MYTHS ABOUT RUBBER BERM TRAPS

At its most basic level, a rubber berm trap is approximately two feet of chopped rubber laid on top of an angled support

structure to create a backstop or “berm” to catch bullets fired into it. There are several different approaches to this fundamental

idea, but the same basic principles apply to them all. When you shoot into a dirt berm, the friction of passing through the dirt is

what ultimately stops the bullet. A rubber berm trap works exactly the same way, with the obvious difference being the use of

chopped rubber instead of dirt or sand.

Because the rubber is a softer collection medium, ricochet and lead dust can be significantly reduced in some applications.

Cross-range firing is safer, as is firing at extremely close distances. Such benefits make this trap an excellent choice for

certain indoor ranges and other low-volume ranges where lead dust is a concern.

Rubber berms aren’t perfect in every circumstance, however, no matter what you may read. In our experience, we’ve

encountered several myths about what rubber berm traps and their accompanying accessories are capable of doing. Before

you make any decisions on your range, make sure you know the facts.

CLAIM #1: ACTION TARGET DISAPPROVES OF RUBBER TRAPS BECAUSE ALL THEY MAKE ARE STEEL TRAPS.

Not only does Action Target approve of rubber traps for certain shooting range applications, we have been manufacturing our

own for more than a decade and have patents covering our unique berm trap technology. The hassle-free design of Action

Target’s rubber berm trap takes advantage of the practical and beneficial properties of rubber, while eliminating the

weaknesses and unnecessary elements of other designs.

We recognize steel traps and rubber traps have very different benefits and limitations. It is important for the range operator to

understand these issues clearly before choosing one technology over the other.

CLAIM #2: RUBBER BERM TRAPS CAPTURE ALL BULLETS WHOLE AND ELIMINATE SPLATTER AND RICOCHET.

Chopped rubber is obviously softer than steel, so some bullets can indeed be captured whole. However, that is not the whole

story. After multiple rounds have been fired into the same concentrated area of the trap, newly fired bullets can begin

impacting other bullets previously suspended in the rubber. As one bullet impacts another, both can begin to break into small

pieces. These “hot spots” of concentrated lead can form behind turning targets, indoor range target retrievers, and other fixed-

position targets on your range and can pose a significant ricochet hazard if not managed properly.

When cleaning rubber berm traps, it is not unusual to find masses of small bullet fragments that are nearly indistinguishable

from bullet fragments taken from a steel bullet trap. Just because you are shooting into a soft substance does not mean the

bullets won’t fracture and break up. There is still the chance for the bullet to strike another bullet, and that chance increases

with every day of range use.

Because rubber berm traps have no hard surfaces or obstacles to interfere with cross-lane shooting, they can be particularly

effective in tactical applications where shooters move from one position to another and engage targets that are not directly in

front of them. As long as hot spots are effectively managed, a rubber berm trap can also be a good choice for very close range

shooting.

CLAIM #3: RUBBER BERM TRAPS ARE SPECIALLY TREATED SO THEY WILL NOT CATCH FIRE.

The equipment you install in your shooting range can also have a significant effect on your future success. If you anticipate a

large number of shooters on your range every day, you may want to reconsider the bullet containment system you

use. Rubber berms work great on ranges that don’t see excessive everyday use, but if you start having more customers than

you originally planned for, it quickly becomes a less ideal solution. Rubber berms have to be cleaned and the bullets lodged in

them mined after so many shots fired. Not only does it cost money to clean the rubber berm, but the more days you have to

close your range for maintenance, the more money you lose.

The Action Target Total Containment Trap (TCT) can be a great solution if you are going to run a lot of people through the

range. With three different types of hands-free lead removal systems, the TCT allows for varying levels of use and greatly

diminishes the time you have to spend maintaining your shooting range. If your range’s anticipated level of use is on the

border of being too much for a rubber berm, plan on being successful and install a TCT. Don’t limit your long-term success

based on short-term finances.

No matter where you are in the process of building your dream shooting range, we are here to support you. We are only

successful when you’re successful; so let us know what we can do to help. For more information on what systems will work

best for you and your customers, contact one of Action Target’s shooting range consultants by calling our office at (801) 377-

8033. You can find the original article here. You can also visit us at http://www.actiontarget.com.