re: Where to Live in WA To Freely Shoot In Your Backyard

[rabbitsforfood]

Hi all,

I'm hoping for some input as it relates to where in Washington I can get a piece of land big enough to either build/buy a home and being able to shoot in my backyard.

I've been in WA for less than a year and am still getting acquainted with the area... and I'm not sure how well acquainted realtors are when it comes to stuff like this (I hear that there may be zoning issues).

I've been told that areas like Carnation would be a good place to start.

Since I work from home, I am curious about areas where I can get a decent plot of land (open to suggestions) where i can essentially step out of my house and into my own outdoor range.

If it helps, I plan to run a can on all the pistols/rifles that I shoot.

Thanks in advance for any advice or other things I ought to take into consideration.

Have a good one!

R

[MadPick]

Well, eastern Washington comes immediately to mind....

Are you open to anywhere in the state? Or are you trying to stay in a particular area?

[Massivedesign]

Get out into the Country, at least 5 acres. Check with County Zoning/Shooting Maps to make sure that you are allowed to shoot on your property.

[amc82]

I live in Ellensburg and there are lots of place like that near by. Try elk hights or Kittitas.

[ANZAC]

I live in Ellensburg and there are lots of place like that near by. Try elk hights or Kittitas.

There are plenty of good places east of the mountains like e-Burg etc.! There's a really nice pit on the way to Lion Rock.

What kind of distance do you want to shoot?

Just remember that counties and cities can restrict shooting (except for self defense).

The King County no shooting zones are here:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/ftp/gis/web/ ... ea_Map.pdf (large file, loads slowly)

Gray on the map means the city code takes precedence. In Carnation code, I couldn't find any restriction.
In the areas around it (e.g. east of 203) I think you're fine.

On the west side there are several King County no shooting areas around Ames Lake Rd, Union Hill Rd and Tolt McDonald Park.

You still have to have a good backstop, not be firing towards roads or structures etc. (has never been clear to me if your own structures count....)

(Huh, while reading this I found that Carnation code has a 3" concealed knife limit, like Seattle - guess I won't be going over to Ace hardware there again)

[deadshot2]

There are also some places on the Olympic peninsula that fit your criteria.

Short answer is "just about anywhere you can find a house that has it's nearest neighbor a mile or more away. Of course money will also be a factor.

[rabbitsforfood]

Hi gents,

Many thanks for the areas and guidelines as to which zones are friendly- this definitely helps a great deal- it's a project that I'm saving up for and hope to have it start materializing in about 2 years or so.

I'm planning to shoot out to 200 yards at this point in time, looking to secure property where there aren't a lot of other folk about (esp if they're not gun friendly) in the neighborhood. Also hoping to build my ultimate man-cave... reloading bench, perhaps some casting, definitely a separate space to do some oly lifting, and a kick-butt range out back.

Yeah, having a very effective backstop would be critical. Any chance to eliminate unnecessary risks- I'm all for it.

Thanks again for all your input

Have a good un

R

P/s- if anyone has a realtor who knows about this stuff real well (doesn't hurt if he/she is a gun enthusiast), do let me know.

[IRackNBack]

Anywhere in Renton should be fine. Especially by the walmart


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[toys in the toybox]

Several acres and outside city limits are usually a minimum to pull this off and that includes a LOT of area here on the wet side of the hills. Lots of room down south here but get out of the I5 corridor and big city and there is lots of land to be had. Property with a natural backstop or decent slope works great but berms can easily be scraped up on the flatlands

I've always just shot out the back door so I'm kinda spoiled that way and I'd hate to have to travel just to pop off a couple (hundred) whenever I felt like it

[cycle61]

Anywhere in Renton should be fine. Especially by the walmart

[snozzberries]

The King County no shooting zones are here:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/ftp/gis/web/ ... ea_Map.pdf (large file, loads slowly)

Gray on the map means the city code takes precedence. In Carnation code, I couldn't find any restriction.

So can you shoot in the white areas on that map?

Like these white areas?
http://i.imgur.com/bcu9Qi3.png

but berms can easily be scraped up on the flatlands

Can you just drop off truckloads of dirt also?

[toys in the toybox]

Most places I'm assuming you can bring dirt in unless they have some wierd code regarding the amount of earth removed or added. Can't think of any off hand but I live in thurston co.

[ANZAC]

The King County no shooting zones are here:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/ftp/gis/web/ ... ea_Map.pdf (large file, loads slowly)

Gray on the map means the city code takes precedence. In Carnation code, I couldn't find any restriction.

So can you shoot in the white areas on that map?

Like these white areas?
http://i.imgur.com/bcu9Qi3.png

Correct. Gray means local ordinances apply (you'd need to check each city).
Hashed out with a number means no shooting.

Some shooting zones predated incorporation or annexing of areas. But the county or city code could prevent shooting in those areas.

I'm not sure about noises issues, but a good back stop, not firing towards neighbor houses or parks or roads and you should be in good shape.

Now, I am just smart enough to know that if I start shooting in my back yard, I'm going to get a visit from a deputy.
I can ask how those calls are normally handled.

[mislabeled]

East Snohomish county is extremely gun friendly with a low population density, but still relatively near the I-5 corridor. Heck, your neighbors might boot you out on your ass if you DON'T shoot on your property. In Oso we routinely hear automatic fire. I have got to get to know that person.

[rabbitsforfood]

Ha ha, sounds like an awesome neighborhood, mislabeled!

Hmm, seems like it would be a great area to be in should there be an invasion of some sort :)