Shooting in own yard (neighborhood) yes, no, what?

[friesepferd]

Scenario:
You live in a 'country neighborhood'. Everyone has ~ 2 acres (bout 400 ft long, 200 ft wide). So houses are on average 200 ft apart.
Because your gun range is a 30 min drive away, you only get out there once a week or so. Your lot is sloped up quite a bit, so you do have a hill to shoot into (shooting // to both houses, not really at any). The most obvious place to shoot is more or less in between your house and your neighbors (so 100-150 ft from their house).
You have a 22 pistol that you would love to be able to shoot at home, but are worried about both safety with houses being nearby and angry neighbors
do you not shoot? do you shoot subsonic ammo? get a silencer?
do you instead try and shoot up a much shorter area to shoot more in the woods where they can see you? (less space, and closer to top of hill, etc)

Anyone live in this kind of situation and shoot or not shoot?
Anyone had problems with neighbors?
What would you do in this situation?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[GWRedDragon]

Of the people I know who live in rural areas, I can say that backyard shooting is extremely common. Neighbors shoot clays off their back porches, targets in the woods, squirrels, everything.

Maybe you should talk to your neighbors, but I suspect that they really wouldn't care and would consider it completely normal.

Of course, if you live in town limits you need to check for a discharge ordinance first...

[friesepferd]

its in the country (outside city limits) but IS a subdivision by all means

[Alf87]

I'd check with the County ordinances first. A quick call to the Sheriff could let you know how far away you must be from another domicile or road before you can legally shoot. If it's okay per LE then I'd get with my neighbors to let them know what I plan to do. I live in a similar situation but local ordinances dictate I'm too close to my neighbors to discharge a firearm.

[Mic]

I grew up in a remote area so shooting off the porch is common, then the nearest neighbor was 1/4 mile away. Talk thing over with the folks around you and get some hay bails or other material for a good backstop, build a safe range and have at it, SAFELY!

[BigStick]

I would say 2 things. First, check and make sure it is legal. Second, talk with your neighbors and let them know you are considering it. If it is Legal, then it is more of a formality to inform them, not necessarily asking permission, but be nice about it. You could understand someone being concerned and calling the police after hearing gunshots, and that just gets messy. Many might even be happy that you are doing the leg work to find out if they can as well and want to join you. Try to make it a positive thing and get the community behind it. Emphasise that criminals are less likely to break into houses if the neighborhood is known to have people pracitcing shooting off their porches regularly (at least the smart ones).

[Stevew]

I would not do it. You stated concern over safety was an issue. Any time safety is a concern, don't do it. You stated making neighbors angry was an issue. Sounds to me like a good way to make more folks turn anti-gun. In Mississippi it would not be legal. If it was, I would not do it. I have a farm so it is not an issue for me.

[SIGguy229]

First--what kind of backstop will you be using? (bullets need to go somewhere)
Second--How will you deal with richochets? (I'm thinking 3-sided berm)
Third--what do your neighbors (hint: invite them)/HOA (*spit*)/county ordinance/State law have to say about it??
- Take into account what time of day you plan on doing this

Just some quick thoughts...

[Hopyard]

You need to know the laws in your state, your county, and your subdivision, including deed restrictions.

I was shocked recently when a participant here pointed out that to be lawful (here) you need 50 acres for a rifle or handgun; 10 acres for a shotgun. There are also often regulations on distance from the nearest dwelling.

I'm afraid that in most places the days of just going out into the backyard to plink are long over. Pity.

[friesepferd]

ok, i found a few emails for local sherrif and county clerk. Will send out some emails asking for info

[AzB]

I'd want more room than that.

Maybe an air gun? I've got a Crossman .22 pellet pistol with a rifled 6" barrel, and it's very accurate.

Az

[friesepferd]

yea, ok. regulations aside, what do you guys think about this situation?
Would you consider a house 100-150 feet to the right (and back some) of you to be too close for safety reasons?
I have plenty of confidense in my ability to keep my gun pointed where it should be and to create a good backstop, but is it too close anyways?
Again I will be shooting a 22, probably with subsonic ammo.
I will try and make a sketch of where everything is for you as well...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

[naking]

yea, ok. regulations aside, what do you guys think about this situation?
Would you consider a house 100-150 feet to the right (and back some) of you to be too close for safety reasons?
I have plenty of confidense in my ability to keep my gun pointed where it should be and to create a good backstop, but is it too close anyways?

Yes and yes.

[GWRedDragon]

I think it depends on your backstop.

But, it is always better to err on the side of caution either way.

[Alf87]

Safety is paramount when shooting. If you're having to ask then I think you already know the answer.