Improvements to the 100-yard lane at the Del-Tone/Luth shooting range in Haven Township are reportedly continuing, and include the construction of both a raised sand-filled barrier and a stacked wood baffle that are designed to contain bullets in the case of an accidental discharge where a rifle was pointed 18 degrees from horizontal at the shooting position.

 

The stacked wood baffle has been tested by firing .308-caliber bullets into it, which were contained “well within the range boundary,” according to a report authored by John Capron, a mechanical engineer and certified Range Team Technical Advisor (RTTA).

 

The report also states wood baffles are “prone to degradation both from the elements and from errant rounds,” and that the structure should be inspected “on a very regular basis for impact damage and, at least annually.”

 

The report concludes by saying that the baffles and barriers on the 100-yard range are lanes are “functionally equivalent” to the materials in the National Rifle Association Range Source Book, “substantially exceeding” the requirements in MN Statute 87A.

 

A secondary barrier wall is also reportedly under construction on the 100-yard range, which will be backed with six-inch square wooden posts, according to a letter from range owner Randy Luth to Haven Township Board Chairman Jeff Schlingmann.

 

On July 4, Schlingmann e-mailed township officials and Sheriff Joel Brott, stating his belief that the construction of the baffle system will bring the range into compliance with MN Statute 87A and the NRS Source Book.  If that proves to be the case, he will “as Zoning Administrator, make a final inspection of the work and allow the 100 year range to reopen.”