Soundproofing a Shooting Range

  Soundproofing a Shooting Range can present quite a unique set of challenges.
Generally a professional indoor range consists of the concrete block or
poured concrete walls. Concrete is a good soundproofing agent and will block
the majority of the muzzle blasts that would migrate out from the range.
There are other agents that can be added to the walls and ceilings that will
add additional soundproofing to the facility.
 Walls can be framed out in front of the concrete walls and rock wool or
cotton batts can be added to the wall cavities. The next step would be to add
mass loaded vinyl directly to the new stud structure using an industrial air
drive staple gun or a nail gun that shoots the roofing nails with the large
plastic heads. It is always a good idea to over lap the seams where ever
possible. You would then caulk the seams as well as the perimeter using a
quality acoustical caulk. Once the MLV is attached and sealed, your next step
would be to put up a layer of cement board like Hardy board or Wonder Board.
You can also use 5/8" drywall in a pinch. This system would add dramatically
to the soundproofing of any shooting range. The same system would be used to
soundproof the ceiling area as well.
 Now that the range is completely soundproofed, the next step would be to
treat the range acoustically  Acoustically treating the range would greatly
reduce the echo and reverberation within the range and the tunnel areas. This
is a big concern for most shooting Ranges. Shooting ranges generally consist
of all hard surfaces so it is necessary to add absorbent materials to the
walls and ceiling areas of the range and the tunnel. One of the best and most
effective materials for reducting echo and reverberation is call the American
Silent panel. The Silent panels is a polypropolene bead board panel that
comes in 2 ft X 4ft panels. The Silent panels will absorb and block the
reflective noise in any range application. These panels come in 1in. and 2in.
thicknesses and can he easily be cleaned using a high pressure was or simply
by hosing them down. This will remove any smoke or powder residue from the
panels.
 Silent panels can be attached with hard fasteners such as deck screws, or
they can be glued up using a 2 part adhesive. It's a good idea to mount the
Silent panels to wooden furring strip that would be attached to the concrete
walls. This system would expose both sides of the Silent panel to the noise
source and thus reduce the echo and reverberation even more. These panels 
can take a stray round without shattering or coming apart like other
acoustical treatment products can.
 The Silent panels are light weight and durable and can easily be replaced in
the event that they become broken or damaged.
 The Silent panels have been used by Barratt Fire Arms, Smith and Wesson as
well as many private and public firing ranges.
 All of the materials mentioned in this article can be purchased from
Soundproofing America Inc. For the specifications on the Silent Panels click 
here: http://www.soundproofingamerica.com/Silent-Panel.pdf
 Silent panels are Leeds Certified and also have a cless A flammability
rating. It's that perfect product for any shooting range application.Thanks
for reading. Dr. Bob!

www.soundproofingamerica.com
www.soundproofingamerica.us
e-mail bob@soundproofingamerica.com