs to be "field tested", and I hope it works as it should. I'm pretty confident that it will stop centerfire brass from straying to the next bench, but can't predict what the best position will be for the shooter as it needs to be postioned in such a way that it will not bounce back towards the source. If it works on the bench, pick-up will be easy as a towel will keep it from rolling away. If it needs to be positioned at the truss just to the right of the bench, it will still stop the "strays", but the shooter will still need to put more effort into "pick-up".
Once it warms up, I will test it with .22 rim fire (at least I have a semi .22). If the screen stops 90% of the .22 rim fire, I will consider it effective...but any lower percentage will make it necessary to thread in some thin copper wire towards the bottom end to insure nothing gets through.

[260 Rem]

Originally Posted by Backwoods Runner

Looks nice and simple. I was considering spring loaded roll-up blinds and changing the material to a semi-transparent type. I'm just not sure the inconsiderate type would take time and energy to pull it down!

This "rabbit cage" wire is heavy enough so it won't blow around so each unit can be left hanging for all to see...and will not get torn up by wind ... which could be problematic with light screen. The plan would be for there to just be two screens on each Range as that is probably sufficient to cover needs? Like anything else, it will take time to get proper use. "Education" will be the key.

[Bobby B.]

Jim, I could see a use for them over on the handgun range. Lots of semi-autos in use over there. Not only would the screen protect the shooter to the right but would certainly aid in collecting brass.

Bobby B.

[260 Rem]

OK >>>OK >>> looks like we will need a thread for ideas to reduce the effect of muzzle breaks on our bench neighbors

[260 Rem]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

Jim, I could see a use for them over on the handgun range. Lots of semi-autos in use over there. Not only would the screen protect the shooter to the right but would certainly aid in collecting brass.

Bobby B.

Thanks for the suggestion ... looked at it this AM and looks like the same design will work except the roof design is different and there are only about four existing spots for hanging the screens. I will make up a couple to test there, and if we need more "hangers" installed...could look after that in due course.

[Bobby B.]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

Thanks for the suggestion ... looked at it this AM and looks like the same design will work except the roof design is different and there are only about four existing spots for hanging the screens. I will make up a couple to test there, and if we need more "hangers" installed...could look after that in due course.

That would be great, Jim. From now on I can leave the bedsheet brass catcher at home.

Bobby B.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

OK >>>OK >>> looks like we will need a thread for ideas to reduce the effect of muzzle breaks on our bench neighbors

Just ban em altogether. You've been accused of starting a movement to ban hand-loaders, might as well go all the way, you old Trudeau-lover!

[260 Rem]

Originally Posted by sns2

Just ban em altogether. You've been accused of starting a movement to ban hand-loaders, might as well go all the way, you old Trudeau-lover!

Maybe I'll just propose a "Trudeau Ban" --- as long as it works we will still have rifles on which we can use brakes EDIT: Sorry, I should keep politics out of the Guns & Ammo Forum...disregard the previous proposal!
Seriously, the idea of a brake friendly device has a lot of merit...

[Big Sky]

You get all types at the range. The guys who think it's their right to fling hot brass at other shooters are an annoyance. I've seen more than a few arguments. However, I have seen a few guys who were very reasonable. One guy brought a cardboard box and set it on the bench with the open end facing the gun. It did a pretty good job of catching the brass. Another fellow had a fine mesh fishing net with a large hoop. He built a stand to hold the net in the right position. This worked fantastic as he didn't have to look around for his brass.

I like your idea. Something to prevent brass from flying around should be mandatory for anyone using an autoloader. Maybe put the mesh into a frame similar to what is used in portable room dividers. They could then be positioned for righty's and lefty's.

[depopulator]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

OK >>>OK >>> looks like we will need a thread for ideas to reduce the effect of muzzle breaks on our bench neighbors

If you have suggestions that are specific the SPFGA, present them to the SPFGA executive for their consideration and presentation to the membership. That is how these things are supposed to work. It is a private range for 4000 members, not a select few.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

Maybe I'll just propose a "Trudeau Ban" --- as long as it works we will still have rifles on which we can use brakes EDIT: Sorry, I should keep politics out of the Guns & Ammo Forum...disregard the previous proposal!
Seriously, the idea of a brake friendly device has a lot of merit...

I'd ban them. I HATE those things. HATE them.

[260 Rem]

Originally Posted by depopulator

If you have suggestions that are specific the SPFGA, present them to the SPFGA executive for their consideration and presentation to the membership. That is how these things are supposed to work. It is a private range for 4000 members, not a select few.

You are absolutely right...the comment regarding muzzle brakes was in response to a PM I recieved ... bit of an inside joke.. but never-the-less, has some merit.
The screens are a safety issue and the President was in the loop...

[Backwoods Runner]

Any ideas should require public input and I believe that is what 260rem is attempting to do. Let everyone beat it up a bit and fine tune it and then run to the executive and present a solution that they don't have to waste their time doing research.

If you're a member of a club and want to voice your opinion then sit on a committee or get on a board.

A little education to these shooters can go a long way. They represent a part of our fraternity too. If they continue to be disrespectful let your exec. do their job.

[Big Daddy Badger]

Horrible idea.
The best way to simulate the stresses of competition and hunting is to have hot brass bouncing off your head and down your shirt.

Sorry...someone had to disagreeable about it....might as well be me.

[260 Rem]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

Seriously, the idea of a brake friendly device has a lot of merit...

FOR THE RECORD - This comment does not imply in any way, that I feel brakes should be banned...in fact it makes reference to a "brake friendly device". My preference is to keep this thread focused on brass screens. A good design has the potential to make everybody's experience better regardless of what Range they belong to!
Should someone wish to start a thread related to brakes, I'm sure it would generate some healthy discussion...

[260 Rem]

Mar 02 temp was -27C but a couple of brave (temperature insensitive) volunteers did some "testing".
From both sitting and standing positions, the screen prevented brass ejects from the AR 223 from leaving the shooters bench area. Ejects came out the side and slightly to the rear, hit the screen and dropped directly onto the floor.
With the SKS 7.62 X 39 ejects went high and forward. Any that hit the screen were effectively stopped from entering the next bench space, but some actually hit the roof and did fall next door. Unfortunately, no side screen is going to resolve that, but when warmer weather comes, some simple "baffles" can be attached to the bottom side of the roof sheeting. Just a bit more work, but certainly worth it!
They also shot 22 semi auto but not when I was there so did not see that "test". They reported that some brass did make it through the mesh... so when I do a prototype for rim fire... I will thread some "tie" wire through the mesh on the bottom half of the screen to reduce/ eliminate potential penetration.
I look forward to hearing from others using different types of semi's as the eject patterns likely vary considerably...I think for the most part, screen placement on the truss is key.

[Pathfinder76]

So that bench now becomes single purpose? I'm not sure what is wrong with telling people to control their own brass.

[elkhunter11]

At this point, we are leaving it up to the range users to control their brass, and to manage the use of muzzle brakes, so they don't interfere with other users. If the range users can't handle this on their own, then the individuals will be dealt with.

[260 Rem]

Originally Posted by chuck

So that bench now becomes single purpose? I'm not sure what is wrong with telling people to control their own brass.

The screens will be stored to one side...they are not "attached" ... the top of the screen is simply bent into a U shape that holds it in place on the truss chord...no more difficult than hanging up a coat.... it takes less than 30 seconds.... It is no big deal, just an attempt to improve everyone's range experience. Semi-autos are pretty popular and are going to be used. Conflict can occur between shooters when brass hits them or their equipment. Brass hitting shooters is a potential source of injury. A few bucks to make everybody happy and safe...what's to lose?
I expect the screens will come into play only during peak use periods when shooters cannot separate themselves by a couple of benches...and by those shooters that want to make brass pick-up a bit easier.
Of course, there are requirements for shooters to control and pick up their brass, but surprising as it may seem ... there are likely few of us that have not been hit by eject brass.

[260 Rem]

BTT for picture idea for the "raining brass" thread. Update, the prototypes work reasonably well and I have material to make several more as soon as I get time. One of our members donated some 1/4 X 1/4" mesh which will be patched over the larger mesh screen at shooter height to deal with the smaller brass ejects (.22 etc).
Edit - I also built and decibel tested a muzzle break shield which was essentially unsuccessful. I believe the design itself had potential, but when the brake waves bounced back from the underside of the roof... The net decibel reduction was only on average 4 decibel, so not enough to effect a successful resolution. The brake shield did however, reduce compression waves from impacting on next bench shooters.

[kingshow]

That brass screen on the handgun range works really well. It's so simple and it works

[Flanny]

Anybody else tried something like this?
I love mine.



Flanny

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by Flanny

Anybody else tried something like this?
I love mine.



Flanny

I actually thanked the guy shooting next to me at the range one day for having a brass catching bag exactly like that....he even said, they should be used by everyone with a semi.

He told me they sell them at P&D.

LC

[ACKLEY ABE]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

OK >>>OK >>> looks like we will need a thread for ideas to reduce the effect of muzzle breaks on our bench neighbors

Easy...shoot something you can handle and don't need a brake for or learn how to handle the rcoil. Brakes are for trucks.

[260 Rem]

Bump ... brass screens. These have been in use since 2014 and work well. The only “maintenance” required is to occasionally thread some flagging tape through the outside of the screen so they can be seen.