25 Yard Rifle Range Rebuild Progress Report
Mark Skweres / Rich Dunn | Published on 5/30/2025
25 Yard Bunker Rebuild Progress Report
A Day by Day account of the project - As told by Rich Dunn
Rich Dunn's Project Update - Day 1
Four of us showed up today to oversee the demo of the old bunker and the base layout and first course lay down. All was accomplished, even with a rain squall that rolled through.
Before….
Rich Stevens did the demo and grading using his Cat 430D loader backhoe,
Then hauled the debris over opposite the trap range to dump it. We’ll get a 30 cu yd roll off later in the summer to dispose of it.
It took Rich five hours to do the demo, site grading, and grade/level the 25 yd shooting line. At $100/hr, money well spent.
Then, Steve and the crew went to work laying down the base course. Got that critical job done by 3:30.
Tomorrow, we start building the backstop.
I’ve had several volunteers reach out to me confirming they’ll be out on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
We’re on schedule.
Our new tractor got a good introduction and workout today as well. Hauled four loads of Class Five aggregate from the stock pile down to the 25 yd range. Handled it really well and the power to move into the pile and pick up a bucket full was a new experience for me. Something the little Deere just couldn’t do.
Also hauled ties from the backyard down. Lifted fifteen ties in one lift. At about 150 lb/ tie, that’s nearly 2,300 lb. Nice machine!
Steve is the real star of this entire effort. His focus on process and perfection in all he does assures us of a great outcome. We couldn't get this done without him.
Back at it again tomorrow.
Rich Dunn's Project Update - Day 2
…. Today we had five of us show up. Worked until 4PM. Light drizzle nearly all day long. I suppose better than 95 degree heat.
We finalized the base layer course and added five more courses. Seven ties per course. We’re using 6” high ties and we’ll have 14 courses when finished. Interior height will be 84” a bit higher than the old bunkers.
Here’s where we are at this time. Coming together.
Tomorrow, continue the build. The higher it gets the trickier it gets. Working higher up is more difficult. Hope to get 6-8 more courses tomorrow.
Rich Dunn's Project Update - Day3
We’ve almost finished the 25yd bunker structure, without a roof. I’m delaying the roof installation until next Thursday & Friday as my roofing expert, member Eric Von Ruden, is not available until then. He flies for American and will be out of town until then. I’ll restore the sand on Sunday morning and it can be reopened for use on Sunday at noon. Josh Borton is okay for shooting without a roof. The Saturday workday is cancelled. Shooting without the roof is okay for this interim period per the safety officer. We’ll close the range on Thursday & Friday next week to complete the roof installation. Thanks to all the members who volunteered on this project.
Here are some pictures:
Check back next week when we have final updates and completed pictures....