Shotguns
Shotguns
Options for pistols, rifles, shotguns, plinkers and archery.
- A dedicated shotgun area with an installed clay bird thrower.
Disclaimers
Lead Exposure
According to NIOSH documents, lead exposure occurs mainly through inhalation of lead dust, skin contact with lead from bullets, or ingestion (e.g., eating or drinking with contaminated hands) [NIOSH 2009]. Workers and shooters involved in shooting, cleaning operations, collecting casings, and handling spent bullets may also be exposed to lead.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Ranges
The NIOSH documents estimate that 9,000 non-military outdoor ranges exist in the United States, with millions of pounds of lead from bullets shot annually. Because outdoor ranges are typically built in an open area, lead and noise are more widely dispersed. Outdoor ranges need less cleaning and maintenance than indoor ranges.
NIOSH Recommendations
Health Effects: Common health effects of lead poisoning in adults include reproductive effects, nausea, diarrhea,vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, anemia, fatigue, hyperactivity, headaches, stomach pain, and kidney problems. If you suspect you have had high lead exposure, even if you show no symptoms, get your blood lead levels tested.
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands and face with soap and water or clean them with lead decontamination wipes after shooting, handling spent cartridge cases, or cleaning weapons, especially before eating, drinking, or smoking. Wipes for cleaning skin without water are commercially available and should be used if access to soap and water is limited [NIOSH 2009]. Change clothes before leaving the range and wash clothes separately from other family clothing.
Noise Exposure
NIOSH evaluated the noise exposure of a SWAT team in Fort Collins, CO, during training exercises. Hearing was tested before and immediately after training sessions. Noise measurements were made of firearms and of the protection offered by customized hearing protectors. Most officers did not show any change in hearing after shooting, but the oldest group did show mild hearing loss at higher frequencies. Firearm noise was between 159 and 169 dB, which was greater than the 140 dB peak limit for impulsive noise. Peak noise reductions from the ear plugs, ear muffs, and customized protectors were in the 30 dB range. Double hearing protection (plugs plus muffs) added 15-20 dB of additional protection [NIOSH 2003].
NIOSH Recommendations
Health Effects: Exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), stress, high blood pressure, fatigue, and gastro-intestinal problems.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear double hearing protection (earplugs and earmuffs) and eye protection when shooting. Wear a brimmed cap and tight-fitting clothes for protection against hot shells and ejected casings if the range’s shooting stations are in very close proximity. Wear properly-fitted respirators and full protective outer clothing for maintenance activities that involve close contact with lead dust or spent bullets. Wear gloves and eye protection when using chemicals to clean firearms.
For Further Information
- [NIOSH document] NIOSH/CDC Workplace Solutions document “Reducing Exposure to Lead and Noise at Outdoor Firing Ranges.” Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Publication No. 2013-104.
- [CDC soap info] NIOSH web site information on soap and wipes developed specifically for lead removal from skin and other surfaces.
Events
Learn more about the various events, classes, programs and competitions around WMFGA.
Become a Member
Membership can offer significant value for both you and WMFGA by encouraging exclusive access, supporting WMFGA and building community with fellow members.
Donate to WMFGA
The WMFGA firmly believes that in order to protect our hunting heritage, we need to promote youth shooting sports and provide youth shooting opportunities.