Thread: Backyard plinking

Risk Assessment.
The main problems are ricochets and nosy neighbours.

Ricochets
look carefully where you're going to shoot for hard surfaces like bricks, fence palings, concrete, wire fence or steei.
Cover with bark chip or something.
Hasrd grass ground could ricochet too, so try asnd have a proper backstop not shoot at stuff sitting on the ground ..

Penetration too far
Unlikely but best backstop is a sandbag in a wooden or plastic box and you can chuck it out with the lead in it every now and then.
Use cor flute rather than corrugated cardboard to pin your target to. Saves confetti. Also needs to be replaced regularly. Carpet is also said to be good and is quieter.
Don't shoot up into the air of course. Don't shoot into end grain wood. The pellet can bounce back where it came from.

Neighbors
You can shoot an airgun in a backyard but not "annoy, endanger or frighten" anyone. It's the time to be kind.
A lot of clear long spaces on a suburban section happen to lie alongside boundary fences.
I make it a rule to stop shooting if I hear voices behind the fence and to never wear hearing protection at home.
Of course, arrange it so you aren't visible from next door. Some of those futuristic air guns and airsoft gear looks pretty mean !

Consider your firing zone
Specially whether anyone could quickly unexpectedly step into your line of fire. This specially goes if you're shooting down the hall inside.

If using lead pellets, wash your hands before eating.

And remember you won't get pregnant dry firing. It can be the best option for practice at home.