A Rifle Range Over a Highway? Only in Switzerland
Ranges in the United States tend to be as far away from a highway as practical, but for those in Switzerland, its perfectly acceptable to build a range that fires over a highway. The Brunnlisau range in Switzerland is a 300 meter rifle range built over a main road leading up the Simmental.
Why? Because the Swiss tend to be entirely practically minded as its entirely possible to build a safe range with rounds passing over traffic.
As the “Bloke on the Range” reviews, its all about how the range is set up. Fixed at 300 meters, the range makes use of clever engineering to create a baffle that so long as one is in the shoot house, makes it impossible for one to put a round on a trajectory that would impact a passing automobile. In fact, the baffle system is so secure, one can walk up to under the shooting house (or sit under it if they so choose).
While it is safe under the baffle, it can be quite loud. To reach 300 meters, rounds are supersonic which creates a sonic boom as the projectiles travel over travelers.
Fortunately, the butts look to be electronically monitored, so no need to cross the road (or look both ways) to enjoy shooting on an afternoon.
For a full run-down of the range check out Bloke on the Range video below.
One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.
More by Nathan S
Comments
Join the conversation
Just curious as to just what that wall is really made of, looks like someone just put up a wooden fence, but I can only assume that that is cosmetic, and its a really thick SOLID concrete wall, or its a really rich gun club, and they covered it with a good armour type steel. I can only imagine one in a 100,000 or so rounds a bipod could break right as you are shooting, and you nail the wall halfway down, some freaky accident type incident always happens sooner or later. It is a heck of a good idea when you are strapped for a long range - range though.
I guess no shooting of anything with a short trajectory? 30-30, etc.?
Interesting idea, but here in the US (specially unfriendly states), you'd never get away with this type of range. Lead contamination, wind and gravity, noise pollution (for local land owners), birds flying through the shooting area (if it will save just one bird!), etc. Mostly pc nonsense, but that's what rules here (pc nonsense).