ShopTalk Sunday: A Shooting Deck?

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The new chainsaw arrived Wednesday. Counting the two “Chineseums” that failed this week (bought on sale two years ago), this makes my fifth electric. Best of the bunch remains the Oregon 16″—but it’s corded, and that’s a problem.

One workaround is loading up the generator (plus fuel and cords), then tractoring everything down to the work site, which started the weekend looking like this:

Looking uphill toward the neighbor’s place (about 1,000 ft up to our property line from here…)

The old man, the new saw, and the 21-year-old tractor took only a few minutes to return this part of the Big Fire Break to looking like this:

With the log cut in a few places, looking back down hill.. another 1,000 feet of this way is another property line…

People talk a lot about “taking care of the land,” but when it comes down to it, very few actually do a good job. That’s because it involves actual work—and it’s always easier to talk about a problem than to solve it. (Ask any Democrat. They’ve been talking about America’s problems since the Civil War and still can’t seem to get them fixed.)

LRDP:  A Long-RANGE-Development-Problem

Son G2 will be back on the homestead one of these days this fall—once he tires of the ultra-liberal Yankee-land ailments. Still single. We’ve talked. As if finding a good mate wasn’t already hard enough, nowadays there’s a whole trapline of obstacles designed to ensnare, control, and siphon power from anything testosterone-fueled.

On the other side of the coin, Oilman2—fresh off a “relationship fire”—notes how stunningly nice rural folks are. Church-going. Actually wait to hear your answer when they ask, “How’s it going?” Unspeakably polite humans doing human things. Shocking.

Before heading north, G2 cleared a 100-meter gun range for us. On the official plan, it’s a “fire break,” but that’s too much land to hold without purpose. A big plastic folding table has served as my shooting bench in his absence. It just sits in the sun, rain, and cold.

Saturday, four deer gathered at the shooting table—a sick hunter’s dream. (They won’t be there come November, though.) I was about to go out and explain the range to them—which I somehow seeded with clover. Prepping, right?

This is like a sick hunter’s dream: Four deer at the shooting table. (They won’t be there in Nov. though). I

The basic idea: I want a roof over the table. Just enough to keep rain and sun off. Summer mornings, calling the neighbors to say “Range going hot” while they’re still nursing cup #1 of coffee? That’s rude. (Not that I lack rudeness, mind you.)

But once you start “enclosing space,” it’s hard to know where—or when—to stop.

A few mornings this week, up at 3 AM (brain on fire), I began sketching out development Concepts. This is where you come in. Reader input is always valuable because there’s always something I’ve missed.

Concept 1:  The Shooting Deck

This version starts with four ground screws around the shooting table (after once again remeasuring the 100-meter range). On that foundation, an 8 x 12 deck (wide side facing downrange), framed with 4 x 4s and 2-bys, gets a tin roof.

Top it with a belly-high wall (lower side downrange), and now a fella can plink away in comfort all day. .22 LR burns through Social Security a lot slower than .223 or 7.62 x 39, after all.

As I built versions of this in my head (with no rain), it occurred to me the space could be multi-use. Add a couple of solar panels and a few Lion batteries and now it’s a perfect little ham shack. Low power, but fine for a 20-meter Morse contest weekend.

Of course, all this shooting (and radioing) builds a powerful hunger. So next comes a cooler (12V off the solar), maybe a cooking setup. Maybe it’s not a deck—it’s a shootin’ shack! And if I get a Cat D-9 for a day, maybe a lake?  Walden kind of thing?

SunOvens work well, but they are slow. We also get clouds. The latest Bug-Out rocket stove I picked up (fearing forest fires) promises to be dramatically faster.  When a man’s hungry, waiting is unacceptable.  Which (“What if there’s solar power and no rain has brought a burn ban?“) eventually winds into the “Maybe a small microwave?” discussion.

This planning frenzy wasted three mornings.  Because I was costing out 12×12 concrete pavers (to put the cooking gear on) and they’re $1.88 each at the local Lowes.  Of course, there would need to be stairs up into the shooting area, so a concrete A/C pad for the lower landing…

Being old, comfort rules, so a collection of fans for when the temp gets over 83 (my favorite set-point for total old-man comfort).  But then – another design fork appears: 12 volt fans?  *(Anything with mobile or marine in the title gets a price-jack…)  Or, a $39 small inverter… Wait, bigger inverter and a small microwave? Skip the paver delivery and all that work…

Concept 2: The Pillbox

The “shooting tower” shack honestly sounded pretty good.  At least, during peaceful times.

But off the ground and up a bit, whoever is inside becomes a target.  Not that anyone could find us (out here), but odd bullets from other properties are possible during deer season.

Maybe the right range shooting shelter would be a spin on the WW II “pillboxes.”  Much easier to defend and no scrounging for 1/4 to 3/8th’s steel plate for the inside walls of the elevated design.

Nothing as tall as this – maybe four feet into the ground and 3-4 feet over. Keeping the sun and rain off…cooler, but it would invite wildlife so…uh…hmm…

Hmm…World War II pillboxes!  Remember ’em?

A lower roof, say 4-feet off the ground, tops, would keep me off ladders while building.  The solar could go onto the roof, the view downrange would be the same.  And being earth-bermed on three sides and under cover, might actually be inherently cool – especially if I put on a 2-layer tin roof (combination of old and new R-panel. separated by a 2-by and sloped, air flow  would keep temps down.

An old range hood might be fastened at one end to route cooking heat and smoke outside, or we’re back to the small microwave and the second battery power idea.

About the only downside to this design would be needed to keep the range mowed shorter than its present 4-5 inches, so as not to interfere with sight lines.

And there’s the rain problem, too: Ground contouring would need to be considered to prevent roof run-off from creating a swimming puddle. Not trying to build the Darby Queen, here, understand.

Concept 3: Do as Before

This is the “zero effort” answer.  Not as “neat” from the experiential scoring, but it works.

Shoot after 9 AM when coffee is done around the neighborhood.

Drive the pickup truck to the range and back it in.  G2 shoots prone and there are enough bugs in Texas that a clean truck bedliner is certain to have fewer cooties than bare ground.  Except, well, aren’t ticks and chiggers part of “the experience”?

And if you really want to shoot in the rain put the pop-up pick-up tent in the truck. Or drive up to the “mile range” in Frankston, Texas…

If it gets too hot out in the open?  Back to the house or the shop where a/c is plentiful…

Like I said, I’m open to input on this.

Closing Thoughts

Part of me thinks I’d enjoy the range more if there was something more than a table and a couple of schlepped-up stools. Maybe an article on building bushcraft camp stools?

Worst realization hit me Thursday morning: Instead of all this “what iff’ing,” I should sleep in till 5 AM, write the column, and go mow the damn yard. Plan less. Do more.

Coming up next week on Peoplenomics.com ($40/year for the high-rollers): “Vacations Ho!” Timed for Memorial Day—just a week from Monday. It’s a great look at the rise of autocamping and how much has changed since the Roaring Twenties. Savory stuff…

Tuesday: Fill up the tank. And grab extra for the mower and ODPE (Outdoor Power Equipment). This might be the last week with overnight lows under 70° until October.

Once it gets over 80°F.? I lose interest in most outdoor projects—unless BBQs or a pool and an ice-cold adult beverage are involved.

One for the Road

Remember I told you about restoring a ham radio a while back? Hallicrafter Sr-400 Cyclone?  Well there’s one on eBay.  Please notice the price.  Just like mine (may not work but similar condition otherwise).  Notice the price.

Understand my “collecting?”

Write when you get rich,

George@Ure.net

42 thoughts on “ShopTalk Sunday: A Shooting Deck?”

  1. Yeah George still remember when you got the kubota . Years ago she’s put in a lot to your eternal life project. Best

  3. Hmmmm

    G-Pops – you wrote this this AM.. “Plan less. Do more.” -and there, my good Man, IT Is.

    The Future and the Past have been & and are now holding Us back..

    We could all Be Here Now, but alas..very few know How..and that is a true shame..imho

    • re: Amazing Race: Nero’s Circus
      feat: “Das Boot” (The Boat), 1981

      Folks,
      The Amazing Race set sail from the lands of Ancient Rome’s Illyrians (‘water snakes’) and dropped anchor in the heart of Rome at the former Circus of Nero. Construction had begun earlier under Emperor Caligula (“Little Boot”). The latter also imported from Egypt in 40 ad the Vatican Obelisk which allegedly originated from Heliopolis (“City of the Sun”). Today beneath sunny skies in shadow of the Vatican obelisk and sunglasses the President of Ukraine attended the Inauguration of the Pope. The President sat in the second row between his First Lady and Dr. von der Leyen, President of the EC. One hopes their view was not obstructed by the King and Queen of Spain seated in front of them.

      The Ukraine President’s Telegram channel also featured his photo op with the US Vice President and Secretary of State perhaps overlooking the expansive US Embassy grounds formerly owned by the King of Italy. Smiles were abundant, all but one wore a suit, and no liquid refreshment could be seen despite the al fresco heat.

  4. As with most things, I believe you’re seriously over-thinking this range project. A simple patio umbrella over your range table will provide lightweight shade for your shooting activities, and the whole thing remains portable so you can mow without having to run the string trimmer around another fixed object. One of these https://www.amazon.com/Original-VENTY-Portable-Fan-Rechargeable/dp/B09PMQF5S9/ref=sr_1_59? will provide a cooling breeze, and you can take it with you anywhere you go. We have two of them, and they’re fantastic for sleeping when the electricity is off.

  5. Why not just a pop-up bug screen? Take it down when you are done. Leave the front rolled up or tied back to shoot through.

    • Far too simple and effective, my dear. See anything worth doing is worth overdoing and that means over-engineering and overthinking.

      • Now THAT comment says it all about Ure! I hate to see what would happen if someone dropped a tab of ‘speed’ on you. And as for the radio, PT Barnum said it best: “There’s a sucker born every minute”. You da man, George! :-)

  6. Hey G,

    Why o why are “they” bringing up all of the hildogs confirmed KILLS now..whats the gist physicist ?

    The orange tRUMPasurus posted the list on Truth Social last night -https://www.zerohedge.com/political/vince-voster-james-mcdougal-seth-rich-trump-posts-wild-clinton-body-count-clip

    Ya dont think ?

    Nah….not even rocking ronnie ray guns could beat these low lifes..only initiated Star Wars program on a promise the Bushes wouldnt shoot him again. They (spacedbased) were only supposed to be used in defense of planet, but that is not the way they were used in Brookhaven in 96 and 5 years later on 911.

    electric eye -https://youtu.be/yMVV_HsHcX0?si=krV5iB6mFAuL4So4
    -Judas Priest

    Will wait…….for resident low liar to get “wiki wit It”..

  7. Given the sort of rifles that deer hunters carry, I don’t understand why Ure shooting stand would be more likely to take a stray bullet than your trailer.
    I’ve heard that supersonic pop while standing next to my mailbox. I was a very unhappy property owner that morning. A neighbor handled the perp, which is why I’m not sitting in a state warehouse. The one-bolt loose cannon moved out of the rent house shortly thereafter…

    Sandbags bought in bulk are relatively cheap.
    Filling a wall cavity with pea gravel has been put forth as an economical solution. Never tried it.
    MB Ranch King has as n-ground model for you to look at.
    All pit blinds have must have securable openings to keep out Mr. Copperhead.
    Rock-filled wire gabion baskets aren’t cheap but they provide level 4 and above protection. They can be used to decorate trailers. I’ve thought about them as fixed fortification, especially on the street side.

    For the shooting stand, a good cloth ground blind might work. The hay bale look-alikes aren’t cheap, but might make an interesting DIY project.

    A hard wall building with a firecracker stand opening, a weatherproof roof and filled cavity walls would keep you off the street for most of the summer. How to imagineer the camo? Something round that can be hay bale camo’d, but still have filled cavity walls. Solar, lights and fans would on the table. A two hay bale long man bale cave with recliner. Hmm…

  9. I’ll try to vet out to my club this week and get you pictures of what we have. They are simple tin roof lean to over the benches.
    put a little lawn tool storage shed out there to hold target blanks and such.
    Considering the news from NTNY last night I was expecting a discourse on how to maneuver a tall ship under a bridge at high tide from the master.
    I am expecting the first step is “everyone pull your head out.”

    • Yes, just put up a small shed and a lean-to porch and your shooting table underneath it. Paint the shed in the desired camo scheme. store targets, folding chairs, shooting mats, garden tools and a small BBQ.
      With a good camo paint job you could use it for a deer stand and harvest some backstraps in comfort. Should be easy to keep it under a 1000 bucks and a day of setup. I think Keep it simple applies here.

      Looked like the Mexican gallion got stuck in reverse at the worst time possible. Definitely was moving faster than the current. Might of had a rudder problem as well. What are the odds of both happening at the same time in a very bad spot? Time will tell. Maybe.

  10. Alleged mechanical difficulties, power loss, momentum. Conspiracy of physics. No word of bridge damage. Chipped paint?

  11. Another consideration on a fixed structure would be that it’s an open invitation to the local tax appraiser to visit you and decide how much more tax you owe on your new building.

  12. I had a Halli Hurricane II with some problems on my shelf of Real Soon Now projects — but when we moved, I had to lighten the load, and Grim Reality struck. It went to a competent and loving home.

    There are some of us who opine that the best of Bob Drake’s and Bill Halligan’s designs beat out the much vaunted Collins rigs of that era. I’m one of those misguided children.

    73

    • I’m singing in that chorus, too, brother. Drakes are good (2b/bq and all_) but when Hailli were right sx-117 etc, ‘mzaing stuff.

  13. George,

    I have a 60 year old Stihl chainsaw that still cuts like an angry beaver. Keep it fueled with VP premixed fuel that is non-ethanol. No gummed up carb and cranks any time I give it a yank. This thing was made when everything was built to last. My Dad bought it when I was in college. Other than the air cleaner cover, this beast is all metal. Also have an old Poulan of the same age, which I call my “pruning” saw. Great little saw, and it too is all metal. Wish they still made things that last like these two saws. Sad that we have become a “throw away” society.

    • If’fn ya dasn’t buy da junk, stores’ll quit sellin’ it, an’ manufacturers’ll quit makin’ it.

      My first MGB was an “impound special.” It had been abandoned, because the Lucas wiring caught fire (look surprised!) I had to completely rewire it before I could drive it. I spent several hours, rewiring the car, front to back, and wired in a set of Lucas Lights (big, round, fog/driving lights) while I was at it.

      I ran exactly 6 wires to the back of the car:

      [Tail and license plate] lights
      Ground
      L turn signal / brakes / flasher
      R turn signal / brakes / flasher
      Back-up lights
      Fuel pump.

      I bought a (2nd gen) Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport a few months ago ($150 – never wrecked.)

      It has an electrical gremlin (which I’m still sorting out.)
      It also has 144 wires running to the rear of the vehicle.

      After a few hours of wiring (and the removal of anything which said “Lucas” on it, except the alternator) and a carb rebuild/rebalance I had one of the most-reliable MGs in North America — a car so reliable I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere, and did, for years.

      Nowadays the manufacturer adds layer upon layer of complexity where it’s not needed, to create an “end-user experience” that’s maybe, a percent or two better, at the expense of adding a myriad of new stress points. These stress points increase the failure points and failure count exponentially, making some electrical issues impossible to locate and repair.

      None of it is necessary. Is it nice, having headlights and interior lights on a shut-off delay? Sure. Do you realize the automakers use a dedicated “lighting computer” to create that delay? If your seat, steering wheel, and pedals self-adjust to fit you, a different computer makes these adjustments. Power windows and door locks are nice. They’re controlled by a third computer. The engine and transmission each have their own computer, and then, there’s the computer which drives all the others, and tells them what to do, and when. Speaking of “when,” when TSCM runs a backlog, Ford, GM, and (whoever’s making Chrysler this year) end up with 80 acre farm fields full of new vehicles which don’t run, and which they can’t sell. Now, imagine if TSCM were making ONE imbedded CPU for each vehicle, instead of a dozen. We’d have to use muscles to hold down the power window switch, but we’d be able to roll the window down whilst driving down the highway.

      BTW my fossilized chainsaw is a late ’50s Lombard (essentially a Canadian Homelite XL-12) and it is all aluminum and steel, and heavy…!

  14. the MAN that got shot in his ear, reposted an image of hisself that has a Q+ on the shirt collar
    now why would President Trump repost that? with the
    ‘Q+’
    or this painting with the Q+ hanging in his golf course
    https://x.com/battleofever/status/1924148108402774411
    can you feel it?
    Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight (Official Music Video)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkADj0TPrJA

    James Comey or Corney has his Q post,,, TREASON
    https://qalerts.app/?q=%23%234674

    some folks don’ give a crap , one way or the other
    some, like me are Zippity do dah thrilled
    some folks need Depends,

    more and more pedos going down town, like this OSHA bigshot
    https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1924169707692990758

    but don’t miss this repost from President Trump, pointing a finger at Killary about JFKjr’s demise and others
    https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114523915772327706

  15. (“On the other side of the coin, Oilman2—fresh off a “relationship fire”—notes how stunningly nice rural folks are.”)

    I got back from the very first vacation I have ever had… while there I noticed something.. no one smiled no one looked into anyone’s eyes.. I seen that before in a big city..everyone looked at the ground no smiling or anything.. I asked.. have you noticed no one smiled? the answer uli got was ..it’s a big city thing.. if they smile or look at someone.. it can be miss took as something else..
    one look at California and their fire situations.. proper woodlot management.. or let nature do the work.. so far they are letting nature do the cleanup ..

  16. So off topic I go, with perhaps a bit of woo.

    I’m currently finishing a 6 week stay at what is becoming my second home, in Digos City on the Island of Mindanao. 7AM here now, 12 hours ahead of US EDT.

    I had to sleep with some space between my Bride and me last night. Just couldn’t get comfortable and get to sleep. She kept pulling closer and it turned out this AM she was having the same problem not being able to get to sleep.

    As for me, I kept switching between hot and cold. Any touch was hot and made me sweat profusely and the air from the AC seemed ice cold instead of cool. Also, I kept sitting up to straighten my t-shirt which constantly seemed tighter than usual and “twisted” around my body.

    Then at breakfast, I found out that the whole family had trouble sleeping last night.

    To make things a bit weirder the birds in the yard are acting a bit strange. Usually, the Turkeys act as an alarm clock and I know when it’s time to get up by their squawking. This morning, they were silent and still aren’t making much noise.

    Can’t help but wonder what just happened, or is about to happen.

  17. Why not get a couple of portable hunting blinds? You can align them one behind the other facing the downrange target area…

    …it would be like the blind leading the blind

  18. May 18, 2025 / 7:10 PM EDT / CBS News

    Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer at age 82. The former president’s office said he has an “aggressive form” of the cancer, which has spread to his bones.

    According to one doctor [Washington Post ]. Prostate cancer takes 5 to 7 years to mestastice. It is one of the easiest forms for cancer to detect.

    So., they have known about this cancer for at least five years and kept it from the public.

  19. still remember the vege patch surrounded by chickens to keep the bugs away .. time /life where does it go

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