Many of you, hopefully all of you have seen the changes on our club property especially to the berms. Ranges 2, 6, 7, 9 and 10 have all had improvements to their berms. Question...What purpose do berms serve and how can we protect them?
There are several types of berms on DSRPC. Purists may have other terms and definitions but this will help members understand why so much work has been dedicated to the berms.
BACK BERM
The major purpose of this berm is to capture the round, to stop it from progressing farther down range and possibly departing to an area where it could cause injury.
SIDE BERMS
The side berms define the range or bay. They protect members and guests on neighboring ranges/bays by capturing ricochets, shrapnel, stones, etc that may not reach the backstop.
SAFETY BERMS
You will find these berms on nearly every range. On ranges 2 and 10 they protect the recently installed concrete slips that hold the target frames. On other ranges they provide an impact point for a round prior to impacting the backstop. By having the safety berms strategically placed we find there is a significant reduction in ricochets.
DO'S AND DON'TS WITH BERMS
- Do not walk on any berm. Doing so compacts the soil, reduces the effectiveness of the berm and destroys DSRPC property.
- Do not shoot into a safety berm. They are there to reduce ricochets and increase safety.
- Do not let your kids climb on the berms. Yep we have seen parents allow their children to play on the side berms on Ranges 2 and 10. YIKES!!!
- The right hand side berm on range 6 slants in so please be cognizant if you are on one of the right hand shooting positions that your rounds are not impacting that side berm. It is full of rocks and will most certainly cause ricochets.
The berms on a range are there to capture rounds, reduce ricochets and provide a safe place for you to hone your skills. Treat them with the highest level of respect.
