Spending an afternoon at a shooting range is one of the many past times gun owners enjoy. However, ranges aren’t just for gun enthusiasts. Professional shooters, hunters, and law enforcement personnel routinely come to firing ranges to practice and hone their skill. As such, a firing range sees much lead fly on a daily basis.
So, what happens to that lead once it’s ejected from the barrel and either finds its way into a target or misses? Much of it finds its way into the soil or the embankment of the shooting range. If allowed to keep building, these spent lead shots can begin causing problems around the range. In fact, there are three main reasons why lead should be removed from the range in a timely manner.
Safety
As lead shot builds up in the padding behind targets, it drastically increases the chance of ricochet. This poses a threat to shooters and range workers alike, as ricochet bullets are still powerful enough to cause serious harm.
Environmental Protection
If a range is not properly treated for lead buildup, the risk of lead contamination in the surrounding soil and groundwater is heightened. Contamination of groundwater with lead can pose serious risks to both human health and the surrounding environment.
Value Of Reclaimed Lead
Lead isn’t all bad, in fact reclaimed lead can be a highly profitable commodity. Prices are at all-time highs for heavy metal scrap such as lead, and it is highly desirable for the producers of ammunition. Barron’s reports that “Prices of lead are up 18% since March, and now there’s talk of limited supplies.” This presents a great opportunity for gun ranges to optimize their lead reclamation and clean up their firing range.
Of course, a range can reap further benefits from routine lead reclamation projects than those described above. A clean and well-maintained range will likely attract more customers. Plus, shooters will know the range is safe and there will be no chance of ricochet due to lead buildup.
It’s for these reasons those who operate a range should seek out a lead reclamation company for routine maintenance.
At MT2, our patented and unmatched lead reclamation techniques can ensure the range will be left even nicer than when we started. We are listed on the EPA’s website for contaminated site clean-up and have worked for the NYPD as well as the United States Department of Defense. If you would like to learn more about our services, we are pleased to offer a free range evaluation for indoor or outdoor ranges. Range owners needing to request an audit can get more information at: https://www.mt2.com/rangequestionnaire
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